最新美国发明专利第2012-07-17期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

Document	Document Title
US08222463B2	Process for generation of polyols from saccharide containing feedstock A process for generating at least one polyol from a feedstock comprising saccharide is performed in a continuous or batch manner. The process involves, contacting hydrogen, water, and a feedstock comprising saccharide, with a catalyst system to generate an effluent stream comprising at least one polyol and recovering the polyol from the effluent stream. The catalyst system comprises at least one metal component with an oxidation state greater than or equal to 2+.
US08222462B2	Process for generation of polyols from saccharides A process for generating at least one polyol from a feedstock comprising saccharide is performed in a continuous or batch manner. The process involves, contacting, hydrogen, water, and a feedstock comprising saccharide, with a catalyst system to generate an effluent stream comprising at least one polyol and recovering the polyol from the effluent stream. The catalyst system comprises at least one unsupported component and at least one supported component.
US08222461B2	Mixed oxide catalysts for catalytic gas phase oxidation Disclosed herein are mixed oxide catalysts for the catalytic gas phase oxidation of alkanes, or mixtures of alkanes and olefins, for the production of aldehydes and carboxylic acids with air or oxygen in the presence of inert gases at elevated temperatures and pressures, and methods for the production of the catalyst.
US08222458B2	Process or synthesis of (3S)- and (3R)-3-hydroxy-beta-ionone, and their transformation to zeaxanthin and beta-cryptoxanthin Disclosed is a process for the synthesis of (3R)-3-hydroxy-β-ionone and its (3S)-enantiomer in high optical purity from commercially available (rac)-α-ionone. The key intermediate for the synthesis of these hydroxyionones is 3-keto-α-ionone ketal that was prepared from (rac)-α-ionone after protection of this ketone as a 1,3-dioxolane. Reduction of 3-keto-α-ionone ketal followed by deprotection, lead to 3-hydroxy-α-ionone that was transformed into (rac)-3-hydrox-β-ionone by base-catalyzed double bond isomerization in 46% overall yield from (rac)-α-ionone. The racemic mixture of these hydroxyionones was then resolved by enzyme-mediated acylation in 96% ee. (3R)-3-Hydroxy-β-ionone and its (3S)-enantiomer were respectively transformed to (3R)-3-hydroxy-(β-ionylideneethyl)triphenylphosphonium chloride [(3R)-C15-Wittig salt] and its (3S)-enantiomer [(3S)-C15-Wittig salt] according to known procedures. Double Wittig condensation of these Wittig salts with commercial available 2,5- dimethtylocta-2,4,6-triene-1,8-dial provided all 3 stereoisomers of zeaxanthin. Similarly, (3R)-C15-Wittig and its (3S)-enantiomer were each coupled with β-apo-12′-carotenal.
US08222454B2	Process for preparing optical pure milnacipran and its pharmaceutically accepted salts The present invention discloses a process for preparing optically pure milnacipran and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, which adopts racemic milnacipran as starting material, tartaric acid derivatives and their compositions as resolving agents to resolve.
US08222453B2	Benzamide factor VIIa inhibitors useful as anticoagulants The present invention provides novel benzamide derivatives of Formula (I): or a stereoisomer, tautomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, or prodrug thereof, wherein the variables A, W, Y, Z, R8, and R9 are as defined herein. These compounds are selective inhibitors of factor VIIa which can be used as medicaments.
US08222446B2	Method for producing dihydroxybenzene derivative A method of producing a compound represented by the following general formula (3): [wherein R is a bivalent aliphatic group having a carbon number of 1-16 or a bivalent aromatic group], which comprises a step (i) of reacting a compound represented by the following general formula (1): with a carboxylic acid halide represented by the following general formula (2): [wherein R is a bivalent aliphatic group having a carbon number of 1-16 or a bivalent aromatic group and X is a halogen atom] in the presence of a basic compound to form an ester, and a step (ii) of conducting a heat treatment after the step (i) to decompose an oligomer in the ester.
US08222445B2	Process for preparing and method of purifying alkali metal and alkaline earth metal tricyanomethanides The present invention relates to an industrially usable process for preparing alkali metal and alkaline earth metal tricyanomethanides in particularly high purity.
US08222443B2	Phosphorylcholine group-containing compound, method of manufacturing a phosphorylcholine group-containing compound, surface-modifying agent, and a method of modifying a surface using a surface-modifying agent A phosphorylcholine group-containing compound that is a structure having a phosphorylcholine group represented by the following formula 1 and an amino group or a group derived from an amino group in an identical compound. (In the formula, m is 2 or more and 6 or less and p is 1 or 2. Each of X1, X2 and X3 is an alkyl group whose carbon number is 1 or more and 6 or less.)
US08222441B2	Phosphorus-containing compounds and their preparing process and use A series of novel phosphorus-containing compounds having the following formula are disclosed: wherein R1-R12, A, B, D, X, and Y are as defined in the specification. A process for the preparation of the compound of formula (1), a curing agent, and a flame resistant epoxy resin and a preparation process thereof are also provided.
US08222440B2	Compounds and methods for the treatment of cancer The present invention provides organic arsenicals which may be used to treat numerous human tumor cell lines, both of solid and hematological origin, as well as against malignant blood cells from patients with leukemia.
US08222437B2	Extraction of lipids from oleaginous material Systems and methods for extracting lipids of varying polarities from oleaginous material.
US08222429B2	Photodissociable protective group The present invention provides a photolabile protecting group that can be removed by light irradiation under mild conditions. More specifically, the present invention provides a method comprising protecting a reactive functional group (e.g., a hydroxyl group, amino group, carboxyl group, carbonyl group, phosphodiester group, etc.) by the photolabile protecting group, and then removing the photolabile protecting group simply by light irradiation under neutral conditions.The present invention relates to a compound represented by Formula (3): wherein Ar1 is an optionally substituted aromatic or heteroaromatic ring, Ar2 is an optionally substituted aryl or heteroaryl group, X is a leaving group, and n is an integer of 1 or 2; and a method of protecting and deprotecting an amino group etc. using the compound.
US08222425B2	Organic compounds and their uses The present application describes organic compounds that are useful for the treatment, prevention and/or amelioration of human diseases.
US08222420B2	Nitrogen-containing compounds and harmful organism control agents The present invention provides a nitrogen-containing compound represented by formula (I1) (in formula (I1), R0 represents a nitro group or the like, Z represents an optionally substituted aryl group or the like, R3 represents a hydrogen atom or the like, Y represents a nitro group or the like, n represents an integer of 0 to 3, D represents an optionally substituted 5-membered to 8-membered hydrocarbon ring group or heterocyclic group having or not having a substituent other than substituent X, X represents a group represented by formula (II-1) (in formula (II-1), R1 and R2 respectively and independently represent a hydrogen atom or the like), A represents a carbon atom or the like, n1 represents an integer of 0 to 2) or a salt thereof, and an insecticide, miticide, sanitary insect pest control agent, or harmful organism control agent including as an active ingredient thereof the nitrogen-containing compound or the salt thereof.
US08222419B2	Oxepin derivative The present invention provides a compound, an oxepin derivative having excellent histamine receptor antagonistic action, which is useful as an antihistamine. The oxepin derivative of the present invention has a potent histamine receptor antagonistic action. Further, the compound of the present invention shows low intracerebral migration even when a mouse that is orally administered with the compound is subjected to an intracerebral receptor binding test, so that the compound has preferred properties of alleviating side effects in the central nervous system, such as drowsiness. The oxepin derivative of the present invention is very useful as a novel antihistamine having smaller side effects in the central nervous system, such as drowsiness.
US08222413B2	Methods for synthesizing heterocyclic compounds A method for synthesizing a heterocyclic compound includes: reacting 1-methylpiperazine with 5-chloro-2-nitroaniline at an internal temperature sufficient to provide a compound of Formula VIH The 1-methylpiperazine and the 5-chloro-2-nitroaniline are reacted in a solvent that comprises water in an amount greater than 50 percent by volume based on the amount of the solvent and/or are reacted in a solvent that comprises an organic solvent component that has a boiling point of greater than 100° C. at atmospheric pressure.
US08222411B2	Dipeptidyl peptidase inhibitors Methods of making compounds of the formula (I) wherein the variables are as defined herein. Also, methods of making compounds that may be used to inhibit dipeptidyl peptidase.
US08222410B2	Azo pigments, and pigment dispersion, coloring composition and ink for inkjet recording containing the azo pigment Provided is an azo pigment represented by the following general formula (1), a tautomer of the azo pigment, and a salt or a hydrate thereof: wherein Q represents the non-metallic atoms necessary to complete a 5- to 7-membered heterocyclic group, W represents an alkoxy group, an amino group, an alkyl group, or an aryl group, X1 and X2 each independently represents a hydrogen, an alkyl group, an acyl group, an alkylsulfonyl group, or an arylsulfonyl group, R1 represents a hydrogen or a substituent, R2 represents a heterocyclic group, n represents an integer of from 1 to 4 and the general formula (1) represents a dimer formed through Q, W, X1, X2, R1, or R2 when n=2, a trimer formed through Q, W, X1, X2, R1, or R2 when n=3, and a tetramer formed through Q, W, X1, X2, R1, or R2 when n=4.
US08222407B2	Mutilin derivative having heterocyclic aromatic ring carboxylic acid structure in substituent at 14-position To provide a novel mutilin derivative having a substitution at the 14-position, which is a novel mutilin analogue exhibiting a potent and broad antimicrobial action against Gram-positive bacteria and Gram-negative bacteria including various drug-resistant bacteria, and which is expected to be useful as an agent for treating infectious diseases. A mutilin derivative represented by the following general formula (1): or a pharmaceutically acceptable addition salt thereof.
US08222405B2	Phenylalanine derivatives Specified phenylalanine derivatives and analogues thereof have an antagonistic activity to α4 integrin. They are used as therapeutic agents for various diseases concerning α4 integrin.
US08222393B2	Polypeptide useful for cancer diagnosis and treatment The present invention provides a method capable of effectively detecting cancer by finding a novel cancer marker. The present invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating cancer. The present invention relates to a method for detecting cancer by detecting the expression of a U7 polypeptide in a sample derived from a test subject.
US08222387B2	Transcription regulators for reproduction associated plant part tissue specific expression The present invention relates generally to transcriptional control sequences for effecting expression of a nucleotide sequence of interest in a plant. The present invention is predicated, in part, on the identification and functional characterization of transcriptional control sequences derived from genes which encode polypeptides comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 and homologs thereof. Among other things, the present invention has identified that transcriptional control sequences derived from the subject genes can effect specific or preferential expression of an operably connected nucleotide sequence in a reproduction-associated plant part such as a seed or anther.
US08222386B2	P. pastoris ADH promoter and use thereof to direct expression of proteins Novel promoters which are derived from P. pastoris pastoris which are inducible or repressible under specific growth conditions are provided. These promoters are useful for regulating the expression of a desired structural gene, e.g., a mammalian polypeptide. Particularly preferred is the use of these novel promoters to regulate gene expression in polyploidal yeast such as diploidal P. pastoris produced by mating or spheroplast fusion.
US08222385B2	Germ cell marker using fish vasa gene In order to examine whether or not a germ cell derived from a donor fish, which has been transplanted into a recipient fish of a different species by a surrogate fish technique, grows or matures in the gonad of the recipient fish, it is necessary to use, as an indicator, a trait that is specifically expressed in the germ cell and can be used to distinguish the recipient fish from the donor fish. Vasa gene, which is a germ cell-specific gene, is specific to a primordial germ cell and a spermatogonium/an oogonium, and it is not expressed in a somatic cell. In the present invention, the Vasa gene sequences of a tuna, a chub mackerel, a spotted mackerel, an eastern little tuna, and a drumfish are determined, and the expression of such gene is used as a marker for a germ cell. In addition, according to the present invention, it is possible to specifically detect only a tuna Vasa gene in Vasa gene sequences that are highly conserved in fishes, without sequencing. Thus, a tuna-derived germ cell can be reliably and simply identified in the gonad of the recipient fish. As a result, the growth or breeding of tuna can be carried out with good efficiency. Moreover, utilizing the aforementioned findings, even in a case in which not only a tuna but also another Perciformes fish is used as a donor, a germ cell derived from the donor fish can be efficiently detected from the gonad of a recipient fish of a different species.
US08222384B2	Modified and stabilized GDF propeptides and uses thereof Modified and stabilized propeptides of Growth Differentiation Factor proteins, such as GDF-8 and Bone Morphogenetic Protein-11, are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for making and using the modified propeptides to prevent or treat human or animal disorders in which an increase in muscle tissue would be therapeutically beneficial. Such disorders include muscle or neuromuscular disorders (such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, muscle atrophy, congestive obstructive pulmonary disease, muscle wasting syndrome, sarcopenia, or cachexia), metabolic diseases or disorders (such as such as type 2 diabetes, noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, hyperglycemia, or obesity), adipose tissue disorders (such as obesity), and bone degenerative diseases (such as osteoporosis).
US08222381B2	Derivatives of monosaccharides for drug discovery New compounds and methods for the preparation of combinatorial libraries of potentially biologically active compounds are based on monosaccharides of formula I being a derivative of a furanose or pyranose form of a monosaccharide, .
US08222380B2	Amorphous telithromycin compound The present invention relates to stable amorphous 3-De[(2,6-dideoxy-3-C-methyl-3-O-methyl-α-L-ribohexopyranosyl)oxy]-11,12-dideoxy-6-O-methyl-3-oxo-12,11-[oxycarbonyl[[4-[4-(3-pyridinyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]butyl]imino]]erythromycin (telithromycin), methods for the preparation thereof, the use of stable amorphous telithromycin in the treatment of bacterial infections and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising stable amorphous telithromycin.
US08222379B2	Method of separation by adsorption A method of separating a selected ionic component from a sample, comprises contacting the sample with an ionic adsorbent whose charge density is such that the component is bound selectively in the absence of added ionic component that competitively binds the adsorbent.
US08222377B2	Antigen associated with rheumatoid arthritis The invention relates to a binding member that binds the Extra Domain-A (ED-A) isoform of fibronectin for the detection and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
US08222374B2	IL-21 antagonists Monoclonal antibodies are identified that bind the IL-21 protein. These antibodies are used to identify regions of the IL-21 protein to where binding neutralizes IL-21 activity. Hybridomas and methods of producing anti-IL-21 monoclonal antibodies are described. The monoclonal antibodies are useful in treating IL-21-mediated diseases, which may include autoimmune and inflammatory diseases such as pancreatitis, type I diabetes (IDDM), Graves Disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn's Disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, diverticulosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis, scleroderma, systemic sclerosis, psoriatic arthritis, osteoarthritis, atopic dermatitis, vitiligo, graft vs. host disease (GVHD), cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL), Sjogren's syndrome, glomerulonephritis, IgA nephropathy, graft versous host disease, transplant rejection, atopic dermatitis, anti-phospholipid syndrome, and asthma, and other autoimmune diseases.
US08222373B2	Humanized antibodies and compositions for binding sphingosine-1-phosphate The present invention relates to anti-S1P agents, particularly humanized monoclonal antibodies (and antigen binding fragments thereof) specifically reactive with S1P, compositions containing such antibodies (or fragments), and the use of such antibodies (or fragments), for example, to treat diseases and conditions associated with aberrant levels of S1P.
US08222366B2	Polythiourethane polymerizable composition and method for producing optical resin by using same A resin composition excellent in tintability and resin strength, a resin obtained by curing such a resin composition, and an optical component is provided. A polymerizable composition containing an isocyanate compound suitably used for transparent resin materials, at least one polythiol compound which may have one or more (poly)sulfide bonds in a molecule, and at least one polyhydroxy compound having two or more hydroxy groups in a molecule and/or at least one (poly)hydroxy(poly)mercapto compound having one or more hydroxy groups and one or more thiol groups is used.
US08222365B2	Polyamideimide resin, as well as a colorless and transparent flexible metal-clad laminate and circuit board obtained therefrom This disclosure relates to a polyamideimide resin containing a structure represented by formula (1):
US08222359B2	Poly(propargyl-L-glutamate) and derivatives thereof A process of the present invention is directed toward conducting highly selective, high yield post-polymerization reactions on polypeptides to prepare functionalized polypeptides. In certain embodiments, the polypeptides can be prepared by ring opening polymerization of N-carboxyanhydrides. In certain embodiments, the post-polymerization reaction is a “click chemistry” reaction. In certain embodiment, the “click chemistry” reaction is a triazole-forming reaction involving an alkyne on the polypeptide and an azide.
US08222357B2	Procatalyst composition with multiple internal donor having silyl ester and method Provided is a procatalyst composition containing a multiple internal electron donor with at least two components, one of which is a silyl ester. The other component of the mixed internal electron donor may be an electron donor component. The electron donor component may be an aromatic acid ester, a di-ether, and combinations thereof. Catalyst compositions containing the multiple internal electron donor exhibit improved hydrogen response during olefin polymerization and produce propylene-based polymers with broad molecular weight distribution, high flexural modulus, and high melt flow rate.
US08222356B2	Process for preparing ethylene copolymers A process for preparing polyethylene which comprises ethylene homopolymers and/or copolymers of ethylene with 1-alkenes and has a molar mass distribution width Mw/Mn of from 5 to 30, a density of from 0.92 to 0.955 g/cm3, a weight average molar mass Mw of from 50000 g/mol to 500 000 g/mol and has from 0.01 to 20 branches/1000 carbon atoms and a z-average molar mass Mz of less than 1 million g/mol.
US08222353B2	Wettable hydrogels comprising acyclic polyamides The present invention relates to biomedical devices, and particularly contact lenses comprising a polymer having entangled therein at least one acyclic polyamide.
US08222352B2	Silicone resin composition A composition for a silicone resin containing a poly(methyl silsesquioxane) derivative having an alkoxysilyl group at an end of a molecule, and fine metal oxide particles having a reactive functional group on the surface thereof, wherein the composition further contains at least one compound selected from the group consisting of disilanol derivatives having silanol groups at both ends of a molecule and a monofunctional silane derivative represented by the formula (II): wherein X is an alkoxy group or a halogen atom. The silicone resin composition of the present invention can be suitably used as, for example, materials for encapsulating photosemiconductor elements for use in backlights for liquid crystal displays, traffic lights, outdoor big displays, advertisement sign boards, and the like.
US08222348B2	Epoxy silicone and process for producing same, and curable mix composition using same and use thereof An epoxy silicon, which comprises at least a compound represented by the following general formula (1), and a compound represented by the following general formula (2); and which is represented by an average composition formula (3), wherein a value of [g/(a+b+c+d+e+f+g+h+i+j)] falls within a range of 0.020 or less.
US08222346B2	Block copolymers and method for making same The present invention is a novel block copolymer containing a controlled distribution copolymer block of a conjugated diene and a mono alkenyl arene, where the controlled distribution copolymer block has terminal regions that are rich in conjugated diene units and a center region that is rich in mono alkenyl arene units. Also disclosed is a method for manufacture of the block copolymer.
US08222341B2	Semi-conductive silicone polymers Semi-conductive silicone compositions and articles of manufacture containing these compositions are formed by combining a silicone precursor composition with an alkali metal salt and polymerizing the silicone precursor composition in the presence of the alkali metal salt to form a polymerized semi-conductive silicone composition. The polymerized silicone composition can be formed into a solid or foam article of manufacture having a volume resistivity of E8 to E12 ohm-cm, such as a roller or an anti-static belt.
US08222339B2	Adhesives made from interpolymers of ethylene/alpha-olefins An adhesive composition comprises: (i) at least one ethylene/α-olefin interpolymer, (ii) at least one tackifier; and (iii) an oil or a low molecular weight polymer. Preferably, the ethylene/α-olefin interpolymer has a Mw/Mn from about 1.7 to about 3.5, at least one melting point, Tm, in degrees Celsius, and a density, d, in grams/cubic centimeter, wherein the numerical values of Tm and d correspond to the relationship: Tm≧858.91−1825.3(d)+1112.8(d)2. The composition can be used in hot melt adhesives, pressure sensitive adhesives, hot melt pressure sensitive adhesives and thermoplastic marking paints.
US08222336B2	Hotmelt adhesive with improved adhesion The invention relates to a hotmelt adhesive based on at least one ethylene and/or propylene/C4 to C20 α-olefin copolymer obtainable by metallocene-catalysed polymerization, on at least one tackifying resin, and on at least 0.1% to 15% by weight of a copolymer or terpolymer based on C2 to C5 olefins with (meth)acrylic esters of low molecular mass alkanols, the copolymer containing COOH groups or anhydride groups, and also, if desired, on wax and additives, and to its use for bonding finished substrate surfaces.
US08222333B2	Inter-crosslinked polymeric microparticles Adhesives containing inter-crosslinked polymeric microparticles are described. The polymeric microparticles include an acrylic polymer. The present disclosure also relates to water-based emulsions containing polymeric microparticles and a suitable inter-crosslinking agent as well as methods of making adhesives from such water-based emulsions.
US08222332B2	Resin compositions for wrinkle pattern paints A resin composition comprises (A) hydroxyl group containing acrylic resin having a hydroxyl group value of from 5 to 200 mgKOH/g and a number average molecular weight of from 500 to 20,000, (B) hexakisalkoxymethylated melamine resin, (C) de-watering agent, (D) blocked sulfonic acid compound, (E) silicate compound and (F) at least one type of material selected from among (a) organic resin particle of average particle diameter not more than 40 μm, (b) inorganic glass particles of average particle diameter not more than 100 μm and (c) inorganic fibers of average length not more than 300 μm.
US08222327B2	Plasma sterilization indicator A novel indicator for plasma sterilization utilizes an azo dye which has been known and used for preparing indicator for ethylene oxide gas sterilization and indicator for heat sterilization, and which exhibits a quick change of color upon the cold plasma sterilization process using an oxidizing gas such as hydrogen peroxide, the change of color being indicated as a clear change of the color tone. The azo dye is used in combination with a compound containing a mercapto group or a dithiocarbamyl group therein as the compound capable of reacting with the azo dye upon the plasma sterilization treatment, and thereby bringing discoloration into the azo dye. Moreover, in combination with them, a polyhydric phenol compound or an aromatic carboxylic acid may be further used as antifading agent for discolored azo dye which is produced during the plasma sterilization process in order to stabilize the occurrence of discoloration.
US08222325B2	Polyvinyl alcohol as co-stabilizer for PVC Thermoplastically processable PVC mixtures having enhanced stability are prepared by incorporating at least one stabilizer containing metal ions and a modified polyvinyl alcohol co-stabilizer.
US08222323B2	Self-repairing concrete having polyurethane polymer micro-capsules and method for fabricating the same A self-repairing concrete includes polyurethane polymer micro-capsules, in which the polyurethane polymer micro-capsules are mixed for a fixed function of micro-cracks. The quality mixture ratio is: concrete/micro capsules/water=100:1-15:15-50. The manufacturing method is weighing a full amount of water in a container, adding polyurethane polymer micro-capsules, stirring, until fully dispersed microcapsules; pouring the water into the mixing container, adding the corresponding quality of cement; stirring; adding sand and gravel filling materials, conducting worksite watering, ⅓ volume for each time, vibrating, and air exhausting; until the slurry filling mold.
US08222322B2	Method of making fluoropolymer dispersion A method of making a fluoropolymer dispersion by first providing a fluoropolymer dispersion comprising fluoropolymer particles and one or more fluorinated surfactants selected from fluorinated carboxylic acids or salts thereof having the general formula: [Rf—O-L-COO−]iXi+ (I) wherein L represents a linear fully fluorinated alkylene group, Rf represents a linear partially or fully fluorinated aliphatic group or a linear partially or fully fluorinated aliphatic group interrupted with one oxygen atom, Xi+ represents a cation having the valence i and i is 1, 2 or 3; then adding one or more non-fluorinated surfactants selected from anionic and non-ionic surfactants followed by reducing the total amount of the one or more fluorinated surfactants to an amount of not more than 500 ppm, for example not more than 250 ppm based on the total weight of the dispersion while maintaining or increasing the amount of solids in the dispersion.
US08222321B2	Thermoplastic resin composition with EMI shielding properties The present invention provides a thermoplastic resin composition comprising (A) a thermoplastic resin, and (B) a carbon nanofiber-metal composite including a plurality of laminated truncated, conic graphenes continuously coated with a metal. The thermoplastic resin composition according to the present invention can have excellent EMI shielding properties.
US08222320B2	High heat resistant polymer compositions having poly(lactic acid) High heat resistant polymer compositions having poly(lactic acid) and methods of making the high heat resistant polymer compositions are provided. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a polymer composition including a poly(lactic acid), an aliphatic polyester, and an organically coated calcium carbonate.
US08222319B2	White ink composition and recorded material using the same The present invention provides a white ink composition that can give a white image having excellent abrasion resistance. The white ink composition according to the invention is a white ink composition containing hollow resin particles and a polyurethane resin characteristically having a glass transition temperature of 50° C. or less.
US08222316B2	Chemical additives to make polymeric materials biodegradable The present invention is a new additive material that is physically blended with polymeric material to create at least a partially biodegradable product.
US08222311B2	Hydroxyalkylated polyalkylenepolyamine composition, method of producing the same and their use in polyurethanes Disclosed is a novel hydroxyalkylated polyalkylene polyamine composition, and a method for preparing the hydroxyalkylated polyalkylene polyamine composition at low cost. Further disclosed is a method for producing a polyurethane resin by using the hydroxyalkylated polyalkylene polyamine composition containing at least two hydroxyalkylated polyalkylene polyamines represented by the following general formula (1): In the formula (1), R1 to R5 are independently a C1 to C3 alkyl group or a substituent represented by the following general formula (2): wherein R6 and R7 are independently a hydrogen atom or a C1 to C4 alkyl group, and p is an integer from 1 to 3; and R5 and R1, R2, R3, or R4 may arbitrarily bond together to form a ring; at least one of R1 to R5 is a substituent represented by the general formula (2) but all of R1 to R5 cannot be substituents represented by the general formula (2) at the same time; n and m are independently an integer from 1 to 5; and a is an integer from 1 to 6.
US08222308B2	Porous polymer structures A method of preparing a porous polymer structure comprising the steps of: forming a liquid composition comprising at least one polymer dissolved in at least one solvent; subjecting the liquid composition to stress, and if necessary also to a reduction in temperature, to cause the liquid composition to form a bi-continuous phase separated composition, the bi-continuous phase separated composition comprising a polymer rich phase and a polymer poor phase; solidifying the at least one polymer in the polymer rich phase; and removing the polymer poor phase from the polymer rich phase to provide the porous polymer structure having a bi-continuous morphology from the polymer rich phase.
US08222307B2	Flameproof expandable styrene polymers, and method for the production thereof Expandable styrene polymers (EPS) comprising, in each case based on the styrene polymer, a) from 0.05 to 5% by weight of an organic bromine compound whose bromine content is at least 50% by weight, as flame retardant, b) from 0.05 to 2% by weight of a flame retardant synergist, c) from 0.1 to 5% by weight of a metal salt as acid scavenger, and process for their production.
US08222306B2	Compacted polyelectrolyte complexes and articles A method is described for producing an osmotically compacted polyelectrolyte complex having a first region and a second region, the first region having a greater modulus than the second region. The method comprises contacting an article comprising polyelectrolyte complex to a solution comprising a preferred osmolyte of concentration sufficient to compact said polyelectrolyte complex and terminating the compaction process before the entire article is osmotically compacted.A method is also described for producing a article comprising water and an intermolecular blend of at least one positively charged polyelectrolyte polymer and at least one negatively charged polymer, said article having a core region and a surface region, the surface region having at least twice the elastic modulus of the core region, the method comprising contacting a starting article comprising a blend of said polymers with a solution of osmolyte, wherein the osmolyte is excluded from said article.
US08222302B2	Titania-silica aerogel monolith with ordered mesoporosity and preparation thereof A TiO2—SiO2 aerogel and TiO2—SiO2 aerogel monolith with a regular and predeterminable shape and an ordered mesoporosity and a method of making the aerogel and aerogel monolith, using surfactants in preparing the SiO2 sol before mixing with TiO2 sol. The aerogel obtained by this method has a specific surface area greater than 400 m2/g and a pore volume larger than 0.5 cc/g.
US08222293B2	Treating learning deficits with inhibitors of Hmg CoA reductase The disclosure provides methods of treating cognitive disorders by administering a HMG CoA reductase inhibitor. Cognitive deficits treatable with the inhibitor compound include those associated with Angelman Syndrome, Neurofibromatosis-1, certain forms of X-linked mental retardation, tuberous sclerosis, Down Syndrome, autism, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
US08222291B2	Small molecule apoptosis promoters The invention provides small molecule mimics of the Smac peptide that are dimer- or dimer-like compounds having two amide-containing domains connected by a linker. These compounds are useful to promote apoptosis. The invention includes pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds and methods to use them to treat conditions including cancer and autoimmune disorders.
US08222290B2	Substituted N-phenyl-bipyrrolidine ureas and therapeutic use thereof The present invention discloses and claims a series of substituted N-phenyl-bipyrrolidine ureas of formula (I). Wherein R, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are as described herein. More specifically, the compounds of this invention are modulators of H3 receptors and are, therefore, useful as pharmaceutical agents, especially in the treatment and/or prevention of a variety of diseases modulated by H3 receptors including diseases associated with the central nervous system. Additionally, this invention also discloses methods of preparation of substituted N-phenyl-bipyrrolidine ureas and intermediates therefor.
US08222289B2	Salinosporamides and methods for use thereof The present invention is based on the discovery that certain fermentation products of the marine actinomycete strains CNB392 and CNB476 are effective inhibitors of hyperproliferative mammalian cells. The CNB392 and CNB476 strains lie within the family Micromonosporaceae, and the generic epithet Salinospora has been proposed for this obligate marine group. The reaction products produced by this strain are classified as salinosporamides, and are particularly advantageous in treating neoplastic disorders due to their low molecular weight, low IC50 values, high pharmaceutical potency, and selectivity for cancer cells over fungi.
US08222288B2	Small molecule inhibitors of MDM2 and the uses thereof The invention relates to small molecules which function as inhibitors of the interaction between p53 and MDM2. The invention also relates to the use of these compounds for inhibiting cell growth, inducing cell death, inducing cell cycle arrest and/or sensitizing cells to additional agent(s).
US08222286B2	Substituted carbamoylmethylamino acetic acid derivatives as novel NEP inhibitors The present invention provides a compound of formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R6, A1, A2, X1, s and m are defined herein. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the compounds of the invention, and its therapeutic uses. The present invention further provides a combination of pharmacologically active agents and a pharmaceutical composition.
US08222283B2	Method for treating a keratoconjunctival disorder An object of the present invention is to provide a new medicinal use of 2-phenyl-1,2-benzisoselenazol-3(2H)-one or a salt thereof. 2-Phenyl-1,2-benzisoselenazol-3(2H)-one or a salt thereof exhibits an excellent prevention and improvement effect in corneal disorder models, and is therefore useful as a preventive or therapeutic agent for a keratoconjunctival disorder such as dry eye, superficial punctate keratopathy, corneal epithelial defects, corneal erosion, corneal ulcer, conjunctival epithelial defects, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis, filamentary keratoconjunctivitis, keratitis or conjunctivitis.
US08222281B2	Carboxylic acid compound To find a therapeutic agent and/or a preventive agent for diabetes mellitus or the like having excellent activity and safety. A compound represented by the following general formula (I), or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof. In the formula, X represents ═C(R5)- or ═N—; Y represents —O— or —NH—; L represents a bond or a substitutable C1-C3 alkylene group; M represents a substitutable C3-C10 cycloalkyl group, a substitutable C6-C10 aryl group, or a substitutable heterocyclic group; R1 represents a C1-C6 alkyl group, a C3-C10 cycloalkyl group, a C1-C6 haloalkyl group, a C2-C6 alkenyl group, a C2-C6 alkynyl group, a C1-C6 aliphatic acyl group, a C1-C6 alkoxy C1-C6 alkyl group, or a C6-C10 aryl group; and R2, R3, R4, and R5 may be the same or different and each represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a C1-C3 alkyl group, a C1-C3 haloalkyl group, a C1-C3 alkoxy group, or a nitro group. In this connection, the alkyl group moieties of R1 and R2 may be bonded to each other to form a 5- to 6-membered heterocyclic ring containing one oxygen atom.
US08222278B2	Treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder 3-(5,6-Dichloro-pyridin-3-yl)-1S,5S-3,6-diazabicyclo[3.2.0]heptane and salts thereof are effective nicotinic receptor agonist compounds that demonstrated pharmacological effect for symptoms associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
US08222277B2	Nitrosated nonsteroidal antiinflammatory compounds, compositions and methods of use The invention also provides methods for treating inflammation, pain and fever; for treating gastrointestinal disorders; for facilitating wound healing; for treating and/or preventing gastrointestinal, renal and/or respiratory toxicities resulting from the use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory compounds; for treating inflammatory disease states and/or disorders; and for treating and/or preventing ophthalmic diseases and/or disorders comprising administration of novel compositions comprising at least one nitrosated NSAID, and, optionally, at least one compound that donates, transfers or releases nitric oxide, elevates endogenous levels of endothelium-derived relaxing factor, stimulates endogenous synthesis of nitric oxide or is a substrate for nitric oxide synthase and/or at least one therapeutic agent.
US08222276B2	Amine salt of carbostyril derivative The invention provides an amine salt of a carbostyril derivative formed from a carbostyril derivative represented by the formula (1) [wherein R is a halogen atom; the substituted position of the side chain is 3- or 4-position in the carbostyril skeleton; and the bonding between 3- and 4-positions of the carbostyril skeleton is a single bond or a double bond] and an amine; and the invention is useful as drugs for treating various diseases, especially as aqueous formulations due to the superior water solubility and the superior pharmacologic effects.
US08222275B2	Biarylcarboxyarylamides as vanilloid-1 receptor modulators The present invention provides compounds of formula (I): wherein A and Z are as defined in the description, along with methods for preparing such derivatives and their use for the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as neuropathic pain.
US08222274B2	Pyrrole derivative or salt thereof [Problem] To provide a compound which may be used for the prevention and/or treatment of diseases in which 5-HT2B receptor and 5-HT7 receptor are concerned, particularly for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).[Means for Resolution] It was found that a pyrrole derivative characterized by the possession of a guanidinocarbonyl group or amido group as a substituent group at the 3-position, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, has a strong antagonism for both of the 5-HT2B receptor and 5-HT7 receptor. In addition, the compound of the present invention having the antagonistic activity for both of the receptors showed a good pharmacological action in comparison with the case in which an antagonist selective for either one of the receptors was used alone. Based on the above, the compound of the present invention is useful for the prevention and/or treatment of diseases in which 5-HT2B receptor and 5-HT7 receptor are concerned, particularly for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
US08222273B2	Polymorphic form of a [1,2,4]triazole[4,3-A] pyridine derivative inflammatory diseases The present invention relates to a polymorphic form B of Λ/-[3-tert-butyl-1-(3-chloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazol-5-yl]-N-{2-[(3-{2-[(2-hydroxyethyl)sulfanyl]phenyl}[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyridin-6-yl)sulfanyl]benzyl}urea (I) as de-fined herein. This polymorph is useful in the treatment of various conditions, particularly in the treatment of inflammatory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
US08222271B2	Formulations and methods for vascular permeability-related diseases or conditions Described herein are formulations and methods for treating, inhibiting, preventing, delaying onset, or causing regression of a disease or condition relating to vascular permeability.
US08222267B2	Methods of converting a patient's treatment regimen from intravenous administration of an opioid to oral co-administration of morphine and oxycodone using a dosing algorithm to provide analgesia A method of converting a treatment for pain comprising intravenous administration of opioids, to a treatment for pain comprising oral administration of a first dose of an immediate release morphine-oxycodone combination in patients in need of analgesia. The method may comprise (1) determining a four-hour average oral morphine equivalents, a one-hour average oral morphine equivalents, or determining a net average hourly intravenous dose, and (2) orally administering to the patient a first dose of a morphine-oxycodone combination in a 3:2 ratio by weight every four to six hours. Also, a method of treating pain in patients who had been administered opioids intravenously, comprising using a dosing algorithm to determine the first dose of the immediate release morphine-oxycodone combination.
US08222265B2	Six-membered N-heterocyclic carbene-based catalysts for asymmetric reactions The present invention provides a catalyst complex or ligand, and compositions thereof, for use in a variety of organic reactions having high reactivity and enantioselectivity. The catalyst is a N-heterocyclic carbene having three fused rings with first and second rings being six-membered rings and the third being a five-membered ring. The first ring is fused to the second and has four substituents. The second ring has two nitrogens flanking a carbene atom with one nitrogen bound to a substituent. The carbene atom may optionally be bonded to a metal. The third ring is fused to the second ring and contains two nitrogens. The third ring of the catalyst has a double bond and two substituents on adjacent non-fused carbons. A non-fused nitrogen of the third ring is partially bonded to another substituent. Methods for the synthesis and use of the catalyst embodiments of the present invention are also provided.
US08222264B2	Substituted amino-quinazolinones, medicaments comprising said compound, their use and their method of manufacture The present invention relates to substituted amino-quinazolinones of general formula (I) wherein the groups R1 to R14 and A, are defined as in the specification and claims and the use thereof for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and similar diseases.
US08222260B2	Substituted 6-anilinopurine derivatives as inhibitors of cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase and preparations containing these derivatives The invention relates to substituted 6-anilinopurine derivatives of the general formula I, wherein R denotes one to five substituents independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, amino, alkyloxy and alkyl group, and R2 denotes amino, halogen, nitro, thio, alkylthio or alkyl group for use as inhibitors of cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase. The invention also relates to the compositions containing these derivatives.
US08222248B2	Organic compounds The present invention provides compounds of the following structure; A-L1-B—C-D that are useful for treating or preventing conditions or disorders associated with DGAT1 activity in animals, particularly humans.
US08222241B2	Use of dimiracetam in the treatment of chronic pain The use of dimiracetam in the treatment of chronic pain is disclosed. At doses higher than those previously disclosed in relation with its cognition enhancing activity (i.e. amelioration of learning and memory), dimiracetam was able to completely revert hyperalgesia or allodynia associated with several animal models of chronic pain. Dimiracetam showed high activity in iatrogenic neuropathies associated with antiviral and chemotherapeutic drug treatments and in painful conditions caused by osteoarthritis. In addition, dimiracetam was devoid of toxicity even at doses 10-fold higher than the highest therapeutic dose. The possibility of treating such debilitating pathologies with a highly effective and essentially non-toxic compound is therefore disclosed.
US08222239B2	Bridged polycyclic compound based compositions for the inhibition and amelioration of disease A pharmaceutically active agent, a pharmaceutically active agent carrier and method of use thereof are described. In some embodiments, a system may include a composition. The composition may include one or more bridged polycyclic compounds. At least one of the bridged polycyclic compounds may include at least two cyclic groups, and at least two pharmaceutically active agents may be associated with the bridged polycyclic compound. In some embodiments, a bridged polycyclic compound may be pharmaceutically active. In some embodiments, a bridged polycyclic compound may be function as a carrier for pharmaceutically active agents.
US08222236B2	2-methylene-(20E)-20(22)-dehydro-19-nor-vitamin D analogs This invention discloses 2-methylene-(20E)-20(22)-dehydro-19-nor-vitamin D analogs, and specifically 2-methylene-(20E)-20(22)-dehydro-19-nor-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, and pharmaceutical uses therefore. This compound exhibits relatively high transcription activity as well as pronounced activity in arresting the proliferation of undifferentiated cells and inducing their differentiation to the monocyte thus evidencing use as an anti-cancer agent and for the treatment of skin diseases such as psoriasis as well as skin conditions such as wrinkles, slack skin, dry skin and insufficient sebum secretion. This compound also shows lower activity in vivo on bone calcium mobilization and similar in vivo intestinal calcium transport activity compared to the native hormone 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, and therefore may be used to treat autoimmune disorders or inflammatory diseases in humans as well as renal osteodystrophy. This compound may also be used for the treatment or prevention of obesity.
US08222230B2	Pharmaceutical compositions with superior product performance and patient compliance The present invention provides novel formulations of isobutyric acid (2R,3R,4R,5R)-5-(4-amino-2-oxo-2H-pyrimidin-1-yl)-4-fluoro-2-isobutyryloxymethyl-4-methyl-tetrahydro-furan-3-yl ester) and hydroxypropylcellulose that provide high bulk density, low particle size better suited for improved compression and flow, good compression, and fast dissolution profiles.
US08222228B2	Substituted aryl piperidinylalkynyladenosines as A2AR agonists A2A agonists of formula (I) is provided, wherein R1, R2, R4, R5, X, Y, Z, n, p, and q are as described herein. Also provided are compositions comprising and methods of using compounds of formula (I).
US08222222B2	Compositions and methods for inhibiting expression of the PCSK9 gene The invention relates to a double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) for inhibiting the expression of the PCSK9 gene (PCSK9 gene), comprising an antisense strand having a nucleotide sequence which is less that 30 nucleotides in length, generally 19-25 nucleotides in length, and which is substantially complementary to at least a part of the PCSK9 gene. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the dsRNA together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier; methods for treating diseases caused by PCSK9 gene expression and the expression of the PCSK9 gene using the pharmaceutical composition; and methods for inhibiting expression of a PCSK9 gene in a cell.
US08222220B2	Nanogenomics for medicine: siRNA engineering Described herein are materials and methods for the delivery of siRNA and the production of nanoparticles useful for the delivery of siRNA. Methods of treating a disease or disorder using the nanoparticles described herein also are disclosed.
US08222217B2	Unacylated ghrelin as therapeutic agent in the treatment of metabolic disorders An isolated polypeptide comprising any amino acid fragment of unacylated ghrelin or any analog thereof, wherein the polypeptide has an activity selected from the group consisting of a) decreasing blood glucose levels; b) increasing insulin secretion an/or sensitivity; c) binding to insulin-secreting cells; and d) promoting survival of insulin-secreting cells. As well as the use of the polypeptide in the treatment of a disorder associated with impaired glucose metabolism.
US08222216B2	Mesenchymal cell proliferation promoter and skeletal system biomaterial It is found that a SVVYGLR peptide (SEQ ID NO: 1) can promote proliferation of mesenchymal cells such as marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells and dental pulp cells. A carbonate apatite-collagen sponge containing the SVVYGLR peptide (SEQ ID NO: 1) is useful as a biomaterial for the regeneration of bone marrow or dental pulp. It becomes possible to provide a skeletal system biomaterial which is capable of promoting the proliferation of the mesenchymal cells and is useful as artificial bone marrow or artificial dental pulp for repairing a defect in a bone marrow tissue or a dental pulp tissue.
US08222209B2	Modified growth hormones that exhibit increased protease resistance and pharmaceutical compositions thereof Provided are modified growth hormone polypeptides, nucleic acid molecules encoding modified growth hormone polypeptides and methods of generating modified growth hormone polypeptides. Also provided are methods of treatment using modified growth hormone polypeptides.
US08222207B2	Method of enhancing the mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells using TAT-HOXB4H The present invention relates to a new and nonobvious method of producing the C-terminal histidine tagged TAT-HOXB4 fusion protein (TAT-HOXB4H), providing unexpected benefits of increased yield and stability to allow for in vivo administration of this protein, and pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective ingredient, TAT-HOXB4H, having stimulatory activity on the production of hematopoietic cells. More specifically, recombinant TAT-HOXB4H protein enhances engraftment of bone marrow transplants, hematopoietic reconstruction, bone marrow re-population and number of circulating stem cells, particularly after chemotherapy or irradiation.
US08222204B2	Influenza inhibiting compositions and methods The present invention provides compositions useful for treating or preventing influenza infections. The composition comprises an isolated polypeptide including a sequence of at least 8 contiguous amino acid residues of the fusion initiation region (FIR) of an influenza hemagglutinin 2 protein or a peptide analog of the sequence. The FIR is a segment of the full length hemagglutinin 2 protein which is bounded by an amino-terminal region within the amino-terminal alpha-helix thereof and a carboxy terminus within the carboxy-terminal alpha-helix thereof, with a cysteine loop therebetween. The amino-terminal region of the FIR comprises a portion of the final 10 to 20 amino acid residues of the amino-terminal alpha-helix of the hemagglutinin 2 protein, and includes 3 or 4 hydrophobic amino acid residues, a positively-charged amino acid residue, a negatively-charged amino acid residue, and an aromatic amino acid residue. The carboxy terminus of the FIR is the carboxy terminus of the first peptide sequence of the hemagglutinin 2 protein beyond the amino terminal helix, which exhibits a positive Wimley-White interfacial hydrophobicity.
US08222196B2	Composition and methods for removal of polymerized non-trans fats The invention is a composition and method for removing soils containing polymerized non-trans fats from surfaces. The composition comprises a polymer and sequentrant, wherein the polymer is oleophobic and hydrophilic. Optionally, the composition may also include a wetting agent. The composition may be used by applying it to a clean surface as a pretreatment so that when said surface is soiled or contaminated with polymerized non-trans fats it may be easily removed with water.
US08222187B2	Method for improving the phytoremediation of polluted sites by providing plants with exogenous carbohydrates A method is provided for phytoremediating a site polluted by at least one type of pollutant, comprising at least one step comprising growing, on this polluted soil, at least one phytoremediating plant capable of fixing at least a portion of this pollutant, and comprising a subsequent step comprising of harvesting or destroying this plant that has fixed at least a portion of said pollutant. The step of growing the plant is effected, at least in part, in the presence of at least one water-soluble exogenous carbohydrate that can be assimilated by the plant or in the presence of a substance containing a carbohydrate of this type.
US08222186B2	Thermal dye image receiver elements A thermal dye image receiver element has, in order, a cellulosic raw base support, an antistatic subbing layer, and a thermal dye receiving layer. The cellulosic raw base support has an internal electrical resistance (WER) that is at least 1 log ohm/square greater than the surface electrical resistance (SER) of the antistatic subbing layer. This arrangement of antistatic properties overcomes a static problem in the thermal dye image receiver elements by properly balancing the conductivity between the two antistatic locations.
US08222184B2	UV and thermal guard An image element having an imperceptible message that becomes readily apparent when the image element is exposed to an excessive amount of heat and/or UV radiation is provided. The image element may be associated with a material such that, upon becoming readily apparent, the imperceptible message provides a warning that the material has been exposed to excessive heat and/or UV radiation.
US08222181B2	Desulfurizing adsorbent, preparation method and use thereof The invention provides an adsorbent for removing sulfur from cracking gasoline or diesel fuel, which adsorbent comprises: (1) a carrier consisting of a source of silica, an inorganic oxide binder, and at least one oxide of metal selected from Groups IIB, VB and VIB; (2) at least one accelerant metal which is capable of reducing the sulfur in oxidized state to hydrogen sulfide and has a η<0.5, wherein η=(the amount in percentage of accelerant metal in crystal phase)/(the amount in percentage of accelerant metal in the adsorbent). The active components in the adsorbent can be evenly dispersed on the carrier in a matter close to monolayer dispersion, and which greatly improves the activity of the adsorbent. The preparation method and the use of the above adsorbent are provided.
US08222179B2	Porous coordination copolymers and methods for their production A coordination polymer includes a plurality of metal atoms or metal clusters linked together by a plurality of organic linking ligands. Each linking ligand comprises a residue of a negatively charged polydentate ligand. Characteristically, the plurality of multidentate ligands include a first linking ligand having first hydrocarbon backbone and a second ligand having a second hydrocarbon backbone. The first hydrocarbon backbone is different than the second hydrocarbon backbone.
US08222173B2	Catalyst and method of manufacturing the same A method of manufacturing a catalyst by suspending a titanium-containing silicate porous material in a solution with a metal salt being dissolved therein, and then by exposing the solution to ultra violet light to precipitate metal fine particles on the surface of the porous material.
US08222171B2	Method for the production of a ceramic substrate, and a ceramic substrate A method for the production of a ceramic substrate for a semiconductor component, includes the steps of producing paper containing at least cellulose fibers, as well as a filler to be carbonized and/or SiC, pyrolizing the produced paper, and siliconizing the pyrolyzed paper.
US08222170B2	Glass substrate for information recording medium and magnetic information recording medium to which the glass substrate is applied Disclosed are a glass substrate for an information recording medium, having excellent scratch resistance and a light weight and having high fracture toughness, the glass substrate having a fragility index value, measured in water, of 12 μm−1/2 or less or having a fragility index value, measured in an atmosphere having a dew point of −5° C. or lower, of 7 μm−1/2 or less, or the glass substrate comprising, by mol %, 40 to 75% of SiO2, 2 to 45% of B2O3 and/or Al2O3 and 0 to 40% of R′2O in which R′ is at least one member selected from the group consisting of Li, Na and K), wherein the total content of SiO2, B2O3, Al2O3 and R′2O is at least 90 mol %, and a magnetic information recording medium comprising a magnetic recording layer formed on the glass substrate.
US08222169B2	Zoned elastic laminate and method to manufacture same The present invention includes a neck-bonded laminate and a process for forming a neck-bonded elastic laminate, the laminate including a primary elastic region and a secondary elastic region. An exemplary process for forming the laminate includes providing a necked material and overlaying the necked material with an elastic sheet. The necked material and elastic sheet are passed through a nip between two rollers, the rollers being configured to form a primary elastic region and a secondary elastic region and the secondary elastic region having higher strength than the primary elastic region.
US08222168B2	Printing blanket for mounting on a rotating supporting cylinder of a printing machine The invention relates to a printing blanket for mounting on a rotating supporting cylinder of a printing machine. The printing blanket is in the form of a sheet whose ends are configured as leading edges and trailing edges that are adapted for being engaged in an axial fixing gap of the supporting cylinder. The blanket is characterized in that it has a multilayer structure consisting of film and reinforcing fibers. The invention can be used in the area of the printing machines.
US08222163B2	Method of flattening a recess in a substrate and fabricating a semiconductor structure A recess is usually formed on the sidewall of the trench due to the dry etch. The recess may influence the profile of an element formed in the trench. Therefore, a method of flattening a recess in a substrate is provided. The method includes: first, providing a substrate having a trench therein, wherein the trench has a sidewall comprising a recessed section and an unrecessed section. Then, a recessed section oxidation rate change step is performed to change an oxidation rate of the recessed section. Later, an oxidizing process is performed to the substrate so as to form a first oxide layer on the recessed section, and a second oxide layer on the unrecessed section, wherein the second oxide layer is thicker than the first oxide layer. Finally, the first oxide layer and the second oxide layer are removed to form a flattened sidewall of the trench.
US08222155B2	Selectivity control in a plasma processing system A method in a plasma processing system for etching a feature through a given layer on a semiconductor substrate. The method includes placing the substrate in a plasma processing chamber of the plasma processing system. The method also includes flowing an etchant gas mixture into the plasma processing chamber, the etchant gas mixture being configured to etch the given layer. The method additionally includes striking a plasma from the etchant source gas. Furthermore, the method includes etching the feature at least partially through the given layer while applying a bias RF signal to the substrate, the bias RF signal having a bias RF frequency of between about 45 MHz and about 75 MHz. The bias RF signal further has a bias RF power component that is configured to cause the etch feature to be etched with an etch selectivity to a second layer of the substrate that is higher than a predefined selectivity threshold.
US08222154B2	Fin and finFET formation by angled ion implantation A semiconductor device is formed by providing a substrate and forming a semiconductor-containing layer atop the substrate. A mask having a plurality of openings is then formed atop the semiconductor-containing layer, wherein adjacent openings of the plurality of openings of the mask are separated by a minimum feature dimension. Thereafter, an angled ion implantation is performed to introduce dopants to a first portion of the semiconductor-containing layer, wherein a remaining portion that is substantially free of dopants is present beneath the mask. The first portion of the semiconductor-containing layer containing the dopants is removed selective to the remaining portion of semiconductor-containing layer that is substantially free of the dopants to provide a pattern of sublithographic dimension, and the pattern is transferred into the substrate to provide a fin structure of sublithographic dimension.
US08222147B2	Semiconductor device with stop layers and fabrication method using ceria slurry The present invention provides a method of fabricating a semiconductor device including forming stop layers (32) that include silicon oxy-nitride films above a semiconductor substrate, forming a cover film (34) between and on the stop layers, in which a top surface of the cover film above a region between the stop layers is higher than top surfaces of the stop layers, and polishing the cover film to the stop layers by using ceria slurry, and also provides a semiconductor device including metal layers (30) provided above a semiconductor substrate, silicon oxy-nitride films (32) provided on the metal layers, and an embedded layer (36) provided between the metal layers to have a top surface substantially coplanar with top surfaces of the silicon oxy-nitride films. According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a semiconductor device having a film of excellent planarization on a surface thereof and fabrication method therefor.
US08222146B2	Semiconductor device with a line and method of fabrication thereof A semiconductor device includes an interlayer insulation film, an underlying line provided in the interlayer insulation film, a liner film overlying the interlayer insulation film, an interlayer insulation film overlying the liner film. The underlying line has a lower hole and the liner film and the interlayer insulation film have an upper hole communicating with the lower hole, and the lower hole is larger in diameter than the upper hole. The semiconductor device further includes a conductive film provided at an internal wall surface of the lower hole, a barrier metal provided along an internal wall surface of the upper hole, and a Cu film filling the upper and lower holes. The conductive film contains a substance identical to a substance of the barrier metal. A highly reliable semiconductor device can thus be obtained.
US08222140B2	Pitch division patterning techniques Embodiments of the invention comprise pitch division techniques to extend the capabilities of lithographic techniques beyond their minimum pitch. The pitch division techniques described herein employ additional processing to ensure pitch divided lines have the spatial isolation necessary to prevent shorting problems. The pitch division techniques described herein further employ processing acts to increase the structural robustness of high aspect ratio features.
US08222136B2	Method of forming contacts for a semiconductor device The present disclosure provides a method of fabricating a semiconductor device. The method includes forming a layer over a substrate. The method includes forming a first opening in the layer that exposes a first region of the substrate. The method includes removing a first oxidation layer formed over the first region through a first sputtering process. The method includes filling the first opening with a conductive material. The method includes forming a second opening in the layer that exposes a second region of the substrate, the second region being different from the first region. The method includes removing a second oxidation layer formed over the second region through a second sputtering process. One of the first and second sputtering processes is more powerful than the other.
US08222134B2	Self-aligned barrier layers for interconnects An interconnect structure for integrated circuits incorporates manganese silicate and manganese silicon nitride layers that completely surrounds copper wires in integrated circuits and methods for making the same are provided. The manganese silicate forms a barrier against copper diffusing out of the wires, thereby protecting the insulator from premature breakdown, and protecting transistors from degradation by copper. The manganese silicate and manganese silicon nitride also promote strong adhesion between copper and insulators, thus preserving the mechanical integrity of the devices during manufacture and use. The strong adhesion at the copper-manganese silicate and manganese silicon nitride interfaces also protect against failure by electromigration of the copper during use of the devices. The manganese-containing sheath also protects the copper from corrosion by oxygen or water from its surroundings.
US08222130B2	High voltage device A method of forming a device is presented. The method includes providing a substrate prepared with an active device region. The active device region includes gate stack layers of a gate stack including at least a gate electrode layer over a gate dielectric layer. A first mask is provided on the substrate corresponding to the gate. The substrate is patterned to at least remove portions of a top gate stack layer unprotected by the first mask. A second mask is also provided on the substrate with an opening exposing a portion of the first mask and the top gate stack layer. A channel well is formed by implanting ions through the opening and gate stack layers into the substrate.
US08222126B2	Laser irradiation apparatus and method for manufacturing semiconductor device It is an object of the present invention to provide a laser irradiation apparatus being able to irradiate the irradiation object with the laser beam having homogeneous energy density without complicating the optical system. The laser irradiation apparatus of the present invention comprises a laser oscillator, an optical system for scanning repeatedly a beam spot of the laser beam emitted from the laser oscillator in a uniaxial direction over the surface of the irradiation object, and a position controlling means for moving the position of the irradiation object relative to the laser beam in a direction perpendicular to the uniaxial direction.
US08222124B2	Method for manufacturing SIMOX wafer and SIMOX wafer This method for manufacturing a SIMOX wafer includes: forming a mask layer on one surface side of a silicon single crystal wafer, which has an opening on a region where a BOX layer is to be formed; implanting oxygen ions through the opening of the mask layer into the silicon single crystal wafer to a predetermined depth, and locally forming an oxygen implantation region; annealing the silicon single crystal wafer with the mask layer, and oxidizing the oxygen implantation region so as to form the BOX layer; and removing a coated oxide film that covers the whole silicon single crystal wafer which is formed in the annealing of the silicon single crystal wafer, wherein the mask layer has a lamination comprising an oxide film and either one or both of a polysilicon film and an amorphous silicon film.
US08222120B2	Method of dicing wafer using plasma Provided is a method of dicing a wafer that is thin and includes a low-K material using plasma without causing chipping and cracking during sawing without using an etch mask and without performing a separate wafer coating process. The method includes recognizing scribe lines of a front side of the wafer by using an image recognizing unit to obtain recognition information, performing two etching processes, wherein at least one includes plasma etching, on a backside of the wafer by using the recognition information to separate the wafer into a plurality of semiconductor chips, and adhering the plurality of semiconductor chips to an extended tape or a die attach film.
US08222119B2	Apparatus and method of temperature control during cleaving processes of thick materials A method for temperature control during a process of cleaving a plurality of free-standing thick films from a bulk material includes clamping a bulk material using a mechanical clamp device adapted to engage the bottom region of the bulk material through a seal with a planar surface of a stage to form a cavity with a height between the bottom region and the planar surface. The planar surface includes a plurality of gas passageways allowing a gas filled in the cavity with adjustable pressure. The method also includes maintaining the temperature of the surface region by processing at least input data and executing a control scheme utilizing at least one or more of: particle bombardment to heat the surface region; radiation to heat the surface region; and gas-assisted conduction between the bottom region and the stage.
US08222115B2	Method of forming a high capacitance diode In one embodiment, high doped semiconductor channels are formed in a semiconductor region of an opposite conductivity type to increase the capacitance of the device.
US08222113B2	Method of forming MOS device A method for forming a metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) device includes at least steps of forming a pair of trenches in a substrate at both sides of a gate structure, filling the trenches with a silicon germanium layer by a selective epitaxy growth process, forming a cap layer on the silicon germanium layer by a selective growth process, and forming a pair of source/drain regions by performing an ion implantation process. Hence, the undesirable effects caused by ion implantation can be mitigated.
US08222112B2	Method for manufacturing NAND memory cells A method for manufacturing NAND memory cells includes providing a substrate having a first doped region formed therein; forming a first dielectric layer, a storage layer and a patterned hard mask on the substrate; forming a STI in the substrate through the patterned hard mask and removing the patterned hard mask to define a plurality of recesses; forming a second dielectric layer and a first conductive layer filling the recesses on the substrate; and performing a planarization process to remove a portion of the first conductive layer and the second dielectric layer to form a plurality of self-aligned islanding gate structures.
US08222107B2	Method for producing semiconductor element A method of producing a semiconductor device according to the present invention includes: a step of implanting an impurity into a semiconductor layer 2 by using a first implantation mask layer 30, thereby forming a body region 6; a step of implanting an impurity by using the first implantation mask layer 30 and a second implantation mask layer 31, thereby forming a contact region 7 within the body region 6; a step of forming a third implantation mask layer 32, and thereafter selectively removing the second implantation mask layer 31; a step of forming a side wall 34 on a side face of the first implantation mask layer 30; and a step of implanting an impurity to form a source region 8 within the body region 6.
US08222106B2	Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device, method of fabricating the nonvolatile semiconductor memory device and process of writing data on the nonvolatile semiconductor memory device A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device includes a semiconductor substrate, a plurality of first element isolation insulating films formed on a surface of the semiconductor substrate corresponding to a first cell array region into a band shape, a plurality of second element isolation insulating films formed on a surface of the semiconductor substrate corresponding to a second cell array region into a band shape. Each first element isolation insulating film has a level from a surface of the semiconductor substrate, the first charge storage layer has a level from the surface of the semiconductor substrate, and each second element isolation insulating film has a level from the surface of the semiconductor substrate, the level of each first element isolation insulating film being lower than the level of the first charge storage layer and higher than the level of each second element isolation insulating film.
US08222099B2	Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same A semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. A multi-component high-k interface layer containing elements of the substrate is formed from a ultra-thin high-k dielectric material in a single-layer structure of atoms by rapid annealing in the manufacturing of a CMOS transistor by the replacement gate process, and a high-k gate dielectric layer with a higher dielectric constant and a metal gate layer are formed thereon. The EOT of the device is effectively decreased, and the diffusion of atoms in the high-k gate dielectric layer from an upper level thereof is effectively prevented by the optimized high-k interface layer at high-temperature treatment. Thus, the present invention may also avoid the growth of the interface layers and the degradation of carrier mobility. Furthermore, the present invention may further alleviate the problem of high interface state and interface roughness caused by direct contact of the high-k gate dielectric layer with high dielectric constant and the substrate, and thus the overall performance of the device is effectively enhanced.
US08222097B2	Method for manufacturing semiconductor device It is an object to form a conductive region between a front surface and a rear surface of an insulating film without forming contact holes in the insulating film. A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device is provided, in which an insulating film is formed over a semiconductor element and a first electrode electrically connected to the semiconductor element which are over a substrate, a first region having many defects is formed at a first depth in the insulating film by adding first ions into the insulating film at a first accelerating voltage; a second region having many defects is formed at a second depth which is different from the first depth in the insulating film by adding second ions into the insulating film at a second accelerating voltage which is different from the first accelerating voltage, a conductive material containing a metal element is formed over the first and second regions having many defects; and a conductive region which electrically connects the first electrode and the conductive material containing the metal element is formed in the insulating film by diffusing the metal element from the upper region to the lower region of the first and second regions having many defects.
US08222096B2	Method for forming organic semiconductor thin film and method of manufacturing thin-film semiconductor device A method for forming an organic semiconductor thin film includes the steps of forming a mixed ink layer on a principal plane of a printing plate, the mixed ink layer including a mixture of an organic semiconductor material incapable of transcription and an organic material capable of transcription from the printing plate to a substrate in ink form dissolved in a solvent, and forming an organic semiconductor thin film by transcribing the mixed ink layer onto the substrate by transcribing the mixed ink layer on the printing plate to the substrate.
US08222092B2	Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof A semiconductor device which includes a thin film transistor having an oxide semiconductor layer and excellent electrical characteristics is provided. Further, a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device in which plural kinds of thin film transistors of different structures are formed over one substrate to form plural kinds of circuits and in which the number of steps is not greatly increased is provided. After a metal thin film is formed over an insulating surface, an oxide semiconductor layer is formed thereover. Then, oxidation treatment such as heat treatment is performed to oxidize the metal thin film partly or entirely. Further, structures of thin film transistors are different between a circuit in which emphasis is placed on the speed of operation, such as a logic circuit, and a matrix circuit.
US08222084B2	Method and system for template assisted wafer bonding A method of fabricating a composite semiconductor structure includes providing an SOI substrate including a plurality of silicon-based devices and providing a compound semiconductor substrate including a plurality of photonic devices. The method also includes dicing the compound semiconductor substrate to provide a plurality of photonic dies. Each die includes one or more of the plurality of photonics devices. The method further includes providing an assembly substrate, mounting the plurality of photonic dies on predetermined portions of the assembly substrate, aligning the SOI substrate and the assembly substrate, joining the SOI substrate and the assembly substrate to form a composite substrate structure, and removing at least a portion of the assembly substrate from the composite substrate structure.
US08222080B2	Fabrication method of package structure Provided is a fabrication method of a package structure, including cutting a full-panel packaging substrate into a plurality of packaging substrate blocks, each of which has a plurality of packaging substrate units; mounting and packaging a semiconductor chip on each of the packaging substrate units and securing and protecting the semiconductor chips with an encapsulating material, thereby forming a plurality of packaging substrate blocks with packaging substrate units; and cutting the packaging substrate blocks to separate the packaging substrate units from each other. In the fabrication process, the alignment error between packaging substrate units in each packaging substrate block can be reduced by cutting the packaging substrate into packaging substrate blocks of appropriate size, thereby increasing the yield, and also the packaging of the semiconductor chips can be performed at the same time on all packaging substrate units in each substrate block so as to integrate fabrication of substrates with the packaging of semiconductor chips to simplify fabrication steps, thus increasing the productivity and reducing fabrication costs.
US08222079B2	Semiconductor device and method of making semiconductor device A semiconductor device includes a carrier, a semiconductor chip formed on the carrier, and a micro-chip which is electrically connected to the chip, and includes a thickness which is less than a thickness of the chip.
US08222076B2	Fabricating amorphous zinc oxide semiconductor layer A process for fabricating a semiconductor layer of an electronic device including: liquid depositing one or more zinc oxide precursor compositions and forming at least one semiconductor layer of the electronic device comprising predominately amorphous zinc oxide from the liquid deposited one or more zinc oxide precursor compositions.
US08222074B2	Anisotropic semiconductor film and method of production thereof The present invention relates generally to the field of macro- and microelectronics with the potential for large-scale integration, optics, communications, and computer technology and particularly to the materials for these and other related fields. The present invention provides an anisotropic semiconductor film on a substrate, comprising at least one solid layer of material that comprises predominantly planar graphene-like carbon-based structures and possesses anisotropy of conductivity, and wherein the layer thickness is in a range from approximately 5 nm to 1000 nm.
US08222073B2	Fabricating TFT having fluorocarbon-containing layer A process for fabricating a thin film transistor comprising: (a) forming a gate dielectric; (b) forming a layer including a substance comprising a fluorocarbon structure; and (c) forming a semiconductor layer including a thiophene compound comprising one or more substituted thiophene units, one or more unsubstituted thiophene units, and optionally one or more divalent linkages, wherein the layer contacts the gate dielectric and is disposed between the semiconductor layer and the gate dielectric.
US08222072B2	Methods of fabricating devices by low pressure cold welding Methods of transferring a metal and/or organic layer from a patterned stamp, preferably a soft, elastomeric stamp, to a substrate are provided. The patterned metal or organic layer may be used for example, in a wide range of electronic devices. The present methods are particularly suitable for nanoscale patterning of organic electronic components.
US08222071B2	Method for making self aligning pillar memory cell device A method for making a memory cell assembly includes forming a memory cell access layer over a substrate to create an access device with a bottom electrode. A memory material layer is formed over the memory cell access layer in electrical contact with the bottom electrode. A first electrically conductive layer is formed over the memory material layer. A first mask, extending in a first direction, is formed over the first electrically conductive layer and then trimmed so that those portions of the first electrically conductive layer and the memory material layer not covered by the first mask are removed.
US08222070B2	Method of forming a thin film transistor having openings formed therein A thin film transistor array panel includes a substrate, a plurality of first and second signal lines crossing each other on the substrate, source electrodes connected to the first signal lines, drain electrodes connected to the second signal lines, pixel electrodes connected to the drain electrodes, a first partition formed on the source and drain electrodes and having a first opening, wherein a lower width of the first opening is wider than an upper width of the first opening, an organic semiconductor formed in the first opening and at least overlapping the portions of the source electrode and the drain electrode, and a gate electrode connected to the second signal line and at least overlapping the portion of the organic semiconductor.
US08222068B2	Method for manufacturing image sensor A method for manufacturing an image sensor including forming a microlens array over a color filter array, forming a capping layer over the semiconductor substrate including the microlens array, forming a pad mask over the capping layer, and then exposing a pad in an interlayer dielectric layer.
US08222067B2	Method of manufacturing multibit electro-mechanical memory device having movable electrode A multibit electro-mechanical memory device comprises a substrate, a bit line on the substrate, a first interlayer insulating film on the bit line, first and second lower word lines on the first interlayer insulating film, the first and second lower word lines separated horizontally from each other by a trench, a spacer abutting a sidewall of each of the first and second lower word lines, a pad electrode inside a contact hole, first and second cantilever electrodes suspended over first and second lower voids that correspond to upper parts of the first and second lower word lines provided in both sides on the pad electrode, the first and second cantilever electrodes being separated from each other by the trench, and being curved in a third direction that is perpendicular to the first and second direction; a second interlayer insulating film on the pad electrode, first and second trap sites supported by the second interlayer insulating film to have first and second upper voids on the first and second cantilever electrodes, and first and second upper word lines on the first and second trap sites.
US08222066B2	Eliminate release etch attack by interface modification in sacrificial layers Methods of making a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device are described. In some embodiments, the method includes forming a sacrificial layer over a substrate, treating at least a portion of the sacrificial layer to form a treated sacrificial portion, forming an overlying layer over at least a part of the treated sacrificial portion, and at least partially removing the treated sacrificial portion to form a cavity situated between the substrate and the overlying layer, the overlying layer being exposed to the cavity.
US08222063B2	Method for fabricating robust light-emitting diodes One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for fabricating light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The method includes fabricating an InGaAlN-based multilayer LED structure on a conductive substrate. The method further includes etching grooves of a predetermined pattern through the active region of the multilayer LED structure. The grooves separate a light-emitting region from non-light-emitting regions. In addition, the method includes depositing electrode material on the light-emitting and non-light-emitting regions, thereby creating an electrode. Furthermore, the method includes depositing a passivation layer covering the light-emitting and non-light-emitting regions. Moreover, the method includes removing the passivation layer on the electrode to allow the non-light-emitting regions which are covered with the electrode material and the passivation layer to be higher than the light-emitting region and the electrode, thereby protecting the light-emitting region from contact with test equipment.
US08222060B2	Liquid crystal display device and method of fabricating the same An LCD device and a method of fabricating the device, in which the method includes preparing an insulating substrate including a gate wiring area and sequentially forming a gate wiring layer including a silver layer and a self-assembled monolayer on the insulating substrate. A mold mask is positioned above the insulating substrate, where the mold mask has a predetermined pattern to expose the gate wiring area. A self-assembled monolayer pattern is formed by printing the predetermined pattern of the mold mask into the self-assembled monolayer and a gate wiring pattern is formed by selectively etching the silver layer using the self-assembled monolayer pattern as an etching mask, where the gate wiring pattern includes a gate pad, a gate electrode and a gate line. The LCD device includes a gate wiring layer including a self-assembled monolayer and a metal layer of silver overlying an insulating substrate.
US08222058B2	Method for producing semiconductor optical device A method for producing a semiconductor optical device, includes the steps of: forming a semiconductor region including a semiconductor layer on a substrate; preparing a mold including a pattern surface, the pattern surface including an arrangement of patterns each including first to n-th pattern portions; forming a first mask on the semiconductor region with the mold by a nano-imprint technique; forming first to n-th periodic structures in each of the device sections in the semiconductor region by using the first mask, the first to n-th periodic structures respectively corresponding to the first to n-th pattern portions; forming a second mask after the first mask is removed, the second mask including a first pattern on an i-th periodic structure (1≦i≦n) among the first to n-th periodic structures in a first section of the device sections and including a second pattern on a j-th periodic structure (1≦j≦n) among the first to n-th periodic structures in a second section of the device sections; and forming first and second stripe mesas in the first and second sections respectively by using the second mask.
US08222057B2	Crack free multilayered devices, methods of manufacture thereof and articles comprising the same Disclosed herein is an article comprising a substrate; an interlayer comprising aluminum nitride, gallium nitride, boron nitride, indium nitride or a solid solution of aluminum nitride, gallium nitride, boron nitride and/or indium nitride; the interlayer being directly disposed upon the substrate and in contact with the substrate; where the interlayer comprises a columnar film and/or nanorods and/or nanotubes; and a group-III nitride layer disposed upon the interlayer; where the group-III nitride layer completely covers a surface of the interlayer that is opposed to a surface in contact with the substrate; the group-III nitride layer being free from cracks.
US08222056B2	Manufacturing method of light-emitting diode A manufacturing method of a light-emitting diode, includes the steps of: successively growing a first clad layer, an active layer and a second clad layer on a substrate; and patterning the first clad layer, the active layer and the second clad layer into a specified plane shape, and causing at least a part of an outer peripheral part of the active layer to protrude to an outside from at least one of the first clad layer and the second clad layer.
US08222053B2	Patterned assembly for manufacturing a solar cell and a method thereof Apparatuses and methods for manufacturing a solar cell are disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the solar cell may be manufactured by disposing a solar cell in a chamber having a particle source; disposing a patterned assembly comprising an aperture and an assembly segment between the particle source and the solar cell; and selectively implanting first type dopants traveling through the aperture into a first region of the solar cell while minimizing introduction of the first type dopants into a region outside of the first region.
US08222048B2	Automated analyzer for clinical laboratory A laboratory automation system that is capable of carrying out clinical chemistry assays, immunoassays, amplification of nucleic acid assays, and any combination of the foregoing, said laboratory automation system employing at least one of micro-well plates and deep multi-well plates as reaction vessels. The use of micro-well plates as reaction vessels enables the laboratory automation system to assume a variety of arrangements, i.e., the laboratory automation system can comprise a variety of functional modules that can be arranged in various ways. In order to effectively carry out immunoassays by means of micro-well plates, a technique known as inverse magnetic particle processing can be used to transfer the product(s) of immunoassays from one micro-well of a micro-well plate to another.
US08222047B2	Ultra-sensitive detection of molecules on single molecule arrays The present invention relates to systems and methods for detecting analyte molecules or particles in a fluid sample and in some cases, determining a measure of the concentration of the molecules or particles in the fluid sample. Methods of the present invention may comprise immobilizing a plurality of analyte molecules or particles to form a plurality of complexes, releasing at least a portion of some of the plurality of complexes, determining at least a portion of the plurality of complexes released, and determining a measure of the concentration of the analyte molecules or particles in a fluid sample.
US08222045B2	Microfluidic device using centrifugal force, method of manufacturing the microfluidic device and sample analyzing method using the microfluidic device Provided is a microfluidic device including: a sample chamber; at least one analyzing unit receiving a sample from the sample chamber and detecting components contained in the sample according to a reaction of the sample and a reagent; and a denaturation detection chamber determining the storage condition of the microfluidic device, wherein the denaturation detection chamber accommodates a material whose light absorption changes according to the temperature and the water thereof.
US08222040B2	Nucleic acid sequencing by selective excitation of microparticles Nucleic acid microparticles are sequenced by performing a sequencing reaction on the microparticles using one or more reagents, selectively exciting the microparticles in an excitation pattern, optically imaging the microparticles at a resolution insufficient to resolve individual microparticles, and processing the optical images of the microparticles using information on the excitation pattern to determine the presence or absence of the optical signature, which indicates the sequence information of the nucleic acid. An apparatus for optical excitation of the microparticles comprises an optical fiber delivering a first laser beam, and an interference pattern generation module coupled to the optical fiber. The interference pattern generation module splits the first laser beam into second and third laser beams and generates the excitation pattern for selectively exciting the microparticles by interference between the second and third laser beams.
US08222039B2	Process for purification of water soluble polymers A process for purification of water soluble polymers is provided. A polymer of interest can be separated from a mixture of polymers, provided the polymer of interest differs from other polymers in the mixture in the number of reactive terminal groups. The process involves derivatizing polymers at the reactive terminal groups with a derivatizing molecule, bearing either (i) two or three cationic or anionic ionizable groups, and a group capable of covalent bonding to the reactive terminal groups or (ii) three or four ionizable groups, at least one of which is capable of covalent bonding to the reactive terminal groups; followed by ion exchange. The process allows removal of PEG from MPEG, and can be used for polymers having an average size greater than 9,000 Da Derivatization may be reversible in order to allow re-use of recovered contaminant polymers.
US08222034B2	Tissue culture medium comprising transforming growth factor beta 1 and basic fibroblast growth factor The present invention is of methods of establishing and propagating human embryonic stem cell lines using feeder cells-free, xeno-free culture systems and stem cells which are capable of being maintained in an undifferentiated, pluripotent and proliferative state in culture which is free of xeno contaminants and feeder cells.
US08222033B2	CD4+CD25− T cells and Tr1-like regulatory T cells The invention provides CD4+CD25− T cells and Tr1-like regulatory T cells (i.e., contact-independent Type 1-like regulatory T cells), processes for their production and their use for regulatory purposes.
US08222032B2	Cell lines and methods for producing proteins The methods of the present invention involve the manipulation and/or propagation of oviduct tumor cells derived from either wild-type or transgenic avians.
US08222030B2	Method for the separation of living cells The present in invention relates to a method for the separation of living cells from a mixture of dead and living cells which optionally can also possibly contain cell fragments.
US08222029B2	Lentiviral vector-based vaccine Methods of eliciting humoral responses, methods of immunization, and methods of vaccination using lentiviral vector are disclosed. Additionally, immunogenic compositions and vaccines for West Nile Virus are disclosed.
US08222027B2	Systems and methods for cryopreservation of cells An auto-nucleating device includes a tube containing a crystalline cholesterol matrix. The ends of the tube are closed by a membrane that is impermeable to the cholesterol but permeable to liquids contained in a cryopreservation vessel. The auto-nucleating device provides a site for ice nucleation during freezing of the liquid within the vessel. One such cryopreservation vessel is a flexible vial having a closed port at one adapted to be pierced by a needle to withdraw the liquid within, and an opposite end that is initially open to receive the liquid. Another vessel includes an adaptor mounted to liquid container with a tubular branch closed by a needle septum and another tubular branch provided with a barbed fitting for engaging a flexible tube that terminates in a needle septum. In another embodiment, the vessel includes an inlet and vent branch at the top of the container and an outlet septum at a bottom opening.
US08222024B2	Apparatus and methods for analyte measurement and immunoassay The present invention relates to an apparatus for conducting a variety of assays for the determination of analytes in liquid samples, and relates to the methods for such assays. In particular, the invention relates to a single-use cartridge designed to be adaptable to a variety of real-time assay protocols, preferably assays for the determination of analytes in biological samples using immunosensors or other ligand/ligand receptor-based biosensor embodiments. The cartridge provides novel features for processing a metered portion of a sample, for precise and flexible control of the movement of a sample or second fluid within the cartridge, for the amending of solutions with additional compounds during an assay, and for the construction of immunosensors capable of adaptation to diverse analyte measurements. The disclosed device and methods of use enjoy substantial benefits over the prior art, including simplicity of use by an operator, rapid in situ determinations of one or more analytes, and single-use methodology that minimizes the risk of contamination of both operator and patient. The disclosed invention is adaptable to the point-of-care clinical diagnostic field, including use in accident sites, emergency rooms, surgery, nursing homes, intensive care units, and non-medical environments.
US08222019B2	Cell lines expressing T1R2/T1R3 hetero-oligomeric taste receptors and assay system thereof for identification of taste compounds The present invention relates to the discovery that the T1R receptors assemble to form functional taste receptors. Particularly, it has been discovered that co-expression of T1R1 and T1R3 results in a taste receptor that responds to umami taste stimuli, including monosodium glutamate. Also, it has been discovered that co-expression of the T1R2 and T1R3 receptors results in a taste receptor that responds to sweet taste stimuli including naturally occurring and artificial sweeteners.Also the present invention relates to the use of hetero-oligomeric taste receptors comprising T1R1/T1R3 and T1R2/T1R3 in assays to identify compounds that respectively respond to umami taste stimuli and sweet taste stimuli.Further, the invention relates to the constitutive of cell lines that stably or transiently co-express a combination of T1R1 and T1R3; or T1R2 and T1R3; under constitutive or inducible conditions. The use of these cells lines in cell-based assays to identify umami and sweet taste modulatory compounds is also provided, particularly high throughput screening assays that detect receptor activity by use of fluorometric imaging.Finally, the invention relates to the discovery that some compounds, e.g., lactisole, inhibit both the activities of human T1R2/T1R3 and T1R1/T1R3 receptors, and accordingly the sweet and umami taste, suggesting that these receptors may be the only sweet and umami receptors.
US08222015B2	Heat resistant bioactive composition A bioactive composition includes a hydrogel matrix. At least one protein is immobilized in the hydrogel matrix. The digestive protein has a half-life at least 1000 times longer than the half-life of a free digestive protein counterpart.
US08222010B2	Renewable chemical production from novel fatty acid feedstocks Disclosed herein are methods of manufacturing renewable chemicals through the manufacture of novel triglyceride oils followed by chemical modification of the oils. Methods such as transesterification, hydrogenation, hydrocracking, deoxygenation, isomerization, interesterification, hydroxylation, hydrolysis and saponification are disclosed. Novel oils containing fatty acid chain lengths of C8, C10, C12 or C14 are also disclosed and are useful as feedstocks in the methods of the invention.
US08222008B2	Methods and compositions for treating cancer Pharmaceutical compositions and kits useful for the treatment of cancer include certain alkyl esters of cystine and certain alkyl-substituted cystamine derived esters, including, for example, cystine dimethyl ester and a di-alkyl peptidyl cystamine ester, among others. These compounds may be employed in methods of treating cancers or methods of determining sensitivity of certain cancer cells to apoptosis alone, or in combination with other chemotherapeutic, radiological or apoptotic agents.
US08222005B2	Method for gene identification signature (GIS) analysis An isolated oligonucleotide comprising at least one ditag, wherein the ditag comprises two joined first and second sequence tags, wherein the first tag comprises the 5′-terminus sequence and the second tag comprises the 3′-terminus sequence of a nucleic acid molecule or a fragment thereof. The ditag analysis is useful for gene discovery and genome mapping.
US08222004B2	Diagnosis and treatment of autism using CD38 The invention relates to a method for screening a pharmaceutical for treating or preventing a neurodevelopmental disorder or a psychiatric disorder accompanied by an abnormality of oxytocin system by using an increase in expression or enzymatic activity of CD38 as an index, and a diagnosis of a predisposition to a neurodevelopmental disorder or a psychiatric disorder accompanied by an abnormality of oxytocin system by using a mutation present in a CD38 gene region as an index.
US08222000B2	Recombinant bacteria having the ability to metabolize sucrose Recombinant bacteria capable of metabolizing sucrose are described. The recombinant bacteria comprise in their genome or on at least one recombinant construct: a nucleotide sequence from Bacillus licheniformis ATCC® 14580 encoding a polypeptide having sucrose transporter activity and a nucleotide sequence from Bacillus licheniformis ATCC® 14580 encoding a polypeptide having sucrose hydrolase activity. These nucleotide sequences are each operably linked to the same or a different promoter. Recombinant bacteria capable of metabolizing sucrose to produce glycerol and/or glycerol-derived products such as 1,3-propanediol and 3-hydroxypropionic acid are also described.
US08221999B2	Protein production The invention concerns the field of protein production and cell culture technology. CERT is identified as a novel in vivo PKD substrate. Phosphorylation on serine 132 by PKD decreases the affinity of CERT towards its lipid target phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate at Golgi membranes and reduces ceramide transfer activity, identifying PKD as a regulator of lipid homeostasis. The present invention shows that CERT in turn is critical for PKD activation and PKD dependent protein cargo transport to the plasma membrane. The interdependence of PKD and CERT is thus a key to the maintenance of Golgi membrane integrity and secretory transport.
US08221996B2	High quality, continuous throughput, tissue processing A process and apparatus for rapid, continuous flow histological processing of tissues is disclosed. The steps of fixation, dehydration, clearing and impregnation are performed in less than one hour; this allows a pathologist to evaluate samples shortly after receipt, perhaps while the patient is still in the operating room. Rapid and continuous processing is accomplished by decreasing the thickness of tissue sections, use of non-aqueous solutions composed of admixtures of solutions, solution exchange at elevated temperature and with agitation, and impregnation under vacuum pressure. The patient in surgery is thus provided with point-of-care surgical pathology.
US08221993B2	Methods of detecting methyl transferase activity and methods of screening for methyl transferase activity modulators The invention features a method for determining methyl transferase activity of a polypeptide and screening for modulators of methyl transferase activity. The invention further provides a method or pharmaceutical composition for prevention or treating of colorectal cancer or hepatocellular carcinoma using the modulator.
US08221992B2	Assays for determining compounds which modulate TRAM phosphorylation Disclosed are assays for the determination and quantification of the phosphorylation of TRAM (Trif-related adaptor molecule). TRAM is rapidly phosphorylated upon LPS stimulation by protein kinase C epsilon (PKCε) and that this phosphorylation is vital for TRAM to function normally. Assays suitable for detecting the state of phosphorylation of TRAM have utility in identifying compounds which have activity in modulating TRAM. Further disclosed are compounds which have utility in modulating the phosphorylation of TRAM to modulate signalling mediating by the Toll Like Receptor 4 (TLR4) receptor.
US08221990B2	Screening GPR12 receptor for substances having Nesfatin-1-like action, or which regulate Nesfatin-1 action An object of the present invention is to identify a Nesfatin-1 receptor, and to provide a method for screening or designing a Nesfatin-1-action regulating substance or a Nesfatin-1-like action substance using the Nesfatin-1 receptor.A method for screening a Nesfatin-1-like action substance comprising steps of making a test substance act on a receptor protein selected from the group consisting of GPR3, GPR6 and GPR12, and of identifying the Nesfatin-1-like action substance based on a change of Nesfatin-1 action.
US08221988B2	Methods and compositions relating to CCR5 antagonist, IFN-γ and IL-13 induced inflammation The present invention includes compositions and methods for the treatment of Th1 and/or Th2 mediated inflammatory diseases, relating to inhibiting CCR5. This is because the present invention demonstrates, for the first time, that expression of IFN-γ, IL-13, and CCR5, mediates and/or is associated with Th1 and/or Th2 inflammatory diseases and that inhibiting CCR5 treats, and even prevents, the diseases. Thus, the invention relates to the novel discovery that inhibiting CCR5 treats and prevents Th1 and/or Th2 mediated inflammatory disease.
US08221987B2	Methods of identifying modulators of bitter taste using hT2R50 receptors The present invention relates to the discovery of a novel haplotype of the human taste receptor hT2R50 in the T2R taste receptor family that responds to particular bitter ligands, i.e., 2-acetylpyrazine and ethylpyrazine. The present invention also relates to the use of this novel haplotype in assays for identifying ligands that modulate the activation of the hT250 taste receptor. These compounds potentially may be used as additives in foods, beverages and medicinals for modifying (blocking) hT2R50-associated bitter taste.
US08221986B2	Diagnostic test for the detection of a molecule or drug in whole blood The invention provides methods of preparing a test sample for use in an assay for detecting an analyte bound by an intracellular ligand. The methods typically involve contacting the test sample with an assay reagent comprising: a lysis reagent; and a protease that has proteolytic activity for said intracellular ligand; to form a mixture compatible for use in an immunoassay without subsequent extraction steps. Other aspects of the invention include related immunoassays and test kits.
US08221982B2	Compositions and methods for the assembly of polynucleotides The present invention provides compositions and methods for rapid assembly of one or more assembled polynucleotides from a plurality of component polynucleotides. The methods of the invention utilize circular nucleic acid vectors that comprise a DNA segment D flanked by an annealable linker sequence, annealable linker sequence pairs LA and LB, or annealable linker sequence/primer binding segment pairs LA and PB or PA and LB. Restriction endonuclease digestion of a plurality of vectors containing the DNA segments to be assembled generates a plurality of DNA fragments comprising the elements PA-D-LB, LA-D-LB, and LA-D-PB or D-LB, LA-D-LB, and LA-D. The sequences of annealable linker sequences LA and LB provide complementary termini to the DNA fragments, which are utilized in host cell mediated homologous recombination or together with promer binding segments PA and PB in a polymerase cycling assembly reaction for the ordered assembly of the various DNA segments into one or more assembled polynucleotides.
US08221980B2	Genetic lesion associated with cancer The invention comprises methods for identifying mutations within the 3′ UTRs of genes that lead to increased risk or probability of developing cancer.
US08221976B2	Detection of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 by nucleic acid amplification The present invention relates to a method of detecting the presence or absence of herpes simplex virus (HSV) in a sample based on amplifying a portion of the Glycoprotein G(US4) gene of HSV and detecting the presence of the amplified nucleic acid using primers and detector primers as described herewith. The method of the invention further identifies the type of HSV, either HSV-1 or HSV-2, in a sample. Also encompassed by the invention is a kit comprising the primers and detector primers which may be used with the amplification method described herewith.
US08221975B2	Method for detection of microorganism A live cell of microorganism in a test sample is detected by the following steps of: a) adding a cross-linker capable of cross-linking a DNA by irradiation with light having a wavelength of 350 nm to 700 nm to the test sample; b) irradiating the test sample to which the cross-linker is added with light having a wavelength of 350 nm to 700 nm; c) removing the cross-linker contained in the test sample irradiated with light; d) adding a medium to the test sample from which the cross-linker is removed and incubating the test sample; e) adding again the cross-linker capable of cross-linking a DNA by irradiation with light having a wavelength of 350 nm to 700 nm to the incubated test sample; f) irradiating the test sample to which the cross-linker is added with light having a wavelength of 350 nm to 700 nm; g) extracting a DNA from the test sample and amplifying a target region of the extracted DNA by a nucleic acid amplification method; and h) analyzing the amplified product.
US08221974B2	Method of nucleic acid sequence detection and nucleic acid sequence detection substrate According to an aspect of the present invention, a pair of oligonucleotide strands are anchored onto the surface of a substrate by immobilizing one of the ends thereof onto the substrate. Each of the immobilized oligonucleotide strands is bound to a target nucleic acid sequence (single-stranded) having complementary sequences thereto to form a cross-linked structure on the substrate, thereby forming a finely reticulated space. Ligands are captured by this reticulated space through physical adsorption and caused to color with active substances reactive to the ligands. As a result of this, the present invention is capable of highly sensitively detecting even an exceedingly small concentration of a particular target nucleic acid sequence to be detected, at low cost and for a short time.
US08221973B2	Methods of whole genome analysis Methods are provided for ascertaining the sequence of a genomic DNA sample by nicking the DNA sample with a restriction nicking enzyme, followed by nick translation with labeled nucleotides, such that the labeled nucleotides can be quantified and compared to a known, reference genome.
US08221968B2	Apparatus, method and system for creating, handling, collecting and indexing seed and seed portions from plant seed An apparatuses, methods and systems for creating, handling and collecting seed portions are highly beneficial. The apparatus includes a carrier having one or more carrying positions adapted to carry a seed. The carrying positions having a seed orienter adapted to orient the seed relative to the carrying position in the carrier for creating seed portions therefrom. The method includes taking a carrier having one or more carrying positions, orienting a seed relative to the carrying position in the carrier, ablating the seed with a seed ablation device, and communicating seed portions through a manifold into a compartment layer. The system includes a seed manifold adapted to dock thereon a seed carrier having pre-positioned and pre-oriented seed therein. Seed and seed portions removed from the seed in the carrier are communicated into a collector and compartment layer respectively using the seed manifold.
US08221966B2	Methods of determining cellular chemosensitivity The present invention provides methods of determining cell sensitivity to a therapeutic agent.
US08221964B2	Integrated color mask The invention relates to a process for forming a structure comprising providing a support, coating one side of said support with a colored mask, coating a layer photopatternable by visible light, and exposing the layer through the colored mask with visible light to photopattern the layer.
US08221961B2	Method of manufacturing semiconductor devices The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing semiconductor devices. According to the method, an etch target layer, a chemically amplified photoresist layer, and an Anti-Reflective Coating (ARC) layer are first sequentially formed over a semiconductor substrate. An exposure process is performed in order to form exposure portions in the photoresist layer. A thermal process is performed so that a decrosslinking reaction is generated in the ARC layer on the exposure portions. A development process is performed in order to form photoresist layer patterns and ARC layer patterns by removing the ARC layer at portions in which the decrosslinking reaction has occurred and the exposure portions. A silylation process is performed in order to form silylation patterns on sidewalls of each of the photoresist layer patterns. The ARC layer patterns and the photoresist layer patterns are removed. The etch target layer is patterned using the silylation patterns as an etch mask.
US08221957B2	Planographic printing plate precursor and printing method using the same The invention provides a planographic printing plate precursor comprising: a hydrophilic support; and an image recording layer that is provided on the support, the image recording layer comprising: an infrared ray absorbing agent (A); a polymerization initiator (B); a polymerizable monomer (C); and a specific polymer compound (D) having an alkyleneoxy group in its molecule and having, in a side chain thereof at least one specific group. The invention further provides a printing method using the planographic printing plate precursor, wherein no specific development process is required for performing printing.
US08221954B2	Color toner and method for preparing the same A method of preparing a color toner by: a) preparing an anionic polymer composite emulsion comprising wax with a wax particle and nanosilica as core by in situ emulsion polymerization; b) preparing a cationic polymer composite emulsion comprising colorant with a colorant and nanosilica as core by in situ emulsion polymerization; c) agglutinating the anionic polymer composite emulsion comprising wax and the cationic polymer composite emulsion comprising colorant; and d) filtering, washing, and drying the product obtained in c). The color toner prepared by this method. The color toner has high development density, high resolution, low bottom ash, low waste rate, and low consumption, and is easy to recover and recycle.
US08221952B2	Method of charging toner particles A method of charging toner particles in a liquid toner includes mixing the toner with an acid, and mixing the toner with a base that reacts with the acid to charge the toner particles. The base is added first and the acid subsequently to charge the toner particles with a positive charge.
US08221950B2	Image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus comprising an electrophotographic photoreceptor having a photosensitive layer on an electroconductive substrate, and a toner for developing an electrostatic charge image, wherein the photosensitive layer of the electrophotographic photoreceptor contains a phthalocyanine obtained via an acid paste step; the toner for developing an electrostatic charge image is a toner for developing an electrostatic charge image containing toner matrix particles formed in an aqueous medium; the toner has a volume median diameter (Dv50) of from 4.0 μm to 7.0 μm; and the relationship between the volume median diameter (Dv50) and the percentage in number (Dns) of toner particles having a particle diameter of from 2.00 μm to 3.56 μm satisfies the following formula (1): Dns≦0.233 EXP(17.3/Dv50) (1).
US08221949B2	Toner A toner containing a resin binder containing two kinds of polyesters having softening points that differ by 10° C. or more, a colorant and a charge control agent, wherein the two kinds of polyesters contain a polyester A having a softening point of from 105° to 140° C. and a glass transition temperature of from 30° to 55° C., and a polyester B having a softening point of from 140° to 170° C. and a glass transition temperature of exceeding 55° C. and 80° C. or lower. The toner of the present invention is usable in, for example, development of latent images formed in electrophotography, electrostatic recording method, electrostatic printing method or the like.
US08221947B2	Toner surface treatment The present invention is directed to surface treatment of toner particles and the toner developers used for the dry development of electrostatic charge images.
US08221944B2	Pellicle frame and lithographic pellicle A pellicle frame is provided that comprises a pellicle frame bar having a quadrilateral cross-section, wherein an upper edge and a lower edge of a basic quadrilateral forming said cross-section are parallel to each other and each of side edges of the basic quadrilateral has one quadrilateral recess. There is also provided a lithographic pellicle that includes a pellicle film stretched over one end face of the pellicle frame via a pellicle film adhesive, and that includes an exposure master plate adhesive on the other end face.
US08221943B2	Photomask with assist features A photomask for exposure of a semiconductor wafer using dipole illumination and method of manufacturing the same is disclosed. A method of forming a pattern on a semiconductor using the photomask is also disclosed. The photomask may have an array of islands that are used for printing lines using dipole illumination. The photomask may have sub-resolution assist features (SRAF) to assist in printing the lines. The SRAF may include an array of holes.
US08221939B2	Method and system for fracturing a pattern using charged particle beam lithography with multiple exposure passes having different dosages In the field of semiconductor production using charged particle beam lithography, a method and system for fracturing or mask data preparation or proximity effect correction is disclosed, wherein base dosages for a plurality of exposure passes are different from each other. Methods for manufacturing a reticle and manufacturing an integrated circuit are also disclosed, wherein a plurality of charged particle beam exposure passes are used, with base dosage levels being different for different exposure passes.
US08221937B2	Metal-free vertically-aligned nitrogen-doped carbon nanotube catalyst for fuel cell cathodes Metal-free fuel cell cathodes having a catalytic layer of vertically-aligned, nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (VA-NCNTs) are provided. The fuel cell cathodes comprise a cathode body, a binder layer attached to an outer surface of the cathode body, and the catalytic layer, which is supported by the binder layer. The binder layer may comprise a composite of a conductive polymer and doped or undoped nonaligned carbon nanotubes. In a method for forming the fuel cell cathodes, the VA-NCNTs may be formed by pyrolysis of a metalorganic compound and integration of the nanotubes with nitrogen. The binder layer is applied, and the resulting supported nanotube array may be attached to the cathode body. Fuel cells comprising the fuel cell cathodes are provided. The fuel cell cathodes comprising VA-NCNTs demonstrate superior oxygen-reduction reaction performance, including for electrocatalytic activity, operational stability, tolerance to crossover effects, and resistance to CO poisoning.
US08221935B2	Fuel cell stack A coolant inlet manifold for coolant supply passages is attached to an end plate of a fuel cell stack. Pillars are provided on at least one end of the coolant inlet manifold in a longitudinal direction thereof. The pillars are fitted into through holes formed in the end plate, and are connected to a manifold body and to a connector.
US08221929B2	Fuel cell stack A fuel cell stack includes a stack body formed by stacking a plurality of unit cells, and a casing including end plates. Components of the stack body are held together in the casing. Side plates and angle members of the casing form an outer profile line, and the end plates are positioned inside the outer profile line. Corners of insulating plates protrude outwardly beyond corners of the end plates, and are positioned inside the inner wall surfaces of the corners of the casing.
US08221928B2	Preheating arrangement in a fuel cell apparatus The present invention relates to a preheating arrangement in a fuel cell apparatus, the fuel cell apparatus comprising at least a fuel cell unit having an anode side and a cathode side with an electrolyte therebetween, the fuel cell apparatus having at least a fuel inlet to the anode side and an oxygen-containing air inlet to the cathode side as well as a sulphur removal unit and a fuel modifying unit and an afterburner for combustion the exhaust gases from the anode and/or cathode side. According to the invention, the afterburner is provided with a separate fuel inlet channel for introducing fuel to the afterburner during the start-up phase of the fuel cell apparatus and that at least a part of the exhaust gases formed in the combustion of the separately fed fuel is arranged to be directed from the afterburner for heating at least the sulphur removal unit and/or the fuel modifying unit during the start-up phase. The outlet channels are provided with heat exchangers and adjustment means for adjusting the exhaust gas flow rate.
US08221924B2	Fuel cell system A fuel cell system includes: a fuel cell stack for generating electric power by receiving supply of a reaction gas; an air compressor for scavenging water remaining in the fuel cell stack when power generation is stopped; a rechargeable battery for supplying electric power to the air compressor for operation thereof; and a controller for estimating an amount of water remaining in the fuel cell stack based on an alternating-current impedance of the fuel cell stack, estimating a target SOC for charging the rechargeable battery with electric power required for scavenging the amount of water, and controlling charge and discharge so that an SOC of the rechargeable battery agrees with the target SOC.
US08221923B2	Stop method for fuel cell system and fuel cell system A stop method for a fuel cell system including a fuel cell unit in which hydrogen is supplied to an anode, and air is supplied to a cathode so as to generate electrical power via an electrochemical reaction. The stop method includes the steps of stopping supply of hydrogen to the anode, electrically connecting the anode and the cathode via an electrical load, and supplying air to the anode.
US08221919B2	Process for forming catalyst layer, and process for producing membrane/electrode assembly for polymer electrolyte fuel cell In the production of a membrane/electrode assembly 10, a first catalyst layer 22 (a second catalyst layer 34) is formed by a process comprising steps (a) and (b). (a) A step of applying a coating fluid comprising a catalyst and an ion-exchange resin, on a substrate to form a coating fluid layer. (b) A step of disposing a reinforcing layer 24 (34) on the coating fluid layer formed in the step (a) and then, drying the coating fluid layer to form a first catalyst layer 22 (a second catalyst layer 34) The process provides a catalyst layer whereby defects such as cracks are scarcely formed in the catalyst layer, and the bond strength is high at the interface between the catalyst layer and a reinforcing layer and at the interface between the catalyst layer and a polymer electrolyte membrane.
US08221918B2	Anode for lithium ion secondary battery, production method thereof, and lithium ion secondary battery using the same Disclosed is anode for use in a lithium ion secondary battery. The anode includes an anode current collector and an anode active material arranged thereon, in which the anode active material contains amorphous carbon and at least one metal dispersed in the amorphous carbon, and the at least one metal is selected from: 30 to 70 atomic percent of Si; and 1 to 40 atomic percent of Sn. The anode gives a lithium ion secondary battery that has a high charge/discharge capacity and is resistant to deterioration of its anode active material even after repetitive charge/discharge cycles.
US08221913B2	Battery pack A battery pack that enhances the reliability and coupling force of a connection member electrically connecting two protective circuit boards is disclosed. The battery pack includes: a secondary battery including a positive electrode and a negative electrode; a first protective circuit board electrically connected to the battery; a second protective circuit board electrically connected to the first protective circuit board; and at least one conductive plate coupled to one surface of the first protective circuit board and one surface of the second protective circuit board.
US08221910B2	Thermal regulating building materials and other construction components containing polymeric phase change materials In accordance with one aspect, a thermally regulating construction material comprises a base material and a polymeric phase change material bound to the base material, wherein the base material provides reversible temperature regulation properties to the building construction material. In accordance with another aspect, an insulation material for use in building construction comprises a base material and a polymeric phase change material bound to the base material, wherein the base material provides reversible temperature regulation properties to the insulation material. The base material may be selected from the group consisting of foam insulation, loose fill insulation, and batted insulation.
US08221908B2	Organic electroluminescent device, display, and illuminating device An organic electroluminescent element including at least an emission layer sandwiched between an anode and a cathode, wherein the emission layer comprises at least a compound represented by Formula (A),
US08221903B2	Materials for N-type doping of the electron transporting layers in organic electronic devices The invention pertains to new materials based on donor carbene intermediates for the improvement of electron injection and electron transport in organic electronic components like organic light-emitting diodes (OLED's), organic field effect transistors (OFET's), and components based on organic photovoltaics, in particular organic solar cells.
US08221902B2	Oxyfluoride in the form of a film and preparation method The invention relates to a nanostructured porous oxyfluoride film deposited onto a substrate, to a method for its production, and also to various applications.The oxyfluoride has a porous semicrystalline structure and a refractive index of 1.08 to 1.25, measured in the visible range for a relative humidity level below 80%. Its chemical composition corresponds to the formula (Mg(1−x)Cax)(1−y)MyF(2+(n−2)y−2z−t)Oz(OH)tM′w in which n is the valency of M, n being 1 to 4, M represents at least one element chosen from Al, Si, Ge and Ga, M′ represents at least one element chosen from the group composed of Co, Cr, Ni, Fe, Cu, Sb, Ag, Pd, Cd, Au, Sn, Pb, Ce, Nd, Pr, Eu, Yb, Tb, Dy, Er and Gd, and 0≦w<0.1; 0≦x≦1; 0≦y≦0.5; z<1; z+t>0 and t<2.
US08221900B2	Zinc-based metal plated steel sheet A zinc-based metal plated steel sheet is excellent in tribological properties during press forming. An oxide layer containing crystalline 3Zn(OH)2·ZnSO4·xH2O is formed on a plated surface. The oxide layer has a thickness of 10 nm or more. The crystalline oxide layer is composed of 3Zn(OH)2·ZnSO4·3-5H2O.
US08221899B2	Steel material for dissimilar metal joining, joined body of dissimilar metals and process for joining dissimilar metal materials A joined body of dissimilar metals which is produced by joining a steel material and an aluminum alloy material, wherein the steel material to be joined has a specific composition and is specified in the compositions of outer surface oxide layer and inner oxide layer and the aluminum alloy material to be joined is an Al—Mg—Si-base aluminum alloy having a specific composition. In the joined body of dissimilar metals, a content of Fe at a joint interface on the aluminum alloy material side is regulated, and a reaction layer of Fe and Al is formed at the joint interface of the joined body of dissimilar metals. The joined body of dissimilar metals exhibits high joint strength.
US08221895B2	Base paper for decorative coating materials Base paper for decorative coating materials with a raw paper containing 5 to 55% by weight of a white pigment and/or filler and coated with a coating solution containing at least one water soluble modified starch with a specific molecular weight distribution.
US08221894B2	Surface reinforced solid wood profiles, flooring and manufacturing method The present invention relates to the technical filed of wood processing, in particular to the method for strengthening the wood surface, the profiles and the solid wood flooring of the same. The density of the surface-strengthened solid wood profiles are 300˜580 Kg/m3, the reinforced surface is 1˜5 mm thick, the hardness of the paint film of the reinforced surface is 2H˜8H, the overall moisture content of the profiles are 6˜9%. The hardness of the paint film on the reinforced surface of the inventive solid wood profiles is higher, and the overall moisture content is stable, which is suitable for wider range of climate conditions.
US08221891B2	Coating composition and surface layer The present teachings provide a composition that includes a functionalized polyfluoropolyether and functionalized polybutadiene in a weight ratio of functionalized polyfluoropolyether/functionalized polybutadiene of from about 20/80 to about 80/20 in a solvent. The composition can be used to form a surface layer having a water contact angle of greater than about 90° and a hexanedecane contact angle greater than about 45°.
US08221884B2	Incorporation of functionalizing molecules in nano-patterned epitaxial graphene electronics In a method of making graphite devices, a thin-film graphitic layer disposed against a preselected face of a substrate is created on the preselected face of the substrate. A preselected pattern is generated on the thin-film graphitic layer. At least one functionalizing molecule is attached to a portion of the graphitic layer. The molecule is capable of interacting with π bands in the graphitic layer.
US08221880B2	Adhesive composition An adhesive composition is provided which is capable of providing good adhesion strength to the polyimide surface of a flexible circuit board that is exposed on the metal wiring surface and between the traces even when the polyimide surface is relatively smooth. The adhesive composition contains a thermoplastic resin, a polyfunctional acrylate, and a radical polymerization initiator and further contains a monofunctional urethane acrylate having a urethane residue at its terminal end. The monofunctional urethane acrylate is represented by the formula (1): CH2═CR0—COO—R1—NHCOO—R2 (1) wherein R0 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, R1 is a divalent hydrocarbon group, and R2 is an optionally substituted lower alkyl group.
US08221879B2	Tailor-made functionalized silicon and/or germanium surfaces The present invention relates to functionalized silicon and/or germanium surfaces, methods for the preparation of such tailor-made functionalized silicon and/or germanium surfaces, the use of such tailor-made functionalized silicon and/or germanium surfaces for the preparation of surface-bonded organic materials and the use in industrial devices. The silicon and/or germanium surfaces comprise silicon nitride, silicon carbide, germanium nitride, germanium carbide and silicon germanium surfaces.
US08221876B2	Skin-covered propylene resin foamed molded article The present invention pertains to a skin-covered foamed molded article of expanded propylene resin beads having excellent lightness in weight, mechanical properties and appearance.The present invention provides a skin-covered foamed molded article of propylene resin expanded beads, with the skin covering substantially the entire surface of the molded article of the expanded beads. The skin, within which the molded article of expanded propylene resin beads is placed, is a propylene resin hollow molded body obtained by blow molding. A base resin of which the skin is formed comprises a propylene resin having a partial heat of fusion in a temperature range between 80 and 140° C. of at least 15 J/g and a ratio of the partial heat of fusion to a total heat of fusion (partial heat of fusion/total heat of fusion) of at least 0.2 as measured by heat flux differential scanning calorimetry. The skin has a thickness in the range of 0.3 to 3.5 mm, and the molded article of expanded propylene resin beads has an apparent density in the range of 0.015 to 0.15 g/cm3. The skin is fuse-bonded to the molded article of expanded beads, and the expanded beads from which the molded article is formed are fuse-bonded to each other.
US08221874B1	Durable glass fiber reinforced panel A durable composite sheet is provided, with a method of manufacturing the composite sheet. The method includes using a crack-resistant reinforcement panel between a gel coat and a reinforcement panel, which may be of lauan or of other materials. At least one outer coat of material is applied onto a mold surface. A barrier layer may be formed on the outer coat, preferably by spraying. At least one coat of a resin material, containing a curable resin and optionally a filler, and a fibrous reinforcement material are applied over the outer coat (over the barrier layer if present) to form a reinforcement layer. The reinforcement panel is applied to the crack-resistant reinforcement layer, and is bonded thereto.
US08221873B2	Film slitter, film and film slitting method A multi-head film slitter slits wide film having a photosensitive emulsion layer oriented upwards to produce motion picture film. A lower rotary blade has a lower cutting edge. An upper rotary blade has an upper cutting edge, for shearing the wide film with the lower cutting edge. The upper and lower cutting edges are overlapped partially, and contact one another in a position downstream in a running direction of the wide film. A clearance is provided between the upper and lower cutting edges in a position upstream in the running direction. Also, a lower blade shaft rotates the lower blade. An upper blade shaft is disposed higher than the lower blade shaft, for rotating the upper blade. The clearance is provided by inclining the upper blade shaft on a plane on which the upper blade shaft lies and which is parallel with the wide film.
US08221872B2	Easy-open end An easy-open end comprising a resin-coated metal plate obtained by coating a metal substrate with a anti-blocking agent-containing biaxially drawn film via a primer, wherein an important feature resides in that the anti-blocking agent in the biaxially drawn film is of a spherical shape having an average particle size of 0.5 to 2.5 μm and an average particle size ratio (long diameter/short diameter) in a range of 1.0 to 1.2, and is contained at a ratio of 0.05 to 0.5% by weight in the biaxially drawn film. Even without forming a top-coat layer, therefore, the film is not scratched or the forming-tool is not damaged by the anti-blocking agent that adheres and deposits on the forming tool. Besides, the resin coating favorably adheres to the metal plate offering excellent advantage in production and in economy.
US08221871B2	Metallized polymeric film reflective insulation material A method of thermally insulating an object that requires a Class A standard insulation material, said method comprising suitably locating a metallized polymeric reflective insulation material adjacent said object, wherein said polymeric material is selected from a closed cell foam, polyethylene foam, polypropylene foam, expanded polystyrene foam, multi-film layers assembly and a bubble-pack assembly. The object is preferably packaging, a vehicle or a residential, commercial or industrial building or establishment. The polymeric material may contain a fire-retardant and the bright surface of the metallized layer has a clear lacquer coating to provide anti-corrosion properties, and which maintains satisfactory reflectance commercial criteria.
US08221869B2	Stack-top dunnage The stack-top dunnage can have a sheet having two opposite end sections and a center section therebetween; each end section being successively folded thus forming a thicker ledge portion. The stack-top protector can be placed on top of a stack and the ledges thence receive tie bands that tie the stack to a pallet for shipping.
US08221865B2	Optical recording medium To provide an optical recording medium excellent in the balance of characteristics, which has a sufficient surface hardness and of which the deformation when the environmental temperature and the environmental humidity change is small.An optical recording medium comprising a resin substrate, a recording and reading layer, a cover coat layer which is a cured product of a radiation-curable composition containing a urethane (meth)acrylate (A) and a (meth)acrylate compound (B) other than the urethane (meth)acrylate (A), and a hard coat layer having a surface hardness of at least B in this order, wherein of the cover coat layer, the ratio of the elastic modulus in tension upon absorbing water to saturation to the elastic modulus in tension at 25° C. under a humidity of 45% is at least 0.20.
US08221863B2	Adhesive tape A tape having a woven fabric and an adhesive on at least one side of the fabric. The woven fabric comprises polyester warp yarns and acetate weft yarns.
US08221859B2	Cleaning wipe and method giving water staining resistance The invention provides a moist wipe for cleaning a surface, the wipe comprising a sheet material premoistened with an aqueous emulsion comprising a wax and no or a low amount of silicone compounds. The wipe is used to wipe a surface, to prevent or reduce against water staining on the surface, as might arise from subsequent contact with aqueous liquids. The invention further provides a packaged product containing at least one wipe, and a method of manufacturing moist wipes.
US08221855B2	Cellulose derivative film, optical compensation film, polarizing plate, and liquid crystal device A cellulose derivative film having high optical isotropy over the whole visible region and high durability against high temperature and humidity conditions is provided. The film contains a cellulose derivative having a substituent the polarizability anisotropy Δα (=αx−(αy+αz)/2) of which is 2.5×10−24 cm3 or more, and the film has an in-plane retardation Re and a thickness direction retardation Rth satisfying the respective inequalities: \|Rth(589)\|≦25 nm and \|Re(589)\|≦10 nm. Also provided are an optical compensation film, a polarizing plate, and a liquid crystal device that use the cellulose derivative film and exhibit excellent viewing angle characteristics and durability.
US08221847B2	Active ice-phobic freeze-point reducing anti-ice coating and method for providing anti-ice protection to surfaces The present invention provides a method for providing anti-ice protection to surfaces, particularly aerodynamic surfaces, to prevent foul weather icing for extended periods of time and over repeated icing situations, comprising applying an organic polymer matrix layer to the surface where the organic polymer matrix layer comprises a homopolymer comprising up to 50% porous polymer solids having a pore size of up to 100 Angstroms and being capable of absorbing and chemically bonding an aqueous freeze-point depressant solution in amounts of up to 99.75% by weight.
US08221846B2	Merchandisers having anti-fog coatings and methods for making the same A variety of refrigerators and merchandisers having glass or plastic substrates that are substantially fog-resistant are provided. For example, refrigerator doors having a substantially transparent substrate including an anti-fog coating on at least a portion thereof are provided. Many of the coatings exhibit color stable properties.
US08221840B2	Method for producing a carbon fiber bundle A method to prepare a carbon fiber bundle which can develop satisfactory interfacial adhesion to polyolefin-based resins, especially polypropylene resins, is provided. The carbon fiber bundle comprises a plurality of single fibers sized with a sizing agent comprising: a polymer having a main chain formed of carbon-carbon bonds, containing an acid group in at least part of side chains or at least a part of main chain ends, and having an acid value of 23 to 120 mg KOH/g as measured in accordance with ASTM D1386; or a polymer having a main chain formed of carbon-carbon bonds and containing at least either of an epoxy group and an ester group in at least a part of side chains or at least a part of main chain ends.
US08221834B2	Titania composite and preparing method thereof A titania composite and a preparing method thereof are provided. The titania composite comprises an inner core and a coating film layer, wherein the inner core is a barium sulfate crystal and/or a strontitum sulfate crystal with subsphaeroidal shape, having a particle size of less than 1 μm and whiteness of more than 98%, and the coating film layer is nano rutile titania. The preparing method thereof comprises the following steps: (a) preparing barium sulfate or strontium sulfate; (b) coating treatment; (c) subjecting the titania composite to a high-temperature heat treatment; and (d) subjecting the titania composite to a post treatment. The subsphaeroidal titania composite is obtained by chemically synthesizing a subsphaeroidal submicron barium sulfide or strontium sulfide, and then hydrolyzing and coating thereon to form a coating film layer of titania to make titania grow evenly. The particle size of the titania composite is small, and the particle size distribution range of the titania composite is controllable.
US08221831B2	Materials for travelled surfaces A mixture of material for providing at least a portion of a travelled surface. The mixture includes an aggregate with a plurality of particles. The mixture also includes a hydrocolloidal agent adapted to swell upon exposure to water to form a resilient and flexible binder, for substantially binding the particles of the aggregate together. The aggregate and the hydrocolloidal agent have an initial pH. The mixture also includes an agent for elevating the initial pH to a predetermined pH, and a hydrophilic agent.
US08221828B2	Surface coating process A method of forming a film is provided. Nanoparticles are deposited on a surface of a substrate using a liquid deposition process. The nanoparticles are linked to each other and to the surface using linker molecules. A coating having a surface energy of less than 70 dyne/cm is deposited over the film to form a coated film. The coated film has an RMS surface roughness of 25 nm to 500 nm, a film coverage of 25% to 60%, a surface energy of less than 70 dyne/cm; and a durability of 10 to 5000 microNewtons. Depending on the particular environment in which the film is to be used, a durability of 10 to 500 microNewtons may be preferred. A film thickness 3 to 100 times the RMS surface roughness of the film is preferred.
US08221826B2	Method for applying adhesive to a web substrate A process for determining the placement of an adhesive relative to an emboss pattern is disclosed. The disclosed process is suitable for forming an embossed multi-ply substrate. The process comprises the steps of: 1. Providing the emboss pattern as a pattern of elements; 2. Providing a grid comprising a plurality of vertices, the grid corresponds to an adhesive application pattern; 3. Providing each vertex of the plurality of vertices with an initial position; and, 4. Overlaying said emboss pattern upon said grid.
US08221824B2	Deforming surface of drug eluting coating to alter drug release profile of a medical device A method is provided for altering a drug release profile of a coating of a medical device by increasing a surface area of the coating of the medical device. The method may include indenting the coating using a crimping apparatus, a rolling apparatus, or a clamping device. The method may alternatively or additionally include changing a chemical composition of at least one coating component to increase a roughness of a texture of the coating, and/or drying or partially drying the coating before the coating impacts the medical device.
US08221821B1	Methods of modifying ablumenal/lumenal stent coating thicknesses The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a stent having a coating, comprising providing a tubular stent having a lumenal side and an ablumenal side; applying a coating composition to the stents such that the coating composition contacts the lumenal and ablumenal sides of the stent; and modifying the diameter of the stent from a first diameter to a second diameter during the process of applying the coating composition.
US08221818B2	Composition with health and nutrition promoting characteristics, containing interestified lipids and phytosterol, and related methods Medium chain triglyceride oils are interesterified with long chain domestic oils in order to form interesterified structured lipids. These structured lipids find special application in combination with phytosterols to provide compositions and methods for enhancing health and nutrition characteristics. The compositions have a structured lipid content of at least about 80 weight percent and a phytosterol ester content of up to about 20 weight percent, based on the total weight of the health and nutrition promoting composition. The composition significantly reduces total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol without significantly reducing HDL cholesterol, while also reducing adipose tissue of an individual to whom the composition is administered.
US08221816B1	Process for preparing low moisture filata cheese A continuous process for preparing low moisture filata cheese directly from cheese curd includes the following steps: (a) providing a jacketed kneading chamber with a hollow interior, with the chamber having inlet and outlet openings and a pair of hollow auger members rotatably mounted therein between the inlet and outlet openings; (b) passing a heated fluid through the jacket of the kneading chamber and through the hollow auger members; (c) supplying cheese curd with no additional liquid to the hollow interior of the jacketed kneading chamber via the inlet opening therein; (d) rotating the pair of hollow auger members to knead and melt the cheese curd, thereby producing a low moisture filata cheese while transporting the low moisture filata cheese from the inlet opening to the outlet opening of the jacketed kneading chamber; (e) removing the low moisture filata cheese from the jacketed kneading chamber via the outlet opening.
US08221814B2	Process for the separation of gluten and starch and products prepared from said process The present invention relates to a process for the separation of gluten and starch from wheat flower, wherein in a first step the wheat flour is converted into a dough having a moisture content of less than 50 wt %, based on dry weight of the flour. The dough is in a subsequent step subjected to an essential simple shear flow with a shear stress of at least 1 kPa and a specific mechanical energy input of at least 5 kJ/kg per minute processing time to obtain a processed dough. It is preferred that the apparatus used for performing this step includes a reactor of the cone-and-plate type or the cone-cone-type wherein an absolute velocity profile across the conical gap is present. In a final step, the processed dough is separated into a gluten enriched fraction and a starch enriched fraction. The gluten enriched fraction is very suitable for bakery applications.
US08221813B2	Single-serve permeable beverage filter and method of using same A disposable, single serve, fluid permeable filter configured to substantially conform to the contour of the interior surface of a permanent filter basket used in single serve type beverage brewers.
US08221812B2	Gum slab package having insertable product retention member A package assembly encloses a plurality of individual elongate consumable products. The package assembly includes a plurality of products aligned in a side-by-side array. The package housing enclosed the array of product. The package housing has front and back walls for supporting the products therebetween and a closeable cover for closing a product dispensing opening. The package housing further includes a frictional product retention member insertably supported within the package for frictionally retaining the array of product within the package.
US08221810B2	High fiber shelf stable toaster pastries and methods of preparation Icing coated shelf stable high fiber toaster pastry product or packaged consumer food articles are provided as well as their methods of preparation comprising high levels of a soluble fiber ingredient partitioned between the shell, filling and the icing. The present articles comprise an homogeneous baked chemically leavened soluble fiber fortified pastry dough planar shell forming an interior. The fiber fortified dough includes whole grain wheat flour; salt, chemical leavening, shortening, and ≈1-15% added solid powdered polydextrose and in amounts sufficient to provide a total fiber content of the dough of at least 5%. At least a portion of the chemical leavening is provided by ammonium carbonate and in amounts sufficient to provide the dough with a specific baked volume of 1.5 cc/g or greater. The filling includes a liquid soluble fiber ingredient such as polydextrose. The articles are equivalent to conventional toaster pastries in eating qualities notwithstanding their high levels of total fiber.
US08221808B2	Calcium fortification of bread dough Calcium additives useful for fortifying baked goods, such as bread products, with calcium are disclosed. The calcium additives are particularly useful for fortifying leavened baked goods with calcium. Methods for preparing the calcium additives and using the calcium additives to fortify baked goods are also disclosed. Generally, the calcium additives comprise intimate admixtures calcium carbonate and an acid such as citric acid.
US08221803B1	Composition for prostate health The present invention provides an effective, all-natural, non-toxic, non-hormonal composition consisting of vitamin D3, vitamin E, selenium, green tea extract, saw palmetto berry extract, isoflavanoids, and lycopene for prostate health. The invention provides compositions and methods to prevent, alleviate, and/or treat symptoms associated with prostate conditions and diseases. The prostate health composition may be used to supplement medical treatment such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.
US08221802B2	Antipyrotic formulation for the treatment of epidermal burns A unique, synergistic formulation for the treatment of first-degree skin burns is provided for topical use and alleviates the full spectrum of symptoms and concerns associated with epidermal burns, including pain, blistering, redness, swelling, compromised skin integrity, risk of infection and scarring. The formulation contains natural homeopathic extracts combined with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier suitable for topical administration. The formulation may include three or more of the following homeopathic extracts: Cantharis Vesicatoria, Echinacea Angustifolia, Calendula Officinalis and Hypericum Perforatum.
US08221800B2	Nitric oxide delivery system Inhalation of low levels of nitric oxide can rapidly and safely decrease pulmonary hypertension in mammals. Precise delivery of nitric oxide at therapeutic levels of 20 to 100 ppm and inhibition of reaction of nitric oxide with oxygen to form toxic impurities such as nitrogen dioxide can provide effective inhalation therapy for pulmonary hypertension.
US08221799B2	Multiple antioxidant optimal health/veterans ultimate complete formulations The invention is directed to a method for administering antioxidant micronutrient formulations comprising multiple dietary and endogenous antioxidants, B-vitamins, vitamin D and minerals at appropriate dosages and dose schedules particularly chosen to produce long-term ‘optimal health’ effects in individuals of various age groups and occupations, with particular emphasis on reducing and/or eliminating acute and/or long term effects of environmental and physical stressors and toxic chemicals to which current Operating Forces and veterans of military service are or have been exposed.
US08221793B2	Chemoembolisation A composition for chemoembolotherapy of solid tumors comprises particles of a water-insoluble water-swellable synthetic anionic polymer and, absorbed therein an anthracycline. Suitably the polymer is a poly(vinyl alcohol) based polymer and the drug is doxorubicin.
US08221789B2	Cellulose powder Cellulose powder having an especially excellent balance among moldability, fluidity and disintegrating property is provided. Cellulose powder having an average polymerization degree of 150-450, an average L/D (the ratio of the major axis to the minor axis) value of particles of 75 μm or less of 2.0-4.5, an average particle size of 20-250 μm, an apparent specific volume of 4.0-7.0 cm3/g, an apparent tapping specific volume of 2.4-4.5 cm3/g, and an angle of repose of 55° or less.
US08221787B2	Pharmaceutical preparation for oral administration with controlled active ingredient release in the small intestine and method for its production Any pharmaceutical preparation for oral administration with controlled release of active ingredient in the small bowel, on the basis of active ingredient carriers provided with at least one active ingredient which are provided with an inner layer to control the release of active ingredient and with a gastro-resistant coating layer disposed thereon, which is characterized in that the inner layer is formed from at least two diffusion layers whose permeability for the diffusing active ingredient decreases from the inside to the outside, and a method for the production thereof, are described.
US08221783B2	Medical devices with triggerable bioadhesive material Described herein are implantable medical devices comprising a biocompatible polymer comprising a triggerable bioadhesive property that allows the device to adhere to body tissue. The triggerable bioadhesive property of the polymer can be triggered or activated by exposure to a stimulus. Also, the present invention pertains to methods of making an implantable medical device comprising a biocompatible polymer comprising a triggerable bioadhesive property that allows the device to adhere to body tissue.
US08221776B1	Phosphoroamidothioate granules and methods of manufacture thereof A method of producing a granule containing at least 40 weight percent phosphoroamidothioate, preferably acephate, by processing the phosphoroamidothioate in powder form along with a liquid through a vertical continuous noncompressive agglomerator having a vertical rotating shaft on which are mounted a plurality of adjustable blades.
US08221773B2	Hydrogels and uses thereof The present invention provides novel hydrogels and methods of making and using such hydrogels. The present invention provides hydrogels that may be formed by the self-assembly of peptides in solution. Such self-assembly may be brought about by a change in one or more characteristics of the solution. Characteristics of the solution that may be changed include pH, ionic strength, temperature, and concentration of one or more specific ions. In addition, hydrogels of the invention may be disassembled by changing one or more characteristic of the hydrogel such as pH, ionic strength, temperature, and concentration of one or more specific ions.
US08221770B2	Vaccine compositions comprising L2 and/or L3 immunotype lipooligosaccharides from LGTB-neisseria meningitidis The present invention relates to the field of neisserial vaccine compositions, their manufacture, and the use of such compositions in medicine. More particularly it relates to processes of making novel engineered meningococcal strains which are more suitable for the production of neisserial, in particular meningococcal, outer-membrane vesicle (or bleb) vaccines. Advantageous processes and vaccine products are also described based on the use of novel LOS subunit or meningococcal outer-membrane vesicle (or bleb) vaccines which have been rendered safer and/or more effective for use in human subjects. In particular combinations of gene downregulations are described such as PorA and OpA, PorA and OpC, OpA and OpC, and PorA and OpA and OpC. Alternatively, or in addition, lgtB− is shown to be an optimal mutation for effectively and safely using L3 and/or L2 LOS in Neisseria vaccine compositions. Bleb vaccines derived from lgtB− and capsular polysaccharide deficient meningococcal mutants are further described; as are advantageous methods of making bleb preparations where LOS is to be retained as an important antigen.
US08221765B2	Multivalent fibronectin based scaffold domain proteins The present invention relates to multivalent polypeptides comprising at least two fibronectin scaffold domains connected via a polypeptide linker. The invention also relates to multivalent polypeptides for use in diagnostic, research and therapeutic applications. The invention further relates to cells comprising such proteins, polynucleotide encoding such proteins or fragments thereof, and to vectors comprising the polynucleotides encoding the innovative proteins.
US08221762B2	Naturally processed measles virus peptides from class II HLA molecules A preparation of peptides eluted from class II HLA molecules is disclosed. Methods of decreasing measles infections comprising inoculating human patients with a vaccine comprising one or more of the peptides and methods of diagnosing measles infections or immunity comprising analyzing human patients for the presence of one or more of the peptides or antibodies to the peptide(s) are also disclosed.
US08221760B2	Methods of treatment using human anti-IL-23 antibodies A human anti-IL-23p19 antibody, including isolated nucleic acids that encode at least one anti-IL-23p19 antibody, vectors, host cells, and methods of making and using thereof have applications in diagnostic and/or therapeutic compositions, methods and devices.
US08221758B2	Anti-midkine antibody for preventing post-laparotomy adhesions The present inventors discovered that oligonucleotides which suppress midkine expression and antibodies which suppress midkine activity can be used to prevent post-surgical intraperitoneal adhesions.
US08221757B2	Monoclonal antibodies against extracellular loops of C5aR The present invention relates to antibodies which bind to C5aR and which are useful in diagnostic and therapeutic methods. The antibodies of the present invention are reactive with an extracellular loop of C5aR other than the N-terminal domain and are capable of substantially reducing or inhibiting the binding of C5a to C5aR and functional consequences of neutrophil chemoattractant receptor activation.
US08221756B2	Complement inhibitors and uses thereof The invention relates to C2a inhibitors, which bind to C2a and block the functional activity of C2a in complement activation. The inhibitors include antibody molecules, as well as homologues, analogues and modified or derived forms thereof, including immunoglobulin fragments like Fab, F(ab′)2 and Fv, small molecules, including peptides, oligonucleotides, peptidomimetics and organic compounds. A monoclonal antibody, which bound to C2a and blocked its ability to activate complement was generated and designated 175-62. The hybridoma producing this antibody was deposited at the American Type Culture Collection, 10801 University Blvd., Manassas, Va. 20110-2209, under Accession Number PTA-1553.
US08221750B2	Single chain antibodies against β-amyloid peptide Anti-AβP scFvs and single domain antibodies were generated, and when these antibodies were displayed on filamentous phage or as soluble protein molecules, stabilized by the maltose binding protein, they could prevent the fibrilization of Aβp 1-40 and disaggregate Aβp 1-40 fibrils generated in vitro. The anti-Aβp scFv antibodies also stained amyloid neuritic plaques on slices from transgenic mice. The anti-AβP scFv and single domain antibodies can be used for inhibiting or treating Alzheimer's disease.
US08221748B2	Compositions and methods for the systemic treatment of arthritis The present invention includes compositions and methods for treating arthritic joints found in patients with autoinflammation, e.g., systemic onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis, by administering at the site of inflammation a therapeutically effective amount of at least one agent that reduces or blocks the bioavailability of interleukin-1β.
US08221744B2	Cytocompatible alginate gels The present invention relates to a method of making cytocompatible alginate gels and their use in the treatment of cardiomyopathy.
US08221743B2	Use of polypeptides against diseases caused by protozoans The present invention relates to the use of isolated polypeptides as coccidiostats and/or histomonastats. An example of a polypeptide of the invention is the so-called L12 protein from Bacillus licheniformis ATCC 14580.
US08221741B2	Methods for modulating inflammatory and/or immune responses The invention is directed to novel methods for modulating inflammatory and/or immune responses. Such methods utilize compositions comprising extraembryonic cells (herein referred to as EE cells) including but not limited to extraembryonic HLA-G positive cells (herein referred to as EHP cells) and amnion-derived multipotent progenitor cells (herein referred to as AMP cells); compositions comprising expanded EE cell populations, and/or cell lysates and/or conditioned media derived therefrom, alone or in combination with each other and/or in combination with various extracellular matrices and/or devices and/or other suitable active agents.
US08221739B2	Method of cancer treatment A method and composition for treating cancer comprising administering to a patient an effective amount of attenuated Salmonella typhimurium containing a plasmid carrying the coding sequence encoding a truncated human interleukin-2 and optionally an oil containing a high antioxidant concentration.
US08221730B2	Silanic para-aminobenzalmalonate-substituted s-triazine compounds and photoprotective compositions comprised thereof UV-photoprotective sunscreen compositions contain at least one novel silanic p-aminobenzalmalonate-substituted s-triazine compound having the general formula (I):
US08221729B2	Use of aminophenylbenzotriazole derivatives for protecting human and animal skin and hair from the harmful effects of UV radiation and cosmetic compositions thereof Disclosed are-(2′-Hydroxy-4′-aminophenyl)benzotriazole derivatives of formula wherein R1 and R4 independently of each other are hydrogen; C1-C28alkyl; C1-C28alkoxy; C2-C28alkenyl; C2-C28alkinyl; C3-C12cycloalkyl; C3-C12cycloalkenyl; C7-C28aralkyl; C1-C20heteroalkyl; C3-C12cycloheteroalkyl; or C5-C16 heteroaralkyl; and wherein C1-C28alkyl, C1-C28alkoxy, C2-C28alkenyl and C2-C28alkinyl are unsubstituted or may be substituted by at least one C1-C5alkyl, C1-C5alkoxy or hydroxy; R2 and R3 independently of each other are hydrogen; C1-C28alkyl; C2-C28 alkenyl; C2-C22alkinyl; C3-C12cycloalkyl; C3-C12cycloalkenyl; C7-C28 aralkyl; C1-C20 heteroalkyl; C3-C12cycloheteroalkyl; C5-C16heteroaralkyl; and wherein C1-C28alkyl, C1-C28alkoxy, C2-C28alkenyl and C2-C28alkinyl are unsubstituted or may be substituted by at least one C1-C5alkyl, C1-C5alkoxy or hydroxy; or CO—R5; or R2 and R3 together with the linking nitrogen form a 5- to 7-membered, monocyclic, carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring; R5 is C1-C28alkyl; C2-C28alkenyl; C2-C28alkinyl; C3-C12cycloalkyl; C3-C12cycloalkenyl; C7-C20aralkyl; C1-C20 heteroalkyl; C3-C12 cycloheteroalkyl; C1-C5alkoxycarbonyl-C1-C5alkyl; or C5-C16heteroaralkyl; for protecting human and animal hair and skin from harmful effects of UV radiation.
US08221728B2	Silanic para-aminobenzalmalonate-substituted s-triazine compounds and photoprotective compositions comprised thereof UV-photoprotective sunscreen compositions contain at least one novel silanic p-aminobenzalmalonate-substituted s-triazine compound having the general formula (I):
US08221727B2	Beverage for animal dental care A comestible, water-based composition containing natural ingredients provides an effective amount of at least one active ingredient selected to reduce the proliferation of bacteria in the mouth of animals to treat and improve the dental health of animals. The composition can be administered to animals in the form of their daily intake of water and may be especially packaged for ready use and consumption by animals in pre-packaged and portable doses. Compositions containing natural ingredients and formulated as toothpastes for animal dental care are also provided.
US08221725B2	Oral care compositions comprising spherical fused silica An oral care composition comprising fused silica, wherein at least 25% of the fused silica particles are spherical.
US08221719B2	Luminescent lanthanide (III) chelates, chelating agents and conjugates derived thereof This invention relates to a group of novel chelating agents, novel chelates, biomolecules labeled with said chelates or chelating agents as well as solid supports conjugated with said chelates, chelating agents or labeled biomolecules. Especially the invention relates to novel chelating agents useful in solid phase synthesis of oligonucleotides or oligopeptides and the oligonucleotides and oligopeptides so obtained.
US08221718B2	Silver-exchanged zeolites and methods of manufacture therefor The present invention relates generally to zeolites having a silica/alumina ratio of less than or equal to 10 (Si/Al≦10) that are exchanged with Ag+ and thermally treated in such a way to favor adsorption over alternative catalytic and chemically reactive functionalities. The adsorbents of the present invention and the method of producing such adsorbents maximize the working adsorption capacity through π-complexation. Applications for such adsorbents include any process in which contaminants from gas streams can form π-complexes with the Ag in the zeolite, particularly the removal of CO, ethylene, propylene and the like from air and CO/H2 from air in prepurifier adsorbers in the production of ultra high purity (UHP) N2.
US08221716B2	Method of synthesizing carbon nanotubes A method of synthesizing carbon nanotubes including forming a solution including an organometallic compound containing catalyst particles and a solvent, adding at least one support to the solution, wherein the carbon nanotubes are synthesized on a surface of the at least one support, and applying radiation to the solution to which the at least one support is added.
US08221710B2	Recovering metals from complex metal sulfides Methods for recovering base metals, including, among other metals, molybdenum and nickel, from metal sulfides containing a Group VIB metal and a Group VIII metal. Generally, the methods comprise: contacting metal sulfides with a leaching solution containing ammonia and air to dissolve the metals into the leaching solution, forming a slurry containing soluble complexes of the metals, ammonium sulphate and solid residue containing ammonium metavanadate and any carbonaceous materials. The solid residue containing ammonium metavanadate and carbonaceous materials is then separated from the slurry and metal complexes are precipitated from the slurry by adjusting the pH. A second slurry may be formed comprising a second solid residue and a primary filtrate comprising ammonium sulfate solution that is substantially free of metals. The second solid residue is separated from the primary filtrate comprising ammonium sulfate by any means suitable for separation of solids from liquids and is then dissolved, at a second pre-selected pH, to form a Group VIB metal precipitate and a Group VIII metal containing solution. Group VIB and Group VIII metals can be easily recovered from the precipitate and solution, respectively. In some embodiments Group VB metals are recovered as well.
US08221708B2	Tube bundle falling film microreactor for performing gas liquid reactions A tube bundle falling film microreactor for performing gas-liquid reactions, which has: a) at least one vertical tube with b) a device for distributing the liquid on the inside of the tube and c) a liquid collecting system, and d) a device for gas supply and removal, and use thereof.
US08221707B2	Process for isomerizing a non-equilibrium alkylaromatic feed mixture and an aromatic production facility One exemplary embodiment can be a process for the isomerization of a non-equilibrium alkylaromatic feed mixture. The process can include contacting the non-equilibrium alkylaromatic feed mixture in a C8 isomerization zone. The C8 isomerization zone may include a first isomerization stage and a second isomerization stage. At the first isomerization stage, at least a portion of the non-equilibrium alkylaromatic feed mixture can be contacted at a first isomerization condition in a liquid phase in the substantial absence of hydrogen to obtain an intermediate stream. At the second isomerization stage, at least part of the intermediate stream and at least a part of a stream rich in at least one naphthene can be contacted at a second isomerization condition to obtain a concentration of at least one alkylaromatic isomer that is higher than a concentration of that at least one alkylaromatic isomer in the non-equilibrium feed mixture.
US08221705B2	Receptacles for storing substances in different physical states A receptacle having a plurality of interconnected chambers arranged to permit multiple process steps or processes to be performed independently or simultaneously. The receptacles are manufactured to separate liquid from dried reagents and to maintain the stability of the dried reagents. An immiscible liquid, such as an oil, is included to control loading of process materials, facilitate mixing and reconstitution of dried reagents, limit evaporation, control heating of reaction materials, concentrate solid support materials to prevent clogging of fluid connections, provide minimum volumes for fluid transfers, and to prevent process materials from sticking to chamber surfaces. The receptacles can be adapted for use in systems having a processing instrument that includes an actuator system for selectively moving fluid substances between chambers and a detector. The actuator system can be arranged to concentrate an analyte present in a sample. The detector can be used to detect an optical signal emitted by the contents of the receptacle.
US08221702B2	Sample dispensing apparatus and method A sample dispensing apparatus and method for dispensing a sample such as blood and urine collected for inspection from one vessel to another are provided wherein the remaining quantity of a primary sample can be reduced without disturbing the primary sample. When clogging by a separating agent is detected during suction of a sample such as blood and urine collected for inspection, the sample dispensing apparatus performs raising of an aliquot head such that an opening at the free end of a nozzle tip does not come out of the sample liquid surface to dissolve clogging; sucking of the sample under the residual pressure; and additionally sucking of a fixed quantity of the sample to reduce the remaining quantity of the sample.
US08221697B2	Apparatus for lidding or delidding microplate An automated lidder and/or delidder apparatus to engage and disengage a lid from a microplate is disclosed. The microplate includes a sample area with a plurality of individual wells and a hollow outer frame formed around the sample area, the frame being shaped to include a plurality of openings in its top surface. The lid includes a plate and a plurality of latches formed on the underside of the plate. In the lidding process, the apparatus presses down on the lid to insert each latch through a corresponding opening in the microplate until the latch snaps into engagement with the frame. In the delidding process, the apparatus inserts delidding posts into the openings to disengage the latches from the frame.
US08221695B2	Catalytically activated vacuum distillation system A catalytically activated vacuum distillation system, several novel component parts of said system, a process for producing carbon based products and novel carbon black that is produced from such a system and process.
US08221694B2	Porous bodies and methods Systems and methods for treating a fluid with a body are disclosed. Various aspects involve treating a fluid with a porous body. In select embodiments, a body comprises ash particles, and the ash particles used to form the body may be selected based on their providing one or more desired properties for a given treatment. Various bodies provide for the reaction and/or removal of a substance in a fluid, often using a porous body comprised of ash particles. Computer-operable methods for matching a source material to an application are disclosed. Certain aspects feature a porous body comprised of ash particles, the ash particles have a particle size distribution and interparticle connectivity that creates a plurality of pores having a pore size distribution and pore connectivity, and the pore size distribution and pore connectivity are such that a first fluid may substantially penetrate the pores.
US08221693B2	Use of a radial zone coating to facilitate a two-stage prox system with single air injection A two stage-carbon monoxide preferential oxidation article and method that uses a single injection of an O2-containing gas.
US08221692B2	Radiative heat transfer via fins in a steam reformer Embodiments are disclosed that relate to increasing radiative heat transfer in a steam reformer from an exterior shell which includes a diffusion burner to an interior reactor via angled fins coupled to the exterior shell. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides a steam reformer, comprising an exterior shell which includes a diffusion burner and angled fins, the angled fins extending away from an inner surface of the exterior shell and downward toward the diffusion burner. The steam reformer further comprises an interior reactor positioned at least partly within the exterior shell.
US08221691B2	Apparatus for producing trichlorosilane An apparatus for producing trichlorosilane includes a reaction container in which a supply gas containing silicon tetrachloride and hydrogen is supplied therein and a reaction product gas containing trichlorosilane and hydrogen chloride is produced; a heat transfer body which is filled in the reaction container, which is formed of a material having a melting point of at least higher than 1,400° C., and which has a void part which enables a gas to be passed; and a heating mechanism heating the heat transfer body in the reaction container.
US08221680B1	Sterilizing handle for a culinary tool apparatus and method A culinary tool having a sterilizing handle apparatus and method includes a culinary tool, such as a fork, spoon or tongs, which has a tang extending therefrom. A handle is removably attached to the culinary tool over the culinary tool tang which handle includes a non-porous sleeve having a disinfectant impregnated foam reservoir therearound encapsulated in a semipermeable layer. Pressure applied to the handle causes a disinfectant material to ooze through the semipermeable layer to disinfect the handle.
US08221679B2	Free radical sterilization system and method A free radical decontamination method and system. The system is comprised of a chamber defining a region, and a generator for generating free radical reach effluent from a free radical electric generator and hydrogen peroxide solution with water. A closed loop circulating system is provided for supplying the mixture of free radicals from the electric generator mixed with the hydrogen peroxide solution in the form of the effluent to the chamber.
US08221674B2	Distributor base A distributor bottom, particularly a nozzle-type distributor bottom, for steadily introducing process gas, especially process gas loaded with solid particles, into a process chamber, optionally to create a fluidized bed. The process chamber is disposed above the distributor bottom and is formed by walls of a reactor used for metallurgically, particularly thermally, treating feedstock. The distributor bottom is provided with a plurality of holes. Holes are arranged near the walls to prevent substances from attaching to the reactor walls. Special arrangements relate to nozzles and ducts.
US08221667B2	Method for making thermal interface material The present disclosure relates to a method for making a thermal interface material. A carbon nanotube array on a substrate is provided. The carbon nanotube array includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the substrate. The carbon nanotubes of the carbon nanotube array are slanted toward a central axis of the carbon nanotube array. A liquid matrix material is compounded with the carbon nanotube array. Additionally, the liquid matrix material is solidified.
US08221665B2	Manufacturing a replication tool, sub-master or replica The invention concerns a process of manufacturing optical components. A replication tool, a sub-master or a replica is manufactured using a structured element (for example a master) and a substrate. A structure of the structured element is replicated into liquid or plastically deformable material disposed at a first place on said substrate, then hardened to make it dimensionally stable, whereon the structured element is removed. These replicating, hardening and removing steps are repeated for a second, third, etc. place on said substrate the same structured element.
US08221655B2	Mesoporous oxide of titanium This invention pertains to mesoporous oxide of titanium and processes of making mesoporous oxide of titanium particularly crystalline oxide of titanium.
US08221653B2	Composition of conductive rubber A composition of conductive rubber which does not adhere each other in uncross-linked state is provided to exhibit good workability. The composition of conductive rubber including carbon as conductive additive in a base rubber to be cross-linkable by electron beam radiation includes 5 to 40% by weight of an adhesion inhibitor of uncross-linked rubber into a base rubber which is selected from ethylene ethyl acrylic acid copolymer resin (EEA), ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer resin (EVA), ethylene methyl acrylate copolymer resin (EMA), and ethylene acrylic acid copolymer resin (EAA).
US08221649B2	Phosphor composition and method for producing the same, and light-emitting device using the same A light-emitting device is produced using a phosphor composition containing a phosphor host having as a main component a composition represented by a composition formula: aM3N2.bAlN.cSi3N4, where “M” is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, and Zn, and “a”, “b”, and “c” are numerical values satisfying 0.2≦a/(a+b)≦0.95, 0.05≦b/(b+c)≦0.8, and 0.4≦c/(c+a)≦0.95. This enables a light-emitting device emitting white light and satisfying both a high color rendering property and a high luminous flux to be provided.
US08221648B2	Functionalized fluorescent nanocrystal detection system The present invention include fluorescent nanocrystals which have high fluorescence intensity, are water soluble, exhibit physical and chemical stability, and whose spectral properties are detectably modified as the size of functional groups bonded to the nanocrystal surface change when contacted with target molecules in a sample. The molecules in the sample add to or reduce the size of functional groups on the fluorescent nanocrystal proportional to the activity and amount of the target molecules. The present invention may be used to detect telomerase in a sample.
US08221644B2	Compositions and methods for anti-icing/de-icing Methods are provided which minimize loss of an anti-icing/de-icing composition from a surface. This is accomplished by adhering the anti-icing/de-icing composition to a surface using a film-forming polymeric composition. Methods are also provided for preventing snow accumulation and/or ice formation on a surface, delaying ice and/or snow formation on a surface, extending the life of an anti-icing/de-icing composition on a surface, surface anti-icing, and surface de-icing. These methods include the application of a film-forming polymeric composition and the anti-icing/de-icing composition to the surface. Desirably, the anti-icing/de-icing composition is a reagent which reduces the freezing point of water.
US08221642B2	Methods for removing dielectric materials A method for removing a plurality of dielectric films from a supporting substrate by providing a substrate with a dielectric layer overlying another dielectric layer, contacting the substrate at a first temperature with an acid solution exhibiting a positive etch selectivity at the first temperature, and then contacting the substrate at a second temperature with an acid solution exhibiting a positive etch selectivity at the second temperature. The dielectric layers exhibit different etch rates when etched at the first and second temperatures. The first and second acid solutions may contain phosphoric acid. The first dielectric layer may be silicon nitride and the second dielectric layer may be silicon oxide. Under these conditions, the first temperature may be about 175° C. and the second temperature may be about 155° C.
US08221641B2	Method of dispensing a semiconductor processing fluid According to one aspect of the invention, a wafer processing apparatus is provided. The wafer processing apparatus may include a wafer support, a dispense head, and a solvent bath. The dispense head may be moveable between a position over the wafer support and a position over the solvent bath. When the dispense head is positioned over the solvent bath, a fluid dispensed from the dispense head may enter a drain and nozzles on the dispense head may be exposed to a controlled atmosphere within a chamber of the solvent bath.
US08221640B2	Method of dissolving the solids formed in a nuclear plant The method of dissolving the solids formed in the apparatus and pipework of a nuclear plant, in which the solids are brought into contact with an aqueous dissolving solution chosen from aqueous solutions of carbonate ions having a concentration of greater than or equal to 0.3M, aqueous solutions of bicarbonate ions, and solutions of a mixture of nitric acid and of a polycarboxylic acid chosen from oxalic acid and triacids.
US08221637B2	Method and apparatus for manufacturing magnetic recording media According to one embodiment, a method for manufacturing a magnetic recording medium includes forming patterns having protrusions and recesses of a ferromagnetic material onto a recording track section and a servo section on a substrate, forming a flattening film, a top surface of which is higher than that of the protrusion of the ferromagnetic material, onto the ferromagnetic material, and performing ion beam etching onto the flattening film up to a top surface of the protrusion of the ferromagnetic material, and determining an end point of flattening etching on the basis of a change in the total number of incident particles by means of an ion counter installed so as to be at an angle θ with respect to a perpendicular direction to the substrate in accordance with a material of the flattening film.
US08221636B2	Method of manufacturing magnetic head for perpendicular magnetic recording A magnetic head includes a pole layer, and an encasing layer having a groove that accommodates the pole layer. A manufacturing method for the magnetic head includes the steps of forming a nonmagnetic layer that will later undergo formation of the groove therein and will thereby become the encasing layer; forming the groove in the nonmagnetic layer so that the nonmagnetic layer becomes the encasing layer; and forming the pole layer such that the pole layer is accommodated in the groove of the encasing layer. The nonmagnetic layer is formed of Al2O3. The step of forming the groove in the nonmagnetic layer includes the step of taper-etching the nonmagnetic layer by reactive ion etching with an etching gas containing at least BCl3 and N2 among BCl3, Cl2 and N2.
US08221635B2	Process for multiple platings and fine etch accuracy on the same printed wiring board A process for manufacturing a printed wiring board includes specifying overlapping etches for a first portion of the printed wiring board and a second portion of the printed wiring board, the first portion of the printed wiring board having disposed thereon a printed circuit having at least one dimension critical to printed wiring board operation, etching a first conductor in the first portion of the printed wiring board when a first conductor thickness is a predetermined thickness, completing all plating steps, and etching a second conductor in the second portion of the printed wiring board.
US08221634B2	Process and apparatus for separating and recovering waste alkali from cyclohexane oxidation solution A process and an apparatus for separating and recovering waste alkali from a cyclohexane oxidation solution are provided. A gradient combination of the gravity separation technique, the vortex separation technique and the coalescence separation technique is used to carry out fine separation of the waste alkali liquor from the cyclohexane oxidation solution. The purified cyclohexane oxidation solution is fed into a down-stream apparatus. Most of the waste alkali liquor thus separated is recycled, while the remaining is expelled. The expelled waste alkali liquor is incinerated in an incinerator, followed by recovering the molten species using a pneumatic pulverization process.
US08221632B2	Surface water filtration device A plate is positioned across an inlet to a catch basin and a filter strainer is inserted through an opening through the plate and into the basin. A tertiary filter completely surrounds the strainer and is suspended below the plate. Surface water flows through a primary grate that covers the catch basin, through the strainer and through the tertiary filter. The tertiary filter comprising fibrous filter media retained in a non-woven mesh fabric enclosure and the filter media is selected according to the type of contaminants that are to be removed.
US08221631B1	Aeration basin with off gas monitoring A system and method include providing waste water to a treatment tank, diffusing air into the waste water in the treatment tank to treat the waste water, and measuring O2 percentage in off gas from the waste water having diffused air. Dissolved oxygen in the waste water is measured in further embodiments, and the amount of air diffused into the waste water may be controlled as a function of the measurements.
US08221628B2	Method and system to recover waste heat to preheat feed water for a reverse osmosis unit In one embodiment, the present invention includes a liquid processing system. In the liquid processing system, a first liquid source transmits feed liquid to a heat exchange unit while a heat generation unit transmits warm coolant to the heat exchange unit. A heat generation unit warms the feed liquid while cooling the warm coolant. The warmed feed liquid is sent to a pump, and cooled feed liquid from a second liquid source is mixed with the warmed feed liquid as necessary until a target temperature is reached. The warmed feed liquid is sent to a reverse osmosis unit for filtering and the resulting permeate is sent to the liquid utilization unit. The cooled coolant is sent from the heat exchange unit to the storage tank and if the cooled coolant is not cool enough, it is sent to a cooling tower for further cooling.
US08221623B2	Demountable filtering device A demountable filtering device is mounted inside a food processor or coffee pot, and comprises a shell and a filter, wherein the filter is detachably mounted in the shell, and the filter has a handle for the user. The filter can be separated from the shell, so the filter can be demounted and be cleaned after use.
US08221620B2	Collection bag for a swimming pool vacuum A debris collection bag made of a water permeable material is adapted for removable attachment to a self-contained swimming pool vacuum head that uses a motor driven propeller to generate thrust for picking up debris and forcing it into the collection bag. The bag includes a main upper portion that encloses a collection chamber, and a truncated lower portion with an open end. A sleeve between the upper and lower portions surrounds the bag and contains a releasable cinch cord for securing the bag over an annular rim on the vacuum head. The truncated lower portion tucks upwardly within the collection chamber to provide a frustoconical intake that increases thrust pressure entering the bag, while providing greater self cleaning circulation at the top of the collection chamber and a low pressure area surrounding the truncated lower portion to allow leaves, dirt and other debris to settle without escaping the collection chamber.
US08221616B2	Control valve assembly A control valve assembly (10) controls the flow of water to and from a treatment tank (16) and the regeneration of the treatment material therein. A housing of the valve assembly includes connections for a tank inlet and tank outlet. An inlet chamber (60), outlet chamber (34), a pressure-operated inlet valve (24) and an outlet valve (32). A pair of venturi chambers (81a, 81b) are configured to provide co-current and counter-current regeneration. A regeneration control subsystem includes a turbine (104) and a nozzle impinging thereon to produce rotation. An external port (130) receives fluid to provide a driving for the turbine in order to initiate regeneration. A bypass chamber (60) communicates with the inlet chamber (15). The inlet valve (24) has dual seating surfaces for controlling the communication between the inlet chamber, transfer chamber (70) and tank inlet (26).
US08221614B2	Base oil formulations Base oil formulation containing (i) a Fischer-Tropsch derived light base oil and (ii) a Fischer-Tropsch derived gas oil. The formulation can be prepared by back-blending a Fischer-Tropsch derived light base oil with a Fischer-Tropsch derived gas oil, for instance derived from the same Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. Also provided is the use of a Fischer-Tropsch derived gas oil in a base oil formulation containing a Fischer-Tropsch derived light base oil, for the purpose of improving the cold flow properties of the formulation while maintaining its flash point above a desired target value, and/or for the purpose of reducing the concentration of a cold flow additive in the formulation, preferably with less of a reduction in the flash point of the formulation than theory would have predicted to occur due to the incorporation of the Fischer-Tropsch derived gas oil.
US08221613B2	Device and method for measuring a plurality of exhaust gas constituents A gas measuring system, having a measurement sensor (1) which records an exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine and has an outer electrode (6), which is exposed to the exhaust gas to be measured, a first measuring cell (4), a second measuring cell (8) that is connected to the first measuring cell (4), and in which a measuring electrode (10) is arranged, and a reference electrode (11) that is exposed to the ambient air. The measuring cells (4, 8) are located in a solid electrolyte (2), and all the electrodes (10, 11) are in contact with the solid electrolyte. A circuit which in a first pump flow (Ip0) pumps oxygen ions between the first measuring cell (4) and the outer electrode (6), in a second pump flow (Ip1) pumps oxygen ions between the second measuring cell (8) and the outer electrode (6), and in a third pump flow (Ip2) pumps oxygen ions between the measuring electrode (10) and the outer electrode (6), and which comprises a control unit (C) which records Nernst voltages between the measuring cells (4, 8) and a reference electrode (11).
US08221612B2	Biosensor electrode mediators for regeneration of cofactors The present invention is based on the discovery of NAD+ and NADP+ mediator compounds that do not bind irreversibly to thiol groups in the active sites of intracellular dehydrogenase enzymes. Such mediator compounds avoid a common mode of enzyme inhibition. The mediators can therefore increase the stability and reliability of the electrical response in amperometric electrodes constructed from NAD- or NADP-dependent enzymes.
US08221610B2	Electrochemical method for providing hydrogen using ammonia and ethanol An electrochemical method for providing hydrogen using ammonia, ethanol, or combinations thereof, comprising: forming an anode comprising a layered electrocatalyst, the layered electrocatalyst comprising at least one active metal layer deposited on a carbon support; providing a cathode comprising a conductor; disposing a basic electrolyte between the anode and the cathode; disposing a fuel within the basic electrolyte; and applying a current to the anode causing the oxidation of the fuel, forming hydrogen at the cathode.
US08221606B2	Electrophoresis chip and electrophoresis unit having the same In order to provide a high-performance electrophoresis chip and an electrophoresis unit having the same that can restrain the diffusion of sample at an intersection between the electrophoresis groove and the sample introduction groove and prevent decrease in contrast and decrease in resolution, an electrophoresis chip is provided with a sample introduction groove, an electrophoresis groove, and a through hole. The sample introduction groove, the electrophoresis groove, and the through hole are formed on different substrates. In the electrophoresis chip, by combining the substrates, the sample introduction groove and the electrophoresis groove are located in different planes.
US08221605B2	Apparatus for manipulating droplets An apparatus for manipulating droplets is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a substrate having electrodes and adjacent reference elements configured for manipulating a droplet on a surface of the substrate. Other embodiments having a top plate, a footprint, and a dielectric are also included.
US08221604B2	Method for controlling substance transfer Transfer of fluid substances, and/or substances comprised in fluid substances, is controlled by introducing a separation medium, which prevents transfer of the fluid substances, and/or the substances comprised in the fluid substances, to an intermediate cavity connecting a first cavity and a second cavity; and introducing a connection medium to replace the separation medium and thereby start substance transfer to the second cavity. Substance transfer may be readily controlled without relying on mechanical means. Based on the present invention, two-dimensional electrophoretic analysis can be readily implemented on a chip.
US08221602B2	Non-contact process kit A process kit for use in a physical vapor deposition (PVD) chamber, along with a PVD chamber having a non-contact process kit are provided. In one embodiment, a process kit includes a generally cylindrical shield that has a substantially flat cylindrical body, at least one elongated cylindrical ring extending downward from the body, and a mounting portion extending upwards from an upper surface of the body. In another embodiment, a process kit includes a generally cylindrical deposition ring. The deposition ring includes a substantially flat cylindrical body, at least one downwardly extending u-channel coupled to an outer portion of the body, an inner wall extending upward from an upper surface of an inner region of the body, and a substrate support ledge extending radially inward from the inner wall.
US08221594B2	Magnetron sputtering apparatus and magnetron sputtering method The present invention is to provide a magnetron sputtering technique for forming a film having an even film thickness distribution for a long period of time. A magnetron sputtering apparatus of the present invention includes a vacuum chamber, a cathode part provided in the vacuum chamber, the cathode part holding a target on the front side thereof and having a backing plate to hold a plurality of magnets on the backside thereof, and a direct-current power source that supplies direct-current power to the cathode part. A plurality of control electrodes, which independently controls potentials, is provided in a discharge space on the side of the target with respect to the backing plate.
US08221586B2	Security substrate comprising watermark The invention relates to improvements in security substrates and in particular to fibrous security substrates, such as paper, incorporating a watermark. The security substrate comprises a fibrous base layer, having a normal base fiber density, said base layer incorporating a watermark consisting of a plurality of alphanumeric characters. Each character comprises dark and/or light regions, the dark regions being formed by more densely deposited fibers than the normal base fiber density and the light regions being formed by less densely deposited fibers than the normal base fiber density. The density of the fibers in any region is substantially uniform such that there is no gradual change of tone between the light and dark regions. Each dark and light region adjoins at least one light and dark region respectively and an area of normal fiber density.
US08221579B2	Method of reusing a consumable part for use in a plasma processing apparatus In a method of reusing a consumable part for use in a plasma processing apparatus, a silicon carbide (SiC) lump is formed by depositing SiC by chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and a consumable part for the plasma processing apparatus is manufactured by processing the SiC lump, the consumable part having a predetermined shape. A first plasma process is performed on a substrate by using the manufactured consumable part. A surface of the consumable part that has been eroded by the plasma process is subjected to a clean process for a specific period of time. SiC is deposited on the cleaned surface of the eroded consumable part by CVD. A consumable part having the predetermined shape is remanufactured by processing the eroded consumable part having the surface on which the SiC is deposited. A second plasma process is performed on a substrate by using the remanufactured consumable part.
US08221576B2	Process for the production of packaging material for electronic component cases The production method of the present invention is characterized by comprising a temporary bonding step of temporarily bonding a first sheet comprising a thermoplastic resin non-oriented film layer and a thermoplastic adhesive resin layer laminated on one surface of the thermoplastic resin non-oriented film layer and a second sheet comprising a heat resistant resin oriented film layer and an aluminum foil layer laminated on one surface of the heat resistant resin oriented film layer by passing the first sheet and the second sheet between a pair of rolls in a state in which the thermoplastic adhesive resin layer and the aluminum foil layer are brought into contact with each other to press them while heating in a state in which the thermoplastic adhesive resin does not melt to thereby obtain a pre-laminated sheet, and a complete bonding step of integrally bonding the first sheet and the second sheet by heating the pre-laminated sheet to melt the thermoplastic adhesive resin. This production method can attain a reduced plant cost and high speed production.
US08221570B2	Process for manufacturing tyres for vehicle wheels A process and apparatus for manufacturing tires for vehicle wheels, includes building, on a toroidal support, a carcass structure including at least one carcass ply associated, at axially opposite end edges thereof, with annular anchoring structures, the building step of the carcass structure includes forming at least one reinforcing structure, operatively associated with the annular anchoring structures through deposition on the toroidal support of at least one reinforcing element along a predetermined curvilinear deposition path. The deposition of the at least one reinforcing element includes the steps of: cutting to size a piece of at least one reinforcing continuous band-like element fed by a feeding device along a predetermined feeding direction, deforming the piece obtained according to the curvature of a deposition part of the deposition path intended to receive the piece, and depositing the deformed piece at the deposition part.
US08221566B1	Process for employing HNFX as a biocidal explosive A process of making detonation products having an effect on biological agents, providing an effective amount of HNFX; combining HNFX with an additive; detonating the combination with a detonation device; creating detonation products from the combination; contacting the detonation products with the harmful agents; exposing the detonation products for about at least 2 seconds to harmful agents; and destroying the harmful agents.
US08221549B2	Silicon carbide single crystal wafer and producing method thereof A silicon carbide single crystal wafer wherein a substrate is cut out at an OFF angle from a (0001) c plane of an α-type silicon carbide single crystal of less than 2° and in an OFF direction in which a deviation from a (11-20) direction is less than 10°, the number of substantially triangular lamination defects exposed from a surface of a wafer which is epitaxial grown on the substrate is less than 4/cm2 over the entire surface of the wafer. The invention provides a producing method of a silicon carbide single crystal wafer capable of enhancing the utility ratio of the bulk silicon carbide single crystal, the element characteristics and the cleavage, as well as a silicon carbide single crystal wafer obtained by such a producing method.
US08221548B2	Diamond semiconductor element and process for producing the same A process for producing a diamond thin-film includes forming a diamond crystal thin-film on a substrate and firing the diamond crystal thin-film at a sufficient temperature under high pressure under which a diamond is stable. A diamond single-crystal substrate having a diamond single-crystal thin-film formed thereon is placed in an ultra-high-pressure and high-temperature firing furnace to anneal the diamond single-crystal thin-film under the conditions of 1200° C. and 6 GPa.
US08221546B2	Epitaxial growth on low degree off-axis SiC substrates and semiconductor devices made thereby A method of epitaxially growing a SiC layer on a single crystal SiC substrate is described. The method includes heating a single-crystal SiC substrate to a first temperature of at least 1400° C. in a chamber, introducing a carrier gas, a silicon containing gas and carbon containing gas into the chamber; and epitaxially growing a layer of SiC on a surface of the SiC substrate. The SiC substrate is heated to the first temperature at a rate of at least 30° C./minute. The surface of the SiC substrate is inclined at an angle of from 1° to 3° with respect to a basal plane of the substrate material.
US08221544B2	Line scan sequential lateral solidification of thin films A polycrystalline film is prepared by (a) providing a substrate having a thin film disposed thereon, said film capable of laser-induced melting, (b) generating a sequence of laser pulses having a fluence that is sufficient to melt the film throughout its thickness in an irradiated region, each pulse forming a line beam having a predetermined length and width, said width sufficient to prevent nucleation of solids in a portion of the thin film that is irradiated by the laser pulse, (c) irradiating a first region of the film with a first laser pulse to form a first molten zone, said first molten zone demonstrating a variation in width along its length to thereby define a maximum width (Wmax) and a minimum width (Wmin), wherein the first molten zone crystallizes upon cooling to form one or more laterally grown crystals, (d) laterally moving the film in the direction of lateral growth a distance that is greater than about one-half Wmax and less than Wmin; and (e) irradiating a second region of the film with a second laser pulse to form a second molten zone having a shape that is substantially the same as the shape of the first molten zone, wherein the second molten zone crystallizes upon cooling to form one or more laterally grown crystals that are elongations of the one or more crystals in the first region.
US08221542B2	Non-cement fire door core The present invention describes a fire resistant building material composition, useful for example as a fire door core and to a method of making this composition. The building material of the present invention is prepared from an aqueous mixture of predominately expanded perlite, a small amount of a binder component consisting essentially of calcined gypsum and an organic binder, and optionally a fibrous reinforcement.
US08221538B2	Aqueous pigment preparations having nonionic additives on the basis of alyl and vinyl ether The invention relates to an aqueous pigment preparation, containing (A) at least one organic and/or inorganic pigment, (B) a dispersing agent of the formulas (I), (II), (III) or (IV), or mixtures of the dispersing agent of the formulas (I), (II), (III) or (IV), (C) optionally a wetting agent (D) optionally further surfactants and/or dispersing agents, (E) optionally one or multiple organic solvents, or one or multiple hydrotropic substances, (F) optionally further additives common for the production of aqueous pigment dispersions, and (G) water.
US08221536B2	Cosmetic comprising multi-colored lustrous pearlescent pigments A cosmetic containing a pearlescent pigment comprising a substrate and a first layer, wherein the first layer comprises iron oxide, wherein the iron has from about 1% to about 30% Fe(II) and from about 70% to about 99% Fe(III).
US08221535B2	Tin-doped indium oxide fine particle dispersion, method for manufacturing the same, interlayer film for laminated glass with heat ray blocking properties formed by using said dispersion, and laminated glass therewith A dispersion of tin-doped indium oxide fine particles has tin-doped indium oxide fine particles, a plasticizer for an interlayer film, an organic solvent containing alcohols as a main component, and a dispersion stabilizer, wherein under measuring conditions of a concentration of tin-doped indium oxide fine particles of 0.7% by weight and an optical path length of a glass cell of 1 mm, a visible light transmittance is 80% or more, a solar radiation transmittance at a wavelength within a range from 300 nm to 2100 nm is ¾ or less of the visible light transmittance, a haze value is 1.0% or less, and a reflection yellow index is −20 or more.
US08221534B2	Ink-jet ink set, producing method of ink-jet ink set, image forming method, and ink-jet recording apparatus The present disclosure relates to ink-jet ink compositions, systems, and/or methods including a yellow ink, a magenta ink and a cyan ink for producing ink-jet printed matter having desirable color balance (e.g., difference in percent residual optical densities (ODs) between individual colors) and/or color retention (e.g., percent residual OD) following contact with water. For example, the absolute value of the difference in a percent residual OD of an image produced in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure may be less than about 20%. The percent residual OD of an image produced in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure may be more than about 40%.
US08221529B2	Dialysis systems and methods including cassette with air removal In an embodiment, a dialysis fluid cassette is disclosed. The cassette includes a plurality of walls defining at least one valve chamber, a dialysis fluid inlet, a dialysis fluid outlet and a dialysis fluid pathway. The cassette further includes a baffle extending from a first one of the walls to an opposing second one of the walls. The baffle includes an end fixed to a third one of the plurality of walls and a free end. The fixed end separates the dialysis fluid inlet from the dialysis fluid outlet and the baffle and the plurality of walls are constructed and arranged such that the flow of dialysis fluid along the pathway defined in part by the baffle slows as the flow approaches the free end of the baffle.
US08221527B1	Air collector with functionalized ion exchange membrane for capturing ambient CO2 An apparatus for capture of CO2 from the atmosphere comprising an anion exchange material formed in a matrix exposed to a flow of the air.
US08221521B2	Method of degassing molten metal To degas a molten metal, a receptacle containing the molten metal and a layer of slag over the molten metal is positioned in a chamber, and the chamber is evacuated. As the pressure in the chamber reduces, gas is generated at the interface between the molten metal and the slag, which causes the slag to foam. To inhibit overflowing of slag from the receptacle, a gauge outputs a signal indicative of the level of the surface of the slag, and the rate of evacuation of the chamber is reduced to reduce the rate of gas generation.
US08221517B2	Cemented carbide—metallic alloy composites A macroscopic composite sintered powder metal article including a first region including cemented hard particles, for example, cemented carbide. The article includes a second region including one of a metal and a metallic alloy selected from the group consisting of a steel, nickel, a nickel alloy, titanium, a titanium alloy, molybdenum, a molybdenum alloy, cobalt, a cobalt alloy, tungsten, and a tungsten alloy. The first region is metallurgically bonded to the second region, and the second region has a thickness of greater than 100 microns. A method of making a macroscopic composite sintered powder metal article is also disclosed, herein. The method includes co-press and sintering a first metal powder including hard particles and a powder binder and a second metal powder including the metal or metal alloy.
US08221508B2	Polymeric hair dyes Polymeric dye comprising oligo and polypeptides selected from natural or synthetic aminoacids bearing at least one covalently bounded cationic dye. Very good dyeing results on human hair are obtained with these dyes.
US08221505B2	Prosthesis having a sleeve valve Disclosed is a pressure sensitive prosthesis that includes a tubular member having a passageway extending therethrough and a sleeve attached about one end of the tubular member. The sleeve functions as a one-way valve to permit fluid flowing through the sleeve lumen in a first, distal direction and under a first pressure, while collapsing in response to fluid flowing in a second direction when the pressure thereof exceeds that of the first direction or pressure. One aspect of the invention includes a first opening and a second opening configured for allowing fluid flow from the passage to the lumen in the first direction.
US08221503B2	Spinal implant A spinal implant may be made of two or more implant members. In an embodiment, implant members may be joined together by a rotational connection that inhibits separation of the members as well as axial movement of the members relative to each other. Implant members may be coupled together by a pin or pins, adhesive, or other fasteners to inhibit separation and/or rotation of the members relative to each other.
US08221501B2	Expandable intervertebral implant An expandable intervertebral implant including a body having a longitudinal axis and including first and second axial walls spaced apart along a transverse axis, and first and second transverse end walls extending between and interconnecting the first and second axial walls. The intervertebral implant includes an expansion member co-acting with the axial walls to expand the body along the transverse axis.
US08221496B2	Antithrombotic and anti-restenotic drug eluting stent An expandable medical device includes a plurality of elongated struts, forming a substantially cylindrical device which is expandable from a cylinder having a first diameter to a cylinder having a second diameter. A plurality of different beneficial agents may be loaded into different openings within the struts for delivery to the tissue. For treatment of conditions such as restenosis, different beneficial agents are loaded into different openings in the device to address different biological processes involved in restenosis and are delivered at different release kinetics matched to the biological process treated. The different beneficial agents may also be used to address different diseases, such as restenosis and acute myocardial infarction from the same drug delivery device. In addition, anti-thrombotic agents may be affixed to at least a portion of the surfaces of the medical device for the prevention of sub-acute thrombosis.
US08221495B2	Integration of therapeutic agent into a bioerodible medical device A medical device which is at least partially bio-erodible and which exhibits controlled elution of therapeutic agent.
US08221494B2	Apparatus and method of placement of a graft or graft system An endoluminal prosthesis system deployable in a region of a patient's vasculature having one or more branch vessels, having a first main graft body having at least a first and second opening therein and a second main graft body having at least a first and a second opening therein. The first openings can be smaller than the second openings. The second main graft body can be expandable substantially within the first main graft body such that the second openings of each graft body do not substantially cover the first openings of the other graft body. The resulting graft system can have two openings therein, each being defined by the first openings in each of the first and second main graft bodies. One or more branch grafts can be attached to cover the openings in the main graft bodies, and the main graft bodies can have one or more cutouts therein.
US08221493B2	Endoluminal cardiac and venous valve prostheses and methods of manufacture and delivery thereof This invention relates to prosthetic cardiac and venous valves and a single catheter device and minimally invasive techniques for percutaneous and transluminal valvuloplasty and prosthetic valve implantation.
US08221487B2	Intraluminal stent graft A method of making an tubular intraluminal graft in the form of a tubular diametrically adjustable stent having a tubular covering of porous expanded PTFE which is less than 0.10 mm thick. The covering may be on the exterior surface of the stent, or on the interior surface of the stent, or both. The covering may be affixed to the stent by an adhesive which is preferably fluorinated ethylene propylene.
US08221485B2	Catheter and system for introducing an intraluminal endoprosthesis A catheter (10) having an internal tube (13) and an external tube (14) which at least sectionally encloses the internal tube (13). The external tube (14) is connected to a balloon (16) having an endoprosthesis section (18) which positions an intraluminal endoprosthesis (20). The catheter (10) has stiffening means (31, 33, 34, 35) located in the area of at least one end of the endoprosthesis section (18) in its longitudinal direction on the internal tube (13). Also disclosed is a system comprising an intraluminal endoprosthesis (20) and a catheter (10) used for introducing an intraluminal endoprosthesis (20), preferably a stent, into a body cavity.
US08221483B2	Medical implant detachment systems and methods An implant assembly comprises an elongated pusher member, and an implantable device (e.g., a vaso-occlusive device) mounted to the distal end of the pusher member. The implant assembly further comprises an electrolytically severable joint disposed on the pusher member, wherein the implantable device detaches from the pusher member when the severable joint is severed, and a return electrode carried by the distal end of the pusher member (e.g., a coil disposed about the pusher member) in proximity to, but electrically isolated from, the severable joint. The implant assembly further comprises a terminal carried by the proximal end of the pusher member in electrical communication with the severable joint.
US08221481B2	Brain cooling device and brain cooling system comprising the device A brain cooling device is provided to cool the brain sufficiently to the subcortical tissue in a short time. The device includes a cuff (3) capable of storing therein a cooled fluid and placeable in the esophagus (H1) of the patient (H) when inserted orally or transnasally. A tube (2) extends from the cuff (3) for infusing the fluid into the cuff (3) placed in the esophagus (H1) from outside the body of the patient H and discharging the fluid from the cuff (3). The cuff (3) has flexibility so as to inflate or deflate in response to infusion or discharge of the fluid and is configured in such a manner that when the fluid is infused therein while placed in the esophagus (H1), the cuff (3) that has been inflated comes into close contact with the inner wall (H4) of the esophagus (H1).
US08221476B2	Spinal plate assembly Spinal plate assemblies, methods of fabrication, and methods of use. Such assemblies comprises blocking structures assembled to spinal plates. The blocking structure comprises an elongate band which can be against structure of the plate. The band is mounted into a continuous or intermittent channel in the plate, and extends into an aperture in the plate. The band responds to side forces applied by interfering elements of bone fasteners driven through an aperture, by moving away from the interfering element, and returning to a blocking position over the interfering element after the interfering element has passed the band. Methods of fabrication include inserting the blocking structure, optionally longitudinally, into the channel. Methods of use include advancing bone screws through an aperture and past the band. The bone screw deflects the band as the screw passes, and the band moves to the blocking position when the screw has moved past the band.
US08221475B2	Implants for creating connections to tissue parts, in particular to skeletal parts, as well as device and method for implantation thereof Implants (7) for forming a positive connection with human or animal parts include a material, such as thermoplastics and thixotropic materials, that can be liquefied by means of mechanical energy. The implants (7) are brought into contact with the tissue part, are subjected to the action of ultrasonic energy while being pressed against the tissue part. The liquefiable material liquefies and is pressed into openings or surface asperities of the tissue part so that, once solidified, the implant is positively joined thereto. The implantation involves the use of an implantation device that includes a generator (2), an oscillating element, and a resonator (6). The generator (2) causes the oscillating element to mechanically oscillate, and the element transmits the oscillations to the resonator (6). The resonator (6) is used to press the implant (7) against the tissue part to transmit oscillations to the implant (7).
US08221473B2	Spinal rod connector assembly for a vertebral bone screw A spinal rod connector provides single step locking of a spinal rod relative to a bone screw. The single step lock-up is in line with the vertebral bone screw while still allowing for effectively 360° of rotation of a portion of the spinal rod connector assembly with the spinal rod (but functionally 180° or +/−90° of the 0° position depicted in the various figures). The present spinal rod connector assembly utilizes components having V-shapes of various angles to provide holding of the spinal rod. A pulling and compression force locks the spinal rod onto the spinal rod connector and thus relative to the vertebral bone screw to which the spinal rod connector assembly is attached. The present spinal rod connector allows easy sliding down on guides of the spinal rod connector assembly since spinal rod rotation locks up from the rod being pulled towards the vertebral bone screw.
US08221472B2	Bone anchor with locking cap and method of spinal fixation A bone anchor (100) for attaching a rod (108) to a bone has an anchor member (106) for attachment to the bone and an anchor head (104) having a U-shaped opening for receiving the rod. The bone anchor also includes a locking cap (102) that has a main body (900) and a set screw (1000). Advantageously, in one embodiment the locking cap preferably is designed such that a single tool can be used to lock the locking cap in place on the anchor body preferably with a 90° turn and preferably then drive the set screw to clamp the rod. The locking cap also preferably non-threadingly engages the anchor body. The anchor body preferably has an inclined surface on its top surface which elastically deflects extending tabs on the main body to secure the locking cap to the anchor body. A method of implantation and assembly of the bone anchor are also described.
US08221468B2	Use of bioabsorbable materials for anterior extradiscal correction of thoracolumbar pathologies A method of performing a surgical anterior extradiscal correction of a thoracolumbar pathology includes steps of surgically approaching a patient's spine and correcting a thoracolumbar pathology, aligning adjacent vertebral bodies, and securing the vertebral bodies in a desired relative position with anterior instrumentation that penetrates at least one of the vertebral bodies. The anterior instrumentation includes a bioabsorbable element and in one embodiment includes first and second bioabsorbable anchors for penetrating anterior portions of respective first and second sacral, thoracic or lumbar vertebral bodies and bioabsorbable instrumentation that fixedly connects the first bioabsorbable anchor to the second bioabsorbable anchor. This permits the first sacral, thoracic or lumbar vertebral body to be surgically fixed to the second sacral, thoracic or lumbar vertebral body for a predetermined period of time, when the bioabsorbable apparatus will be absorbed by a patient's body.
US08221466B2	Transconnector for coupling first and second spinal fixation elements Transconnector devices and methods of use are provided. A transconnector device has the capability of connecting to elongate spinal fixation elements having various cross-sectional dimensions. The transconnector device is adjustable in three degrees of freedom and is curved to ensure that it maintains a minimum distance posterior of the dura when it is fixed to elongate spinal fixation elements.
US08221463B2	Interspinous process implants and methods of use Systems and method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention can includes an implant comprising a first wing, a spacer extending from the first wing, and a distraction guide. The distraction guide is arranged in a first configuration to pierce and/or distract tissue associated with adjacent spinous processes extending from vertebrae of a targeted motion segment. The implant can be positioned between the adjacent spinous processes and once positioned, the implant can be arranged in a second configuration. When arranged in a second configuration, the distraction guide can act as a second wing. The first wing and the second wing can limit or block movement of the implant along a longitudinal axis of the implant.
US08221462B2	Interspinous internal fixation/distraction device Disclosed are an apparatus for an interspinous fixation and/or distraction of vertebrae and a methodology for minimally invasive implantation of the apparatus in the spine of a patient. The apparatus corresponds to a pair of teardrop shaped lateral wing elements spaced apart by a central core element that may be selectively sized during the implantation process. The wings and central core are held together by a single threaded bolt and locking nut configuration resulting in a simple structure that may be easily implanted with minimal patient discomfort.
US08221458B2	Percutaneous spinal implants and methods A method includes moving a spinal implant such that a central portion of the spinal implant is disposed between adjacent spinous processes, radially extending a proximal portion of the spinal implant on a first side of the adjacent spinous processes such that movement of the proximal portion between the adjacent spinous processes is inhibited, and radially extending a distal portion of the spinal implant on a second side of the adjacent spinous processes opposite the first side such that movement of the distal portion between the adjacent spinous processes is inhibited.
US08221453B2	Laparoscopic auto-knot sutures device A surgical knotting device comprising a length of suture thread; a first portion located and held in place on the length of suture thread; a needle on the length of suture thread at a position spaced from where the first portion is located; a second portion attached to the first portion and having a groove therein adapted to receive the length of suture thread at a point between where the first portion is located and the needle, and to secure the length of suture thread in place; and an auxiliary thread on the length of suture thread at an end opposite the needle.
US08221452B2	Systems and methods for sealing a vascular puncture Systems and methods introduce a closure material to seal a vessel puncture site. The system and methods provide a catheter adapted for passage through a tissue puncture and sized to occupy substantially all the tissue puncture. The catheter includes a lumen in fluid communication with a fluid delivery port adjacent the catheter distal end. One or more dispensers are in fluid communication with the catheter lumen for dispensing first and second fluid compositions in the catheter lumen. An actuator causes the first and second fluid compositions to be dispensed from the dispensers and mixed by flowing the first and second fluid compositions through a static mixer. The first and second fluid compositions are dispensed from the fluid delivery port as a fluid mixture that reacts in situ to form a nonfluent closure composition adjacent the vessel puncture site.
US08221450B2	Surgical instrument The surgical instrument includes a distal tool, a rigid or flexible elongated shaft that supports the distal tool, and a proximal handle or control member, where the tool and the handle are coupled to the respective distal and proximal ends of the elongated shaft via distal and proximal bendable motion members. Actuation means extends between said distal and proximal members whereby any deflection of said control handle with respect to said elongated instrument shaft causes a corresponding bending of said distal motion member for control of said working member. A manually rotatable member is arranged adjacent to the control handle for manually rotating the instrument shaft and working member relative to the control handle.
US08221446B2	Embolic protection device An embolic protection device for deployment in a body vessel is provided, including a filtering body having a lip and extending therefrom to a tail and a frame connected to the lip for supporting the filtering body. The filtering body includes first and second openings formed therethrough, the first opening having a first area for maintaining fluid flowpaths through the device, the second opening having a second area for filtering emboli in the body vessel. The first area is greater than the second area.
US08221445B2	Barrier device for ostium of left atrial appendage A membrane applied to the ostium of an atrial appendage for blocking blood from entering the atrial appendage which can form blood clots therein is disclosed. The membrane also prevents blood clots in the atrial appendage from escaping therefrom and entering the blood stream which can result in a blocked blood vessel, leading to strokes and heart attacks. The membranes are percutaneously installed in patients experiencing atrial fibrillations and other heart conditions where thrombosis may form in the atrial appendages. A variety of means for securing the membranes in place are disclosed. The membranes may be held in place over the ostium of the atrial appendage or fill the inside of the atrial appendage. The means for holding the membranes in place over the ostium of the atrial appendages include prongs, stents, anchors with tethers or springs, disks with tethers or springs, umbrellas, spiral springs filling the atrial appendages, and adhesives. After the membrane is in place a filler substance may be added inside the atrial appendage to reduce the volume, help seal the membrane against the ostium or clot the blood in the atrial appendage. The membranes may have anticoagulants to help prevent thrombosis. The membranes be porous such that endothelial cells cover the membrane presenting a living membrane wall to prevent thrombosis. The membranes may have means to center the membranes over the ostium. Sensors may be attached to the membrane to provide information about the patient.
US08221444B2	Catheter having an improved distal tip An elongated balloon catheter having a distal tip member on the distal end of the catheter and having a sleeve surrounding and secured at least to the proximal end of the distal tip member.
US08221440B2	Method and apparatus for delivering a prosthetic fabric into a patient An introducer and method for delivering a prosthetic fabric into a patient. The introducer includes a delivery tube having a distal end adapted to be inserted into the patient and a lumen that receives the prosthetic fabric. A loader may be provided to reconfigure the prosthetic fabric from a first configuration to a collapsed configuration and/or to insert the collapsed fabric into the lumen of the delivery tube. A plunger may be provided to push the prosthetic fabric through the delivery tube and into the patient. The loader and plunger may be combined in a dual-purpose component that is reversible to either load the fabric into the delivery tube or push the fabric through the delivery tube.
US08221436B2	Apparatus and method for positioning and orientation of medical instruments This invention relates to a method and an apparatus for positioning, orientation and insertion of a medical device. The apparatus comprising a first pentagonal mechanism which offers two degrees of freedom, and a second pentagonal mechanism which offers three degrees of freedom of motion. The two are aligned along a first axis so as to permit them to hold an instrument driving means. The instrument driving means is adapted to hold a medical instrument and adapted to permit said instrument to move along and rotate on its own axis. The instrument driving means offers another two degrees of freedom of motion. The apparatus provides a total of six degrees of freedom.
US08221433B2	Bone fixation tool A tool and a method are provided for driving a bone pin into a fractured bone to stabilize the fractured bone by maintaining the fractured bone in a reduced state. The tool may be a handheld device including a cartridge having at least one passageway that receives the bone pin. The tool may also include a pneumatically-powered piston having a needle that is sized for receipt within the passageway of the cartridge, the needle applying sufficient force to the bone pin to drive the bone pin out of the cartridge and into the fractured bone.
US08221431B2	Calibrated mechanical orthopedic driver with wear-compensated torque-limiting mechanism A torque-limiting driver (10) for orthopedic surgical use has a housing (16) to which a torque force may be applied and transferred to a driver output shaft (18). The housing (16) encloses a cam bearing assembly (52) having a ball cage (54) disposed so that balls (56) of the ball cage (54) moves along a first vector path (Vr) radial to the axis of rotation (20). The bearing assembly also has an inner race (58) abutting the ball (56) and which inner race (58) travels along a second vector path (F) parallel to the axis of rotation (20). The first vector path (Vr) and the second vector path (F) are not co-axial. A bearing load assembly (70) applies a bias force (F) to the inner race (58) of the cam bearing assembly (52) to set the calibrated maximum amount of torque that can be transmitted via the housing (16) through the cam bearing assembly (52) to output shaft (18) of the torque-limiting driver (10).
US08221426B2	Methods and devices for deformity correction An adapter including a coupling portion defining a lumen to receive a pedicle post, an intermediate portion including a first end fixedly attached to a side of the coupling portion and including a second end distal from the coupling portion, and a bolt. A proximal end of the bolt is rotatably coupled to the second end of the intermediate portion and a distal end of the bolt includes a connector.
US08221422B2	Device and method for sectioning a vertebral lamina A device for sectioning a vertebral lamina, which can comprise a base for positioning the device and protecting the medullar canal when sectioning the lamina, sectioning means slide-mounted in the base along a first axis, a first piston slide-mounted in a sleeve of the sectioning means along a second axis secant to the first sliding axis of the sectioning means, a second piston made integral with the first piston and slide-mounted in the base along a third axis, the sectioning means being provided with a cutting element oriented in opposite direction to the second piston with respect to the sleeve, and the sliding of the second piston along the third axis causing the sliding of the sectioning means along the first axis via the first piston.
US08221420B2	Trauma nail accumulator Provided is an accumulator that may store energy within a pressurized inflatable nail to compensate for small changes or losses in a system volume. Alternatively, the accumulator may be external to a pressurized inflatable nail and attached to the nail after the nail is implanted. The accumulator may be comprise a piston or a pressurized bladder. The energy may be stored in a spring, compressed air, or other pressure source. The accumulator may stabilize a system pressure by supplying fluid to the closed system. Alternatively, the accumulator may stabilize a system pressure by replacing the volume of the lost fluid.
US08221414B2	Catheter An apparatus for treatment of tissue within a body requiring thermotherapy includes a catheter to be inserted into a bodily conduit, an energy-emitting source disposed within the catheter, a compression balloon surrounding the energy-emitting source where the compression balloon has an inflated diameter that is greater than that of the bodily conduit in a relaxed state and an outside surface of the balloon is coated with one of gene modifiers and drug or medication, and means for activating the energy-emitting source to radiate energy to heat the drug-coated compression balloon and tissue to be treated whereby the heated drug-coated compression balloon effectively delivers the one of the gene modifiers and drug or medication to a target area of the diseased tissue. In addition, methods for using the above apparatus to treat diseased tissue are disclosed.
US08221413B2	Device and method for treatment of tissue adjacent a bodily conduit by thermocompression A method and apparatus of treating tissue adjacent to a bodily conduit using thermotherapy, while preventing obstructions of the bodily conduit due to edema employs the circulation of warmed fluid to maintain the temperature of the bodily conduit walls and compresses the tissue to be treated to increase the effectiveness of the irradiated heat. An energy-emitting source containing catheter is inserted in a bodily conduit and is positioned in a region of the tissue to be treated so that the energy-emitting source radiates energy to the tissue to be treated. Fluid warmed to over 30° C. is circulated into and through the catheter to warm walls of the bodily conduit adjacent the catheter. The circulated fluid inflates a balloon to a pressure to compress the tissue to be treated. The combination of warmed fluid over 30° C. being circulated adjacent the bodily conduit to maintain the warmth in its walls and the compression of the tissue to be treated enables a natural stent to be formed that remains after the catheter and compression balloon is removed.
US08221411B2	Systems and methods for cardiac tissue electroporation ablation Cardiac electroporation ablation systems and methods in which pulsed, high voltage energy is delivered to induce electroporation of cells of cardiac tissue followed by cell rupturing. In some embodiments, the delivered energy is biphasic, having a cycle time of not more than 500 microseconds.
US08221410B2	Methods for creating tissue effect utilizing electromagnetic energy and a reverse thermal gradient A method of creating a tissue effect at a tissue site delivers electromagnetic energy through a skin surface from an electromagnetic energy delivery device coupled to an electromagnetic energy source. At least one of the electromagnetic energy delivery device or electromagnetic energy source includes a memory. A reverse thermal gradient is created through the skin surface to sufficiently heat an underlying tissue site to provide that a temperature of the skin surface is lower than a temperature of the underlying tissue. Information is stored from the memory to facilitate operation of at least one of the electromagnetic energy delivery device or the electromagnetic energy source. Electromagnetic energy is applied through the skin surface to the underlying tissue. A tissue effect is created on at least a portion of the tissue site.
US08221409B2	Thermally insulated irrigation catheter assembly The present invention relates to ablation electrode assemblies. The present invention further relates to an insulated irrigated ablation electrode assembly. The insulated irrigated ablation electrode assembly of the present invention includes a proximal member, a distal member and an intermediate thermally insulating member. The proximal member includes a body portion defined by an outer surface, an inner cavity defined within the outer body portion, and at least one passageway that extends from the inner cavity to the outer surface of the body portion. The distal member of the electrode assembly includes a distal end. Moreover, the intermediate member of the electrode assembly is disposed between the proximal member and the distal member thereby thermally insulating the proximal member from the distal member.
US08221408B2	Medical device having integral traces and formed electrodes A catheter or lead having electrically conductive traces and external electrical contacts. Each trace may be in electrical connection with one or more external electrical contacts. More specifically, each trace is typically electrically connected to a single contact. The traces and contacts may assist in diagnosis and/or detection of bio-electrical signals emitted by organs, and may transmit such signals to a connector or diagnostic device affixed to the catheter. The external electrical contacts may detect bioelectric energy or may deliver electrical energy to a target site.
US08221407B2	Catheter with tissue protecting assembly A medical probe includes an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end, an ablative element mounted to the distal end of the elongate member, and a cage assembly mounted to the distal end of the elongate member, the cage assembly at least partially covers the ablative element. A method of treating tissue in a body includes inserting an ablative element in the body, placing the ablative element adjacent the tissue, and maintaining a distance between the ablative element and the tissue using a protective catheter element that circumscribes at least a portion of the ablative element.
US08221401B2	Uterine therapy device and method A method and system of providing therapy to a patient's uterus. The method includes the steps of inserting an access tool through a cervix and a cervical canal into the uterus; actively cooling the cervical canal; delivering vapor through the access tool lumen into the uterus; and condensing the vapor on tissue within the uterus. The system has an access tool with a lumen, the access tool being adapted to be inserted through a human cervical canal to place an opening of the lumen within a uterus when the access tool is inserted through the cervical canal; an active cooling mechanism adapted to cool the cervical canal, the active cooling mechanism having a coolant source; and a vapor delivery mechanism adapted to deliver condensable vapor through the access tool to the uterus, the condensable vapor being adapted to condense within the uterus.
US08221400B2	Apparatus for and method of refractive surgery with laser pulses A method and apparatus for a refractive surgical treatment that uses a laser which produces a succession of laser pulses applied to a material region. The laser pulses irradicates the material region to be divided where the energy of the individual pulse in less than the energy required to produce the material division or cutting.
US08221397B2	Devices and methods for tissue modification Methods and apparatus are provided for selective surgical removal of tissue. In one variation, tissue may be ablated, resected, removed, or otherwise remodeled by standard small endoscopic tools delivered into the epidural space through an epidural needle. The sharp tip of the needle in the epidural space, can be converted to a blunt tipped instrument for further safe advancement. The current invention includes specific tools that enable safe tissue modification in the epidural space, including a barrier that separates the area where tissue modification will take place from adjacent vulnerable neural and vascular structures. A nerve stimulator may be provided to reduce a risk of inadvertent neural abrasion.
US08221396B2	Bone implants for the treatment of infection Described herein are devices, systems and methods for treating disease and/or infection by the release of silver from an implant over an extended period of time. In particular, the devices described herein may be used to treat infections such as osteomyelitis by the controlled release of silver ions from multiple sites of an extended-use implant. This implant typically includes a plurality of arms that both anchor and help distribute the released ions within the tissue. Power may be applied to release the silver ions into the tissue.
US08221394B2	Liposuction based on tissue liquefaction Target tissue may be removed from a subject using a cannula that has an interior cavity and an orifice configured to permit material to enter the cavity. This is accomplished by generating a negative pressure in the cavity so that a portion of the tissue is drawn into the orifice. Fluid is then delivered, via a conduit, so that the fluid exits the conduit within the cavity and impinges against the portion of the tissue that was drawn into the orifice. The fluid is delivered at a pressure and temperature that causes the tissue to soften, liquefy, or gellify. The tissue that has been softened, liquefied, or gellified is then suctioned away.
US08221393B1	Multi-channel surgical drain and its associated method of manufacture A surgical drain tube assembly and its associated method of manufacture. The drain tube assembly has an extruded intake tube that defines multiple internal conduits. The intake tube has a first end and an opposite second end. The internal conduits run between the first end and the second end. The extruded intake tube contains multiple slices that run from the first end to a termination point. Each of the slices communicates with a different one of the internal conduits inside the intake tube. The internal conduits are therefore transformed into open grooves that are capable of draining fluids at any point along their lengths. The extruded intake tube can also be cut into separate arms that converge at the termination point. The intake tube is coupled to a single conduit collection tube that draws fluid from all the conduits of the intake tube.
US08221383B2	Devices and methods for preventing distal embolization from the vertebrobasilar artery using flow reversal The invention provides a medical device having a catheter and one or more expandable constricting/occluding members. The catheter has a lumen communicating with a port at its distal end. The lumen and port are adapted for introduction of therapeutic or diagnostic devices, including an angioplasty/stent catheter and an atherectomy catheter, into a vertebral or basilar artery. The constrictor/occluder is mounted proximal to the port of the catheter. Manometers may be mounted distal to one or more constrictors for measuring pressure distal to the constrictor(s). Methods of using the devices for preventing distal embolization during vertebral and/or basilar procedures by reversing blood flow in the vertebral artery toward the subclavian artery are disclosed.
US08221382B2	Medicament admixing system A system for mixing or reconstituting a drug contained in a first container with a diluent or fluid contained in a second container. The second container has a port docking assembly for engaging the first container. The first container is rotatable and axially slidable within the port docking assembly. The port docking assembly has an actuator to urge a stopper fluidly sealing the first container into the interior of the first container. The port docking assembly further includes a movable plug constructed to fluidly seal the second container in a first, docked position and to provide access to the interior of the second container in a second, activated position, whereby fluid communication between the first and second containers is provided when the first and second containers are in the second, activated position.
US08221379B2	Absorbent article with improved tear resistance and softness A disposable absorbent article may comprise a chassis and an ear. The chassis comprises a liquid permeable topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and backsheet. The ear comprises an elastomeric material and a first substrate joined to the elastomeric material. The ear has a first void region adjacent the proximal edge of the ear. The ear is joined to the chassis by at least one mechanical bond that engages the elastomeric material.
US08221375B2	Barrel for a tampon application assembly and methods of forming A method of forming a barrel for a tampon applicator assembly including molding a barrel then forming a rearward taper region in an area of the barrel is provided. The method includes molding a first portion of the barrel in a first mold part and a second portion of the barrel in a second mold part, the first and second mold parts meeting at a maximum outer dimension of the first portion, ejecting the barrel from the first and second mold parts, and forming a flared region in an area of the second portion.
US08221372B2	Disposable diaper having folded front-sided end flap portion Provided is a disposable diaper, in which fastening tapes are brought into direct engagement with the surface of an outer-face back sheet made of a nonwoven fabric. The disposable diaper is enabled to adjust its size slightly according to the body shape of a baby, by improving the force of the fastening tapes to engage with the outer-face back sheet and the force to join the outer-face back sheet and a leakage-preventing sheet.The disposable diaper has its outer-face back sheet made of a nonwoven fabric prepared by an air-through method, in which fibers are thermally melted to each other at the time of manufacturing the nonwoven fabric by feeding hot air in a drum transfer process. This nonwoven fabric is arranged to have the aforementioned drum contacting face side on the inner face side of the diaper and the drum noncontact face side on the outer face side of the diaper, or the outer face side of the aforementioned outer-face back sheet is subjected to a raising treatment over a predetermined rangeset as at least the engaging range of the aforementioned fastening tapes. As a result, the engaging force of the fastening tapes can be improved, and at least the aforementioned front-side end flap portion EFF can be longitudinally folded back at an arbitrary position.
US08221371B2	Wrapper sealing process and article A process for overwrapping a catamenial device such as a tampon includes the steps of providing a substantially cylindrical overwrapper material, inserting a catamenial device into the overwrap material, and closing the open end of the overwrapper material. The overwrapper material has an open end, a closed end, and a first length. The catamenial device has a tapered insertion end, a longitudinal axis, and a length less than the first length, such that the open end of the overwrapper material extends beyond the insertion end of the inserted catamenial device. Concave clamping jaws are applied to the open end of the overwrapper material to urge it toward the longitudinal axis of the catamenial device; to conform portions of the overwrapper material to the insertion end of the catamenial device; and to fold overwrapper material between adjacent clamping jaws to form fins extending outwardly from the conformed portions.
US08221366B2	Volume limiting bodily fluid drainage system A system and method are disclosed for automatically limiting the drainage of a bodily fluid such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a patient into a collection chamber. The collection chamber includes a vent having an hydrophobic filter for the passage of air to facilitate the movement of CSF yet to maintain a closed system. The system includes a buoyant float hingedly connected with the top of the collection chamber in one embodiment. When fluid rises in the collection chamber to a predetermined volume, buoyant force raises the float and causes a seal plug mounted on top of the float to seal one of an inflow port or a vent port. The float is limited to pivoting movement in one plane and to a certain angle within that plane. The system and method avoid overdrainage of CSF from the patient and overfilling of the collection chamber.
US08221355B2	Injection device for infusion set The invention relates to an injector device for an infusion set for intermittent or continuous administration of a therapeutical substance, such as insulin. The injector device for the subcutaneous introduction of the cannula of an infusion part into the skin of a patient comprises a housing, a back, longitudinally extending guiding means, a member which is longitudinally slidable within the housing, an insertion needle for insertion of the cannula, a spring located between the back of the housing and the longitudinally slidable member, locking means for maintaining the spring in a compressed state and release means for disengaging the locking means. The device further comprises a pivoting member which can be swung from a position in which the pivoting member allows for insertion of the needle into a position in which it embraces the needle.
US08221351B2	Non-compliant medical balloon having an integral non-woven fabric layer A non-compliant medical balloon may be changed from a deflated state to an inflated state by increasing pressure within the balloon. The non-compliant medical balloon is composed of a matted fabric layer composed of at least two matted fabric fibers forming an angle. The angle remains substantially unchanged when the balloon changes from a deflated state to an inflated state.
US08221350B2	Balloon catheter having improved balloon seal The end cap is preferably formed of a relatively high durometer material with an inner surface on an outer surface of the shaft and on an outer surface of the balloon skirt section, and contacts a compression member on the balloon outer surface. The configuration prevents or inhibits failure at the balloon seals which otherwise results from the compression member moving or the balloon pulling off the shaft and out from under the compression member during inflation of the balloon. As a result, the balloon catheter of the invention has an improved consistent burst pressure and/or failure mode.
US08221347B2	Needle-free injector The present invention provides a needle-free injection device for delivering a medicament under pressure into an animal or human. The injection device includes an actuating device comprising: a gas tight chamber; a piston and rod assembly slidably received in the chamber and movable between a forward position and a rearward position; a gas charge in the chamber for urging the piston and rod assembly to the forward position; means for moving said piston and rod assembly against said gas charge into the rearward position; and a trigger for releasably retaining the piston and assembly in the rearward position. Also provided is a method and kit for using the device to administer a liquid through the skin of an animal or human.
US08221346B2	Blood sugar level control system The present invention relates to a blood sugar level control system equipped with an insulin dispensing device 2 and a blood sugar measuring device 3. An attachment mechanism 4 is provided which serves to couple the insulin dispensing device 2 and said blood sugar measuring device 3 in a relatively movable manner. Preferably, the attachment mechanism 4 is constructed so that the blood sugar measuring device 3 is movable or slidable with respect to the insulin dispensing device 2. A blood sugar level control system can be provided which includes a blood sugar measuring device and an insulin dispensing device without using an adapter. Accordingly, it is possible to avoid a cost rise due to an increase in the number of parts as required. In addition, it is possible to prevent the blood sugar level control system from being unable to be used due to the loss of an adapter in the form of a different part.
US08221342B2	Arterial-venous switching Methods and devices are provided for switching fluid flow through a body part, such as all or portions of an organ or extremity. In general, fluid inflow and fluid outflow vessels to at least a portion of a body part can be switched such that all fluid in at least a portion of the inflow and outflow vessels flows in an opposite direction. In other words, the fluid inflow vessel (or at least a portion thereof) becomes the fluid outflow vessel that receives fluid from a body part, and the fluid outflow vessel (or at least a portion thereof) becomes the fluid inflow vessel that delivers fluid to a body part.
US08221340B2	Hybrid compression stocking A compression stocking for compressing a limb is disclosed. The stocking may include a proximal tube, a distal tube, and an transition line or zone. The proximal tube may have a distal end and a proximal end and be configured to compress a proximal portion of a limb. The distal tube may have a distal end and a proximal end and be configured to compress a distal portion of the limb. The transition line or zone may provide a location where the distal end of the proximal tube connects to the proximal end of the distal tube. The transition line or zone may correspond to an abrupt change in magnitude between compression provided by the proximal tube and compression provided by the distal tube.
US08221338B2	Therapeutic treatment appliance A therapeutic treatment head for treating living tissue (T), the head comprising a casing (1), an ultrasound therapeutic transducer (2) mounted on the casing, and a diaphragm (3) mounted on the casing (1), the diaphragm (3) being designed to come into contact with an application surface (S) of the tissue (T), such as skin; the diaphragm (3), the transducer (2), and the casing (1) together defining a chamber (4) that is filled with an acoustic coupling liquid (L) that flows through the chamber between an inlet (41) and an outlet (42); the transducer (2) being placed in such a manner as to emit ultrasound through a propagation zone (Z) of the chamber towards the diaphragm (3); the head being characterized in that a first temperature sensor (51) is placed close to the inlet (41) and a second temperature sensor (52) is placed close to the outlet (42), the sensors (51, 52) delivering signals that are representative of temperatures.
US08221334B2	Method and apparatus for penetrating tissue These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in a body fluid sampling system for use on a tissue site that includes a single drive force generator. A plurality of penetrating members are operatively coupled to the force generator. The force generator moves each of the members along a path out of a housing with a penetrating member exit, into the tissue site, stops in the tissue site, and withdraws out of the tissue site. A flexible support member couples the penetrating members to define a linear array. The support member is movable and configured to move each of the penetrating members to a launch position associated with the force generator. A user interface is configured to relay at least one of, penetrating member performance or a penetrating member setting.
US08221333B2	Puncturing system and tape cassette A puncturing system includes a support tape (1) that supports a plurality of lancets (2), a first reel (3) onto which the support tape (1) with unused lancets (2) is wound, a second reel (4) on which portions of the support tape with used lancets (2) are to be wound, a winding mechanism which, by turning the second reel (4), brings the lancets (2) supported by the support tape (1) to a position of use one after another and thus unwinds the support tape (1) from the first reel (3) and winds it onto the second reel (4), and a puncturing drive mechanism (7) with which lancets (2) located in the position of use are accelerated in order to puncture the skin. The support tape (1) between the first and second reels (3, 4) is twisted only in one direction of rotation by at least a quarter turn, preferably by at least a half turn.
US08221330B2	Measurement for EEG reactivity The invention relates to a method and apparatus for assessing the reactivity observable in a certain physiological signal, especially the EEG signal, of a comatose subject. In order to obtain an objective and a reliable measure of the reactivity automatically and without the presence of a trained EEG specialist, a valid signal model is constructed for an EEG signal obtained from the subject. A time reference corresponding to a stimulus is applied and further signal data is obtained from the time series, the further signal data being subsequent to the time reference. By employing the further signal data, the method tests whether the signal model remains to be a valid signal model for the EEG signal also after the stimulus, and indicates, based on the test, whether reactivity is present in the physiological signal.
US08221329B2	Inhalation system and method A system includes but is not limited to at least one manifold; an inhalant dissemination device coupled to the at least one manifold; an inhalant characterization device coupled to the at least one manifold; and a control module operably coupled to the inhalant dissemination device and the inhalant characterization device, said control module configured to (a) determine an inhalant concentration in a manifold, and (b) calculate at least one of a retrospective and a prospective inhaled dose in response to the inhalant concentration, and (c) start and stop a flow through the manifold until the at least one of the retrospective and the prospective inhaled dose is greater than or equal to a specified dose. A method includes but is not limited to starting a flow of an inhalant through a manifold; determining an inhalant concentration of the inhalant in the manifold; and stopping the flow of the inhalant through the manifold when the inhalant concentration is in a first specified inhalant-concentration range.
US08221325B2	Detection of hypovolemia using implantable medical device An implantable medical device receives a physiological signal indicative of circulatory blood volume and detects hypovolemia from that physiological signal. In one embodiment, an implantable pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) senses a PAP signal, and the implantable medical device detects hypovolemia from the PAP signal.
US08221321B2	Systems and methods for quantification and classification of fluids in human cavities in ultrasound images Ultrasound imaging systems and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an ultrasonography method includes creating a database that is representative of a tissue, a fluid, or a cavity of a body, and transmitting ultrasound pulses into a region-of-interest in a patient. Echoes are received from the region of interest, and based upon the received echoes, compiling an ultrasonic pattern of the region-of-interest is compiled. The pattern is processed by comparing the region-of-interest patterns to the pattern information stored in the database. A composition within the region-of-interest of the patient is then determined.
US08221320B2	Access disconnect detection system An access site disconnection system and method are disclosed. Radio frequency transmitters and receivers are placed near an access site. When a patient receives dialysis treatment, wetness may arise from blood if the access needle becomes disconnected from the access site. Radio-frequency transmitters are mounted on or near gauze or other absorbent material placed adjacent the access site, as are radio-frequency receivers. After the sensors are placed, the dialysis machine and radio-frequency control circuit may be initialized or baselined, and dialysis treatment, such as hemodialysis, begun. If blood leaks from the access site, such as if the access needle is dislodged, the blood attenuates the radio frequency transmissions, which are detected by the receivers. A signal is sent to a controller or to an output device to raise an alert or sound an alarm.
US08221318B2	Process and a device for surgical treatment of rectal and haemorrhoidal prolapse A process for surgical operations on a rectal/haemorrhoidal prolapse comprises stages of realising, in the anal canal, at least a first circular stitching at a first portion of a haemorrhoidal prolapse; realising at least a second circular stitching in a second portion of the haemorrhoidal prolapse, and nearing the first circular stitching and the second circular stitching in order to create a constriction of the haemorrhoidal prolapse. The invention also relates to a device, preferably for actuating the process, which comprises a hollow divaricator (17) having a prevalent development direction along a longitudinal axis (Z) and being insertable in a patient's anal orifice. The device further exhibits a window (29) defining an operational area and creating a communication between a cavity (17b) internal of the divaricator (17) and a portion of haemorrhoidal prolapse. The device further comprises means for opening and closing (31) the window (29).
US08221317B2	Expanding cannula and retractor device and methods of use Expanding cannula and retractor devices and methods of use are provided. An expanding cannula and retractor device includes a first tube, a second tube positioned within the first tube, and an expandable continuous membrane connecting distal portions of the first and second tubes. The membrane can expand into an annulus based on the movement of the second tube relative to the first tube in order to contact tissue and maintain the position of the device.
US08221302B2	Shielded cartridge assembly for brachytherapy seeds A brachytherapy seed cartridge assembly includes an elongate movable shield, formed from a radiation-shielding material, that is slideably supported so as to movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The cartridge assembly also provides a quick-connect feature for a more efficient assembly and disassembly.
US08221299B2	Centrifugal force-based system for detection/treatment of membrane-encased structures Membrane-encased structures such as biological cells, liposomes, and vesicles, are conveyed through one or more channels in a rotating disk for individual exposure to optical elements or to electrodes, for purposes of transfection or flow cytometry. The rotation of the disk serves either to provide centrifugal force to urge the cells against one wall of the channel and in certain embodiments to move the cells through the channels, or to draw cells at preselected times or intervals into the exposure zone, or all three.
US08221293B2	Core stabilizing running exercise system and apparatus An exercise apparatus in this disclosure includes a doorway mountable runner restraint device. The device has a generally rigid, preferably padded, belly pad that is placed against and in front of a user's pelvis and abdominal area. A pair of cords are attached to the belly pad, each having an opposite end attached to an elastic member. Each of the elastic members is, in turn, attached to an anchor which is removably fastened to a stationary object such as a closed door, a doorway frame, or sandwiched between a closed door and the doorway frame. A user fastens the apparatus in place in a doorway, faces away from the doorway, and places the belly pad against his or her torso directly over the pelvis area, and then runs in a direction away from the doorway. The elastic members resist and restrain the user from substantial movement away from the doorway but stretch to allow forward running movement during each step.
US08221292B2	User status notification system A user status notification system and method indicate to non-users proximate the fitness equipment unit status information pertaining to the user while the user is using the fitness equipment unit.
US08221290B2	Sports electronic training system with electronic gaming features, and applications thereof A sports electronic training system with electronic gaming features, and applications thereof, are disclosed. In an embodiment, the system comprises at least one monitor and a portable electronic processing device for receiving data from the at least one monitor and providing feedback to an individual based on the received data. The monitor can be a motion monitor that measures an individual's performance such as, for example, speed, pace and distance for a runner. Other monitors might include a heart rate monitor, a temperature monitor, an altimeter, et cetera. In an embodiment, an input is provided to an electronic game based on data obtained from the at least one monitor that effects, for example, an avatar, a digitally created character, an action within the game, or a game score of the electronic game.
US08221285B2	Method and apparatus to offload offgoing clutch torque with asynchronous oncoming clutch torque, engine and motor torque for a hybrid powertrain system A powertrain includes an electromechanical transmission mechanically-operatively coupled to an internal combustion engine and an electric machine adapted to selectively transmit mechanical power to an output member. A method for controlling the powertrain includes commanding a shift from a first operating range state to a second operating range state, identifying an off-going clutch, controlling torque output from said electric machine to offload reactive torque transmitted through said off-going clutch, selectively applying an oncoming clutch to offload reactive torque transmitted through said off-going clutch, and reducing a clutch torque capacity of said off-going clutch when said reactive torque transmitted through said off-going clutch is substantially zero.
US08221283B2	Drive train connection for vehicles A drive train connection has a shaft, a joint, particularly a constant velocity joint, and a coupling device. The coupling device is a planetary gear mechanism having a hollow wheel, at least one planet wheel and a sun wheel. The shaft and the sun wheel have corresponding locking means oriented in the axial direction. The sun wheel, together with the joint, can be screwed onto the shaft or unscrewed from the shaft by turning the hollow wheel.
US08221282B2	Synchronizer in electro-mechanical transmission An electro-mechanical transmission includes a plurality of transmission components and at least one synchronizer configured to selectively engage and disengage at least two of the transmission components to effect operation in a speed range in the transmission. The synchronizer further includes a plurality of input components associated with one of the transmission components and a plurality of output components including a clutching mechanism configured to engage to at least one of the input components when the synchronizer is activated and disengage from the input component when the synchronizer is deactivated.
US08221278B2	Spur gear differential The invention relates to a spur gear differential (66) comprising a housing (68) that is embodied as a sum wheel (50) and that rotates around a longitudinal rotational axis (4), at least three planet gears (21, 22) disposed on the periphery at a distance in relation to each other around the rotational axis (4), and a drive wheel (67) at the housing (68), with the housing (68) comprised of at least two housing sections (75) fixed to each other, each of the planet gears (21, 22) mounted longitudinally on both sides in the housing sections (75), at least one of the housing sections (75) formed in the shape of a pot, with the housing section (75) formed from a pot (76) having a base (65) arranged on the front side of the housing, a wall starting from the base (65) and extending around the rotational axis (4).
US08221274B2	Chain tensioner A chain tensioner includes a plunger axially slidable in a cylinder to define a pressure chamber, filled with hydraulic oil, whose volume is variable upon axial plunger movement. A restricted passage defined between the plunger and the cylinder communicates the chamber with outside. A spring biases the plunger to increase the pressure chamber volume. An oil supply passage supplies oil to the pressure chamber and a check valve allows only oil flow into the pressure chamber, and includes an annular valve seat, a check ball movable into and out of contact with the valve seat, and a check ball retainer formed by drawing. The retainer includes a tubular portion with a bottom at one end. The tubular portion has an opening, formed by punching outwardly, through which oil can flow in and out. The opening extends to a border between the tubular portion and the bottom of the retainer.
US08221268B2	Multi-layer core golf ball Golf balls consisting of a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises a thermoset rubber center, a thermoplastic intermediate core layer, and a thermoset rubber outer core layer.
US08221267B2	Multi-layer-core golf ball having highly neutralized polymer outer core layer A golf ball including an inner core layer formed from a thermoset rubber composition and having a first surface hardness; a thermoplastic outer core layer having a second surface hardness, an inner surface hardness, and being formed from a copolymer of ethylene and an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid, an organic acid or salt thereof, and sufficient cation source to fully-neutralize the acid groups of the copolymer; an inner cover layer; and an outer cover layer; wherein the first surface hardness is less than the second surface hardness by at least 5 Shore C and less than the inner surface hardness by at least 5 Shore C.
US08221266B2	Golf ball core with soft outer transition volume and negative hardness gradient A golf ball including a unitary core having a volume, an outer surface, a geometric center, and an outermost transition volume adjacent to the outer surface, the core being formed from a substantially homogenous composition; and a cover layer including ionomer, metallocene-catalyzed polymer, polyester, polyamide, non-ionomeric thermoplastic elastomer, copolyether-ester, copolyether-amide, polycarbonate, polybutadiene, polyisoprene, or polystyrene block copolymer. The outermost transition volume is disposed between the core outer surface and the geometric center, the transition volume has an outer portion congruent with the core outer surface, and comprises the outermost 45% of the core volume or less. Both a hardness of the core outer surface and a hardness within the outermost transition volume are less than the hardness of the geometric center to define a negative hardness gradient.
US08221265B2	Multi-layer-core golf ball having highly-neutralized polymer outer core layer A golf ball including an inner core layer having an Atti compression of 30 or less and formed from a first rubber composition and having a first surface hardness; an outer core layer including a second rubber composition; a thermoplastic layer having a second surface hardness, an inner surface hardness, and comprising a copolymer of ethylene and an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid, and sufficient amount of an organic acid or a salt of the organic acid and a cation source to neutralize the acid groups of the copolymer by about 80% or greater; an inner cover layer having a hardness of about 40 Shore D to 70 Shore D; and an outer cover layer. The first surface hardness is less than the second surface hardness by at least 5 Shore C.
US08221262B1	Iron-type golf club head with groove profile in ceramic face The present invention provides a method of manufacture and design such that very small detail features can be produced within the groove profile on an iron or wedge. The advantage in being able to do this is that spin will be enhanced for a variety of shot types and conditions when striking a golf ball with cover composed of a urethane-based material.
US08221254B2	Golf glove The present invention relates to a golf glove having fixing means with a loading groove arranged on a thumb portion thereof for positioning a golfer's hand on an upper portion of a golf club when gripping the club to prevent the middle and index fingers of the other hand with no glove from slipping and to fix said fingers in the loading groove, to thereby prevent the golf club from erroneously rotating and to accurately control the club during a golf swing to enable the golfer to hit a golf ball in the desired direction with ease. The fixing means has an end with an auxiliary fixing means elastically taken up on the golf club to fix the thumb portion of the glove and to enable a firm grip to be maintained. The golf glove according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a glove body having one side wherein a thumb portion, an index finger portion, a middle finger portion, a ring finger portion, and a fifth finger portion extend, and wherein the other side has an opening for inserting a hand; as well as a fixing means extending from one side of the thumb portion, and which has one side with a loading groove.
US08221253B2	Golf grip training glove A golf training aid includes a first upper hand glove having a palm side portion, a back hand side portion, a thumb pocket having a first indicia affixed to the back hand side portion of the upper hand glove to observe the indicia while utilizing a first desirable hand position and a second indicia affixed to the back hand portion to observe the indicia while utilizing a second hand position and a third indicia affixed to the back hand side which corresponds to the first indicia to provide an alignment aid across which a golf club is placed such that a golfer observes the indicia while utilizing said first desirable hand position and a fourth indicia affixed to the back hand side portion corresponding to second indicia to provide an alignment aid across which a golf club is placed to observe the indicia while utilizing the second hand position.
US08221251B2	Variable volume boot An articulated joint includes a first rotational member and a second rotational member coupled with and positioned generally coaxial to the first rotational member. The joint also includes a boot. The boot is selectively deformable in response to an increase in pressure in a joint chamber to increase the volume of the joint chamber. The volume of the joint chamber is selectively changed due to, at least in part, relative movement of the boot end to the second rotational member.
US08221249B2	Universal joint A tripot universal joint includes a first rotatable shaft member having a first longitudinal axis and three longitudinal guide channels disposed parallel to the first longitudinal axis, each having two opposing concave side surfaces and a back surface. The joint also includes a rotatable second shaft member having a second longitudinal axis and comprising a spider having three radially extending trunnions equally, each of the trunnions having a convex outer surface disposed within an associated longitudinal guide channel. The joint further includes three rotatable rollers, each rotatably disposed on a convex outer surface of a respective trunnion, each roller having a convex outer surface that is configured for disposition within the concave side surfaces of the longitudinal guide channel with which it is associated for moveable engagement within the channel and an inner surface that is rotatably disposed on the convex surface of the trunnion.
US08221248B2	Overload protection mechanism and shaft coupling device using the same An overload protection mechanism includes a frame and a positioning assembly received in the frame. The frame includes at least one side plate, the at least one side plate defining a receiving depression. The positioning assembly includes a fixing sleeve, at least one elastic member received in the fixing sleeve, and at least one latching member positioned on the at least one elastic member and movably received in the receiving depression. The at least one side plate further defines a slanted repositioning surface adjoining the receiving depression. The positioning assembly is slidable relative to the frame with the at least one elastic member resisting the at least one latching member to press the at least one latching member along the slanted repositioning surface until the at least one latching member is received in the receiving depression.
US08221243B2	Software-based system that manages interactions among video game characters In an online game methods and systems disclosed herein can permit characters to give help to or offer to give help to other characters. In an embodiment, the game tracks the amount of helpfulness of each character is provided. Characters may be rewarded or paid for giving help to each other.
US08221241B2	Gaming involving devices in multiple locations Techniques for managing games by a gaming entity (e.g., a casino) are disclosed. Various entities (e.g., persons, groups, organizations) can effectively be invited and participate in a game managed by a gaming entity. A gaming apparatus (e.g., a gaming server) can be operable to send one or more indications (e.g., invitations) to one or more devices associated with one or more entities to indicate that the one or more entities may be eligible to participate in a game managed by a gaming entity. It will be appreciated that devices may not be owned and/or operated by the gaming entity and may be operating outside of a domain where the gaming entity is located and/or operates. It will also be appreciated that mobile devices (e.g., cell phones, smartphones) can be operable to allow participation in games managed by a gaming entity. Mobile devices that are owned and operated by private parties can be used outside the primarily domain of a gaming entities, thereby allowing individuals who are not in a casino to participate in a game using their own devices without being physically present at the casino.
US08221238B1	Determination of a reputation of an on-line game player A reputation of an on-line gamer is calculated in accordance with feedback about the gamer provided by other players. The gamer's reputation is determined in accordance with the number of players the gamer has encountered via game play, the number of players who have indicated that they prefer to play with the gamer again, and the number of players who have indicated that they prefer not to play with the gamer again. Parameters used to determine the gamer's reputation can be weighted and/or decayed to allow a more dynamic and temporally accurate determination of the gamer's reputation. Players can observe other players' reputations.
US08221237B2	Game sound output device, game sound control method, information recording medium, and program A first sound volume calculation unit (251) obtains a length of a straight line connecting a sound emitting object and a sound detection object, and calculates a first sound volume attenuated from a predetermined reference sound volume in accordance with the length. A second volume calculation unit (252), in a case where on the straight line there is an other object that is an obstacle, calculates a second sound volume attenuated from the first sound volume by a predetermined ratio. A third volume calculation unit (253) draws from each of the sound emitting object and the sound detection object a plurality of space recognition lines that spread in plane and at a predetermined angle from the straight line locating as a center, and calculates a third sound volume attenuated from either one of the first sound volume and the second sound volume in accordance with an attenuation ratio determined by the number of the space recognition lines having a same angle and intersecting with each other without being intercepted by the other object that is an obstacle. An output sound control unit (207) outputs game sound based on the calculated third sound volume.
US08221235B2	Drawing machine and game apparatus using the same The present invention provides a drawing machine and a game apparatus using the same by which it is easier to give the participants of the drawing an impression like drawing is carried out fairly when the computer drawing in which a winning-probability of each of drawing-objects is changed is carried out.A drawing machine for determining a winning-object from a plurality of drawing-objects includes: a winning-probability data storage unit for storing winning-probability data showing respective winning-probabilities of the plurality of drawing-objects; a drawing unit for carrying out a drawing in accordance with the winning-probability of each of the drawing-objects determined by the winning-probability data stored in the winning-probability data storage unit and determining a winning-object from the plurality of drawing-objects; a winning-probability data changing unit for changing the winning-probability data stored in the winning-probability data storage unit; a winning-probability image displaying unit for displaying a winning-probability image showing the winning-probability of each of the drawing-objects determined by the winning-probability data stored in the winning-probability data storage unit; and a winning-probability displaying control unit for changing the winning-probability image displayed on the winning-probability image displaying unit, when the winning-probability data changing unit changes the winning-probability data, so as to correspond to the changed winning-probability data.
US08221232B2	Game system To provide a game system which improves a sense of being a member when a plurality of game machines are grouped. In a game system, in which each of a plurality of game machines G is sorted to any one group TTT and a game using a game element R is played among a plurality of game machines G, the game machine G obtains the evaluation to the content of the play of the game and a server CS updates registered group information 41 representing a group TTT holding the game element R into a group of the game machine G that obtained the evaluation when the evaluation and registered evaluation 43 stored related to the game element R meet a predetermined condition.
US08221229B2	Spherical ended controller with configurable modes Input devices for interfacing with a game console to interact with a computer program are disclosed. In one example, the input device includes a controller with a handle and a spherical object that is connected to a first end of the handle. The controller further includes a circuit that identifies the position of the handle. The circuit further includes communication logic to communicate the identified position to the game console during interaction with the computer program. The controller further includes control inputs connected to a second end of the handle, wherein the spherical object is placed in contact with a surface when held by the handle and the circuit updates the identified position of the handle as the handle is pivoted on the surface. The control inputs providing commands that are exchanged with the game console to further interact with the computer program.
US08221228B2	Gaming machine with separately selectable wagering games A gaming system for conducting a wagering game allows players, casino operators, and/or gaming machine manufacturers to selectively combine base games and bonus games. This modular approach allows players, casino operators, and/or gaming machine manufacturers to mix and match base games and bonus games as needed. In some embodiments, players, casino operators, and/or gaming machine manufacturers may also select different game features to employ in the bonus and/or base games. Such an arrangement allows players, casino operators, and/or gaming machine manufacturers to configure each base game and/or bonus game according to their preferences.
US08221227B2	Betting apparatus for game A betting apparatus for game includes a betting board, antennas and a control unit. The antennas are arranged to regions on the betting board and detect a gaming chip placed on the betting board. The control unit turns on or off an electric current to each of the antennas. When the control unit turns on an electric current to one antenna arranged to one region, the control unit shorts another antenna arranged to another region adjacent to the one region.
US08221225B2	System and method for personal wagering A method and a system to provide a medium for facilitating personal wagering for sporting or non-sporting events. Users wager against each other for events. Users can make their own odds and handicaps. Users can wager for property, goods, services, or items with non-monetary value. Alerts are automatically distributed to users informing them of available wager offers. Only users are responsible for completing the wager.
US08221224B2	Method for distributing large payouts with minimal interruption of a gaming session Apparatus and methods for administering payouts in gaming machines are disclosed. More particularly, improved techniques for distributing large payouts with minimal interruption of a gaming session at a gaming apparatus are disclosed.
US08221223B2	Methods, systems and apparatus for facilitating cashout options at a gaming device An embodiment of the invention includes receiving a request for a cashout of a balance from a player. In response to receiving the cashout request, at least one benefit to offer is determined based upon the balance. A value of the benefit is greater than the cashout amount.An offer is provided to the player, which the player may accept in lieu of the cashout amount. In some embodiments, the player may accept the offer in lieu of a portion of the cashout amount or in addition to the cashout amount.
US08221221B2	Metrics-based gaming operations Methods and systems for metrics-based gaming operations are provided. Information concerning game play for each play may be received and stored. Such information may be used to generate certain metrics. The generated metrics, in turn, may be used to determine how to customize a game operation. Such game operations may include providing training to a player, matching a player up with another player or with a team, adjusting a game event, etc.
US08221215B2	Providing and redeeming partial wagering game outcomes Described are methods, computer readable media and systems related to wagering games, and in particular those that concern providing and redeeming partial game outcomes. A method according to an embodiment includes receiving a completion request from a player who is operating a gaming device to complete at least one partial game outcome. The partial game outcome was previously provided to the player, who used a first device that is different than the gaming device. The method includes determining that the player is entitled to a complete game outcome, displaying the partial game outcome on the gaming device, determining the complete game outcome, and then displaying the complete game outcome.
US08221214B2	Rotor-based gaming device having a secondary award system A game system including a plurality of symbols, a rotor and an award amount. The plurality of symbols include at least one secondary award group of the symbols. A wager is placeable on the secondary award group. The rotor displays the symbols and a plurality of ball landings adjacent to the symbols. A plurality of the symbols are indicatable after multiple spins of the rotor. The game system is operable to provide a secondary award based on the indication of one or more symbols within the secondary award group.
US08221206B2	Gaming device having a partial selectable symbol matrix A gaming device including a plurality of symbol generators adapted to generate a plurality of symbols at a plurality of symbol positions. In one embodiment, a player selects a first symbol position, the selected symbol position is activated and the gaming device reveals whether a terminator is associated with the selected symbol position. In this embodiment, the player continues selecting symbol positions (and the gaming device continues activating the selected symbol positions) until a terminator is revealed to be associated with a selected symbol position. After a terminator is revealed, the gaming device randomly generating a symbol at each of the activated symbol positions. The gaming device determines an outcome based on the symbols or combinations of symbols generated at the activated symbol positions and provides the player the determined outcome.
US08221204B2	Method, apparatus, and program product for conducting a game having a simulated stock market feature A gaming machine with a simulated stock market feature that provides for player selection of a simulated stock pick from among two or more options. In response to receiving an indication of a player stock pick, the game displays a first-period bonus result showing a first-period simulated stock performance of the player stock pick relative to non-selected stock picks. The game displays a mid-bonus game pick screen allowing the player to switch their stock after the initial period. The game displays a final-period bonus result showing a final-period simulated stock performance, and awards a bonus prize related to the stock performance. A preferred game simulates four time periods of stock performance, corresponding to four quarters. After all but the last period, the user may change their stock pick. One embodiment provides a graphic sequence simulating stock performance modification, or “Jacking-Up the Stock Price.”
US08221202B2	Fully tapered rotor nose and threshing section A threshing and separating mechanism for a combine includes an elongated rotor mounted for rotation about a rotor axis on the combine within a rotor housing. The rotor has a threshing portion and a separating portion. The rotor has a rotor tube that is tapered continuously in the threshing portion and has threshing elements extending from the rotor tube. The housing has a threshing section and a separating section corresponding to the threshing portion and the separating portion. The housing surrounds the rotor and is spaced from the rotor tube to form an annular space between the rotor tube and the housing for crop material to flow through in an axial crop flow direction from an inlet end of the housing to an outlet end of the housing. The housing includes a smooth transition section between the threshing section and the separating section of the housing.
US08221200B2	Roof assembly A roof assembly for a building which includes a roof, a roof space in heat exchange relationship with at least a section of the roof, and at least one opening for airflow from the roof space.
US08221198B2	Polishing apparatus for polishing a work having two surfaces A polishing apparatus is configured to simultaneously polish both surfaces of a work, and includes a carrier having a hole configured to house the work, and a fixing member that contacts and fixes the work located in the hole.
US08221195B2	Process for grinding dies The invention relates to a machine and process for grinding dies, in which the work axis (CO) of the plate (2.1) in which the die (1) to be machined is anchored is controlled at all the points of its angular movement, allowing the interpolation of the movements of this work axis (CO) with those of an axis of rotation (BO) and with those of respective axes (X and Z), such that the machines has four axes of interpolation, which allows machining dies (1) with their inner or outer diameter rounded or non-rounded and with their transition between these diameters and the side faces constant or variable by means of a single grinding process.
US08221193B2	Closed loop control of pad profile based on metrology feedback A chemical mechanical polishing apparatus includes a metrology system that detects the thickness of the polishing pad as semiconductor wafers are processed and the thickness of the polishing pad is reduced. The chemical mechanical polishing apparatus includes a controller that adjusts the rate of material removal of a conditioning disk when areas of the polishing surface are detected that are higher or lower than the adjacent areas of the polishing pad.
US08221182B2	Three-dimensional structures with electronic circuit paths and safety circuits A three-dimensional electro-mechanical system for making mechanical structures using snap-together parts or building blocks that easily demonstrate the principles required in making three-dimensional electronic circuits incorporated in the mechanical structures. A reusable electronic module that contains batteries or other power sources and has means for attaching to other electronic modules to power these three-dimensional circuits and prevent and warn the user of excessive current.
US08221175B2	Trolling motor steering system A steering mount for use with a watercraft trolling motor. The steering mount including a bracket assembly for securing the steering mount to a substantially vertical surface of a watercraft. The mount also includes an arm member pivotally secured to the bracket assembly and a drive assembly secured to the arm member. A transom block is also attached to the drive assembly to which the trolling motor can be releasably secured. A first and second drive cable are utilized for rotating the transom block and a foot pedal is attached to the first and second drive cable for selectively imparting tension upon either the first or second cable to thereby rotate the transom block. A first and second electrical switch are disposed within the foot pedal for providing power to the trolling motor and for activating the trolling motor when needed.
US08221172B2	Electrical connector An electrical connector includes an insulating body, having at least one receiving housing running through the insulating body; at least one conductive member, comprising a contact portion disposed in the receiving housings, and has a middle part higher than two ends; a pair of first retaining arms, extending downwards from one end of the contact portion, wherein a retaining hole is formed between the two arms, and each of the two arms has a hook portion extending towards the retaining hole; a second retaining arm, extending downwards from the other end of the contact portion, wherein the second retaining arm extends towards the retaining hole, and has a width smaller than the retaining hole; and at least one solder ball, disposed in the receiving housing, received in the retaining hole, and pressed against by the two hook portions of the two first retaining arms and the second retaining arm.
US08221171B2	Crimp terminal, terminal-provided wire, and manufacturing method thereof Provided is a technique of ensuring mechanical strength in a terminal-provided wire and lowering contact resistance between the wire and the crimp terminal, without greatly varying a crimp height of a crimp terminal onto the wire in an axial direction. A crimp terminal according to the invention includes a conductor barrel which is crimped to a conductor of a wire. The conductor barrel has an inner surface which closely contacts the conductor by bending. The inner surface has such a shape a surface thereof which closely contacts a tip end side part of the conductor inwardly projects beyond a surface thereof which closely contacts a base side part of the conductor, thus performing a higher compression of the tip end side part of the conductor than that of the base side part thereof by the bending.
US08221167B2	Electrical connector An electrical connector, comprising an insulative housing defining a base portion and a mating portion extending from the front side of the base portion along a mating direction; a plurality of passageways disposed in the base portion and extending along the mating direction; a plurality of receiving spaces disposed in the mating portion and communicating with the complementary passageways; a plurality of contacts assembling to the insulative housing along the mating direction, and each contact defining a flat base part mounting to the base portion of the insulative housing and a mating part extending from the base part forwards from the base part and into said receiving space; wherein a spring tab extending downwards from the base part of the contact and locked to the insulative housing.
US08221163B2	Electrical connector having a shield case with impedance adjuster The invention provides a connector including a body having an insulating property; a terminal group provided in the body; and a shield case having electrical conductivity. The terminal group includes a first terminal, and a second terminal, being provided adjacent to the first terminal and having higher impedance than the first terminal. The shield case includes an outer shell, configured to surround an peripheral surface of the body, and an impedance adjuster, provided at the outer shell and located adjacent to at least a portion of the second terminal and on an opposite side of the second terminal from the first terminal.
US08221162B2	Electrical connector An electrical connector includes a header connector and a socket connector configured to mate with the header connector. The header connector includes a plurality of signal pins and may include a plurality of shield blades. The socket connector includes a plurality of conductive paths, each conductive path being coupled to a signal contact, and may include a plurality of first shields. The plurality of signal pins and the plurality of conductive paths and signal contacts are configured to form a plurality of transmission lines. The plurality of shield blades or the plurality of first shields are configured to be electrically grounded and provide interrupted shielding of the plurality of transmission lines when the header connector and the socket connector are in a mated configuration.
US08221161B2	Break-away adapter The invention is directed to an adapter for use with a connector assembly. The adapter has a receptacle body and a locking sleeve. The receptacle body is applied to a first portion of the connector assembly, and the locking sleeve is applied to a second portion of the connector assembly. The locking sleeve can be easily disengaged from the receptacle body to remove the second portion or the connector assembly from the first portion.
US08221160B2	Connector assembly having grounding means A connector assembly (100) includes an insulative cover (11, 12) defining an interior and an exterior, and the insulative cover having at least one platform (18) disposed outside of the interior thereof; a printed circuit board (3) located in the interior of the insulative cover; at least one connector (2) mounted to the printed circuit board; and a conductive member (4) fixed to the insulative cover, said conductive member (4) including a main body (41), an arm (42) extending forwardly from the main body and a spring finger (43) formed at a front edge of the arm, the main body supported by the platform, the spring finger contacting the printed circuit board.
US08221152B2	Cable management system and method A cable management system comprises an electronic device having a display member movably coupled to a base member, and a printed circuit board (PCB) interconnect configured to electrically couple at least one cable received by the interconnect from a device in the display member with at least one cable received by the interconnect from a device in the base member.
US08221150B2	Device for secure electrical connection The invention relates to an electrical connection device formed of an active base (2) and a plug (1), pilot contacts of a pilot circuit being provided for controlling an apparatus by switching the same on or off, respectively, the power contacts of the base by means of an actuator (10) set up on the base while a device (11, 12; 14), for locking and unlocking the plug into the base in a connection position, is also provided. The device according to the invention is particularly remarkable in that a means (11; 12) for locking the base separately from the actuator (10) is movably mounted, the actuator (10) of the pilot circuit being set up to secure said base locking means in the locked position thereof when said pilot circuit is closed and release the locking means when the pilot circuit is open, while the base locking means prevents all operations for coupling the plug and the base, or for separating the latter once coupled, when said locking means is secured in the locked position thereof by said actuator (10).
US08221149B2	Card connector A card connector comprises an insulative housing, two side arms fitting into the two sides of the insulative housing and a positioning set buckled to the side arms. The insulative housing has a slot for adopting the electronic card, and the slot comprises a plurality of conducting terminals. The side arms respectively have a movable arm and a fixed arm. The movable arm and the fixed arm are formed in a single-piece structure. The movable arm is for buckling the electronic card. The positioning set comprises a welding portion, a first plane, a bent portion extending upwardly from the first plane and a second plane extending downwardly from the bent portion. Thus to enable the card connector to automatically adjust the angle between the conducting terminals and the circuit board, thus to maintain the welding end of the conducting terminals and the welding portion of the positioning set on the same plane, in order to steadily weld the conducting terminals to the circuit board and accordingly upgrade the quality of the electrical connection of the card connector.
US08221145B2	Lamp socket and liquid crystal module A lamp socket includes a socket body, first and second lamp support components and first and second wire support components. The socket body has a wiring through-hole that is disposed at a middle part of the socket body in a longitudinal direction of the socket body. The first and second lamp support components are disposed at end parts of the socket body in the longitudinal direction of the socket body, respectively. The first and second wire support components are disposed between the first and second lamp support components. The first wire support component has a first upper face that longitudinally extends between the first lamp support component and the wiring through-hole. The second wire support component has a second upper face that longitudinally extends between the second lamp support component and the wiring through-hole.
US08221144B1	Partial discharge resistant connector A high voltage connector, such as one that carries current at a voltage of at least one kilovolts, is constructed to minimize partial discharge (a small amount of current flow) out of locations where a cable conductor has been crimped to the rear of a contact, which resulted in sharp points or edges. A shroud is mounted around the connector, which includes a cylindrical shroud sleeve lying around the crimped region of the contact, with the rear end of the shroud sleeve having rounded edges or abutting a rear shroud element, and with the front end of the shroud preferably being of hemispheric shape.
US08221142B2	Lever-type connector A lever-type connector capable of simplifying a release operation for a lock of a lever locked by a lock while preventing the lock of the lever locked by the lock from unintentionally being released is provided. The lever-type connector includes a housing, a wire cover, a lever, and a lock. The housing includes a contact, while the wire cover attaches to a rear side of the housing. The lever includes a pair of side plates and a connecting part for connecting both of the side plates to each other. The lever bridges over the rear side of the wire cover and is rotatably attached to the housing between a release position and a mating position. The lock includes a cantilever plate-spring form and is positioned on the rear side of the wire cover in order to prevent rotation of the lever when set to the mating position.
US08221141B2	Electrical connector An electrical connector includes an insulated seat, and first and second seats. A plurality of first and second terminals are embedded partially into the first and second seats via insert molding process in such a manner that when the first and second seats are assembled to the insulated seat, a first engagement structure of the first seat engages with a second engagement structure of the second seat while one of the two clamping structures at the insulated seat clamps an assembly of the first and second assembling structures of the first and second seats.
US08221139B2	Electrical connector having a ground clip An electrical connector includes a housing having a front and a rear opposite the housing with a rear wall at the rear. The housing has a slot open through the front that receives a mating connector therein. The housing has contact openings through the rear wall and a ground clip channel in the rear wall open at the rear. Signal contacts are held in the housing and arranged in pairs. The signal contacts are received in corresponding contact openings and are arranged within the slot to mate with the mating connector. Ground contacts are held in the housing and are arranged between corresponding signal contacts. The ground contacts are received in corresponding contact openings and are arranged within the slot to mate with the mating connector. A ground clip is loaded into the ground clip channel. The ground clip engages the ground contacts to create a ground circuit between the ground contacts engaged by the ground clip.
US08221133B2	Electrical connector assembly for retaining multiple processing units An electrical connector assembly (100) for electrically connecting a plurality of processing units (1) to a printed circuit board (8) comprises a substrate (4) and a plurality of sockets (6) assembled on the substrate (4) for retaining the processing units (1) respectively, the substrate (4) comprises a top surface (41) and a bottom surface (42) opposite to each other, the top surface (41) comprises a plurality of first contact elements (411) and the bottom surface (42) comprises a plurality of second contact elements (421), the socket (6) comprises an insulative housing (3) and a plurality of contacts (2) received therein for electrically contacting with one of the processing units (1).
US08221128B2	Tooth for tooth model, comprising enamel portion impregnated with resin or low melting point glass, and method for producing the same An object of the present invention is to provide a tooth model capable of exhibiting grinding feel similar to that of a natural tooth, with which students aspiring to become dentists experience intraoral work and perform training related to a treatment, and also experience formation of an abutment tooth, formation of cavity or the like. A difference in the grinding feel between tooth enamel and dentin, which constitute a natural tooth, is reproduced by impregnating a sintered body formed integrally of an inorganic powder such as alumina with a thermosetting resin or a low melting point glass to form an enamel portion.
US08221126B2	System and method for performing programmatic language learning tests and evaluations Speech data from the operation of a speech recognition application is recorded over the course of one or more language learning sessions. The operation of the speech recognition application during each language learning sessions corresponds to a user speaking, and the speech recognition application generating text data. The text data may be recognition of what the user spoke. The speech data may comprise the text data, and confidence values that are an indication of an accuracy of the recognition. The speech data from each language learning session may be analyzed to determine an overall performance level of the user.
US08221124B2	Methods and apparatus for educating A method of educating includes providing a collectible trading card game with a plurality of trading cards. Each card may contain educational information including a consonant, vowel, number or mathematical operator and the cards are used to form a properly spelled word or to form a mathematically correct equation. In some forms, the method includes providing a game with a playing field and a set of game components with game component types having a predetermined power for affecting play of the game by affecting a power, effect, or value of the game component. The level of skill necessary to play the game may be varied by selectively implementing or disregarding the predetermined power of the game components. An educational game includes first and second game components with different expressions, powers, point values, and identifiers for distinguishing game components and facilitating game play.
US08221120B2	Dental prosthesis and manufacturing method thereof The present invention relates to a dental prosthesis, and more particularly, to a screw-engagement type dental prosthesis which enables non-preparation of the natural tooth because it is manufactured by division into two pieces or three pieces, which can be simply installed, and in which the occlusal pressure can be uniformly dispersed. Also, the present invention relates to a method of casting a screw-engagement type dental prosthesis by using a bolt made of carbon or ceramics. Furthermore, a keeper and a body are engaged with each other via a bolt in a state where thin and semi-conical maintaining portions formed on inner inclination surfaces of abutment teeth of both sides with a small preparation are accurately engaged with keys formed on inner inclination surfaces of the keeper and the body in correspondence to the maintaining portions.
US08221119B1	Dental implant and method of installing the same A dental implant having a unique thread configuration, which increases the total load bearing area to maximize support values of a successful implant for the same osteotomy when compared to other implant designs. At least one course of helical threads surrounds an elongated, cylindrical body. In an embodiment chosen for the purposes of disclosure, the threads have relatively broad crestal surfaces, typically having a rounded profile. One or more helical secondary threaded grooves are disposed in the crestal surface of the threads. The helical grooves facilitate collection of bone and promote immediate stabilization and osseointegration of the implant. The broad crestal thread design compresses bone in one direction while bone is being collected by the helical grooves in the opposite direction. The result is that the implant is immediately stable in a patient's jaw. The method of installing the dental implant is also novel.
US08221118B2	Dental retention systems Dental retention systems which facilitate the adjustment or removal of an oral appliance, e.g., a crown or bridge, from a reconfigurable abutment assembly are described. The adjustable abutment assembly may be secured to an anchoring implant bored into the bones within the mouth. The abutment assembly has a projecting abutment portion with one or more shape memory alloy compression plates or elements extending along the projecting abutment portion. Each of the plates has a length with one or more straightened portions and with at least one curved or arcuate portion. Energy may be applied to the elements such that the arcuate portion self-flattens to allow for the oral appliance to be placed thereupon while removal of the energy allows the elements to reconfigure into its curved configuration thereby locking the oral appliance to the abutment. Removal of the oral appliance may be effected by reapplication of energy to the elements.
US08221113B2	Swivel mount for an injection drive An injection molding machine includes a base, a platen mounted to the base for supporting a mold portion and a linear support fixed to the base. A retainer is coupled to the linear support and is translatable relative to the linear support along a longitudinal axis between a retracted position and an advanced position. The injection molding machine also includes an injection unit slidably supported on the linear support and coupled to the retainer. The injection unit is pivotable relative to the retainer and translatable with the retainer relative to the linear support. The injection unit includes a bearing surface resting directly upon the linear support for transferring weight of the injection unit thereto.
US08221105B2	System for hot asphalt cooling and pelletization process Systems for pelletizing hot asphaltenes are provided. Asphaltenic hydrocarbons can be dispersed to provide two or more asphaltenic particles. The asphaltenic hydrocarbons can be at a temperature of from about 175° C. to about 430° C. The asphaltenic particles can be contacted with a film of cooling medium. The film can have a thickness of from about 1 mm to about 500 mm. At least a portion of the asphaltenic particles can be solidified by transferring heat from the asphaltenic particles to the cooling medium to provide solid asphaltenic particles. The solid asphaltenic particles can be separated from at least a portion of the cooling medium.
US08221103B2	Fluid motor having improved braking effect A motor, comprising: an internal motor chamber, and a rotor rotatable therein. The rotor is drivable by having a pressure medium applied to it and a braking element for braking the rotor. The braking element is axially arranged directly adjacent to the rotor, wherein the braking element and the rotor are axially moveable with respect to each other and form a spring-loaded friction pair, at least between a front end face of the rotor and the braking element.
US08221102B2	Hydraulic machine A hydraulic machine has a gear wheel (2) with outwardly extending teeth and a gear ring (4) with inwardly extending teeth formed by rollers each of which is supported in a pocket (8) in the gear ring, and pressurized spaces are formed between the gear wheel and the inwardly extending teeth. To keep the wear of the machine small, each pocket (8) has at least two different radii (R1, R2, Rn) whereby a radius (R2, Rn) at a smaller displacement from the edge (12) of the pocket is larger than a radius (R1) at a larger displacement from the same edge (12) of the pocket (8).
US08221101B2	Scroll compressor with discharge guide A scroll compressor includes a fluid guide having a flow path through which a fluid discharged to an inner space of a casing from a compression part flows, for guiding a flowing direction of the fluid to be changed along the flow path. Oil is effectively separated from a refrigerant discharged from the compression part, thereby being prevented from leaking outside the casing. Oil mixed with the refrigerant is moved to a lower space of the casing by the fluid guide thus to cool a lower winding coil. Accordingly, an efficiency of a driving motor is enhanced, and a performance of the scroll compressor is enhanced.
US08221098B2	Radial turbomolecular pump with electrostatically levitated rotor A radial turbomolecular pump comprising an electrostatically levitated rotor with a high compression ratio and pump speed at a chip-scale level. The levitated rotor can be sandwiched between a stator plate and a driver and multiple concentric rings of microblades can be fabricated on the rotor plate and the stator plate. The center portions of the driver and the base plate include concentric ring electrodes for rotor levitation by electrostatic forces. The space between two concentric rings of microblades forms a groove that is wide enough to receive the microblades from the opposing disk. The stator disk can be fixed and the rotor disk spins such that the rotor microblades move tangentially relative to the stator microblades. The microblades can be tilted at an angle from the tangent, facilitating momentum transfer to gas molecules in the radial direction.
US08221093B2	Locking ring in a pump of a beverage system A beverage system includes a pump that draws a set amount of a flavored concentrate into a mixing chamber for mixing with water to form a beverage. A locking ring attaches an adapter plate to a pump head. When the locking ring is in a locked position, a magnet of the locking ring is detected by a reed switch. If the locking ring rotates from the locked position, the reed switch does not detect the magnet, indicating that the locking ring, and therefore the pump head, is incorrectly or not completely installed. The controller then stops operation of the pump.
US08221092B2	Downhole electrical submersible pump seal An improved seal assembly for a downhole electrical submersible pump assembly.
US08221091B2	Driving controlling apparatus for reciprocating compressor and method thereof Driving controlling apparatus and method for a reciprocating compressor capable of stably driving a reciprocating compressor when a reciprocating compressor is operated or an output capacity of the reciprocating compressor is varied, by matching an impedance of the apparatus to an inductance of a motor, and capable of enhancing an efficiency of the reciprocating compressor. The apparatus comprises an output capacity determining unit for determining an output capacity of a reciprocating compressor; an over-stroke preventing unit for preventing an over-stroke of a motor inside the reciprocating compressor; and an impedance matching unit for matching an inductance of the reciprocating compressor to an impedance of the apparatus.
US08221089B2	Thin, solid-state mechanism for pumping electrically conductive liquids in a flexible thermal spreader The present invention is a magnetic pump assembly for integration with a mechanically flexible thermal spreader. The assembly may include a casing which may be connectable to a mechanically flexible substrate of the thermal spreader. The assembly may further include a plurality of magnets which may be integrated with and enclosed by the casing. The magnets may be suitable for applying a magnetic field to an electrically-conductive liquid, and may be implemented in combination with electrodes, which may be integrated with the substrate and may be suitable for generating an electrical current flow through the liquid. The magnets and electrodes may combine to provide a pumping force for circulating the liquid within an internal channel of an electrically-conductive cooling loop of the substrate. The assembly may further include a thermally-conductive rigid metal insert integrated with the casing. The assembly may promote local thermal conductivity of the thermal spreader.
US08221086B2	Propeller A propeller has a hub 1 with a pair of blades 3 extending therefrom. Each blade 3 has a root, a tip, a first blade portion 10a extending between the root and tip and a second blade portion 10b extending between the root and tip adjacent and substantially parallel to said first blade portion 10a. The first and second blade portions 10a, 10b each have an arcuate concave face 11a, 11b, the radius of curvature of the concave face 11a of said first blade section 10a being greater than the radius of curvature of the concave face 11b of the second blade section 10b. The concave faces of said first and second portions 10a, 10b facing in substantially opposite directions such that, in use, said concave face 11a of said first blade portion 10a faces rearwards and said concave face 11b of the second blade portion 10b faces forwards.
US08221085B2	Wind blade joint bonding grid A method and system for assembling large wind turbine blades that includes providing a plurality of wind turbine blade segments. An adhesive distribution arrangement is disposed on a surface of at least one of the plurality of the wind turbine blade segments. The adhesive distribution arrangement includes a bonding grid having a plurality of adhesive distribution openings. The wind turbine blade segments are directed together and sufficient adhesive is provided to the bonding grid to substantially fill an area between the wind turbine segments. The adhesive is then cured to form a bonded joint, the bonding grid being incorporated into the bonded joint. A bonding grid for use with the method and system and a segmented wind turbine blade are also disclosed.
US08221083B2	Asymmetrical rotor blade fir-tree attachment A rotor blade for a gas turbine engine includes an asymmetric attachment section received within a rotor disk rim with an asymmetric slot.
US08221077B2	Modular fan blade with combined electrical and mechanical connection system A fan blade assembly having both an electrical connection and a mechanical connection to a rotating hub. The assembly is configured so that a single installation motion creates the mechanical connection and the electrical connection. The electrical connection preferably includes multiple independent conductor paths.
US08221073B2	Exhaust gas discharge system and plenum An apparatus for extending the effective exhaust gas path in order to allow gradual diffusion of the exhaust gases in a turboshaft engine wherein the engine includes an annular engine case with at least an exhaust gas duct having an axial component communicating with an annular duct with a substantially radial component and traversing the engine case, the apparatus comprising a collector plenum having a convex annular shape and a diameter larger than that of the engine case with at least one exhaust outlet defined in the plenum and wherein the annular duct extends into the plenum beyond the diameter of the engine case to extend the exhaust gas path.
US08221072B2	Ultra high power density wind turbine system An ultra-high power density wind turbine system for producing energy from a wind including a structure having a shape adapted to produce a positive wind pressure on a high-pressure portion of a surface that faces into the wind and to produce a vacuum on two low pressure portions of its surface and one or more shrouded wind turbine systems mounted in the structure and comprising turbine stator vanes, turbine rotor blades and a turbine discharge duct adapted to channel turbine exhaust to exit the structure at the two low-pressure portions of the structure surface. In preferred embodiments the structure is a vertical tower that is generally cylindrical and the turbine is a horizontal axis axial flow shrouded wind turbine.
US08221058B2	Fresh gas system swirl generator The present invention relates to a fresh gas system (1) for supplying an internal combustion engine (4) with fresh gas, in particular in a motor vehicle, having a charging device (8) for increasing the pressure of the fresh gas and having a swirl generator (12), which is arranged upstream of the charging device (8), for generating a swirl, which rotates about the main flow direction of the fresh gas, in the fresh gas, wherein the swirl generator (12) has guide blades (14) with adjustable angle of incidence. In order to be able to produce the fresh gas system (4) more cost-effectively, the swirl generator (12) has a flow guide body (13) on which the guide blades (14) are integrally formed and which, in order to adjust the angle of incidence of the guide blades (14), can be twisted with elastic deformation about the main flow direction starting from an undeformed initial position.
US08221056B2	Mixing hotter steam with cooler steam for introduction into downstream turbine Apparatus and methods are presented for mixing a high temperature steam, perhaps leaked from an upstream turbine, with the cooler steam from a lower temperature, downstream turbine and introducing the mixture into the downstream turbine.
US08221053B2	Shaped and stiffened lower exhaust hood sidewalls An arrangement and method adapted for providing a stiffened lower exhaust hood for a steam turbine. Sidewalls of the lower exhaust hood may taper inward between a horizontal joint and an inlet to a condenser for the steam turbine, providing an enhanced flow path for the exhaust steam. Stiffening of the sidewalls may be provided by stiffening bends, stiffening curvature, and external stiffening beams on the wall plate of the sidewalls of the lower exhaust hood, permitting reduction or elimination of structural supports within the exhaust hood, which degrade exhaust steam flow.
US08221052B2	Turbo-molecular pump Disclosed is a turbo-molecular pump, which comprises a rotor including a first cylindrical body formed with a part of a plurality of rotating blades arranged in multistage, a second cylindrical body integrally connected to an outer peripheral region of a downstream end of the first cylindrical body and formed with the remaining rotating blades, and a stress-releasing protrusion extending from the downstream end of the first cylindrical body along a direction of a rotation axis of the rotor. The turbo-molecular pump of the present invention can reduce a stress in the downstream end of the first cylindrical body.
US08221042B2	Anti-rotation fastener for an automotive component and panel An automotive fastener for insertion into a slotted aperture is provided with a head, a base with an elongated cross-section sized to fit within the slotted aperture for limiting rotation of the base therein, a first array of fins, and a second array of fins offset axially from the first array of fins. The fins in each array extend along respective peripheral regions of the base. The first region is less than half of the base perimeter and spaced apart and opposed from the second region. A automotive fastener for insertion into a slotted aperture is provided with means for connecting a component to a panel; and means for inserting the fastener into the slotted aperture, the means sized to fit and limit rotation therein. The fastener has first and second retainer means for retaining the fastener in the aperture; the second retainer means offset axially from the first means.
US08221041B2	Fixing device A fastening arrangement includes a locking part having a head plate and a foot shaft configured with catch noses, bearing tenons, and spring webs having catch noses and web wings. The receiving element includes a profiled surface and an edge wall including inwardly convex portions and outwardly concave portions. When the locking part is in a mounted position, the bearing tenons are disposed in first depressions while the spring webs are in a rear engagement position in which the catch noses engage behind an element. When the locking part is in a demounted position, the bearing tenons are disposed in second depressions and the spring webs are in a released position in which they are out of engagement with the element.
US08221038B1	Overridable side lock (stabber) pallet type load restraint An overrideable load restraint for restraining a preselected particular type pallet load having side pockets and the restraint having a frame and a body member pivotally mounted on the frame for movement between an upright position and a retracted position and a pawl pivotally mounted on the body and the pawl pivotally moveable between an engagement position and a retracted position and the pawl having a lip extending outwardly and the lip engaging a pocket on the preselected particular type of pallet load for the body in the upright position and the pawl in the engaged position to restrain the preselected type pallet load from movement in three directions: longitudinally in the fore and aft direction, transversely in the lateral direction and vertically in the up direction. The body member is pivotally moveable to the retracted position for the condition of a pallet load, or other load, having a greater width than the preselected particular type pallet load pressing down thereon while passing thereover. Pallets without pockets, or other loads of the same transverse width as the preselected, particular type pallet will be restrained from movement in the lateral or transverse direction and will be guided by the restraints during movement in the longitudinal or fore and aft directions.
US08221032B2	Soil penetrating plate assembly to position geothermal conduit loops in soil A soil penetrating plate to position a flexible geothermal conduit loop in spoil is described. The soil penetrating plate has a leading soil penetrating formation which is provided with hook arrangements to hook an end loop portion of a conduit loop. The soil penetrating plate is securable to a force transmitting shaft or cable to displace the soil penetrating plate in soil whereby to position the conduit loop thereinto.
US08221030B1	Cover for a liquid reservoir A seismic-resistant fluid reservoir cover includes a plurality of panels and a network of flexible membranes coupled to adjacent panels. The flexible membranes are made of a potable water approved material, and the panels and the membranes create a fluid tight seal. Each panel in the reservoir cover is able to move along three directional axes independently of the adjacent panels while maintaining the fluid tight seal, at least in part because of the flexibility or the slack in the flexible membrane. A support member, such as a backer rod, may also be positioned in the spaces between the panels.
US08221021B2	Connection between a tubular member of steel and a structure of aluminum In an assembly including a tubular member made of steel and a structure made of aluminum, the tubular member has an end portion for engagement in a recess of the structure. At least one receptacle is provided between the end portion of the tubular member and the structure and filled with a welding filler containing aluminum as base material for effecting a connection between the tubular member and the structure.
US08221018B2	Packaging system and roller receiving device for a packaging system for fluids A roller receiving device for a packaging system for fluids, the packaging system including a container for receiving a fluid; a roller and a roller receiving device for receiving the roller and for holding the roller on the container, the roller receiving device has a first part for receiving the roller, as well as a second part, different from the first part and held on the first part, the first part forming a first sealing segment for sealing the roller receiving device relative to the container, and the second part forming a first holding segment for forming a locking connection between the roller receiving device and the container.
US08221016B2	Device and a method for dosage of fluids A device and a method for continuous and adjustable dosage of fluids at low pressure. The invention is self-cleaning and low tech. It consists of a tapering dosage unit in which a filling, which allows fluids to pass in the longitudinal direction of the dosage unit, is inserted. At the outlet end of the dosage unit, a venturi tube is located which clamps the filling and thereby create a nozzle opening that fits the fluids viscosity and the pressure for a given desired dosage. When the dosage unit clogs, a flushing can be obtained by either increasing the pressure of the fluid and thereby forcing a flexible dosage unit to increase the sectional area and allow cleaning or in the same way through a mechanical opening of the dosage unit.
US08221015B2	Packaging and applicator device including a wiper member Device for packaging and applying a substance, the device including a receptacle for containing the substance, an applicator member, and a wiper member secured to the receptacle to wipe the applicator member as the applicator member leaves the receptacle. The wiper member includes at least one undulating wiper lip with a radially inner free edge defining the orifice through which the applicator member passes. The undulations of the wiper lip enabling the wiper lip to deploy under thrust from the applicator member.
US08221012B2	Retractable instruments comprising a one-piece valve door actuating assembly An instrument includes an instrument body having an opening at one end. A valve is mounted within the instrument body, the valve having an opening at one end. A lid is integrally molded with the valve and hingedly movable with respect to the valve opening. An actuating arm is operatively connected to the lid, the actuating arm transmitting forces from an instrument movement mechanism to the valve door under both tension and compression. As a result, the lid is opened and closed substantially solely by the actuating arm.
US08221010B2	Tape drive and printing apparatus A tape drive for use in for example a transfer printing apparatus to drive a printer ribbon. The printer ribbon is mounted on two spools each of which is driven by a respective stepper motor. A controller controls the energization of the motor such that the ribbon is transported in at least one direction between spools mounted on the spool support. The controller is operative to energize both motors to drive the spools of ribbon in the direction of ribbon transport to achieve push-pull operations. Ribbon tension is monitored to enable accurate control of ribbon supply and ribbon take-up, the ribbon tension being monitored, for example, by monitoring power supply to the two stepper motors.
US08221008B2	Cradle having panhead function A cradle having a panhead function to which an image pickup device is mounted is adapted to rotate the image pickup device in a pan direction or a tilt direction. The cradle includes a first base supported on a support base rotatably around a first rotation axis line secured relatively to the support base; a second base supported by the first base rotatably around a second rotation axis line perpendicular to the first rotation axis line and secured relatively to the first base, and adapted to support the image pickup device; a first drive portion is disposed on the support base and adapted to rotatably drive the first base via a first transmission portion; and a second drive portion is disposed on the support base and adapted to rotatably drive the second base via a second transmission portion.
US08221007B2	Plug connector having unlocking mechanism The present disclosure relates to an optical plug connector (1) having an improved unlocking mechanism. A locking arm (4), which protrudes toward the back in a slanted manner, is operatively connected to a collar (7) by way of a bracket (9). By displacing the collar (7) in an unlocking direction (−x), the connector (1) can be unlocked and removed from a sleeve.
US08220996B2	Polymeric bags with pressure relief valves Polymeric bag includes first and second opposing body panels attached to each other along a pair of opposing sides and a bottom bridging the sides, a reclosable fastener extending along a mouth formed opposite the bottom, a pressure relief opening defined in the first body panel, and a pressure relief valve attached to the first body panel. The valve includes a cover member to cover the opening. The cover member includes an upper layer and a lower layer, the lower layer including a first portion attached to the body panel and a second portion contiguous with the first portion but not attached to the body panel. The upper layer has a first end hingedly connected to the second portion of the lower layer on a first side of the pressure relief opening, and the upper layer has a second end fixedly attached on a second side of the pressure relief opening opposite the first side with the upper layer covering the pressure relief opening. An additional aspect includes a seal line extending proximate the pressure relief opening.
US08220990B2	Wireless telemetry electronic circuit package for high temperature environments A circuit assembly (34) affixed to a moving part (20) of a turbine for receiving information about a condition of the part and transmitting this information external to the engine. The circuit assembly includes a high-temperature resistant package (34A) that attaches to the part. A high temperature resistant PC board (42) supports both active and passive components of the circuit, wherein a first group of the passive components are fabricated with zero temperature coefficient of resistance and a second group of the passive components are fabricated with a positive temperature coefficient of resistance. The active components are fabricated with high temperature metallization. Connectors (40) attached to the PC board pass through a wall of the package (34A) for communication with sensors (30) on the part and with an antenna (26) for transmitting data about the condition of the part to outside the turbine.
US08220985B2	Retractable pin mixing sample forming device The invention is a device for processing materials comprising a mixing chamber having a valve for removal of the material from the mixing chamber and a piston which fits within the mixing chamber in a manner such that the piston can be moved to remove substantially all material from the mixing chamber via the valve; at least one, preferably at least two, retractable mixing element(s) wherein each of such elements is movable in and out of the mixing chamber through a port wherein the element and port are configured such that during mixing and when the element is withdrawn from the mixing chamber substantially no material is removed from the mixing chamber via the port. The invention is also a method of using such a device and a system comprising use of such devices in an automated or partially automated array.

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