最新美国发明专利第2012-07-31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
US08232831B2	Multiple input/gain stage Gilbert cell mixers Multiple input and/or gain stage Gilbert cell mixer designs are disclosed. The designs allow one input to be turned on at a time, and are suitable, for example, for use in receiver and transmitter applications. In addition, the designs allow for the inputs of the multi-input Gilbert cell mixer to be connected together, thereby allowing for switching of gain states within the Gilbert cell mixer. The mixer design may include, for example, a Gilbert cell mixer stage, and a plurality of input/gain stages. Each input/gain stage has its output connected to the input of the mixer stage, and is configured for receiving an input signal and applying a gain factor to that input signal to provide a signal for mixing with the LO. Each input/gain stage is configured with stage select circuitry for enabling or disabling that stage, so that only one input/gain stage is active at a time.
US08232830B2	Rectifier with less conduction loss than a diode A highly efficient rectifier can readily replace a two-terminal diode. Its conduction losses are reduced from that of the two-terminal diode. Connected between the source and drain of a MOSFET including a parasitic diode are a micro-power converter section for boosting a conduction voltage Vds between the source and drain to a predetermined voltage, and a self-drive control section that operates based on a voltage output from the micro-power converter section. When the source and drain are conductive with each other, the micro-power converter section generates, from the conduction voltage Vds, a power source voltage for the self-drive control section, and the self-drive control section (4) continues drive control of the MOSFET.
US08232828B2	Analog circuit having improved response time There is provided an analog circuit having improved response time. An analog circuit having improved response time may include: a low level limiter converting a signal having a lower level than a predetermined reference level into a signal having a predetermined non-low level higher than the predetermined reference level; and an analog circuit section amplifying the signal from the low level limiter into a signal having a predetermined level.
US08232827B2	Semiconductor switch A semiconductor switch includes: a first terminal; a second terminal; a switch section including a through FET connected between the first terminal and the second terminal and a shunt FET connected between the second terminal and a first ground terminal; a first control terminal configured to drive the through FET; a second control terminal configured to drive the shunt FET; and a driver provided on a substrate together with the switch section and configured to provide a differential output to the first control terminal and the second control terminal.
US08232821B2	Clock data recovery circuit Multiple flip-flops each latch input data at a time point of the corresponding clock signal. The i-th (i represents an integer) first logical gate generates an internal up signal which is asserted when the output of the (2×i−1)-th flip-flop does not match the output of the (2×i)-th flip-flop. The j-th (j represents an integer) second logical gate generates an internal down signal which is asserted when the output of the (2×j)-th flip-flop does not match the output of the (2×j+1)-th flip-flop. A third logical gate generates an up signal based upon the multiple internal up signals. A fourth logical gate generates a down signal based upon the multiple internal down signals.
US08232819B2	Closed-loop soft error rate sensitivity control Disclosed is a closed-loop feedback system for controlling the soft error rate (SER) due to radiation strikes on electronic circuitry. A variable sensitivity soft error rate detector provides and output corresponding to the soft error rate. This output is supplied to a voltage control. The output of the voltage control is fed back to the sensitivity control of the sensor—thus forming a feedback loop. The output of the voltage control may be the power supply of the soft error rate sensor. The output of the soft error rate sensor may also be used to enable and disable fault tolerant schemes or alert a user.
US08232817B2	Apparatus and method for electrical characterization by selecting and adjusting the light for a target depth of a semiconductor The present disclosure provides methods and apparatus that enable characterization of an electrical property of a semiconductor specimen, e.g., dopant concentration of a near-surface region of the specimen. In exemplary method, a target depth for measurement is selected. This thickness may, for example, correspond to a nominal production thickness of a thin active device region of the specimen. A light is adjusted to an intensity selected to characterize a target region of the specimen having a thickness no greater than the target depth and a surface of the specimen is illuminated with the light. An AC voltage signal induced in the specimen by the light is measured and this AC voltage may be used to quantify an aspect of the electrical property, e.g., to determine dopant concentration, of the target region.
US08232816B2	Probe head with machine mounting pads and method of forming same A probe head for testing semiconductor wafers has a probe contactor substrate have a first side and a second side. A plurality of probe contactor tips are coupled to the first side and the plurality of tips lie in a first plane. A plurality of mounting structures are coupled to the second side with each of the mounting structures each having a top surface lying in a second plane, wherein the first plane is substantially parallel to the second plane.
US08232814B2	Four-wire ohmmeter connector and ohmmeter using same A four-wire ohmmeter connector includes a pair of elongated members spaced apart from each other by an interconnecting web. A pair of elongated contacts are mounted on forwardly projecting portions of each of the elongated members. An insulative housing surrounds the elongated members, contacts and web. The contacts mounted on one of the elongated members are connected through separate wires to a positive probe, and the contacts mounted on the other of the elongated members are connected through separate wires to a negative probe. The elongated members are inserted into respective terminal apertures of a four-wire ohmmeter. A pair of semi-cylindrical conductive sleeves are aligned with each of the apertures, and they make contact with and compress the respective contacts that are inserted into the aperture.
US08232808B2	Switch circuit, filter circuit and test apparatus There is provided a switch circuit for switching whether to output an input signal, including: a transmission path that transmits the input signal from an input end to an output end of the switch circuit; a first semiconductor switch that is provided on the transmission path and switches whether to transmit the input signal; a second semiconductor switch that is opened when the first semiconductor switch is short-circuited, and that is short-circuited when the first semiconductor switch is opened, thereby grounding, to a ground potential, a high-frequency signal leaked to the transmission path between the first semiconductor switch and the output end; and a voltage controller that causes a potential difference on both ends of the second semiconductor switch when the second semiconductor switch is opened.
US08232807B2	Apparatus for detecting imbalances in a paired line A device for measuring and isolating noise-creating imbalances in a paired telecommunications line has an internal circuit. The internal circuit includes a pulse generator. Pulses provided by the pulse generator are applied to an interface which includes balanced pathways to the conductors. The pulses are applied simplex (longitudinally) to the pair of conductors. Upon encountering a fault in the pair, a reflected metallic voltage signal is received by the interface. The reflected metallic voltage signal is sampled by an analog-to-digital converter. Data relating to the sampled signal is displayed for detection and location of faults on the pair.
US08232799B2	Noise reduction apparatus, systems, and methods This document describes a general system for noise reduction, as well as a specific system for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance (NQR). The general system, which is called Calculated Readout by Spectral Parallelism (CRISP), involves reconstruction and recombination of frequency-limited broadband data using separate narrowband data channels to create images or signal profiles. A multi-channel CRISP system can perform this separation using (1) frequency tuned hardware, (2) a frequency filter-bank (or equivalent), or (3) a combination of implementations (1) and (2). This system significantly reduces what we call cross-frequency noise, thereby increasing signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR). A multi-channel CRISP system applicable to MRI and NQR are described.
US08232793B2	Method and apparatus of load detection for a planar wireless power system Embodiments of the subject invention relate to a method and apparatus for determining information regarding a load in a planar wireless power transfer system by extracting system operating parameters from one or more test points in the transmitter circuit. As shown in FIG. 1, a specific embodiment showing three test points in the transmitter circuit from which operating parameters can be extracted. The transmitter circuit is designed to produce a magnetic field, by driving the transmitter coil, which inductively couples to a receiver coil such that power is provided to a receiver. By extracting operating parameters from the transmitter circuit, the receiver does not need to incorporate sophisticated signal processing and can be manufactured with low cost.
US08232791B2	Soft starting driver for piezoelectric device A driver includes a boost converter, a pulse width modulator controlling the boost converter, and a timer controlling the pulse width modulator. The timer, such as a digital counter, causes the pulse width modulator to produce narrow pulses unless or until the end of a period is reached, at which point the pulse width modulator is not controlled by the timer.
US08232790B2	Architecture for controlling a dual polarity, single inductor boost regulator used as a dual polarity supply in a hard disk drive dual stage actuator (DSA) device A dual supply circuit uses a dual feedback control, single inductor, dual polarity boost architecture with a low side power FET for end of current recirculation sensing. A dual feedback system tracks the output voltage variations and a low side power FET end of current recirculation sensing utilizes the internal current limit sensing system. Logic defining the state of operations allows the regulator to operate in both single and dual mode to cater to wide application ranges. The positive boost regulator can be operated in a buck mode making the output voltage constant with high input supply.
US08232783B2	Constant-voltage power supply circuit A constant-voltage power supply circuit which limits the consumption current inside at startup or when overloaded and suppresses the occurrence of an overshoot at startup, comprises an error amplifying part; an output part having an outputting PMOS; a load current monitoring part that monitors a load current flowing through the PMOS and increases the bias current of the error amplifying part according to the load current; and a gain adjusting part having a current limiting resistor and that monitors the load current and decreases a gain of the error amplifying part according to this load current. Hence, at startup or when overloaded, the gain adjusting part operates as a limiter circuit. Hence, at startup or when overloaded, the consumption current inside can be limited. Further, at startup, the response is made slower by this limiter operation, thus suppressing the occurrence of an overshoot.
US08232782B2	System and method for equalizing the small signal response of variable phase voltage regulators A control circuit for a variable phase voltage regulator comprises an error amplifier to generate a difference signal based on a difference between a reference voltage and a signal representative of a voltage at an output node of the variable phase voltage regulator. The control circuit also comprises a variable phase compensator to amplify the difference signal to produce a modified difference signal to compensate for effects of varying the number of active phases in the variable phase voltage regulator, wherein the amplification is proportional to a ratio of total number of phases in the variable phase voltage regulator to number of active phases in the variable phase voltage regulator.
US08232781B2	Device for measuring the current flowing through a power transistor of a voltage regulator A device for measuring the current flowing through a power transistor of a voltage regulator, the voltage regulator having an input voltage and providing a regulated output voltage and the power transistor coupled between the input and output voltages. The measuring device includes a further transistor adapted to mirror a portion of the current flowing through the power transistor, the further transistor and the power transistor have a first non-drivable terminal in common that is coupled to the input voltage. The measuring device also includes a circuit block to connect the second non-drivable terminals of the power and the further transistor and to provide an output current equal to the portion of the current flowing through the first transistor; the measuring device further including a circuit adapted to detect the output current of said circuit block.
US08232780B2	Power factor correction converter A switching control circuit includes an A/D converter that converts detection signals of an input voltage detection circuit, a current detection resistor, and an output voltage detection circuit into a digital signal, a D/A converter that provides a reference voltage to an analog comparator, a PWM circuit that outputs a control voltage to a switching element, and a CPU that provides a specified value to the D/A converter as a reference value, reads the values converted by the A/D converter, and obtains the average value of the inductor current. The CPU reads an inductor current Ib when the output of the PWM circuit is set at a high level, and obtains the average value of an inductor current peak value Ip determined by the specified value and the inductor current value Ib at turn-on as an average inductor current value ILav.
US08232776B2	Charging method for an assembled cell and an assembled cell system According to one embodiment, a charging method for an assembled cell including a plurality of secondary batteries connected in series is disclosed. The method can detect the cell voltages. The method can set a charging current setting value so as to lower the charging current setting value of the assembled cell, if at least one of the detected cell voltages reaches a predetermined charge termination upper limit voltage. The method can control the charging current of the assembled cell according to the charging current setting value. In addition, the method can stop the charge, when a lowest cell voltage is lower than a predetermined charge termination lower limit voltage at a time when at least one of the cell voltages detected reaches the charge termination upper limit voltage.
US08232771B2	Battery gas gauge reset mechanism A gas gauge circuit has a power supply pin, a power return pin, power-on reset capability, and a communications signal pin. A reset control circuit is coupled between the power supply pin and the communications signal pin, or between the power return pin and the communications signal pin. The reset control circuit removes power to the gas gauge circuit in accordance with a control signal asserted on the communications signal pin. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
US08232770B2	Battery remaining capacity predicting apparatus To provide a technology for obtaining a remaining capacity of a battery with high accuracy. A battery remaining capacity predicting apparatus predicting a remaining capacity of a battery based on an open-circuit voltage of the battery, detects a charge current or a discharge current of the battery, integrates the currents, obtains an estimated value of the open-circuit voltage that corresponds to an integrated value of the currents on the basis of conversion information representing a capacity necessary for the open-circuit voltage of the battery to change by a predetermined capacity, obtains a measured value of the open-circuit voltage on the basis of the detected current and information on internal impedance, and obtains the remaining capacity of the battery based on the estimated value of the open-circuit voltage by correcting the information on the internal impedance so that the measured value of the open-circuit voltage is equalized to the estimated value of the open-circuit voltage, or by correcting the conversion information so that the estimated value of the open-circuit voltage is equalized to the measured value of the open-circuit voltage.
US08232769B2	Passive battery discharge device A passive battery discharge apparatus located within a cap. The cap extends over battery contacts to be discharged. The discharge apparatus includes a conductive material with specified volumetric resistivity properties that is formed into a pad. The cap is positioned over the contacts so that the pad touches and spans between the contacts to be discharged. A spring insures good contact between the pad and the battery contacts. A metal heat sink provides added thermal control. The discharge apparatus provides an economical solution to safely transport batteries that are beyond their useful service life by avoiding circuit components in favor of conductive elastomers or conductive foams.
US08232765B2	Automatic and dynamic home electricity load balancing for the purpose of EV charging An electric vehicle charging system includes logic collocated with an electric service panel to monitor a total present electric current consumption value for all electric consumers below a point in the service panel; a first input to receive the present electric current consumption value from the logic collocated with the service panel, and to compare the present electric current consumption value with a maximum current capacity value for the service panel; a second input to receive electric current from the service panel; an output to supply electric charging power to at least one electric vehicle; and logic to set an electric charging current drawn from the service panel through the second input and provided to the electric vehicle charging output to a value less than a difference between the maximum current capacity for the service panel and a sum of the present electric current consumption value and the current consumption value of a largest expected electric consumer.
US08232763B1	Electric vehicle profiles for power grid operation Electrical vehicle profiles for power grid operation. Embodiments of the invention can provide systems and methods for collecting and storing electrical vehicle usage and charging information, which may enable the generation of usage and charging profiles. Additionally, these usage and charging profiles may be usable to operate electricity grids in areas where electrical vehicles are prevalent. Grid maintenance, as well as power allocation, may be controlled based at least in part on the usage and charging profiles.
US08232762B2	Computer and battery charging method thereof A computer includes a system part which has at least one electronic component, a power supplying part which supplies a main electric power to the system part, a battery part which receives charging electric power from the power supplying part and supplies auxiliary electric power to the system part, and a controlling part which, if the main electric power is supplied by the power supplying part, and if charge level of the battery part according to supply of the charging electric power exceeds a reference level corresponding to a discharged state, cuts off the supply of the charging electric power and controls the battery part to discharge the auxiliary electric power.
US08232761B1	Power conditioner for microbial fuel cells A two-stage voltage step-up converter and energy storage system is utilized for harvesting trickling electrons from benthic microbe habitats. A relatively random low voltage from the microbial fuel cell (less than about 0.8 VDC) is provided to the first stage step-up converter, which stores power in a first output storage device. A first comparator circuit turns on the second stage step-up converter to transfer energy from the first output storage device to a second output storage device. A second comparator circuit intermittently connects the load to the second output storage device. After initial start-up, the system is self-powered utilizing the first and second output devices but may use a battery for the initial start-up, after which an automatic switch can switch the battery out of the circuit.
US08232760B2	System and method of dynamic regulation of real power to a load A system and method for controlling an AC motor drive includes a control system programmed with an energy algorithm configured to optimize operation of the motor drive. Specifically, the control system input an initial voltage-frequency command to the AC motor drive based on an initial voltage/frequency (V/Hz) curve, receives a real-time output of the AC motor drive generated according to the initial voltage-frequency command, and feedback a plurality of modified voltage-frequency commands to the AC motor drive, each of the plurality of modified voltage-frequency commands comprising a deviation from the initial V/Hz curve. The control system also determines a real-time value of the motor parameter corresponding to each of the plurality of modified voltage-frequency commands, and feeds back a modified voltage-frequency command to the AC motor drive so that the real-time value of the motor parameter is within a motor parameter tolerance range.
US08232757B2	Rotational position detecting method for AC servomotor and simple encoder A motor rotational position detecting method detects the magnetic pole position of each phase of a three-phase AC servomotor, generates a three-phase square wave signal having a phase difference of 120 degrees, allocates data on the rotational position of a motor shaft to the edge of each square wave signal, calculates the rotational speed of the motor on the basis of the elapsed time from the previous edge detection point to this time edge detection point, and estimates the rotational position of the motor shaft at a certain period and outputs it on the basis of the rotational speed of the motor and the rotational position allocated to this time edge in the rotational section from this time edge detection point to the next edge detection point. As a result, a detection mechanism can be constructed with a small installation space and at low cost and the output of a high-resolution encoder can be obtained in a pseudo manner.
US08232753B2	Control device for electric motor drive apparatus A electric motor drive apparatus comprising a voltage control unit performing voltage control processing that determines alternating-current voltage command values serving as command values of the alternating-current voltages to be supplied to the alternating-current electric motor and generates switching control signals for the inverter; and a control mode selection unit selecting a synchronous control mode in which a cycle of electric angle of the alternating-current electric motor is synchronized with a switching cycle of the inverter, or an asynchronous control mode in which the cycles are not synchronized with each other. Current detection processing is performed to detect currents flowing in coils of the alternating-current electric motor in every standard calculation cycle that is set to a half of a cycle of the carrier.
US08232751B2	Drive system of synchronous motor A position sensorless drive method capable of driving a permanent magnet motor by an ideal sine-wave current and enabling the driving from an extremely low-speed range in the vicinity of zero-speed is provided. A neutral-point potential of the permanent magnet motor is detected in synchronization with a PWM waveform of an inverter. The position of a rotor of the permanent magnet motor is estimated from the variation of the neutral-point potential. Since the neutral-point potential is varied in accordance with the magnetic circuit characteristics of an individual permanent magnet motor, the position can be detected regardless of the presence of saliency of the permanent magnet motor.
US08232747B2	Particle accelerator and magnetic core arrangement for a particle accelerator A particle accelerator (100) comprises a power supply arrangement (110), a plurality of solid-state switched drive sections (120), a plurality of magnetic core sections (130) and a switch control module (140). The drive sections (120) are connected to the power supply arrangement (110) for receiving electrical power therefrom, and each drive section comprises a solid-state switch, electronically controllable at turn-on and turn-off, for selectively providing a drive pulse at an output of the drive section. The magnetic core sections (130) are symmetrically arranged along a central beam axis, and each magnetic core of the sections is coupled to a respective drive section (120) through an electrical winding connected to the output of the drive section. The switch control module (140) is connected to the drive sections (120) for providing control signals to control turn-on and turn-off of the solid state switches to selectively drive magnetic cores to induce an electric field for accelerating the beam of charged particles along the beam axis.
US08232746B2	High pressure discharge lamp lighting device and lighting fixture using the same A high pressure discharge lamp lighting device in this invention comprises a converter, an inverter, an igniter, a controller, and a pulse voltage detection circuit. The converter outputs the direct current voltage. The inverter converts the direct current voltage into the lighting voltage which is alternating current voltage, and applies the lighting voltage to the high pressure discharge lamp through an output terminal. The igniter is configured to output the pulse voltage superimposed on the lighting voltage, whereby the starting voltage is applied to the high pressure discharge lamp. The controller is configured to control the igniter to allow the igniter to superimpose the pulse voltage on the lighting voltage. The pulse voltage detection circuit detects the starting voltage to output the detection signal. The starting voltage regulation circuit regulates the starting voltage to the desired voltage value of the voltage on the basis of the detection signal.
US08232744B2	Method for the operation of and circuit arrangement for light sources A method for the closed-loop control of the operation of a light source which is supplied with power by a DC/DC voltage converter, a manipulated variable being regulated by a setpoint value for an operational parameter of the DC/DC voltage converter being input, wherein the method comprises the steps of: increasing the switching frequency of the DC/DC voltage converter by an increase value prior to rapid changes in the setpoint value; waiting for a retention time; setting the new setpoint value; waiting for the end of a total retention time; and lowering the switching frequency of the DC/DC voltage converter by the increase value.
US08232741B2	Electronic ballast with controlled lamp preheating An electronic ballast provides controlled preheating for a discharge lamp. A power converting circuit receives a DC power input and converts it into an AC power output. A starting circuit coupled to the power converting circuit generates a high voltage for starting the lamp. A control circuit controls the power converting circuit to generate AC power output to the lamp dependent on a mode of operation. A symmetry detecting circuit determines a positive-negative symmetrical state of the output power provided to the discharge lamp with respect to ground. The control circuit has a starting mode wherein the discharge lamp is triggered to start with a high voltage generated by the starting circuit, an electrode heating mode wherein the AC power output of the power converting circuit is controlled to a first frequency for heating each lamp electrode, and a steady-state mode wherein the AC power output of the power converting circuit is controlled to a second frequency for maintaining lighting of the discharge lamp. The control circuit shifts from the electrode heating mode to the steady-state mode when the symmetry detecting circuit determines that the AC power output is in a positive-negative symmetrical state in the electrode heating operation.
US08232740B2	Capacitive current-sharing control circuit for LED lamp string A capacitive current-sharing control circuit for LED lamp strings includes a signal generating unit, a control unit, a current-sharing unit, and a light-emitting unit. The control unit is used to control a driving voltage, which is generated from the signal generating unit, to drive the light-emitting unit, thus effectively providing a stable current source to the light-emitting unit to maintain illuminating brightness of the LED lamp strings.
US08232735B2	System and method for driving LED A system drives one or a plurality of LEDs, regulating their brightness by controlling the LEDs' average current or voltage. The system includes a switching power converter and an integrated digital regulator with at least one of electrical, thermal, and optical feedbacks. The regulator is constructed as a hysteretic peak current mode controller for continuous mode of operation of the power converter. For a discontinuous mode of operation of the power converter, a pulse averaging sliding mode control is used. Average LED current is measured by integrating LED pulse current at off time and hysteretically adjusting on time of the power switch. An input battery is protected from discharging at abnormally low impedance of the output.
US08232732B2	Light module for signaling A light module for signaling comprising an assembly module (1), defined by a body with any geometry and ordinarily in the form of a box (2), including a rear closing (3) and a frontal lens (4) and, between said parts, an electronic circuit (5) and a corresponding set of light emitting diodes (6), being said electronic circuit (5) constituted by the following blocks: a source (7) to regulate the feeding voltage of other blocks within five volts with low quiescent current; synchronism (8) for electrical conditioning if an eventual reference signal for foreign synchronism occurs; blinking sequence generator (9) with means to define the period of time during which the set of lights (6) is on and off. Additionally, this block has means to receive information from the synchronism block to define the moment when a new blinking sequence starts; said set of lights (6) is constituted by LEDs (light emitting diodes) controlled by the blinking sequence generator (9) and its consumption is controlled by means of the current source block (7); and current control (10) to keep the current from the LEDs as constant, no matter which variations of powering voltage of the circuit may occur.
US08232731B2	Automatic adaptation of shed lighting The invention relates to a method, a control system and a shed wherein the lighting is adjusted depending on the presence of an animal in a specific section of a shed. The shed is divided into a number of sections, for example a separation section. When no cows have access to the separation section and the section is therefore empty, the control system ensures that the lighting in the respective section is switched off. As the control system according to the invention controls both access to the section and lighting thereof, it is possible to dispense with movement sensors for controlling lighting in the respective sections.
US08232730B2	Electrodeless plasma lamp systems and methods An electrodeless plasma lamp having a bulb containing a fill that forms a light-emitting plasma is described. The lamp includes a power amplifier to provide radio frequency power to the fill at a frequency in the range of about 50 MHz to 10 GHz and the power amplifier is configured to operate in at least two classes of operation. Control electronics of the lamp is configured to change the class of operation of the power amplifier during operation of the plasma lamp. For example, the power amplifier may be configured to operate as a class A/B amplifier during at least a first mode of operation and a class C amplifier during at least a second mode of operation.
US08232727B1	Ballast circuit for a gas-discharge lamp having a filament drive circuit with monostable control An electronic ballast circuit includes a filament drive circuit that can adjust the pulse width of a pulsed heating signal in accordance with the lamp current to a gas-discharge lamp. A logic device, such as an SR flip-flop, is used to control a switch that is coupled to the primary winding of a filament drive transformer coupled to the lamp filaments. The logic device opens and closes the switch device to generate the pulses of the pulsed heating signal and thus controls the pulse width of the pulses. A clock signal triggers logic device to start a pulse while the end of the pulse is determined by a signal level across a resistor in series with the primary winding of filament drive transformer. Once this signal level is at or above a threshold level, logic device switches the switch device to end the pulse.
US08232720B2	Display with organic light emitting elements including a light emitting layer provided by transferring a transfer layer from a donor substrate to an acceptor substrate A display is provided. The display includes an acceptor substrate including red light-emitting elements arranged in a first column, green light-emitting elements arranged in a second column, and blue light-emitting elements arranged in a third column. The light-emitting elements are arranged along a row direction and are each obtained by arranging rectangular organic light-emitting elements for generating light of one of red, green, and blue along a longitudinal direction of the organic light-emitting elements.
US08232719B2	Organic electroluminescence display device An organic electroluminescence display device is provided. The organic electroluminescence display device includes plural organic electroluminescence elements. Each organic electroluminescence element includes: a lower electrode; an insulating layer having an opening, in which a lower electrode is exposed at the bottom of the opening; an auxiliary wiring; a stacked structure provided from a portion over the lower electrode exposed at the bottom of the opening to a portion of the insulating layer surrounding the opening, including a light emitting layer made of an organic light-emitting material; and an upper electrode. At least one layer of the stacked structure partially contacts the auxiliary wiring. The insulating layer and the auxiliary wiring are provided in common to the plurality of organic EL elements. The upper electrode covers the whole surface of the stacked structures and the auxiliary wiring.
US08232717B2	Light-emitting device, white light-emitting device, illuminator, and image display To achieve a light-emitting device emitting light with high brightness, closer to natural light, and less color shift due to a small change in intensity of emitted light, in a light-emitting device including a light source emitting light by driving current and at least one wavelength-converting material absorbing at least part of the light from the light source and emitting light having a different wavelength, the color coordinate x1(17.5) and the color coordinate y1(17.5) of the light emitted at a driving current density of 17.5 A/cm2 and the color coordinate x1(70) and the color coordinate y1(70) of the light emitted at a driving current density of 70 A/cm2 satisfy the following Expressions (D) and (E): −0.006≦x1(17.5)−x1(70)≦0.006 (D), −0.006≦y1(17.5)−y1(70)≦0.006 (E).
US08232716B2	Field emission cathode capable of amplifying electron beam and methods of controlling electron beam density Field emission devices (FEDs) are provided. In one embodiment, an FED includes an electron emitter, a tube spaced apart from the electron emitter and having a first opening and a second opening, and a gate electrode disposed on an outer surface of the tube. The first opening is disposed at one end of the tube adjacent to the electron emitter, and the second opening is disposed at the other end of the tube. The FED further includes an anode that is spaced apart from the second opening and collects secondary electrons emitted from the second opening.
US08232715B2	Phosphor, fluorescent lamp using the same, and display device and illuminating device using fluorescent lamp A phosphor includes Eu-activated YVO4:Eu doped Pith 10 ppm to 3,000 ppm of Tb and/or 50 ppm to 4,500 ppm of Sm. The luminance of light emitted by ultraviolet excitation is higher than that of undoped YVO4:Eu.
US08232711B2	Surface emission type electron source and drawing device A surface emission type electron source including a first electrode having a planar form, a second electrode having a planar form facing the first electrode, an electron passage layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, an insulator or semiconductor layer between the second electrode and the electron passage layer, and a power source part configured to apply a voltage to the second electrode and the first electrode. The electron passage layer includes plural quantum wires extending in a first direction from the first electrode to the second electrode. The quantum wires are made of silicon and spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals, and electrons are emitted from a front surface of the second electrode. Protrusions protruding toward leading ends of the quantum wires are formed on a back surface of the second electrode at positions corresponding to the quantum wires.
US08232710B2	Multi-functional mini-reflector in a ceramic metal halide lamp A light assembly includes a metal halide light source having an arc tube with first and second legs extending from a discharge chamber. A light transmissive capsule surrounds the light source. A reflector is received in the capsule and has a large diameter, annular first portion that receives light from the discharge chamber and is dimensioned to operatively engage an inner surface of the capsule to mount the reflector assembly and light source relative to the capsule. In addition, a small diameter portion of the reflector assembly is received around the first leg. By electrically interconnecting the reflector with the second electrode assembly, namely the support leg, and positioning the small diameter portion closer to the first electrode assembly than the dimension between the electrode terminal ends allows the reflector to also serve as an ignition aid. The reflector is formed of a material that serves as a heat shield for the seal glass in the first leg and also serves as a heat shield for the capsule seal region.
US08232708B2	Piezoelectric thin film element, and piezoelectric thin film device To stably provide a KNN piezoelectric thin film element having piezoelectric characteristics replaceable with a PZT thin film. A piezoelectric thin film element includes: a piezoelectric thin film on a substrate, having an alkali niobium oxide series perovskite structure expressed by a general formula (K1-xNax)NbO3 (0
US08232705B2	Thermal transfer and acoustic matching layers for ultrasound transducer Ultrasound transducers and methods of making ultrasound transducers with improved thermal characteristics are provided. An ultrasound transducer can include: a backing, a piezoelectric element attached to the backing, a first matching layer attached to the piezoelectric element, and a second matching layer attached to the first matching layer. The first matching layer can comprise metal and can have a thermal conductivity of about greater than 30 W/mK. The second matching layer can have a thermal conductivity of about 0.5-300 W/mK. The first matching layer can have an acoustic impedance of about 10-20 MRayl, and the second matching layer can have a lower acoustic impedance. The first matching layer can be thicker than the second matching layer. The ultrasound transducer can include a lens and a matching layer disposed between the piezoelectric element and the lens can be configured to conduct heat from the piezoelectric element to the backing.
US08232704B2	Electric motor An electric motor comprises a stator and a rotor rotatably mounted confronting the stator. The rotor has a rotor core which comprises at least a first tooth, a second tooth and a third tooth which are adjacent. Each of the teeth comprises a rib section radially and outwardly extending from a core and a tooth section located at an outer end of the rib section. The angle between the first tooth and the second tooth is n degrees, wherein when the rotor core is rotated n degrees to move the first tooth towards the second tooth, the rotated second tooth does not coincide with the pre-rotated third tooth.
US08232702B2	Apparatus for a high speed sleeveless rotor A high-speed sleeveless rotor for an electric machine is provided. The rotor includes a shaft rotatable about a longitudinal axis, and a rotor core circumscribing at least a portion of the shaft wherein the rotor core includes an axially oriented slot. The slot includes a radially outer slot opening, a radially inner slot floor, and a slot sidewall extending therebetween. The slot floor includes a topstick attachment member extending radially outward from the slot floor and configured to engage a topstick positioned in the slot opening and the slot sidewall includes a shoulder configured to engage the topstick, preventing radially outward movement of the topstick.
US08232697B2	Power unit An output shaft and an input shaft are connected with a connection member interposed therebetween, and a motor rotor is provided outside the connection member. Part of oil flowing down from an oil supply opening 11a of a motor housing MH is supplied to a first spline joint section of the input shaft and the connection member through a space and an opening of a bearing flange fixed to the motor housing MH. The oil lubricating the first spline joint section moves along an inner circumferential surface of a hole by a centrifugal force generated by rotation of the connection member, the oil moves in a radial direction along an end face on one end section side of the connection member 40 in one end section of the connection member, and the oil is supplied to a second spline joint section of the output shaft and the connection member.
US08232695B2	Electromagnetic machine with independent removable coils, modular parts and self sustained passive magnetic bearing A rotating electromagnetic machine has a tubular axle with mounting rings, a common ring, a coil input ring, and at least one bearing set mounted on it. A fitting is secured at a distal end of the tubular axle, and a commutator is secured at the proximal end. A housing is mounted on the bearing sets through adaptors. Connecting bars extend axially within the axle with lateral rods joined to the connecting bars at their distal ends, the bars commuting between segments of the commutator electromagnetic coils. A plurality of the electromagnetic coils are secured to the coil input ring. The coils are formed of spiral turns of a single flat strip electrically conductive material. A plurality of peripheral and sector magnets are mounted adjacent to the electromagnetic coils with electromagnetic interaction when relative motion occurs between the coils and the magnets.
US08232691B2	Stator A stator includes a substantially cylindrical stator core, which has a fixing ridge provided with a fastening portion for fixing, and which is positioned so that an axial center of the stator extends substantially horizontally; and sealing members, which are respectively attached to both axial ends of the stator core so as to be positioned on a side of the uppermost part of the main body outer peripheral surface with respect to the target ridge, and which respectively form sealing walls that have a height equal to or higher than a horizontal plane extending in the uppermost part of the ridge outer peripheral surface, wherein a recess surrounded by the ridge outer peripheral surface, the main body outer peripheral surface, and the sealing walls serves as a refrigerant reservoir recess for storing a refrigerant.
US08232690B2	Magnetic drive engine The present invention replaces the internal combustion engine utilizing a conventional 12 voltage system that is used in automobiles today. The combustion engine can be a 90 degree V-Type or Inline type of cylinder block. This magnetic drive engine of the present invention comprises a head assembly supported by a cylinder engine block. The cylinder block houses the pistons and the head assembly houses a plurality of corresponding plug assemblies. Each plug assembly has an electromagnet on its bottom end which switches polarity based upon the polarity sent by the sensors on the crankshaft. By integrating the mechanics and the electromagnetism needed to push and pull the magnets on the pistons, the plug assembly is a staging area, for the coils and rods (mediums), to initiate the changing of polarity. A computer controls the switching of polarity and voltage needed for top performance.
US08232689B2	Electromagnetic machines An electromagnetic machine (1) comprises an electrical conductor vane (7) disposed between two magnetic arrays (3). The electrical conductor vane (7) comprises a plurality of electrically insulated conductors (35), wherein when the conductors (35) are disposed in magnetic fields produced by the magnetic arrays (3) and when current flows in the conductors (35), an electromagnetic force is induced to cause movement of the magnetic arrays (3) relative to the electrical conductor vane (7) and wherein the set of conductors (35) substantially fills the gap between the magnetic arrays (3) through which the magnetic fields pass.
US08232688B2	Voice coil motor type focusing actuator A voice coil motor type focusing actuator is disclosed to have a fixed unit, a movable unit and two resilient holding members. The fixed unit has a bracket with two slide shafts and a plurality of magnets mounted in the bracket. The movable unit has a lens holder movably mounted inside the bracket and a coil wound around the lens holder. The lens holder has two lugs. Each lug has a through hole for the slide shaft of the fixed unit to insert thereinto. The resilient holding member is fastened between the bracket of the fixed unit and the lens holder of the movable unit. When a current is supplied to the coil, a magnetic force is produced between the coil and the magnets to move the movable unit. When the current stops, an elastic force due to the resilient holding unit is utilized to pull the movable unit back to its original position.
US08232687B2	Intelligent laser interlock system The present invention comprises, in various embodiments, systems and methods for shutting down a laser system in an intelligent and flexible manner. An intelligent laser interlock system includes both hardwired components, and intelligent components configured to execute computing instructions. The hardwired components and the intelligent components are configured to shutdown the laser system to one or more alternative shutdown states in response to one or more interlock signals.
US08232684B2	Method and system for power load management A method for power load management is provided in the present invention, wherein two different standard values are determined to be a basis for regulating power consumption. When power consumption exceeds a first standard value, a monitoring procedure is started to monitor consumption status. If the power consumption exceeds a second standard value, an unloading procedure is processed to reduce the power consumption of electrical devices under operation. In another embodiment, the present invention also provides a system for power load management comprising a control unit coupled to at least one electrical device and a power meter. By means of real-time recording of power consumption in the power meter, the control unit is capable of determining the power consumption status and determining whether it is necessary to unload or reload the at least one electrical device.
US08232680B2	Selecting a single AC source for a switching power supply An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for providing alternating current (“AC”) power redundancy in power supplies. A first input module is configured to receive a first AC power input waveform. A second input module is configured to receive a second AC power input waveform. A first switch and second switch are controlled by a switching logic module to select one of the AC power input waveforms for use by a power supply. If the first AC power input waveform is present, then it is selected for use. If both the first and second AC power input waveforms are present, then the first AC power input waveform is selected for use. If only the second AC power input waveform is present then it is selected for use.
US08232679B2	Uninterruptible power supplies with converter operation conditioned upon static switch commutation and methods of operation thereof A UPS is operated by deasserting a static switch drive signal, e.g., a gate signal to a thyristor, and then delaying provision of power from a converter circuit of the UPS, e.g., an inverter or other source of AC power, until after the switch has current commutated to an off state. For example, expiration of a predetermined time interval following deassertion of the switch drive signal may be detected, and the converter circuit may be enabled to drive the output of the UPS responsive to the detected expiration of the predetermined time interval. Alternatively, a current in the static switch may be detected, and the converter circuit may be enabled to drive the output of the UPS responsive to the detected current. The invention may be embodied as methods and apparatus.
US08232677B2	Cascaded multi-supply power supply A multi-supply power supply circuit has a first power supply regulating circuit that produces a first power supply voltage; and a second power supply regulating circuit that receives the first power supply voltage from the first power supply regulating circuit as an enable input signal and is operative to produce a second and different power supply voltage. In one embodiment, the first power supply voltage may reach a steady state condition prior to the second power supply voltage reaching a steady state condition. In one example, the multi-supply power supply circuit includes a plurality of cascaded low drop out power supply regulating circuits.
US08232671B2	System for sporadic supply and tapping of electrical energy especially for an urban vehicle used for public transport A system of localized tapping sections (1, 2 or 3) is provided with air or ground units for the distribution of electrical energy and an assembly on the vehicle (4) for tapping the energy. The electrical energy distribution units are supported by distributing poles (5), only accommodate electrical voltage when the vehicle approaches the related section, and being disconnected when the vehicle (4) leaves the tapping section. The tapping sections are located in vehicle stopping zones, for example, stations (1), acceleration zones, and uphill gradients (2), in order to recharge and/or supply drive energy to the vehicle (4). The system is beneficial to autonomous urban public transportation which accumulates drive energy.
US08232669B2	Energy conversion system for a vehicle An energy conversion system transfers energy between an energy source, or storage unit, and an electric device via a first port and a second port and at least one of receives and provides energy via a third port.
US08232665B2	Vertical wind collector and redirecting tower The wind power generator includes: a wind tunnel formed by a columnar member erected on a foundation in a vertical direction; a plurality of wind-collecting plates that extends from a circumferential wall of the columnar member in directions normal to the circumferential wall; a plurality of upper and lower guide plates provided between the wind-collecting plates; a plurality of wind inlets that introduces wind collected by the wind-collecting plates into the wind tunnel; back-flow preventing means that allow only the flow of wind blowing from the outside of the columnar member into the inside of the columnar member; a turbine that is driven by wind blowing out from one end of the wind tunnel, and power generator that is driven by the turbine.
US08232663B2	Controlling noise generated by wind turbines in a wind farm by de-synchronization of wind turbine rotors In one aspect, a method for controlling the amplitude modulation of the noise generated by wind turbines is disclosed. The method may include determining a rotor position of a first wind turbine, determining a rotor position of a second wind turbine, determining if the first and second wind turbines are operating in-phase and, in the event that the first and second wind turbines are operating in-phase, adjusting an operating condition of at least one of the first wind turbine and the second wind turbine so that the first and second wind turbines operate out-of-phase.
US08232658B2	Stackable integrated circuit package system with multiple interconnect interface A stackable integrated circuit package system includes: forming a first integrated circuit die having a small interconnect and a large interconnect provided thereon; forming an external interconnect, having an upper tip and a lower tip, from a lead frame; mounting the first integrated circuit die on the external interconnect with the small interconnect on the lower tip and below the upper tip; and encapsulating around the small interconnect and around the large interconnect with an exposed surface.
US08232653B2	Wiring structures A wiring structure includes a conductive pattern on a substrate, a first insulation layer pattern between adjacent conductive patterns and a second insulation layer pattern on the first insulation layer pattern. The first insulation layer pattern is separated from the conductive pattern by a first distance to provide a first air gap. The second insulation layer pattern is spaced apart from the conductive pattern by a second distance substantially smaller than the first distance to provide a second air gap. The wiring structure may have a reduced parasitic capacitance while simplifying processes for forming the wiring structure.
US08232651B2	Bond pad for wafer and package for CMOS imager An electronic packaging having at least one bond pad positioned on a chip for effectuating through-wafer connections to an integrated circuit. The electronic package is equipped with an edge seal between the bond pad region and an active circuit region, and includes a crack stop, which is adapted to protect the arrangement from the entry of deleterious moisture and combination into the active regions of the chip containing the bond pads.
US08232645B2	Interconnect structures, design structure and method of manufacture An interconnect structure is provided that substantially eliminates electro-migration (EM) damage, a design structure and a method of manufacturing. The metal interconnect is formed in a dielectric material. A metal cap is selective to the metal interconnect. The metal cap includes RuX, where X is at Boron, Phosphorous or a combination of Boron and Phosphorous.
US08232640B2	Device, method of manufacturing device, board, method of manufacturing board, mounting structure, mounting method, LED display, LED backlight and electronic device A mounting structure and a mounting method which are capable of securely electrically connecting wiring on a board and a device to each other in the case where the device is mounted on the board, and are capable of forming a finer bump, and increasing the number of pins are provided. A device includes at least one projection having a structure in which a surface of at least a tip part of a projecting section made of an elastic body is coated with a conductive film.
US08232636B2	Reliability enhancement of metal thermal interface A frontside of a chip is bonded to a top surface of a chip carrier. Seal material is dispensed at a periphery of the top surface of the chip carrier. A solder TIM having a first side and a second side is provided. The first side of the TIM contacts a backside of the chip. A reflow is performed to melt the TIM. The second side of the TIM is bonded to a lid. The seal material is cured. The lid is attached to the top surface of the chip carrier. Backfill material is injected into a space between the top surface of the chip carrier and the lid. The backfill material abuts sides of the TIM. The backfill material is cured. TIM solder cracking and associated thermal degradation are mitigated.
US08232634B2	Semiconductor device having a pin mounted heat sink A semiconductor chip is mounted on a heat sink disposed inside a through-hole of a wiring board, electrodes of the semiconductor chip and connecting terminals of the wiring board are connected by bonding wires, a sealing resin is formed to cover the semiconductor chip and the bonding wires, and solder balls are formed on the lower surface of the wiring board, thereby constituting the semiconductor device. The heat sink is thicker than the wiring board. The heat sink has a protruded portion protruding to outside from the side surface of the heat sink, the protruded portion is located on the upper surface of the wiring board outside the through-hole, and the lower surface of the protruded portion contacts to the upper surface of the wiring board. When the semiconductor device is manufactured, the heat sink is inserted from the upper surface side of the wiring board.
US08232633B2	Image sensor package with dual substrates and the method of the same The image sensor package with dual substrates comprises a first substrate with a die receiving opening and a plurality of first through hole penetrated through the first substrate; a second substrate with a die opening window and a plurality of second through hole penetrated through the second substrate, formed on the first substrate. A part of the second wiring pattern is coupled to a part of the third wiring pattern; an image die having conductive pads and sensing array received within the die receiving opening and the sensing array being exposed by the die opening window; and a through hole conductive material refilled into the plurality of second through hole, some of the plurality of second through hole coupling to the conductive pads of the image sensor.
US08232631B2	Semiconductor packing having offset stack structure A method of manufacturing a semiconductor package includes forming a protection layer on a support plate, stacking substrates on the protection layer, electrically connecting the substrates to each other, forming a molding layer on the support plate, and removing the support plate while the protection layer remains on the substrates. The stacked substrates are offset from adjacent substrates.
US08232627B2	Integrated circuit device with series-connected field effect transistors and integrated voltage equalization and method of forming the device Disclosed is an integrated circuit device having series-connected planar or non-planar field effect transistors (FETs) with integrated voltage equalization and a method of forming the device. The series-connected FETs comprise gates positioned along a semiconductor body to define the channel regions for the series-connected FETs. Source/drain regions are located within the semiconductor body on opposing sides of the channel regions such that each portion of the semiconductor body between adjacent gates comprises one source/drain region for one field effect transistor abutting another source/drain region for another field effect transistor. Integrated voltage equalization is achieved through a conformal conductive layer having a desired resistance and positioned over the series-connected FETs such that it is electrically isolated from the gates, but in contact with the source/drain regions within the semiconductor body.
US08232622B2	Stacked-chip device A stacked-chip device includes a first inductive chip having a first function, a second inductive chip having a second function different from the first function, which is stacked on the first inductive chip, and a third inductive chip having the second function, which is stacked on the second inductive chip. Each of the first, second and third inductive chips has transmitting inductors which transmit data and receiving inductors which receive data. The transmitting inductors and the receiving inductors are disposed in line symmetry to an axis of symmetry. The axes of symmetry of the first, second and third inductive chips are overlapped. Each of the second and third inductive chips is disposed in upside-down or back to front to the first inductive chip.
US08232615B2	Packaged device with acoustic transducer and amplifier A device includes: a lead frame having an aperture in a central portion thereof; at least one acoustic transducer mounted on the lead frame above the aperture and configured to convert between acoustic energy and an electrical signal with low signal losses; a housing connected to the lead frame and including a base portion on a same side of the lead frame as the acoustic transducer; an amplifier is provided on a base portion of the housing in close proximity to the acoustic transducer; and a lid configured together with the base portion of the housing to define a cavity, wherein the acoustic transducer and the amplifier are closely positioned within the MEMS device cavity.
US08232610B2	Semiconductor device and manufacturing method of the same In a power MISFET having a trench gate structure with a dummy gate electrode, a technique is provided for improving the performance of the power MISFET, while preventing electrostatic breakdown of a gate insulating film therein. A power MISFET having a trench gate structure with a dummy gate electrode, and a protective diode are formed on the same semiconductor substrate. The protective diode is provided between a source electrode and a gate interconnection. In a manufacturing method of such a semiconductor device, a polycrystalline silicon film for the dummy gate electrode and a polycrystalline silicon film for the protective diode are formed simultaneously. A source region of the power MISFET and an n+-type semiconductor region of the protective diode are formed in the same step.
US08232609B2	Semiconductor device including field effect transistor with reduced electric field concentration A semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor substrate; an impurity-doped region at a top surface of the semiconductor substrate; an insulating region located around the impurity-doped region on the top surface of the semiconductor substrate; a gate electrode on the impurity-doped region; a first electrode and a second electrode located on the impurity-doped region, sandwiching the gate electrode; a first pad located on the insulating region and connected to the gate electrode; a second pad facing the first pad across the impurity-doped region, on the insulating region, and connected to the second electrode; and a conductor located between the first electrode and the second pad on the insulating region.
US08232608B2	Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing semiconductor device A semiconductor device with a high-voltage transistor and a low-voltage transistor includes an isolation insulating film between a first element region of the high-voltage transistor and a second element region of the low-voltage transistor, a first gate insulating film on a semiconductor substrate in the first element region, a first gate electrode on the first gate insulating film, a second gate insulating film on the semiconductor substrate in the second element region, and a second gate electrode on the second gate insulating film. The isolation insulating film includes a first isolation region adjacent to a surrounding area of the first element region and a second isolation region adjacent to a surrounding area of the second element region. A bottom of the second isolation region is lower than a bottom of the first isolation region. The first gate insulating film is thicker than the second gate insulating film.
US08232607B2	Borderless contact for replacement gate employing selective deposition A self-aligned gate cap dielectric can be employed to form a self-aligned contact to a diffusion region, while preventing electrical short with a gate conductor due to overlay variations. In one embodiment, an electroplatable or electrolessly platable metal is selectively deposited on conductive materials in a gate electrode, while the metal is not deposited on dielectric surfaces. The metal portion on top of the gate electrode is converted into a gate cap dielectric including the metal and oxygen. In another embodiment, a self-assembling monolayer is formed on dielectric surfaces, while exposing metallic top surfaces of a gate electrode. A gate cap dielectric including a dielectric oxide is formed on areas not covered by the self-assembling monolayer. The gate cap dielectric functions as an etch-stop structure during formation of a via hole, so that electrical shorting between a contact via structure formed therein and the gate electrode is avoided.
US08232604B2	Transistor with high-k dielectric sidewall spacer A transistor is provided that includes a silicon layer including a source region and a drain region, a gate stack disposed on the silicon layer between the source region and the drain region, and a sidewall spacer disposed on sidewalls of the gate stack. The gate stack includes a first layer of high dielectric constant material, a second layer comprising a metal or metal alloy, and a third layer comprising silicon or polysilicon. The sidewall spacer includes a high dielectric constant material and covers the sidewalls of at least the second and third layers of the gate stack. Also provided is a method for fabricating such a transistor.
US08232594B2	Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same A semiconductor device includes an isolation layer formed on and/or over a semiconductor substrate to define an isolation layer, a drift area formed in an active area separated by the isolation layer, a pad nitride layer pattern formed in a form of a plate on the drift area, and a gate electrode having step difference between lateral sides thereof due to the pad nitride layer pattern.
US08232587B2	Method of forming a metal-insulator-metal capacitor A method of forming a metal-insulator-metal capacitor has the following steps. A stack dielectric structure is formed by alternately depositing a plurality of second dielectric layers and a plurality of third dielectric layers. A wet etch selectivity of the second dielectric layer relative to said third dielectric layer is of at least 5:1. An opening is formed in the stack dielectric structure, and then a wet etch process is employed to remove relatively-large portions of the second dielectric layers and relatively-small portions of the third dielectric layers to form a plurality of lateral recesses in the second dielectric layers along sidewalls of the opening. A bottom electrode layer is formed to extend along the serrate sidewalls, a capacitor dielectric layer is formed on the bottom electrode layer, and a top electrode layer is formed on the capacitor dielectric layer.
US08232586B2	Silicon photon detector A silicon photon detector device and methodology are provided for detecting incident photons in a partially depleted floating body SOI field-effect transistor (310) which traps charges created by visible and mid infrared light in a floating body region (304) when the silicon photon detector is configured in a detect mode, and then measures or reads the resulting enhanced drain current with a current detector in a read mode.
US08232585B2	JFET devices with PIN gate stacks Devices and methods for providing JFET transistors with improved operating characteristics are provided. Specifically, one or more embodiments of the present invention relate to JFET transistors with a higher diode turn-on voltage. For example, one or more embodiments include a JFET with a PIN gate stack. One or more embodiments also relate to systems and devices in which the improved JFET may be employed, as well as methods of manufacturing the improved JFET.
US08232583B2	Field effect power generation device The objective is to develop a device that generates power with high efficiency and utilizes the obtained electrical energy effectively without external combustion energy such as fossil fuels or the like. Electrical energy is obtained by carriers passing through a potential barrier due to a field effect, and thus energy is pre-supplied to the carriers to increase the number of carriers contributing to electrical energy generation, whereby a highly efficient field power generation device can be realized.
US08232581B2	Method for manufacturing an III-V engineered substrate and the III-V engineered substrate thereof Manufacturing an III-V engineered substrate involves providing a base substrate comprising an upper layer made of a first III-V compound with a <110> or a <111> crystal orientation, forming an intermediate layer comprising at least a buffer layer of a second III-V compound, wherein the intermediate layer is overlying and in contact with the upper layer of the base substrate. Then a pseudomorphic passivation layer made of a group IV semiconductor material is grown so as to be overlying and in contact with the intermediate layer. This can enable an unpinned interface. The substrate surface can be smoother, implying fewer problems from surface stress. It can be used in electronic devices such as metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs), high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs), tunneling field effect transistors (TFETs), and optoelectronic devices.
US08232580B2	Semiconductor device A semiconductor device includes a photodiode formed using a silicon substrate, a wide-bandgap semiconductor layer formed on the silicon substrate and having a bandgap larger than that of silicon, and a switching element formed using the wide-bandgap semiconductor layer. The switching element is electrically connected to the photodiode so as to be on/off-controlled by a control signal from the photodiode.
US08232578B2	Light emitting semiconductor device A light emitting semiconductor device includes a base substrate; a light emitting semiconductor element including a crystal growth basis and provided on the base substrate so that the crystal growth basis faces in opposite direction to the base substrate; a first transparent sealing medium which seals the light emitting semiconductor on the base substrate; and a second transparent sealing medium which seals the light emitting semiconductor over the first transparent sealing medium and contains phosphor. A thickness of the second sealing medium in a portion with high emission intensity is larger than that of the other portion of the first sealing medium; and the portion with high emission intensity is defined as a portion where light emission intensity from the light emitting semiconductor element is maximum.
US08232577B2	Light emitting device A light emitting device according to the embodiment may include a light emitting structure including a first semiconductor layer, an active layer, and a second semiconductor layer; a first electrode on the light emitting structure; and a protection layer including a first metallic material on an outer peripheral region of one of the light emitting structure and the first electrode.
US08232576B1	Semiconductor chip assembly with post/base heat spreader and ceramic block in post A semiconductor chip assembly includes a semiconductor device, a heat spreader, a conductive trace and an adhesive. The heat spreader includes a post, a base and a ceramic block. The post extends upwardly from the base into an opening in the adhesive, the base extends laterally from the post and the ceramic block is embedded in the post. The semiconductor device overlaps the ceramic block, is electrically connected to the conductive trace and is thermally connected to the ceramic block. The adhesive extends between the post and the conductive trace and between the base and the conductive trace. The conductive trace provides signal routing between a pad and a terminal.
US08232573B2	Semiconductor chip assembly with aluminum post/base heat spreader and silver/copper conductive trace A semiconductor chip assembly includes a semiconductor device, a heat spreader, a conductive trace and an adhesive. The semiconductor device is electrically connected to the conductive trace and thermally connected to the heat spreader. The heat spreader is aluminum and includes a post and a base. The post extends upwardly from the base into an opening in the adhesive, and the base extends laterally from the post. The adhesive extends between the post and the conductive trace and between the base and the conductive trace. The conductive trace includes a silver coating and a copper core and provides signal routing between a pad and a terminal.
US08232569B2	Semiconductor light emitting device A semiconductor light emitting device is provided. The semiconductor light emitting device comprises a conductive supporting member, an N-type semiconductor layer on the conductive supporting member; an active layer on the N-type semiconductor layer, a P-type semiconductor layer on the active layer, an ohmic contact layer on the P-type semiconductor layer, and an electrode on the ohmic contact layer.
US08232567B2	Light emitting device with pillar structure having hollow structure A light emitting device, includes a substrate; a first semiconductor layer on the substrate; an active layer on the first semiconductor layer; a second semiconductor layer on the active layer; a transparent conductive layer on the second semiconductor layer; and a plurality of pillar structures with a hollow structure in the portion surface of the first semiconductor layer, thereby, the light extraction efficiency of the light emitting device can be improved due to the pillar structures with a hollow structure.
US08232566B2	Light emitting device, package, and system A light emitting device includes a first semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type, an active layer adjacent to the first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer of a second conductivity type and provided adjacent to the active layer, and a passivation layer provided on a side surface of the active layer. The passivation layer may be a semiconductor layer of one of the first conductivity type, the second conductivity type or a first undoped semiconductor layer. A first electrode may be coupled to the first semiconductor layer and a second electrode may be coupled to the second semiconductor layer.
US08232563B2	Light-emitting device A light-emitting device includes an LED chip emitting a primary light, and a phosphor deposited on the LED chip for absorbing the primary light to excite a secondary light, wherein the wavelength of the primary light is shorter than 430 nm and the LED chip is driven by current density greater than 200 mA/cm2. The wavelength-converting light-emitting device has a high light efficiency and a stable color temperature, wherein LED chip is diced from a wafer made by means of a phosphor-on-chip process.
US08232555B2	Semiconductor device, and method for manufacturing thereof It is an object of the present invention to provide a device suitable for new usage by making use of a semiconductor device such as an RFID tag in terms of the capability to transmit and receive data without being contacted therewith, to decrease a burden on a user, and to improve convenience. A semiconductor device is provided to have an arithmetic processing circuit including a transistor, a conductive layer serving as an antenna, a detecting unit having a means for detecting physical quantity or chemical quantity, and a storage unit for storing data detected by the detecting unit, and to cover the arithmetic processing circuit, the conductive layer, the detecting unit, and the storage unit with a protective layer. In addition, diverse information can be monitored and controlled by providing such a semiconductor device for human beings, animals and plants, or the like without being contacted therewith.
US08232554B2	Transistor array substrate A transistor array substrate includes a substrate, plural pads, plural shorting bars, at least one pixel array, plural first wires, and plural second wires. The substrate has at least one panel region and a peripheral circuit region surrounding the panel region. The pads and the shorting bars are disposed in the peripheral circuit region. The pixel array, the first wires, and the second wires are disposed in the panel region. The panel region has a pair of first edges and a pair of second edges. The first edges are connected between the second edges. The shorting bars are connected to the pads. The first wires and the second wires are electrically connected to the pixel array. The first wires are connected to some shorting bars through one of the first edges. The second wires are connected to the other shorting bars through at least one second edge.
US08232552B2	Noncrystalline oxide semiconductor thin film, process for producing the noncrystalline oxide semiconductor thin film, process for producing thin-film transistor, field-effect-transistor, light emitting device, display device, and sputtering target This invention provides an amorphous oxide semiconductor thin film, which is insoluble in a phosphoric acid-based etching solution and is soluble in an oxalic acid-based etching solution by optimizing the amounts of indium, tin, and zinc, a method of producing the amorphous oxide semiconductor thin film, etc. An image display device (1) comprises a glass substrate (10), a liquid crystal (40) as a light control element, a bottom gate-type thin film transistor (1) for driving the liquid crystal (40), a pixel electrode (30), and an opposing electrode (50). The amorphous oxide semiconductor thin film (2) in the bottom gate-type thin film transistor (1) has a carrier density of less than 10+18 cm−3, is insoluble in a phosphoric acid-based etching liquid, and is soluble in an oxalic acid-based etching liquid.
US08232549B2	Iridium complex containing carbazole-substituted pyridine and phenyl derivatives as main ligand and organic light-emitting diodes containing the same The present invention relates to a novel iridium complex into which carbazole-substituted pyridine derivatives and various substituents-substituted phenyl derivatives are introduced as main ligand and a electrophosphorescence diode containing the same as a dopant of a light-emitting layer. When the iridium complex according to the present invention is applied to an organic light-emitting diode, the heat-resistance property and the light-emitting property can be significantly improved as well as the light-emitting efficiency and the like can be significantly improved by doping the iridium complex compound into the light-emitting layer as compared to the conventional organic light-emitting diode.
US08232548B2	Light-emissive device A light-emissive device is prepared by depositing a polymer layer on a substrate. The deposition process utilizes a formulation comprising a conjugated polymer dissolved in a solvent, the solvent including a trialkyl-substituted aromatic hydrocarbon wherein at least two of the alkyl substituents are ortho to one another. The deposition of the polymer layer on the substrate may be accomplished by an ink-jet method.
US08232543B2	Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same A semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing the same with easy formation of a phase change film is realized, realizing high integration at the time of using a phase change film as a memory element.Between MISFET of the region which forms one memory cell, and MISFET which adjoined it, each source of MISFET adjoins in the front surface of a semiconductor substrate, insulating. And the multi-layer structure of a phase change film, and the electric conduction film of specific resistance lower than the specific resistance is formed in the plan view of the front surface of a semiconductor substrate ranging over each source of both MISFET, and a plug and a plug stacked on it. The multi-layer structure functions as a wiring extending and existing in parallel on the surface of a semiconductor substrate, and an electric conduction film sends the current of a parallel direction on the surface of a semiconductor substrate.
US08232540B2	Lithographic apparatus and substrate edge seal A method of helping to prevent liquid reaching under a substrate is disclosed that includes introducing a gas at a bottom edge of the substrate so that a buffer is created at the edge of the substrate, helping to keep immersion liquid that is present at the top and edge of the substrate away from the bottom surface of the substrate.
US08232537B2	Radiation source, lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method A radiation source for generation of extreme ultraviolet radiation or use in high resolution lithography includes a plasma formation site where fuel is contacted by a radiation beam to form a plasma generating EUV radiation. A mirrored collector collects and reflects the EUV radiation generated at a first focus towards a second focus. A contamination barrier is positioned such the periphery of the contamination barrier does not occlude more than 50% of the solid angle subtended by the mirror at the second focus, such that EUV radiation reflected by the collector mirror is not excessively attenuated by passing through the contamination barrier. The contamination barrier serves to trap fuel material such as ions, atoms, molecules or nanodroplets from the plasma to prevent their deposition onto the collector mirror where they reduce the mirror's effective lifetime.
US08232533B2	Photolytically and environmentally stable multilayer structure for high efficiency electromagnetic energy conversion and sustained secondary emission A multilayer structure for authentication that includes an energy conversion layer, at least one stability enhancement layer and at least one blocking layer is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of creating and using the inventive multilayer structure for authentication.
US08232530B2	Solid state neutron detector The invention relates to a neutron detector for detection of neutrons in fields with significant γ- or β-radiation, comprising a neutron sensitive scintillator crystal, providing a neutron capture signal being larger than the capture signal of 3 MeV γ-radiation, a semiconductor based photo detector being optically coupled to the scintillator crystal, where the scintillator crystal and the semiconductor based photo detector are selected so that the total charge collection time for scintillator signals in the semiconductor based photo detector is larger than the total charge collection time for signals generated by direct detection of ionizing radiation in the semiconductor based photo detector, the neutron detector further comprising a device for sampling the detector signals, a digital signal processing device, means which distinguish direct signals from the semiconductor based photo detector, caused by γ- or β-radiation and being at least partially absorbed in the semiconductor based photo detector, from light signals entering the semiconductor based photo detector, after being emitted from the scintillator crystal after capturing at least one neutron, by means of pulse shape discrimination, utilizing a difference between the total charge collection time for scintillator signals from the total charge collection time for signals generated by direct detection of ionizing radiation in the semiconductor based photo detector, and means which distinguish neutron induced signals from γ-radiation induced signals in the scintillator crystal by discriminating the different signals via their pulse height, making use of the difference between the number of photons generated by neutron and γ-radiation in the field of interest.
US08232529B2	Imaging apparatus, imaging system, its controlling method, and storage medium storing its program An idling time period after applying a bias to a conversion element until a start of an accumulation of the conversion element for deriving an image and an accumulation period from the start of the accumulation to a termination of the accumulation are measured. An offset correction of the image is conducted by using a dark current accumulation charge quantity in the accumulation calculated based on the measured idling time period and accumulation period and stored dark current response characteristics. Thus, even just after applying the bias to the conversion element, the offset correction can be properly conducted. An imaging apparatus which can execute a good radiographing without increasing costs and a size even just after applying the bias to the conversion element is provided.
US08232518B2	Device and method for characterizing surfaces A method of characterizing surfaces comprises the steps of: directing a beam (2) of neutral atoms or molecules on a surface (3) for characterizing; and detecting in position-sensitive manner the neutral atoms or molecules of said beam that have been diffused forwards by said surface (3) for characterizing; the properties of said beam (2) being selected in such a manner that at least some of said neutral atoms or molecules that are diffused forwards are diffractive by said surface for characterizing.A device for implementing such a method comprises means (1) for generating such a beam (2) of neutral atoms or molecules and position-sensitive detector means (4) for detecting the neutral atoms or molecules that are diffused forwards by said surface (3) for characterizing.
US08232517B2	Wavelength-sensitive detector comprising photoconductor units each having different types of elongated nanostructures A wavelength-sensitive detector is provided that is based on elongate nanostructures, e.g. nanowires. The elongate nanostructures are parallel with respect to a common substrate and they are grouped in at least first and second units of a plurality of parallel elongate nanostructures. The elongate nanostructures are positioned in between a first and second electrode, the first and second electrodes lying respectively in a first and second plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of substrate, whereby all elongate nanostructures in a same photoconductor unit are contacted by the same two electrodes. Circuitry is added to read out electrical signals from the photoconductor units. The electronic density of states of the elongate nanostructures in each unit is different, because the material, of which the elongate nanostructures are made, is different or because the diameter of the elongate nanostructures is different. Each unit of elongate nanostructures therefore gives a different response to incident photons such that wavelength-specific information can be derived with the device.
US08232513B2	Projector, light source lighting device having a starting condition adjustment section, and method of controlling projector A projector adapted to modulate light emitted from a light source and project the light modulated, includes: a light source lighting device adapted to perform a starting operation for starting lighting of the light source; a past result information storing section adapted to store past result information when the light source lights due to the starting operation; and a starting condition adjustment section adapted to adjust an operation condition in the starting operation to be performed later, based on the past result information stored in the past result information storing section.
US08232512B2	Method and apparatus for integrating a quantity of light In one embodiment, apparatus for integrating a quantity of light is provided with a photosensor, an integration capacitor, and a transfer amplifier. The transfer amplifier has i) an input coupled to receive a voltage determined by the integration capacitor, and ii) an output. The apparatus is further provided with a first switch to pull the integration capacitor to a precharge voltage, and a second switch to couple the integration capacitor to the photosensor, to discharge the integration capacitor in proportion to a quantity of light that is incident on the photosensor. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
US08232507B2	Operating device for an electric appliance such as a hob and arrangement thereof An operating device for an electric hob comprises a plurality of touch pads as touch points, in which operation takes place by applying a finger to specific defined touch points. The touch pads may be in themselves structurally movable separately of the electric hob or the operating device. The touch pads comprise individual coding circuits which can be accomplished by way of modulation of an electromagnetic field. The operating device has an electrode surface for attachment next to the electric appliance, on which the touch pads are arranged. Capacitive coupling is formed between the touch pads and the electrode surface. The operating device comprises a drive and evaluation device connected to the electrode surface both for detecting touching of a touch pad in general and for detecting and differentiating between touching of a specific touch pad and touching of another touch pad as indicated by the individual coding circuit.
US08232502B2	Laser engraving of ceramic articles A method for engraving an image on a surface of an article selected from a group consisting of brick, ceramic tile, concrete pavers and natural stone articles, comprising providing a laser engraving apparatus comprising a steerable laser beam, steering the laser beam continuously over a first beam path on the surface to provide an engraved image and repeatedly traversing the laser beam over a path substantially parallel to the first beam path and incrementally spaced therefrom to define a perimeter of the engraved image. The method further comprises steering the laser beam within an infill area defined by the perimeter of the engraved image to provide a plurality of engraved segments extending within infill area.
US08232498B2	Short-circuit device for medium and high-voltage switching devices A short-circuit device is provided for medium and high-voltage switching devices, in which at least one moving contact is moved onto a fixed contact by means of a propelling charge. Two contact arrangements are provided in series to provide a higher dielectric strength. Each of the contact arrangements includes a fixed contact and a moving contact. A first fixed contact of a first one of the contact arrangements contains a mechanical ignition device for providing a propelling charge to a moving contact of the second one of the contact arrangements, such that when the moving contact reaches the fixed contact of the first contact arrangement, the propelling charge is mechanically ignited to cause the moving contact of the second contact arrangement to be propelled toward the fixed contact of the second contact arrangement.
US08232497B2	Relief valve for discharging a dielectric gas between two volumes of a high-voltage or medium-voltage interrupting chamber A relief valve for discharging a dielectric gas between two volumes (V1, V2) of a high-voltage or medium-voltage interrupting chamber. There is used as a closure member a flexible metal blade secured to the body, the closure member therefore being opened by deformation of the flexible blade from a closed position (FIG. 1) in which it is pressed against a closure member seat formed in the body to a fully open position in which it fits closely against a stop member secured to the valve body while remaining within its elastic limit, the open passage for the gas being open in this fully open position (FIG. 1A) and the return of the blade from its fully open position to its closed position being possible because of its flexibility.
US08232496B2	Switch disconnector A switch disconnector is disclosed. The switch disconnector has a main contact point and an arc interruption contact point, of which the main contact point opens before the arc interruption contact point during a disconnection operation and is closed after the arc interruption contact point during connection, with a stationary and a moving contact-piece arrangement, with the stationary contact-piece arrangement having a pot contact piece with contact fingers and with the moving main contact point having a contact cylinder which is connected to a contact mount, and with the arc interruption point having a contact pin as the stationary contact piece and an annular contact piece as the moving contact piece. The contact pin has a section composed of interruption-resistant material, whose external diameter is greater than the external diameter of the rest of the pin area. The contact pin has at least one slot which runs in the longitudinal direction and splits the pin into at least two pin fingers.
US08232495B2	Power button assembly and electronic device using the same A power button assembly includes a printed circuit board having terminals and a dome for trigging the terminals, a support base fixed on the printed circuit board, and a push button positioned between the printed circuit board and the support base. The push button is capable of moving along a first axis relative to the support base. One of the push button and the support base includes a guiding groove, and the other includes a guiding element slidably received in the guiding groove.
US08232487B2	Switch actuation device A switch actuation device for use in connection with electrical switch mechanism having an actuatable structure. The device includes an actuation mechanism in operable communication with the actuatable structure for use in urging the actuatable structure of the electrical switch mechanism from a first position to a second position. An actuatable electrical switch arrangement is also disclosed.
US08232485B2	Key assembly for an electronic device having a multi-character keycap A key assembly for use in an electronic device is provided. The key assembly includes a plurality of dome switches and a plurality of single-piece keycaps. Each keycap identifies a row of keyboard characters. Each keycap has a plurality of character-representing portions separated by deforming portions. Each character-representing portion is associated with a separate one of the plurality of dome switches. The key assembly further comprises a plurality of actuators for activating the dome switches. Each actuator has a first side which is engaged by one of the character representing portions of the keycap. Each actuator has a second side which engages the dome switch associated with that character-representing portion. In a rest state in which the keycap is not depressed, at least some of the actuators preload at least some of the dome switches by exerting a force upon the dome switches.
US08232483B2	Method and apparatus for weighing a bag wherein the bag is held open by a load suspension part such that an imaging beam directed at the goods is unobstructed by the bag while it is being gripped A method and a device for weighing weighable goods placed in a bag (24) having a filling opening (25) are characterized according to this invention in that the bag (24) is hung from a load suspension part (13) with an area of the bag adjacent to the filling opening (25) and the weight force corresponding to the weighable goods is transferred from here to a load cell (4) which forms a corresponding weight value.
US08232480B2	Interconnect pattern for high performance interfaces In one embodiment, differential signaling and ground contacts are located in a rectilinear array of rows and columns with ground contacts spaced apart by three times the pitch distance between adjacent rows or columns and signaling contacts are located immediately adjacent the ground contacts. In particular, the two contacts of each differential pair are located one pitch distance apart from each other and one contact of each differential pair of contacts is located one pitch distance from a ground contact and the other contact of the differential pair is located approximately sqrt(2)*pitch distance from the same ground contact. In a second embodiment, differential signaling and ground contacts are located in a hexagonal array with ground contacts located three times the pitch distance between adjacent contacts and signaling contacts located immediately adjacent the ground contacts. In particular, the two contacts of each differential pair are located one pitch distance apart from each other and both contacts of each differential pair of contacts are located one pitch distance from a ground contact.
US08232474B2	Apparatuses, systems, and methods for inhibiting the removal of cable from conduit Apparatuses, systems, and methods for securing one or more wires or cables relative to a conduit, for example, an underground conduit, an above ground conduit, or a conduit disposed in a building. The inhibiting device can hinder or prevent the removal of such wires or cables from the conduit by compressing the wires or cables between a clamp and a portion of the inhibiting device and/or conduit at a location that is not co-axial with a central axis of the conduit. As a result, a resistive frictional load is applied to the wires or cables which has a vector generally parallel and opposite to a removal force and a vector generally perpendicular to the removal force. In some embodiments, the inhibiting device can include a bolt, fabric, nylon, polymer, or compression type clamp. In some embodiments, a system can include a plurality of clamps which are transversely and axially separated.
US08232473B2	Tank assembly for 1 phase padmount transformer that prevents pad openings A tank, mountable to an opening formed within a mounting pad, includes a front plate, at least one sidewall panel, a pedestal base, and a cover. The at least one sidewall panel is coupled to the front plate to form the tank sides. The pedestal base is coupled to the front plate and a lower portion of the sidewall panels. The cover is coupled to the upper portions of the sidewall panels. The sidewall panels are configured into a first shape which forms a gap between the opening and at least one of the sidewall panels when the sidewall panel lower portions are positioned adjacently above the opening. The pedestal base is configured into a second shape where the outer profile of the coupled pedestal base and the front plate completely covers the opening when disposed over the opening. The tank encloses an electrical device and a dielectric fluid.
US08232472B1	Early streamer emission terminal An early streamer emission terminal is disclosed. According to embodiments, the early streamer emission terminal creates an upward propagating streamer earlier than conventional lightning protection systems and/or devices. In particular, the early streamer emission terminal collects ground charges during an initial phase of thunderstorm development. When a thunderstorm begins to generate downward step leaders, the ambient electric field around a grounded lightning protection system induces current into the grounded lightning protection system. The induced current is a flow of negative charge toward the ground, while a positive charge is released to form an upward streamer. The construction of the early streamer emission terminal triggers the flow of positive upward charge microseconds earlier than traditional lightning rods or other similar devices.
US08232471B2	Squarylium dye, method of producing the same, photoelectric conversion element containing the dye, and solid-state imaging device A squarylium dye represented by formula (1): wherein A1 and B1 each independently represents a ring structure, and R1 and R2 each independently represents a substituent having a carbon number of 1 to 12.
US08232467B1	Fret runner A colorized musical notation system could be embodied as a computer that can combine assigned colors representing musical notes with a scale degree pattern and visually display a selected portion of the result for the purpose of directing someone in a musical performance. The visual manifestation could be enhanced by including mnemonics along with interconnected fingerboard patterns that provide self-contained directions for playing common scales such as the major pentatonic, the minor pentatonic, and the blues scales, along with all seven modes. Chords could be constructed by playing selected scale degree tones simultaneously rather than consecutively as with scales. The computer could also present a means of suggesting tone combinations to create particular aural and psychological effects. An exhaustive selection of scales and chords may be constructed if one knows the proper formulas. The colorized notation system could be used to construct written musical notation.
US08232465B1	Inbred maize variety PH17BT A novel maize variety designated PH17BT and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH17BT with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH17BT through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH17BT or a locus conversion of PH17BT with another maize variety.
US08232464B1	Maize variety hybrid 10094720 A novel maize variety designated 10094720 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing maize variety 10094720 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into 10094720 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety 10094720, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety 10094720. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety 10094720.
US08232459B2	Soybean variety XB21D10 A novel soybean variety, designated XB21D10 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB21D10, cells from soybean variety XB21D10, plants of soybean XB21D10, and plant parts of soybean variety XB21D10. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB21D10 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic, mutant trait, and/or native trait into soybean variety XB21D10, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB21D10. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB21D10 are further provided.
US08232458B2	Soybean cultivar 93360433 A soybean cultivar designated 93360433 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 93360433, to the plants of soybean 93360433, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 93360433, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 93360433 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars, or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean variety 93360433, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 93360433, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar 93360433 with another soybean cultivar.
US08232456B2	Corn event MIR162 A novel transgenic corn event designated MIR162 is disclosed. The invention relates to nucleic acids from event MIR162. The invention also relates to assays for detecting the presence of the MIR162 event based on DNA sequences of the recombinant constructs inserted into the corn genome that resulted in the MIR162 event and of genomic sequences flanking the insertion sites. The invention further relates to corn plants comprising the genotype of MIR162 and to methods for producing a corn plant by crossing a corn plant comprising the MIR162 genotype with itself or another corn variety. Seeds of corn plants comprising the MIR162 genotype are also objects of the present invention. The invention also relates to methods of controlling insects using MIR162 corn plants.
US08232454B2	Gene-transfer vector comprising helper-component protease gene of papaya ringspot virus for broad-spectrum virus resistance in crops and use thereof Provided is a recombinant plasmid having a control sequence and a coding sequence fragment of Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) helper-component protease gene (HC-Pro gene) operably linked to the control sequence. A recombinant microorganism derived therefrom is also provided. A method for providing plants with resistance against virus is also provided. Use of PRSV HC-Pro gene or fragment thereof in generating plants with resistance against virus is also provided. It is proven that the PRSV HC-Pro transgenic plants can solve the problem resulting from breakdown by gene silencing suppression and provide broad-spectrum resistance to various PRSV strains of different geographical origins.
US08232453B2	Promoter from sweet potato ran GTPase gene for the high level expression in plant-tissue culture and vector using the same Disclosed herein are a promoter (SEQ ID NO.: 1) inducing high level expression of a target gene in plant tissue cultured cells, derived from the sweetpotato gene of Ran GTPase, small GTP binding protein, a plant transformation vector for carrying the same and a method for expressing a foreign gene in plant cell using the vector. The activity of promoter according to the present invention is higher than that of universal CaMV 35S promoter in transgenic suspension cultured cell lines, calluses and adventitious roots. Thus, the promoter is useful in the generation of transgenic cell lines including cultured roots to produce valuable materials such as medicinal or industrial proteins in a large quantities with plant tissue cultured cells.
US08232451B1	Blue transgenic fluorescent ornamental fish The present invention relates to transgenic blue ornamental fish, as well as methods of making such fish by in vitro fertilization techniques. Also disclosed are methods of establishing a population of such transgenic fish and methods of providing them to the ornamental fish industry for the purpose of marketing.
US08232449B2	Transgenic animals expressing chimeric antibodies for use in preparing human antibodies The invention provides transgene constructs for expressing chimeric antibodies, and transgenic non-human host animals carrying such constructs, wherein the chimeric antibodies comprise human variable regions and constant regions of the non-human transgenic host animal. The presence of immunoglobulin constant regions of the host animal allows for generation of improved antibodies in such transgenic host animals. Subsequently, the chimeric antibodies can be readily converted to fully human antibodies using recombinant DNA techniques. Thus, the invention provides compositions and methods for generating human antibodies in which chimeric antibodies raised in vivo in transgenic mice are used as intermediates and then converted to fully human antibodies in vitro.
US08232445B2	Absorbent article comprising condensed tannin An absorbent article comprising a condensed tannin. The condensed tannin is extracted from a plant family which is selected from the group consisting of Ebenacea, Mimosoideae, Apiaceae, Pinaceae, Rosaceae, Fagaceae, and mixtures thereof.
US08232443B2	Method and device for inactivating a microbiologically contaminated mass containing solid particles with accelerated electrons Method and device for inactivating a microbiologically contaminated mass containing solid particles. The method includes mixing the mass containing solid particles with a gelatinizing agent, transporting the mixed mass of solid particles and gelatinizing agent through a shaping device structured so that the mixed mass, at least in one area, is shaped to form a lamellar volume with a layer thickness of between 1 mm and 3 mm, and impinging the formed lamellar volume of the mixed mass with accelerated electrons.
US08232438B2	Method and system for jointly producing and processing hydrocarbons from natural gas hydrate and conventional hydrocarbon reservoirs A method, system, and method for developing the system, for producing hydrocarbons from a plurality of hydrocarbon containing reservoirs is described. The system includes at least one conventional hydrocarbon reservoir and at least one natural gas hydrate reservoir. The system also includes a production facility, including water separation apparatus, which is in fluid communication with the at least one hydrocarbon reservoir and the at least one natural gas hydrate reservoir. The production facility can separate hydrocarbons and water concurrently received from the first conventional hydrocarbon and the second natural gas hydrate reservoirs. The at least one hydrocarbon reservoir and the at least one hydrate reservoir can be concurrently developed. Or else, the at least one hydrate reservoir can be developed later in time and then fluidly connected to the production facility.
US08232437B2	Fuel composition Unleaded blend compositions, as well as formulated gasolines containing them have a Motor Octane Number (MON) of at least 80 comprising either: (i) component (a) at least 5% (by volume of the total composition) of at least one hydrocarbon having the following formula I R—CH2—CH(CH3)—C(CH3)2—CH3 I wherein R is hydrogen or methyl, especially triptane, or (ii) at least 2% of component (a′), which is at least one branched chain alkane of MON value of at least 90 and of boiling point 15-160° C. or a substantially aliphatic hydrocarbon refinery stream, of MON value of at least 85, at least 70% in total of said stream being branched chain alkanes, said stream being obtainable or obtained by distillation from a refinery material as a cut having Initial Boiling Point of at least 15° C. and Final Boiling Point of at most 160° C., said Boiling Points being measured according to ASTMD2892, or (iii) at least 10% of component (a″), which is at least one branched chain alkane of 8-12 carbons with at least 4 methyl or ethyl branches The components (a), (a′) and (a″) give rise to reduced emissions to the composition or gasoline on combustion.
US08232433B2	Catalyst and alcohol synthesis method The present invention is intended to provide a catalyst which is for synthesizing butanol from ethanol at a high selectivity and which comprises strontium phosphate apatite having the Sr/P atomic ratio of 1.5-2.0, and the synthesis method.
US08232432B2	Specific branched aldehydes, alcohols, surfactants, and consumer products based thereon A process for preparing a detergent alcohol mixture comprising the steps of providing one or more poly-branched poly-olefins, wherein the poly-branched poly-olefins must contain one non-branched terminal olefin and one or more additional branched olefins in the molecule; hydroformylating said poly-branched poly-olefins to produce a poly-branched olefin containing aldehyde product with one or more olefins or mixture thereof; reducing the aldehyde product of step (b) in the presence of hydrogen and a hydrogenation catalyst to form a poly-branched detergent alcohol mixture; and removing said poly-branched alcohol mixture from said catalyst and branched aldehydes, alcohols and surfactants produced from the products of this process.
US08232431B2	Specific branched surfactants and consumer products A surfactant composition comprising one or more surfactant derivatives of isomers of acyclic detergent alcohol having 11, 16, or 21 carbon atoms and two, three, four or five methyl or ethyl branches or mixtures thereof wherein the surfactant derivatives are selected from the group consisting of cationic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, amine oxide surfactants, alkylpolyglycoside surfactants, soaps, fatty acids, di-long-chain alkyl cationic surfactants and mixtures.
US08232430B2	Method for the preparation of cis-4-tert-butylcyclohexanol The present disclosure relates to a method for the stereoselective production of cis-4-tertbutylcyclohexanol comprising contacting 4-tert-butylcyclohexanone with hydrogen gas, a catalyst comprising a ruthenium-aminophosphine complex and a base, wherein the complex is of the formula RuX2(PNH2)a(P2)b (I), wherein X is anionic ligand, (PNH2) represents an aminophosphine ligand of the formula (II) R1R2P-L-NH2 and (P2) represents a diphosphine ligand of the formula (III) R3R4P-L-PR5R6.
US08232428B2	Polycationic compounds and uses thereof Aspects of the present invention relate to compounds and methods useful in modulating angiogenesis and methods of treating or preventing diseases associated with angiogenesis by administering a polycationic compound. The present invention relates to methods of use and compositions for inhibiting angiogenesis-mediated disorders in mammals including animals and humans. Additionally, this invention relates to the combined use of polycations with other anti-angiogenesis agents for the treatment of different angiogenesis-mediated disorders. Additionally, those polycationic compounds can be used with various anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic agents as well as with radio-therapeutic agents in cancer patients to prevent and treat tumor growth and metastasis.
US08232427B2	Selective hydroxamate based MMP inhibitors The present invention provides a compound of formula (I): said compound is inhibitor of MMP-9, and/or MMP-12 and/or MMP-13, and thus can be employed for the treatment of a disorder or disease characterized by abnormal activity of MMP-9, and/or MMP-12 and/or MMP-13. Accordingly, the compound of formula (I) can be used in treatment of disorders or diseases mediated by MMP-9, and/or MMP-12 and/or MMP-13. Finally, the present invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition.
US08232426B2	Aminoethylaromatic compounds suitable for treating disorders that respond to modulation of the dopamine D3 receptor The present invention relates to aromatic compounds of the formula I wherein Ar is phenyl or an aromatic 5- or 6-membered C-bound heteroaromatic radical, wherein Ar may carry 1 radical Ra and wherein Ar may also carry 1 or 2 radicals Rb; X is N or CH; E is CR6R7 or NR3; R1 is C1-C4-alkyl, C3-C4-cycloalkyl, C3-C4-cycloalkylmethyl, C3-C4-alkenyl, fluorinated C1-C4-alkyl, fluorinated C3-C4-cycloalkyl, fluorinated C3-C4-cycloalkylmethyl, fluorinated C3-C4-alkenyl, formyl or C1-C3-alkylcarbonyl; R1a is H, C1-C4-alkyl, C3-C4-cycloalkyl, C3-C4-cycloalkylmethyl, C3-C4-alkenyl, fluorinated C1-C4-alkyl, fluorinated C3-C4-cycloalkyl, fluorinated C3-C4-cycloalkylmethyl, fluorinated C3-C4-alkenyl, or R1a and R2 together are (CH2)n with n being 2, 3 or 4, or R1a and R2a together are (CH2)n with n being 2, 3 or 4; R2 and R2a are are independently of each other H, C1-C4-alkyl or fluorinated C1-C4-alkyl or R2a and R2 together are (CH2)m with m being 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5; R3 is H or C1-C4-alkyl; R6, R7 independently of each other are selected from H, fluorine, C1-C4-alkyl and fluorinated C1-C4-alkyl or together form a moiety (CH2)p with p being 2, 3, 4 or 5; and the physiologically tolerated acid addition salts thereof. The invention also relates to the use of a compound of the formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for preparing a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of a medical disorder susceptible to treatment with a dopamine D3 receptor ligand.
US08232425B2	Process for heterogeneously catalyzed partial gas phase oxidation of propylene to acrylic acid A process for heterogeneously catalyzed partial gas phase oxidation of propylene to acrylic acid, in which the starting reaction gas mixture comprises cyclopropane as an impurity and the acrylic acid, after conversion from the product gas mixture into the condensed phase, is removed with the aid of a crystallative removal.
US08232424B2	Method for the use of [11C]carbon monoxide in labeling synthesis of 11C-labelled acids by photo-induced free radical carbonylation under mild conditions using sulfoxides Methods and reagents for photo-initiated carbonylation with carbon-isotope labeled carbon monoxide using alkyl/aryl iodides with sulfoxides and triethylamine are provided. The resultant carbon-isotope labeled acids, and pharmaceutical acceptable salts and solvates are useful as radiopharmaceuticals, especially for use in Positron Emission Tomography (PET). Associated kits and method for PET studies are also provided.
US08232423B2	Anionic acid-labile surfactants and methods of use Anionic acid-labile surfactants may generally comprise compounds represented by the formula: wherein R1 is independently selected from —(CH2)0-9CH3, R2 is selected from the group consisting of —H and —(CH2)0-5CH3, Y is an anion, X is a cation, and n is an integer from 1 to 8. Methods of making and using the anionic acid-labile surfactants are also described. The anionic acid-labile surfactants may be used to facilitate the solubilization of proteins and other molecules in an aqueous environment.
US08232418B1	Method for the preparation of lecithin This technology relates to a method of producing light color lecithin from a lecithin-containing oil, such as crude vegetable oil. The method comprises heating the oil to a suitable temperature, contacting the oil with a peroxide solution, separating the lecithin precipitate from the oil and drying the lecithin. In a specific embodiment, the lecithin produced by the process is corn lecithin.
US08232417B1	Artemisinin derivatives with natural amino acids, peptides, and amino sugars for skin imperfections and infection in mammals The present invention discloses certain derivatives of artemisinin and the active principles contained in Artemisia annua extracts with amino acids, peptides, and amino sugars and salts thereof (formula I). The compounds of the present invention possess wide-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal biological activity suitable for topical or oral application for the treatment of infections and topical ailments in mammals, including acne, rosacea, topical wounds, infections, dandruff, skin disfigurements caused by infection, skin discoloration, age spots, wrinkles, excess facial oil, and veterinary problems including canine infections;
US08232413B2	Process for the production of a crystalline glucagon receptor antagonist compound The present invention relates to a process for the production of crystalline particles of a glucagon receptor antagonist compound. The process includes the steps of generating microseeds and subjecting the microseeds to a crystallization process. The resulting crystalline particles have a mean particle size of less than about 100 mm. The present invention also provides for a pharmaceutical composition which includes the crystalline particles produced by the method described herein and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
US08232407B2	Nitrogenous heterocyclic compounds with insecticidal activity, and the preparation and use thereof The present invention relates to nitro-containing heterocyclic or ring-opening nitrogenous compounds of formula (A), wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, Y, Z, and W are as defined in the specification. The present invention discloses the preparation and the uses of a novel insecticide. Said compound and the derivatives thereof have high insecticidal activity to farm insects including homoptera and lepidoptera pests, such as aphis, fulgorides, aleyrodids, leafhopper, commom thrips, cotton bollworm, cabbage caterpillar, cabbage moth, cotton leafworm, armyworn and so on.
US08232401B2	4-oxoquinoline compound and use thereof as HIV integrase inhibitor An anti-HIV agent containing, as an active ingredient, a 4-oxoquinoline compound represented by the following formula [I] wherein each symbol is as defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The compound of the present invention has HIV integrase inhibitory action and is useful as an anti-HIV agent for the prophylaxis or therapy of AIDS. Moreover, by a combined use with other anti-HIV agents such as protease inhibitors, reverse transcriptase inhibitors and the like, the compound can become a more effective anti-HIV agent. Since the compound has high inhibitory activity specific for integrases, it can provide a safe pharmaceutical agent with a fewer side effects for human.
US08232398B2	Recycling process for increasing the yield of opiate alkaloid derivatives The present invention provides processes for the production of opiate alkaloids. In particular, the present invention provides processes for increasing the yield of opiate alkaloids by introducing at least one recycling step.
US08232397B2	Processes for the production of buprenorphine with reduced impurity formation The present invention provides process for the production of opiate alkaloids. In particular, the present invention provides processes for the production of buprenorphine or a derivative of buprenorphine that minimizes the formation of impurities.
US08232394B2	Pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives; their intermediates and synthesis This invention relates to methods and intermediates useful for the synthesis of pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine compounds. Specifically novel synthetic methods and intermediates for the synthesis of 3-{(3R,4R)-4-methyl-(7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-yl)-amino}-piperidin-1-yl)-3-oxo-propionitrile and its corresponding citrate salt are disclosed.
US08232387B2	Process for the preparation of cladribine A process for the preparation of cladribine of API grade is provided by direct coupling of O-protected 2-deoxy-ribofuranose with silylated 2-chloroadenine followed by deprotection of the resultant protected nucleoside in a separate step and then a purification step. Following the coupling, the desired N-9-glycosylated β-anomer of the nucleoside is directly isolated as a solid from the coupling reaction mixture by filtration in relatively high purity and yield, and it does not require purification.
US08232383B2	RNA interference mediated inhibition of gene expression using chemically modified short interfering nucleic acid (siNA) The present invention concerns methods and reagents useful in modulating gene expression in a variety of applications, including use in therapeutic, diagnostic, target validation, and genomic discovery applications. Specifically, the invention relates to synthetic chemically modified small nucleic acid molecules, such as short interfering nucleic acid (siNA), short interfering RNA (siRNA), double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), micro-RNA (miRNA), and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) molecules capable of mediating RNA interference (RNAi) against target nucleic acid sequences. The small nucleic acid molecules are useful in the treatment of any disease or condition that responds to modulation of gene expression or activity in a cell, tissue, or organism.
US08232378B2	Compositions and methods for the identification of inhibitors of protein synthesis Compositions and methods for identifying inhibitors of RNA-target molecule interactions are provided as well as identifying inhibitors that block the role of tRNA in protein synthesis. The methods involve forming a mixture comprising a tRNA fragment molecule containing a modified nucleotide, a target molecule capable of binding to the tRNA fragment, and a test compound. The mixture is incubated under conditions that allow binding of the tRNA and the target molecule in the absence of the test compound. Assays can then be performed that detect whether or not the test compound inhibits the binding of the tRNA molecule and the target molecule. High throughput assays are also provided.
US08232375B2	Azo compound, and dye-containing polarizing film comprising the same Disclosed is an azo compound represented by the formula (1) or (2) or a salt thereof. The azo compound or the salt thereof has an excellent light-polarizing property, and is extremely useful as a dichroic dye for use in a polarizing plate that shows less color leakage in a visible light range or a polarizing plate for a liquid crystal projector comprising the aforementioned polarizing plate. (1) (2) wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group, a lower alkoxy group, a hydroxyl group, a sulfonate group or a carboxyl group; R2 to R5 independently represent a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group, a lower alkoxy group or an acetylamino group; X represents a benzoylamino group which may have a substituent, a phenylamino group which may have a substituent, a phenylazo group which may have a substituent, or a naphthotriazole group which may have a substituent; m represents a numeral number of 1 or 2; and n represents a numeral number of 0 or 1.
US08232367B2	Polymer compounds and a preparation method thereof Disclosed herein are polymer compounds and a method for preparing thereof. More specifically, provided are polymer compounds with well-connected, narrow size distribution free-volume element and a method for preparing the polymer compounds by thermal rearrangement for aromatic polyimides containing ortho-positioned functional groups in the solid state.
US08232366B2	Transparent, highly heat-resistant polyimide precursor and photosensitive polyimide composition thereof The present invention relates to an aqueous alkali-developable photosensitive polyimide precursor resin composition that is appropriate for highly heat-resistant transparent protection layers and insulation layers for liquid crystal display devices. In more detail, the present invention relates to a negative-type photosensitive transparent polyimide precursor resin composition manufactured in two steps. The first step is the manufacture of a transparent linear polyamic acid (A) from (a-1) one or more kinds of tetracarboxylic acid dianhydrides selected from alicyclic tetracarboxylic acid dianhydrides having 3 to 30 carbon atoms; and (a-2) one or more kinds of diamines selected from aliphatic, alicyclic, or non-conjugated aromatic diamines, having 3 to 30 carbon atoms, having one or more ethylenically unsaturated bonds at side chains as essential components; and the second step is the manufacture of reactive transparent polyimide precursors shown in the following Chemical Formula 1 according to the esterification reaction of the above polyamic acid (A) with ethylenically unsaturated compound (B) containing an epoxy group in the same molecule as the main component. The photosensitive transparent polyimide precursor resin compositions according to the present invention have a superior photosensitivity, and thus, may be used for transparent protection layers and insulation layers of liquid crystal display devices having superior heat resistance, chemical resistance, mechanical strength, and electricity insulation.
US08232363B2	Silicone containing polymeric materials A polymeric material with a variable modulus of elasticity is described herein. The polymeric material described herein is useful for forming implantable medical devices (e.g. ophthalmic lenses, breast implants, and body augmentation devices). In addition, medical devices formed from the polymer material can be used to controllably release a therapeutic agent. Also, the polymeric material may be used to prepare topical compositions or other applications or devices where control of a mechanical property such as material modulus is important.
US08232361B2	Optical pressure-sensitive adhesive, pressure-sensitive adhesive optical film, image display, and method for separating pressure-sensitive adhesive optical film An optical pressure-sensitive adhesive of the invention comprises a base polymer having a functional group (F); and a coupling agent that has a benzyl ester group and is represented by Formula (1): wherein A1 and A2 are different functional groups, one of A1 and A2 shows reactivity or interaction with the functional group (F) of the base polymer, R1 is an optionally substituted alkylene group of 1 to 12 carbon atoms and/or an optionally substituted phenylene group, and R2 and R3 are each a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group of 1 to 12 carbon atoms and may be the same or different. The pressure-sensitive adhesive is use in pressure-sensitive adhesive optical films and so on that is excellent in terms of both durability and release property.
US08232354B2	Method for producing a polylactic acid resin composition The present invention provides the method for producing a polylactic acid resin composition, including steps (1) and (2)step (1): adding the polycarbodiimide cross-linking agent to the polylactic acid resin to cross-link the polylactic acid resin; andstep (2): mixing the cross-linked polylactic acid resin prepared in the step (1) with the uncross-linked polylactic acid resin.
US08232351B2	Heat shrinkable polystyrene film and process for producing the same The inventive heat-shrinkable polystyrene film is high in shrinkability in the longitudinal direction that is its main shrinkage direction, is excellent in perforated line openability, and has high toughness. The heat-shrinkable polystyrene film is characterized by particular values with respect to hot-water heat shrinkage ratio in the longitudinal and width directions, right angle tear strength in the width direction, and breaking energies in the longitudinal and width directions.
US08232350B2	Adhesive encapsulating composition and electronic devices made therewith Adhesive encapsulating compositions for use in electronic devices such as organic electroluminescent devices, touch screens, photovoltaic devices, and thin film transistors are disclosed herein. The adhesive encapsulating compositions include pressure sensitive adhesives comprising one or more polyisobutylene resins, in combination with optional multifunctional (meth)acrylate monomers and/or optional tackifiers.
US08232346B2	Aqueous silicone emulsion, process for preparing and use as a water-repellent and anti-adhesive paper coating base The invention relates to an aqueous silicone emulsion comprising polyorganosiloxanes (POS) with Si-vinyl units and POS with SiH units, cross-linkable by polyaddition in the presence of a platinum catalyst. The emulsion also contains an agent (e.g., buffer) for setting and maintaining pH between 5 and 9 in an amount sufficient to eliminate or significantly reduce foam or gel formation; an emulsifying agent; optionally a polyaddition inhibitor and other additives such as a filler, biocide, antifoam, anti-freeze, coloring agent, synthetic latex. The emulsions can comprise three different families of dispersed silicone phase droplets (e.g., polyorganosiloxane (A), polyorganosiloxane (B) and catalyst). Such emulsions can be used in the preparation of anti-adherent coating on fibrous or non fibrous supports. The invention also concerns a method for preparing said emulsions and methods for coating supports, for example paper, using said emulsion.
US08232345B2	Method of making salt-sensitive binders and nonwoven webs A solution with a salt-sensitive polymer binder for use in fibrous webs, where the binder contains a copolymer of carboxylic acid monomer units and ethylenically unsaturated monomer units. The binder solution is prepared by emulsion-polymerizing a copolymer and then neutralizing the copolymer with base to make it water soluble. The binders provide a higher wet strength in concentrated salt solutions than in deionized water, and are particularly suitable for strengthening nonwoven fibrous webs in disposable articles such as wet-wipes, personal care products, diapers, and the like.
US08232344B2	Structure, target substance-detecting element and target substance-detecting kit According to the present invention, there can be provided a structure preventing the nonspecific adsorption, and a target substance-detecting element and a target substance-detecting kit. A first aspect of the present invention is a structure including: a substrate; and a membrane, present on the surface of the substrate, having a polymer of a monomer represented by the following General Formula (1) or (2): (wherein R represents H or CH3; x represents an integer of 2 to 5, and y represents an integer of 1 to 7, with the proviso that x+y=an integer of 3 to 10), and (wherein R1═H or CH3, and R2 represents O or NH; a represents an integer of 2 to 5, and b represents an integer of 1 to 7, with the proviso that a+b=an integer of 3 to 10).
US08232342B2	Transparent ABS resin composition having excellent impact strength and flowability One aspect of the invention relates to a transparent ABS resin composition having excellent impact resistance and flowability, which comprises about 10 to about 50 parts by weight of a rubber/(meth)acrylate-aromatic vinyl-unsaturated nitrile graft copolymer; about 50 to about 90 parts by weight of a thermoplastic resin matrix; and about 0.2 to about 0.5 parts by weight of a fluidizer, per 100 parts by weight of a base resin comprising the rubber/(meth)acrylate-aromatic vinyl-unsaturated nitrile graft copolymer and the thermoplastic resin matrix.
US08232341B2	Rubber composition and use thereof Provided is a rubber composition capable of providing a molding having: excellent sealing properties, heat resistance, and acid resistance; a low reaction force and low hardness; a reduced compression set; and especially an improved compression set and unsusceptibility to compression cracking at high temperatures. Also provided are a use of the rubber composition and a main body comprising the rubber composition mounted thereon. The rubber composition contains a specific ethylene/α-olefin/non-conjugated polyene copolymer [A], carbon black [B], and surface-modified silica [C] that is obtained by subjecting precipitated silica to surface modification and has a BET specific surface area of 30 to 80 m2/g, a particle diameter of 1.0 to 4.0 μm as measured by the Coulter counter method, and an M value of 50 or more.
US08232336B2	Aqueous dispersion, its production method, and its use Aqueous dispersions including at least one thermoplastic resin; at least one dispersing agent; and water; wherein the dispersion has a pH of less than 12 are disclosed along with dispersions including at least one thermoplastic resin; at least one dispersing agent; and water wherein the dispersion has a volume average particle size of less than about 5 μm. Some dispersions include less than about 4 percent by weight of the dispersing agent based on the weight of the thermoplastic resin. Other dispersions include at least one propylene-rich alpha-olefin interpolymer; at least one dispersing agent; and water. Methods of making such dispersions are also described.
US08232335B2	Compositions and methods for making clarified aesthetically enhanced articles Thermoplastic articles may be manufactured having a high degree of visual appeal to consumers. Clarifying agents may be employed as additives in such thermoplastic articles to produce high clarity articles. A coloring agent may be mixed with clarifying agents to form a first blend, and then such a first blend may be applied in very low loadings to form a clarified polymeric article. It is possible to achieve an observable visual benefit while using very low loadings of coloring agent in a polyolefin, such as polypropylene. Carbon black is a pigment that may provide such observable benefits in polypropylene.
US08232334B2	Polymer modified carbohydrate curable binder composition A curable aqueous binder composition comprising one or more amine reactant selected from the group consisting of: a protein, a peptide, an amino acid, an ammonium salt of a polycarboxylic acid, an ammonium salt of a (poly)hydroxy-(poly)carboxylic acid; one or more carbohydrate; and one or more emulsion polymer; and the use thereof as thermosetting binders. Also described are composite materials comprising the curable binder composition, and methods of application.
US08232327B2	Tetra calcium phosphate based organophosphorus compositions and methods Compositions and methods of their use to adhere a variety of materials together are disclosed herein. The compositions include at least tetra calcium phosphate, an effective amount of a compound that is structurally similar to phosphoserine, and can be mixed with an aqueous solution. The compositions provide adhesive and cohesive strength in both wet and dry environments and exhibit significant bond strength upon curing.
US08232324B2	Electrolyte membrane-forming curable resin composition, and preparation of electrolyte membrane and electrolyte membrane/electrode assembly A curable resin composition comprising (a) a compound having at least one ethylenically unsaturated group and at least one ion conductive group, (b) a compound having at least two ethylenically unsaturated groups, (c) an organosilicon compound having at least two SiH groups, (d) a platinum group catalyst, and (e) a solvent is dried and cured by heating into a cured film having excellent ionic conduction and serving as electrolyte membrane. The electrolyte membrane and an electrolyte membrane/electrode assembly satisfy fuel cell-related properties including ionic conduction and film strength as well as productivity.
US08232323B2	Process for the manufacture of a colloid of iron oxide The invention concerns a two-stage process for the manufacture of a colloid of iron oxide, and results in the dispersion of the desired iron oxide particles within a carrier fluid by a mixture of mono- and polycarboxylic acids providing excellent properties to the colloid. The process also has the advantage of preserving the physical form of the iron oxide particles, allowing any desired properties of the iron oxide core (such as crystal form or magnetism) to be maintained within the colloid.
US08232320B2	Antimicrobial nanoemulsion compositions and methods The present invention relates to compositions and methods for decreasing the infectivity, morbidity, and rate of mortality associated with a variety of pathogenic organisms and viruses. The present invention also relates to methods and compositions for decontaminating areas colonized or otherwise infected by pathogenic organisms and viruses. Moreover, the present invention relates to methods and compositions for decreasing the infectivity of pathogenic organisms in foodstuffs.
US08232319B2	Amino phosphate derivative and S1P receptor modulator having same as an active ingredient To provide an amino phosphate derivative having an excellent sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulatory action.As a result of continued intensive research to create a highly safe compound which has an S1P receptor modulatory action, is has been discovered that an amino phosphate derivative represented by the following general formula (1), has a strong S1P receptor modulatory action.
US08232318B2	Approaches to treat cancer using HB-EGF inhibitors The invention provides methods for the treatment of cancer in a subject by the administration of myrsinoic acid A and/or one or more myrsinoic acid A analogs.
US08232317B2	Method for increasing hair growth The present invention provides a method for stimulating hair growth, which comprises applying a composition containing a combination of a creatine compound and carnitine. The composition may further comprise 5′-AMP and NADH. Such a composition is effective in stimulating cell proliferation in the hair bulb of hair plugs.
US08232312B2	Substituted arylsulphonylglycines, the preparation thereof and the use thereof as pharmaceutical compositions The present invention relates to substituted arylsulphonylglycines of general formula (I) wherein R, X, Y and Z are defined as in claim 1, the tautomers, enantiomers, diastereomers, mixtures thereof and salts thereof, which have valuable pharmacological properties, particularly the suppression of the interaction of glycogen phosphorylase a with the GL subunit of glycogen-associated protein phosphatase 1 (PP1), and their use as pharmaceutical compositions.
US08232308B2	Methods for treating a disease in which Rho kinase is involved A method for treating a disease in which Rho kinase is involved. The method is carried out by administering to a patient in need thereof a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of the following formula or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof: wherein the ring X is a benzene ring or a pyridine ring; R1 and R2 are hydrogen or alkyl or together form a cycloalkene ring; R3 is hydrogen, substituted alkyl, unsubstituted alkenyl, carboxyl or an ester or an amide thereof, amino or a cyano; R4 is hydrogen, hydroxyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy, unsubstituted alkenyloxy, unsubstituted cycloalkyloxy substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, unsubstituted alkenyl, unsubstituted cycloalkyl, amino, substituted or unsubstituted alkylamino, nitro, cyano or a monocyclic heterocycle; and R5 is a halogen atom or a hydrogen atom.
US08232298B2	Inhibitors of the interaction between MDM2 and P53 The present invention provides compounds of formula (I), their use as an inhibitor of a p53-MDM2 interaction as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds of formula (I) wherein n, m, p, s, t, R1, R2, A and Z have defined meanings.
US08232290B2	P2X7R antagonists and their use The present application is directed to novel P2X7R antagonists that are indol-3-carboxamide or azaindole-3-carboxamide compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same and their use for the prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of diseases mediated by P2X7R activity.
US08232287B2	Pyrimidyl indoline compound It is intended to provide a pyrimidyl indoline compound which structurally differs from compounds used as active ingredients in conventional oral hypoglycemic agents and has excellent hypoglycemic effect. The present invention provides a compound represented by the general formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof:
US08232286B2	Inhibitors of PI3-kinases New compounds of formula 1 are provided which by virtue of their pharmaceutical activity as PI3-kinase modulators may be used in the therapeutic field for the treatment of inflammatory or allergic diseases. Examples of these include inflammatory and allergic respiratory complaints, inflammatory diseases of the gastro-intestinal tract and motor apparatus, inflammatory and allergic skin diseases, inflammatory eye diseases, diseases of the nasal mucosa, inflammatory or allergic conditions involving autoimmune reactions or inflammations of the kidney.
US08232285B2	Quinazolinone compounds and methods of use thereof The present invention relates to quinazolinone compounds, and methods of preparation of these compounds. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the quinazolinone compounds. The present invention provides methods of treating a cell proliferative disorder, such as a cancer, by administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a quinazolinone compound of the present invention.
US08232284B2	Heteroaryloxy quinazoline derivative Disclosed are compounds of the following formula and their pharmaceutically-acceptable salts, which have an effect of glucokinase activation and are useful in the field of medicines for treatment for diabetes, obesity, etc. (wherein ring A represents a pyrazolyl group optionally having a lower alkyl group, etc.; ring B represents a heteroaryl group; R represents a lower alkyl group, etc.; R1 represents a group of a formula: (wherein R11 and R12 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, etc.; m indicates an integer of from 2 to 6), etc.; R2 represents a lower alkyl group, etc.; r indicates an integer of from 0 to 3; k indicates an integer of from 0 to 4).
US08232283B2	Raf inhibitors The present invention provides derivatives of pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidin-7-one. These compounds are inhibitors or kinases such as Raf, including compounds that show anti-proliferative activity, including against tumor cells, and are useful in the treatment of diseases including cancer.
US08232275B2	2,2-bis-(hydroxymethyl)cyclopropylidenemethyl-purines and -pyrimidines as antiviral agents Compounds which are active against viruses have the following formulas: wherein B is a purine or pyrimidine heterocyclic ring or base. In a preferred embodiment, the purine include 6-aminopurine (adenine), 6-hydroxypurine (hypoxanthine), 2-amino-6-hydroxypurine (guanine), 2,6-diamino-purine, 2-amino-6-azidopurine, 2-amino-6-halo substituted purines such as 2-amino-6-chloropurine, 2-amino-6-fluoropurine, 2-amino-6-alkoxypurines such as 2-amino-6-methoxypurine, 2-amino-6-cyclopropylaminopurine, 2-amino-6-alkylamino or 2-amino-6-dialkylamino substituted purines, 2-amino-6-thiopurine, 2-amino-6-alkylthio substituted purines, 3-deazapurines, 7-deazapurines and 8-azapurines. The pyrimidine incorporates cytosine, uracil and thymine, 5-halo substituted cytosines and uracils, 5-alkyl substituted cytosines and uracils including derivatives with a saturated or unsaturated alkyl group and 6-azapyrimidines.
US08232273B2	Heterocyclic compounds and methods of use In one aspect, the present invention provides for a compound of Formula I in which the variable X1a, X1b, X1c, X1d, Q, A, R1, B, L, E, and the subscripts m and n have the meanings as described herein. In another aspect, the present invention provides for pharmaceutical compositions comprising compounds of Formula I as well as methods for using compounds of Formula I for the treatment of diseases and conditions (e.g., cancer, thrombocythemia, etc) characterized by the expression or over-expression of Bcl-2 anti-apoptotic proteins, e.g., of anti-apoptotic Bcl-xL proteins.
US08232269B2	Amide compounds useful in therapy A compound of Formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein, R1 and R2 each independently represent H, halogen, CF3, C1-3 alkyl or C1-3 alkoxy; R3 represents C1-6 alkyl, C3-6 cycloalkyl, phenyl (optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from Ra) or Het (optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from OH, oxo, or C1-4 alkyl); R4 represents H or C1-3 alkyl; R5 represents C1-6 alkyl (optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from Rb), C3-6 cycloalkyl (optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from oxo or OH), or Het2 (optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from Rd); oxygen atom or 1 sulphur atom, or (c) 1 oxygen atom or 1 sulphur atom, (optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from OH, oxo or C1-4 alkyl); and R6 represents C1-3 alkyl (optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from Rf), C3-5 cycloalkyl (optionally substituted by one or more halogen), CN or halogen; where Rf represents halogen or phenyl: and compositions, processes for the preparation, and uses thereof, e.g. in the treatment of endometriosis or uterine fibroids.
US08232268B2	Carbapenem antibacterials with gram-negative activity and processes for their preparation The present invention provides β-methyl carbapenem compounds and pharmaceutical compositions useful in the treatment of bacterial infections and methods for treating such infections using such compounds and/or compositions. The invention includes administering an effective amount of a carbapenem compound or salt and/or prodrug thereof to a host in need of such a treatment. The present invention is also in the field of synthetic organic chemistry and is specifically provides an improved method of synthesis of β-methyl carbapenems which are useful as antibacterial agents.
US08232267B2	Porphyrin catalysts and methods of use thereof This invention provides a novel class of substituted macrocyclic porphyrin compounds. The compounds are useful as peroxynitrite decomposition catalysts. Pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of making and using the compounds, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, or prodrug thereof are also described.
US08232266B2	Use of manzamine compounds in anti-cancer therapeutic regimens Manzamine compounds have been discovered to decrease cell dissociation and cell migration associated with the metastatic potential of cancer cells and a restoration of cancer cell susceptibility to agents, such as TRAIL, which can induce apoptosis. Specifically, Manzamine A has a formerly unrecognized utility in both blocking tumor cell invasion and tumor metastasis as well in restoring cancer cell susceptibility to standard chemotherapeutic agents which induce apoptosis and, therefore, has utility in treating cancer.
US08232264B2	Compositions and methods for enhancing corticosteroid delivery The present invention comprises a composition, method of enhancing potency and method of delivering corticosteroids in a vehicle comprising at least two penetration enhancers, and solvents and emulsifiers. The propylene glycol and penetration enhancers are present in ratio to the total of the propylene glycol, penetration enhancers, and solvents and emulsifiers of at least about 0.70.
US08232259B2	Multiple CpG oligodeoxynucleotide and their use to induce an immune response Compositions including multiple oligodeoxynucleotides with a CpG motif are disclosed herein. The compositions can include either D or K type oligodeoxynucleotides. These compositions are of use in inducing an immune response in a large percentage of the individuals in a population.
US08232256B2	Means for inhibiting the expression of protein kinase 3 The present invention is related to a nucleic acid molecule and uses thereof. The nucleic acid molecule comprises a double-stranded structure, whereby the double-stranded structure comprises a first strand and a second strand, whereby the first strand comprises a first stretch of contiguous nucleotides and said first stretch is at least partially complementary to a target nucleic acid, and whereby the second strand comprises a second stretch of contiguous nucleotides and said second stretch is at least partially complementary to the first stretch, whereby the first stretch comprises a nucleic acid sequence which is at least partially complementary to a nucleotide core sequence of the nucleic acid sequence according to SEQ ID NO:1 (NM_013355).
US08232255B2	Methods for vaccinating against malaria The invention pertains to methods for protecting against malaria infection by vaccination. The method of the invention involves priming an anti-malaria immune response with a DNA-based vaccine and boosting that response with a protein-based a vaccine. The method of the invention also relates to broadening the resulting immune response by boosting with a protein-based vaccine.
US08232254B2	Colchicine neoglycosides and methods for their synthesis and use Colchicine neoglycosides, method for their synthesis and methods for their use are disclosed. The invention provides analogs of colchicine glycosylated to include a sugar moiety on a colchicine scaffold that is generally unglycosylated in nature. The colchicine neoglycosides disclosed herein are shown to have cytotoxic effects equivalent to at least the known cytotoxins paclitaxel and doxorubicin. Further, the neoglycosides disclosed according to the invention have physiologic effects not previously recognized in the alkaloid family that includes colchicine but recognized in other cytotoxic drug families such as the taxanes which act by stabilizing tubulin formation.
US08232250B2	Low frequency glatiramer acetate therapy A method of alleviating a symptom of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in a human patient suffering from relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis or a patient who has experienced a first clinical episode and is determined to be at high risk of developing clinically definite multiple sclerosis comprising administering to the human patient three subcutaneous injections of a therapeutically effective dose of glatiramer acetate over a period of seven days with at least one day between every subcutaneous injection so as to thereby alleviate the symptom of the patient.
US08232249B2	Medicament for treating parkinson's disease The invention relates to the manufacture of a unit dose of a medicament for relieving the symptoms and/or restoring and/or protecting the neurons of patients suffering from Parkinson's disease. According to the invention, bee's venom is used in an amount of between 33 and 330 micrograms inclusive, for the manufacture of a unit dose for subcutaneous injection, every one to six weeks, of a medicament for relieving the symptoms and/or restoring and/or protecting the neurons of patients suffering from Parkinson's disease. The invention finds use in particular in the field of pharmacy.
US08232248B2	Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with mammal beta defensins The present invention relates to treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with mammal beta defensins.
US08232244B2	Compositions and methods to prevent cancer with cupredoxins The present invention discloses methods and materials for delivering a cargo compound into a cancer cell. Delivery of the cargo compound is accomplished by the use of protein transduction domains derived from cupredoxins. The cargo compound may be a nucleic acid and specifically a DNA, RNA or anti-sense. The invention further discloses methods for treating cancer and diagnosing cancer.
US08232243B2	Tyrosine- and tryptophan-containing peptides as antioxidants The invention relates to the use of tryptophan-containing, in particular tryptophan- and tyrosine-containing, peptides as antioxidants. The compounds can be used for the therapy or prophylaxis of syndromes and disorders associated with unwanted oxidative processes in the extracellular space.
US08232240B2	Inhibitors of enveloped virus infectivity The present invention relates to treatment of infection by enveloped viruses through the use of papain-like cysteine protease inhibitors and kits thereof. Specifically, methods for treatment of filoviruses as well as other enveloped viruses such as Nipah, in particular using cathepsin inhibitors are described.
US08232239B2	Liquid concentrated fabric softener composition Disclosed are concentrated liquid rinse cycle fabric softener compositions comprising a quaternary ammonium cation and benzylated alcohol solvent having between 50% to 90% weight active ingredients. Benzyl alcohol is disclosed as a preferred solvent to produce a clear liquid solution formulation rather than emulsion. The concentrated liquid rinse cycle fabric softener compositions of the present invention possess desirable stability, sustainability and fabric-softening properties. Methods of use are further described.
US08232230B2	Manufacture and use of a herbicide formulation The invention pertains to a method for manufacture and use of a herbicidal formulation of chlorinated carboxylic acid herbicides. A number of different solvents have been found useful in this application. Furthermore, the use of surfactants that act as solvents for the acid herbicides has been discovered. These formulations have shown superior herbicidal activity when compared to standard salt and ester forms.
US08232229B2	Seed treatment formulations and methods of use The present invention generally relates to aqueous seed treatment formulations comprising a pesticidal agent, a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), a graft copolymer, and a plasticizer. In one embodiment of the invention, PVA-compatible polymer emulsions are employed. The present invention also relates to uses of the disclosed compositions for protecting seeds from pests.
US08232220B2	Method for manufacturing an artificial lightweight aggregate containing bottom ash The present invention relates to a method for producing an artificial lightweight aggregate containing bottom ash. The method includes the steps of: (a) mixing 100 parts by weight of clay and 10-100 parts by weight of bottom ash to obtain a mixture; (b) extrusion-molding the mixture by using an extruder and cutting the extrusion-molded mixture to form a molded article; (c) drying the molded article by using a rotary drier; and (d) sintering the dried article at 1050-1150° C. for 15-45 minutes to produce the artificial lightweight aggregate. The aggregate produced according to the invention is lightweight, cost-effective, and has uniform water absorption.
US08232215B2	Spacer linewidth control A method for forming a plurality of variable linewidth spacers adjoining a plurality of uniformly spaced topographic features uses a conformal resist layer upon a spacer material layer located over the plurality of uniformly spaced topographic features. The conformal resist layer is differentially exposed and developed to provide a differential thickness resist layer that is used as a sacrificial mask when forming the variable linewidth spacers. A method for forming uniform linewidth spacers adjoining narrowly spaced topographic features and widely spaced topographic features over the same substrate uses a masked isotropic etching of a variable thickness spacer material layer to provide a more uniform partially etched spacer material layer, followed by an unmasked anisotropic etching of the partially etched spacer material layer. A related method for forming the uniform linewidth spacers uses a two-step anisotropic etch method that includes at least one masking process step.
US08232213B2	Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof, and liquid crystal display device A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes: a first etching step of etching a TEOS layer from a glass substrate to partially expose a SiN layer; a second etching step, conducted separately and independently from the first etching step, of wet-etching the exposed SiN layer to partially expose the glass substrate; and a bonding step of bonding a driver portion to the exposed glass substrate.
US08232207B2	Substrate processing method In a substrate processing method of processing a substrate that includes an oxide layer as a mask layer and a silicon layer as a target layer to be processed, the silicon layer is etched while depositing a deposit on a surface of the oxide layer by a plasma generated from a mixed gas of a fluorine-based gas, a bromine-based gas, O2 gas, and SiCl4 gas to secure a thickness of the mask layer.
US08232204B1	Method of forming borderless contact for transistor Embodiments of the present invention provide a method of forming borderless contact for transistor. The method may include forming a gate of a transistor, on top of a substrate, and spacers adjacent to sidewalls of the gate; forming a sacrificial layer surrounding the gate; causing the sacrificial layer to expand in height to become higher than the gate, the expanded sacrificial layer covering at most a portion of a top surface of the spacers and thereby leaving an opening on top of the gate surrounded by the spacers; filling the opening with a dielectric cap layer; replacing the expanded sacrificial layer with a dielectric layer; and forming a conductive stud contacting source/drain of the transistor, the conductive stud being isolated from the gate by the dielectric cap layer.
US08232202B2	Image sensor package and fabrication method thereof An image sensor package and a method for fabricating thereof are provided. A substrate having an insulator filled cavity is provided with an image sensor device electrical connected to a metal layer, thereon. A covering plate is then disposed on the substrate. The substrate is subsequently thinned to expose the insulator. Removing a portion of the insulator, a hole is formed and a conductive layer is filled therein to form a via hole. Next, a solder ball is located over a backside of the substrate which is electrically connected to the metal layer through the via hole. The image sensor package is thinned, thus, the dimensions thereof are reduced.
US08232201B2	Schemes for forming barrier layers for copper in interconnect structures A method of forming a semiconductor structure includes providing a substrate; forming a low-k dielectric layer over the substrate; embedding a conductive wiring into the low-k dielectric layer; and thermal soaking the conductive wiring in a carbon-containing silane-based chemical to form a barrier layer on the conductive wiring. A lining barrier layer is formed in the opening for embedding the conductive wiring. The lining barrier layer may comprise same materials as the barrier layer, and the lining barrier layer may be recessed before forming the barrier layer and may contain a metal that can be silicided.
US08232199B2	Method of fabricating semiconductor device comprises a photoresist pattern having a desired critical dimension A method of fabricating a semiconductor device and a fabrication system of the semiconductor device are provided. The method includes sequentially forming a film to be etched and a dielectric film and measuring a thickness of the dielectric film, forming a photoresist film on the dielectric film, performing a lithography process using the measured thickness of the dielectric film to form a photoresist film pattern, and etching the dielectric film and the film to be etched using the photoresist film pattern.
US08232197B2	Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device from which damage layers and native oxide films in connection holes have been removed An insulating film formed on a conducting layer is dry-etched so as to make a connection hole in the insulating film to expose the conducting layer. Plasma is supplied onto the exposed conducting layer to dry-clean a damage layer produced in the connection hole. A product produced in the connection hole as a result of the dry cleaning is removed by a wet process. An oxide film formed in the connection hole as a result of the wet process is etched by a chemical dry process using a gas including either NF3 or HF. A thermally decomposable reaction product produced as a result of the etching is removed by heat treatment.
US08232194B2	Process for chip capacitive coupling A method of creating a semiconductor chip having a substrate, a doped semiconductor material abutting the substrate and a device pad at an outer side of the doped semiconductor material involves creating a via through at least a portion of the substrate, the via having a periphery and a bottom at a location and depth sufficient to bring the via into proximity with the device pad but be physically spaced apart from the device pad, introducing an electrically conductive material into the via, and connecting the electrically conductive material to a signal source so the signal will deliberately be propagated from the electrically conductive material to the device pad without any direct electrical connection existing between the electrically conductive material and the device pad.
US08232192B2	Process of bonding circuitry components A bonding process includes the following process. A bump is formed on a first electric device. A patterned insulation layer is formed on a second electric device, wherein the patterned insulation layer has a thickness between 5 μm and 400 μm, and an opening is in the patterned insulation layer and exposes the second electric device. The bump is joined to the second electric device exposed by the opening in the patterned insulation layer.
US08232190B2	Three dimensional vertical E-fuse structures and methods of manufacturing the same Three dimensional vertical e-fuse structures and methods of manufacturing the same are provided herein. The method of forming a fuse structure comprises providing a substrate including an insulator layer and forming an opening in the insulator layer. The method further comprises forming a conductive layer along a sidewall of the opening and filling the opening with an insulator material. The vertical e-fuse structure comprises a first contact layer and a second contact layer. The structure further includes a conductive material lined within a via and in electrical contact with the first contact layer and the second contact layer. The conductive material has an increased resistance as a current is applied thereto.
US08232189B2	Dielectric film manufacturing method The present invention provides a manufacturing method of a dielectric film which reduces a leak current value while suppressing the reduction of a relative permittivity, suppresses the reduction of a deposition rate caused by the reduction of a sputtering rate, and also provides excellent planar uniformity. A dielectric film manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention is forms a dielectric film of a metal oxide mainly containing Al, Si, and O on a substrate, and comprises steps of forming the metal oxide having an amorphous structure in which a molar fraction between an Al element and a Si element, Si/(Si+Al), is 0
US08232180B2	Manufacturing method of semiconductor device comprising active region divided by STI element isolation structure The active region of an NMOS transistor and the active region of a PMOS transistor are divided by an STI element isolation structure. The STI element isolation structure is made up of a first element isolation structure formed so as to include the interval between both active regions, and a second element isolation structure formed in the region other than the first element isolation structure.
US08232179B2	Method to improve wet etch budget in FEOL integration A method of forming a semiconductor device is provided where in one embodiment an STI fill is recessed below the pad nitride and pad oxide layers, to a level substantially coplanar with the top surface of the substrate. A thin (having a thickness in the range of about 10 Å-100 Å) wet etch resistant layer is formed in contact with and completely covering at least the top surface of the recessed STI fill material. The thin wet etch resistant layer is more resistant to a wet etch process than at least the pad oxide layer. The thin wet etch resistant layer may be a refractory dielectric material, or a dielectric such as HfOx, AlyOx, ZrOx, HfZrOx, and HfSiOx. The inventive wet etch resistant layer improves the wet etch budget of subsequent wet etch processing steps.
US08232175B2	Damascene metal-insulator-metal (MIM) device with improved scaleability A present method of fabricating a memory device includes the steps of providing a dielectric layer, providing an opening in the dielectric layer, providing a first conductive body in the opening, providing a switching body in the opening, the first conductive body and switching body filling the opening, and providing a second conductive body over the switching body. In an alternate embodiment, a second dielectric layer is provided over the first-mentioned dielectric layer, and the switching body is provided in an opening in the second dielectric layer.
US08232174B2	Method for controlled formation of the resistive switching material in a resistive switching device and device obtained thereof The present disclosure provides a method for controlled formation of the resistive switching layer in a resistive switching device. The method comprises providing a substrate (2) comprising the bottom electrode (10), providing on the substrate a dielectric layer (4) comprising a recess (7) containing the metal for forming the resistive layer (11), providing on the substrate a dielectric layer (5) comprising an opening (8) exposing the metal of the recess, and forming the resistive layer in the recess and in the opening.
US08232168B2	Method for making asymmetric double-gate transistors by which asymmetric and symmetric double-gate transistors can be made on the same substrate A method for fabricating a microelectronic device with one or plural double-gate transistors, including: a) forming one or plural structures on a substrate including at least a first block configured to form a first gate of a double-gate transistor, and at least a second block configured to form the second gate of said double-gate, the first block and the second block being located on opposite sides of at least one semiconducting zone and separated from the semiconducting zone by a first gate dielectric zone and a second gate dielectric zone respectively, and b) doping at least one or plural semiconducting zones in the second block of at least one given structure among the structures, using at least one implantation selective relative to the first block, the second block being covered by a hard mask, a critical dimension of the hard mask being larger than the critical dimension of the second block.
US08232166B2	Method for fabricating semiconductor device with recess gate A semiconductor device includes a substrate with a recess pattern, a gate electrode filling the recess pattern, a threshold voltage adjusting layer formed in the substrate under the recess pattern, a source/drain region formed in the substrate on both sides of the gate electrode and a gate insulation layer, with the recess pattern being disposed between the gate electrode and the substrate, wherein the thickness of the gate insulation layer formed in a region adjacent to the source/drain region is greater than the thickness of the gate insulation layer formed in a region adjacent to the threshold voltage adjusting layer.
US08232165B2	Film wrapped NFET nanowire A semiconductor structure includes an n-channel field effect transistor (NFET) nanowire, the NFET nanowire comprising a film wrapping around a core of the NFET nanowire, the film wrapping configured to provide tensile stress in the NFET nanowire. A method of making a semiconductor structure includes growing a film wrapping around a core of an n-channel field effect transistor (NFET) nanowire of the semiconductor structure, the film wrapping being configured to provide tensile stress in the NFET nanowire.
US08232164B2	Damascene method of forming a semiconductor structure and a semiconductor structure with multiple fin-shaped channel regions having different widths Disclosed is a damascene method for forming a semiconductor structure and the resulting semiconductor structure having multiple fin-shaped channel regions with different widths. In the method, fin-shaped channel regions are etched using differently configured isolating caps as masks to define the different widths. For example, a wide width isolating cap can comprise a dielectric body positioned laterally between dielectric spacers and can be used as a mask to define a relatively wide width channel region; a medium width isolating cap can comprise a dielectric body alone and can be used as a mask to define a medium width channel region and/or a narrow width isolating cap can comprise a dielectric spacer alone and can be used as a mask to define a relatively narrow width channel region. These multiple fin-shaped channel regions with different widths can be incorporated into either multiple multi-gate field effect transistors (MUGFETs) or a single MUGFET.
US08232163B2	Lateral epitaxial grown SOI in deep trench structures and methods of manufacture Deep trench capacitor structures and methods of manufacture are disclosed. The method includes forming a deep trench structure in a wafer comprising a substrate, buried oxide layer (BOX) and silicon (SOI) film. The method further includes forming a plate on a sidewall of the deep trench structure in the substrate by an implant process. The implant processes contaminate exposed edges of the SOI film in the deep trench structure. The method further includes removing the contaminated exposed edges of the SOI film by an etching process to form a void in the SOI film. The method further includes growing epitaxial Si in the void, prior to completing a capacitor structure.
US08232161B2	Semiconductor device and manufacturing method of the same A trench is formed so as to reach a p−-type epitaxial layer from an upper surface of a source region. A gate electrode is formed so as to bury the trench. Each of body contact trenches is formed away from the gate electrode. A body contact region is formed at the bottom of the body contact trench. An n-type semiconductor region that is a feature of the present invention is formed in a layer below each body contact region. The impurity concentration of the n-type semiconductor region is higher than a channel forming area and lower than the body contact region.
US08232160B2	Phase change memory device and method of manufacturing the same A phase change memory device having a strain transistor and a method of making the same are presented. The phase change memory device includes a semiconductor substrate, a junction word line, switching diodes, and a strain transistor. The semiconductor substrate includes a cell area and a core/peri area. The junction word line is formed in the cell area of the semiconductor substrate and includes a strain stress supplying layer doped with impurities. The switching diodes are electrically coupled to the junction word line. The strain transistor is formed in the core/peri area of the substrate and acts as a driving transistor.
US08232158B2	Compensated isolated p-well DENMOS devices An integrated circuit with a core PMOS transistor formed in a first n-well and an isolated DENMOS (iso-DENMOS) transistor formed in a second n-well where the depth and doping of the first and second n-wells are the same. A method of forming an integrated circuit with a core PMOS transistor formed in a first n-well and an iso-DENMOS transistor formed in a second n-well where the depth and doping of the first and second n-wells are the same.
US08232155B2	Structure and method for manufacturing device with a V-shape channel nMOSFET A CMOS structure includes a v-shape surface in an nMOSFET region. The v-shape surface has an orientation in a (100) plane and extends into a Si layer in the nMOSFET region. The nMOSFET gate dielectric layer is a high-k material, such as Hf02. The nMOSFET has a metal gate layer, such as Ta. Poly-Si is deposited on top of the metal gate layer.
US08232153B2	Silicon device on Si:C-OI and SGOI and method of manufacture A semiconductor structure and method of manufacturing is provided. The method of manufacturing includes forming shallow trench isolation (STI) in a substrate and providing a first material and a second material on the substrate. The first material and the second material are mixed into the substrate by a thermal anneal process to form a first island and second island at an nFET region and a pFET region, respectively. A layer of different material is formed on the first island and the second island. The STI relaxes and facilitates the relaxation of the first island and the second island. The first material may be deposited or grown Ge material and the second material may deposited or grown Si:C or C. A strained Si layer is formed on at least one of the first island and the second island.
US08232150B2	Structure and method of forming a transistor with asymmetric channel and source/drain regions A semiconductor structure is described. The structure includes a semiconductor substrate having a conductive gate abutting a gate insulator for controlling conduction of a channel region; and a source region and a drain region associated with the conductive gate, where the source region includes a first material and the drain region includes a second material, and where the conductive gate is self-aligned to the first material and the second material. In one embodiment, the first material includes Si and the second material includes SiGe. A method of forming a semiconductor structure is also described. The method includes forming a pad layer on a top surface of a SOI layer of a semiconductor substrate; patterning the pad layer and a portion of the SOI layer for forming a SiGe layer; epitaxially growing the SOI layer for forming a Si layer and a SiGe layer adjacent to a sidewall of the SOI layer; selectively pulling a portion of the pad layer; forming a gate dielectric of a portion of the SiGe layer and the SOI layer; forming a gate conductor over the gate dielectric; removing the remaining of the pad layer; forming a source region in at least one of the SOI layer and the SiGe layer; and forming a drain region in at least one of the SOI layer and the SiGe layer.
US08232148B2	Structure and method to make replacement metal gate and contact metal An electrical device is provided with a p-type semiconductor device having a first gate structure that includes a gate dielectric on top of a semiconductor substrate, a p-type work function metal layer, a metal layer composed of titanium and aluminum, and a metal fill composed of aluminum. An n-type semiconductor device is also present on the semiconductor substrate that includes a second gate structure that includes a gate dielectric, a metal layer composed of titanium and aluminum, and a metal fill composed of aluminum. An interlevel dielectric is present over the semiconductor substrate. The interlevel dielectric includes interconnects to the source and drain regions of the p-type and n-type semiconductor devices. The interconnects are composed of a metal layer composed of titanium and aluminum, and a metal fill composed of aluminum. The present disclosure also provides a method of forming the aforementioned structure.
US08232147B2	Fabricating method of a thin film transistor having a dielectric layer for inhibiting leakage current A thin film transistor (TFT) and a fabricating method thereof are provided. The TFT includes a channel layer, an ohmic contact layer, a dielectric layer, a source, a drain, a gate, and a gate insulating layer. The channel layer has an upper surface and a sidewall. The ohmic contact layer is disposed on a portion of the upper surface of the channel layer. The dielectric layer is disposed on the sidewall of the channel layer, and does not overlap with the ohmic contact layer. The source and the drain are disposed on portions of the ohmic contact layer and the dielectric layer. A portion of dielectric layer is not covered by the source or the drain. The gate is above or below the channel layer. The gate insulating layer is disposed between the gate and the channel layer.
US08232144B2	Non-pull back pad package with an additional solder standoff Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing a semiconductor package with a solder standoff on lead pads that reach to the edge of the package (non-pullback leads). It includes encapsulating a plurality of die on a lead frame strip. The lead frame strip comprises a plurality of package sites, which further comprises a plurality of lead pads and a die pad. The method also includes forming a channel between the lead pads of nearby package sites without singulating the packages. Another step in the method includes disposing solder on the lead pads, the die pad, or the lead pads and the die pads without substantially covering the channel with solder. The manufacturing method further includes singulating the packages.
US08232142B2	Self-aligned silicon carrier for optical device supporting wafer scale methods Disclosed is a carrier assembly for and a method of manufacturing an optical device. The method comprises providing a silicon substrate; attaching a number of optical dies on the silicon substrate to form an optical device carrier assembly; providing a corresponding number of through holes in the silicon substrate to permit the passage of light therethrough and further providing guide holes in the silicon substrate to present means for passive alignment of an external optical connection; and dicing the optical device carrier assembly to form individual optical devices. Preferably, the step of attaching a number of optical dies comprises using self-alignment of solder bumps using gaseous flux, the through holes are dry etched into the silicon substrate, and/or the volume between the optical die and silicon substrate is filled with a transparent polymer. Preferably, the transparent polymer is silicone rubber or epoxy. Preferably, the optical dies have a polymer mass to assist the heat transfer to the silicon substrate.
US08232138B2	Circuit board with notched stiffener frame Various embodiments of a semiconductor chip device that include a circuit board and a stiffener frame and methods of fabricating the same are disclosed. In one aspect, a method of manufacturing is provided that includes providing a circuit board and coupling a stiffener frame to the circuit board. The stiffener frame includes a first opening that defines an interior wall. The interior wall includes a notch.
US08232129B2	Bonding solar cells directly to polyimide A method of constructing a solar cell panel is disclosed that includes providing a solar cell that has a front side and a back side, where the front side faces the sun during normal operation, heating a thermoplastic polyimide to at least its reflow temperature, flowing the thermoplastic polyimide onto the back side of the solar cell while heated to at least its reflow temperature, and cooling the thermoplastic polyimide to a temperature below its reflow temperature to bond the thermoplastic polyimide directly to the solar cell. The direct bonding of the thermoplastic polyimide to the solar cell is accomplished without an adhesive such as RTV adhesives. The method may also include bonding a substrate directly to the thermoplastic polyimide opposite the solar cell.
US08232122B2	Method for fabricating light emitting diode chip A method for fabricating an LED chip is provided. Firstly, a SiO2 pattern layer is formed on a top surface of a substrate. Then, lighting structures are grown on a portion of the top surface of substrate without the SiO2 pattern layer thereon. Thereafter, the SiO2 pattern layer is removed by wet etching to form spaces between bottoms of the lighting structures and substrate. An etching solution is used to permeate into the spaces and etch the lighting structures from the bottoms thereof, whereby the lighting structures each with a trapezoid shape is formed. Sidewalls of each of the lighting structures are inclined inwardly along a top-to-bottom direction.
US08232120B2	Manufacturing method of semiconductor light-emitting apparatus and semiconductor light-emitting apparatus A method includes forming a light-emission operating layer on a growth substrate; forming a reflection insulating layer on the light-emission operating layer; forming opening portions in the insulating layer; forming a contact portion which has a thickness adapted to flatten the opening portions and has been embedded into the opening portions; forming an electrode layer on the insulating layer and the contact portions; forming a first bonding metal layer on the electrode layer; preparing a supporting substrate in which a second bonding metal layer has been formed; and making the first and second bonding metal layers molten and joined.
US08232117B2	LED wafer with laminated phosphor layer An LED wafer with a growth substrate is attached to a carrier substrate by, for example, a heat-releasable adhesive so that the LED layers are sandwiched between the two substrates. The growth substrate is then removed, such as by laser lift-off. The exposed surface of the LED layers is then etched to improve light extraction. A preformed phosphor sheet, matched to the LEDs, is then affixed to the exposed LED layer. The phosphor sheet, LED layers, and, optionally, the carrier substrate are then diced to separate the LEDs. The LED dice are released from the carrier substrate by heat or other means, and the individual LED dice are mounted on a submount wafer using a pick-and-place machine. The submount wafer is then diced to produce individual LEDs. The active layer may generate blue light, and the blue light and phosphor light may generate white light having a predefined white point.
US08232116B2	Method for fabricating a polymer L.E.D. A light-emissive device is prepared by depositing a polymer layer on a substrate. The deposition process utilizes a formulation comprising a conjugated polymer dissolved in a solvent, the solvent including a trialkyl-substituted aromatic hydrocarbon wherein at least two of the alkyl substituents are ortho to one another. The deposition of the polymer layer on the substrate may be accomplished by an ink-jet method.
US08232114B2	RTP spike annealing for semiconductor substrate dopant activation A semiconductor substrate has a plurality of active device patterns. At least some of the active device patterns comprise doped regions. The substrate has a plurality of surface regions, including the active device patterns and un-patterned regions, with respectively different reflectances for light in a near infrared wavelength. A first difference is determined, between a largest reflectance at the near infrared wavelength and a smallest reflectance at the near infrared wavelength. A second infrared wavelength is determined, for which a second difference between a largest reflectances a smallest reflectance is substantially less than the first difference at the near infrared wavelength. A rapid thermal processing (RTP) spike annealing dopant activation step is performed on the substrate using a second light source providing light at the second wavelength.
US08232112B2	Optical microlabels: shapes and reflectors Labels and methods of producing labels for use in clinical, analytical and pharmaceutical development assays are provided. Labels may comprise shape-encoded particles which may be coupled to ligands such as DNA, RNA and antibodies, where different shapes are used to identify which ligand(s) are present. Labels may also comprise reflectors, including retroreflectors and retroreflectors susceptible to analyte-dependent assembly for efficient homogeneous assays.
US08232108B2	Method of making micro-pixelated fluid-assay structure A method for producing an active-matrix, fluid-assay micro-structure including, utilizing low-temperature TFT and Si technology, establishing preferably on a glass or plastic substrate a matrix array of digitally-addressable, assay-material-specific-functionalizable pixels, and employing pixel-specific digital addressing for selected, array-established pixels, individually functionalizing these pixels.
US08232098B2	p49/STRAP is a novel protein involved in gene regulation and cell proliferation The invention provides isolated p49/STRAP protein, and isolated nucleic acids encoding a p49/STRAP protein. The inventors have discovered a new protein, named p49/STRAP that is expressed in cardiac tissue and other tissues in mammals. The p49/STRAP protein binds to serum response factor (SRF) and regulates transcription of SRF-responsive genes in the heart. p49/STRAP is also discovered to inhibit tumor cell proliferation, and thus the invention provides a method of inhibiting cancer cell proliferation by contacting the cells with p49/STRAP.
US08232097B2	Thermal cycler A thermal cycler includes a bearing element, a heating element, a first cooling element, and a temperature controller. The bearing element carries at least one reaction mixture. The heating element raises the temperature of the reaction mixture. The heating element includes a housing, at least one carbon nanotube structure and a pair of electrodes. The carbon nanotube structure and the pair of electrodes are accommodated in the housing. The pair of electrodes is electrically connected to the carbon nanotube structure. The first cooling element cools the temperature of the reaction mixture. The temperature controller is electrically connected to the heating element and the first cooling element. The temperature controller controls the operation of the heating element and the first cooling element.
US08232096B2	Bioreactor for selectively controlling the molecular diffusion between fluids A diffusion controlling bioreactor that selectively controls the molecular diffusion between fluids through at least one microchannel in fluid communication with a reaction reservoir. Length and cross-sectional area of the microchannel may be selected to obtain a predetermined rate of molecular diffusion between fluids. When the fluids are liquids, flow through the microchannel is laminar and the capillary action of the microchannel and fluid is such that the fluid flow is regulated, and may have a structure configured to minimize the chances of fluid leakage from the bioreactor, even if the bioreactor is turned in various directions. In certain embodiments, one or more diffusion control chambers regulate fluid flow and diffusion between a reaction reservoir and an outside atmosphere.
US08232095B2	Apparatus and methods for manipulation and optimization of biological systems The invention provides systems and methods for manipulating, e.g., optimizing and controlling, biological systems, e.g., for eliciting a more desired biological response of biological sample, such as a tissue, organ, and/or a cell. In one aspect, systems and methods of the invention operate by efficiently searching through a large parametric space of stimuli and system parameters to manipulate, control, and optimize the response of biological samples sustained in the system, e.g., a bioreactor. In alternative aspects, systems include a device for sustaining cells or tissue samples, one or more actuators for stimulating the samples via biochemical, electromagnetic, thermal, mechanical, and/or optical stimulation, one or more sensors for measuring a biological response signal of the samples resulting from the stimulation of the sample. In one aspect, the systems and methods of the invention use at least one optimization algorithm to modify the actuator's control inputs for stimulation, responsive to the sensor's output of response signals. The compositions and methods of the invention can be used, e.g., to for systems optimization of any biological manufacturing or experimental system, e.g., bioreactors for proteins, e.g., therapeutic proteins, polypeptides or peptides for vaccines, and the like, small molecules (e.g., antibiotics), polysaccharides, lipids, and the like. Another use of the apparatus and methods includes combination drug therapy, e.g. optimal drug cocktail, directed cell proliferations and differentiations, e.g. in tissue engineering, e.g. neural progenitor cells differentiation, and discovery of key parameters in complex biological systems.
US08232090B2	Strain of Schizochytrium limacinum useful in the production of lipids and extracellular polysaccharides and process thereof The present disclosure provides a novel mutant strain of Schizochytrium limacinum having the Accession No. MTCC 5249, which produces lipids and extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) simultaneously. The disclosure further provides a process for simultaneous production of lipids and extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) from the novel mutant strain of Schizochytrium limacinum. The lipids produced from the novel mutant strain of Schizochytrium limacinum comprises docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The disclosure also provides a food, feed, cosmetic, nutritional or therapeutic supplement for humans or animals comprising the cell biomass and extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) of the mutant strain of Schizochytrium limacinum. A cosmetic composition comprising the extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) of Schizochytrium limacinum is also provided that is useful as a base for cosmetics for topical application. The present disclosure further provides a pickle composition and a fat product having improved nutritive value.
US08232087B2	Subtilases The present invention relates to novel JP170 like subtilases from wild-type bacteria, hybrids thereof and to methods of construction and production of these proteases. Further, the present invention relates to use of the claimed subtilases in detergents, such as a laundry or an automatic dishwashing detergent.
US08232083B2	Method of producing lycopene using recombinant Escherichia coli A method of producing lycopene with high productivity by means of a recombinant bacterial strain includes preparing the recombinant vector containing genes encoding proteins, which are required for lycopene biosynthesis. The genes involved in lycopene biosynthesis are crtE, crtB and crtI, and at least one of the said three genes (crtE, crtB and crtI) is selected from the group consisting of crtE with the nucleotide Sequence 1, crtB with the nucleotide Sequence 3 and crtI with the nucleotide Sequence 5, of the Sequence List. The said recombinant vector is transformed into Escherichia coli.
US08232080B2	Variant Hyprocrea jecorina CBH1 cellulases Described herein are variants of H. jecorina CBH I, a Cel7 enzyme. The present invention provides novel cellobiohydrolases that have improved thermostability and reversibility.
US08232079B2	Oligosaccharide synthesizer After various sugar nucleotide solutions and glycosyltransferases (or primers) have been mixed, they are introduced into a reaction tank (column) with primers (or glycosyltransferases) immobilized thereon. Then solutions coming out of the reaction tank are led to an ultrafiltration column. The oligosaccharide synthesizer according to the present invention is equipped with a flow path for ensuring that glycosyltransferases or primers separated by the ultrafiltration column are returned into a container for storing each solution in a sample injector.
US08232078B2	Methods of using improved polymerases This invention provides for methods of sequencing and performing polymerase reactions using an improved generation of nucleic acid polymerases. The improvement is the fusion of a sequence-non-specific nucleic-acid-binding domain to the enzyme in a manner that enhances the processivity of the polymerase.
US08232069B2	Antibody directed against PAP2a and use thereof for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes The present invention aims at developing a gene delivery system which has a high selectivity to a target cell and can introduce and express a gene with high efficiency, particularly developing such a system for use in a gene delivery therapy using a viral vector. The present invention provides a method for targeting a drug, which comprises the step of delivering a drug containing a therapeutic gene to a target site using an anti-PAP2a antibody.
US08232068B2	Measuring circulating therapeutic antibody, antigen and antigen/antibody complexes using ELISA assays The present invention relates to the field of immunology and hyperproliferative diseases. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of detecting and monitoring therapeutic antibody:antigen complex, soluble antigen and soluble therapeutic antibody, wherein a patient has undergone at least one course of immunotherapy. Yet further, levels of therapeutic antibody:antigen complexes, soluble antigens or soluble therapeutic antibodies may be measured and used to stage or monitor a hyperproliferative disease.
US08232065B2	Systems and methods for developing diagnostic tests based on biomarker information from legacy clinical sample sets Disclosed are systems and methods for developing diagnostic tests (e.g., detection, screening, monitoring, and prognostic tests) based on biomarker information from legacy clinical sample sets, for which only small sample volumes (e.g., about 0.05 to about 1.0 mL or less per sample) are typically available. For example, biomarkers (e.g., about 10, 50, 100, 150, 200, 300, or more) may be detected in the clinical samples through the use of single molecule detection and each biomarker may be detected in an assay that includes about 1 μL or less of a legacy clinical sample.
US08232064B2	Detection and quantitation of cyclodextrins The invention relates to the detection and quantitation of cyclodextrins and cyclodextrin derivatives in solutions comprising a protein. The invention further relates to methods of evaluating pharmaceutical preparations for the presence of residual cyclodextrins.
US08232063B2	H+-gated ion channel The invention relates to an isolated or recombinant Na+/H+ exchanger comprising an isolated or recombinant Na+/H+ exchanger, particularly to the PBO-4 Na+/H+ exchanger. Also disclosed is an isolated or recombinant protein component of an H+-gated channel which can be affected by extracellular Ca2+ concentration. In particular, the invention relates to PBO-5 and/or PBO-8 and/or a H+-gated channel composed of PBO-5 and PBO-8. The invention relates to compounds isolated from a vertebrate organism, wherein said compounds comprise at least a part of a H+-gated channel or Na+/H+ exchanger. The invention also relates to a method for identifying a component of a H+-gated channel in a vertebrate organism.
US08232059B2	Method of identifying A. baumannii with OXA-131-like drug resistance in diabetic patients A method for identifying A. baumannii with OXA-131-like drug resistance in diabetic patients includes the steps of obtaining a sample from a patient; identifying an isolate as A. baumannii; screening the isolate for genes encoding an OXA-51-like enzyme; sequencing any of the genes encoding an OXA-51-like enzyme; and identifying the isolate as OXA-131-like when the sequence matches the sequence for OXA-90 (SEQ ID NO: 1), OXA-130 (SEQ ID NO: 2), OXA-131 (SEQ ID NO: 3), or OXA-132 (SEQ ID NO: 4). The method may further include the step of identifying the ISAba1 sequence upstream from the gene encoding the OXA-131-like enzyme.
US08232058B2	Multiplex detection of respiratory pathogens Described are kits and methods useful for detection of respiratory pathogens (influenza A (including subtyping capability for H1, H3, H5 and H7 subtypes) influenza B, parainfluenza (type 2), respiratory syncytial virus, and adenovirus) in a sample. Genomic sequence information from the respiratory pathogens was analyzed to identify signature sequences, e.g., polynucleotide sequences useful for confirming the presence or absence of a pathogen in a sample. Primer and probe sets were designed and optimized for use in a PCR based, multiplexed Luminex assay to successfully identify the presence or absence of pathogens in a sample.
US08232056B2	Methods for detecting neovascular age-related macular degeneration The invention provides methods and compositions for determining whether a subject is at risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, for example, the wet or neovascular form of age-related macular degeneration. The method involves determining whether the subject has a protective variant and/or a risk variant at a polymorphic site in the HTRA1 gene. In addition, the invention provides a method of treating or slowing the progression of age-related macular degeneration by reducing the expression of the HTRA1 gene, or reducing the biological activity of the HTRA1 gene product.
US08232054B2	Method for detecting G-quadruplex, method for detecting G-quadruplex-forming DNA and method for determining telomerase activity A method is provided for specifically detecting a G-quadruplex, and the like. The method is characterized by including the steps of preparing a solution including an anionic planar phthalocyanine and mixing the solution with a sample solution to obtain a liquid mixture. The solution includes an anionic planar phthalocyanine. The method also includes a step of measuring the absorbance at 640 to 740 nm of the obtained liquid mixture.
US08232052B2	Methods of selecting a dopaminergic neuron proliferative progenitor cells using Lrp4/Corin markers In neuron transplantation therapy, in terms of safety, it is preferable to use a cell population consisting only of a desired type of cells, and to use postmitotic neurons in consideration to avoid the risk of tumorigenesis. Moreover, greater therapeutic effects would be expected through the use of earlier progenitor cells in consideration of post-transplantation viability, proper network formation ability, and such.According to the present invention, Lrp4, a gene that is specifically expressed in dopaminergic neuron proliferative progenitor cells prior to cell cycle exit, was identified. The use of Lrp4 expression in cells as an index allows for the isolation. of cells suitable for transplantation therapy of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease in terms of safety, survival rate, and network formation ability.
US08232051B2	Primer set for gene amplification, reagent for gene amplification including the same, and uses thereof Primer sets for amplifying two genes (the CYP2C9 gene and the VKORC1 gene) by a gene amplification method are provided, wherein the primer sets can amplify respective target regions of the two genes specifically and efficiently in the same reaction system simultaneously. Two pairs of primer sets are used including forward primers consisting of the base sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 5 and 29 as well as reverse primers consisting of the base sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 18 and 38, respectively. The use of these primer sets makes it possible to specifically amplify target regions including sites where polymorphisms to be detected are generated in the CYP2C9 gene and the VKORC1 gene, in the same reaction solution simultaneously.
US08232048B2	Hybridoma cell line producing monoclonal antibody against foot-and-mouth disease virus, the monoclonal antibody therefrom, immunoassay reagent and kit, and immunoassay method Provided herein are a hybridoma cell line producing monoclonal antibody against foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), the monoclonal antibody therefrom, reagent and kit for ELISA, and immunoassay method. The hybridoma cell line CmA40 as deposited under American Type Culture Collection patent deposit number PTA-11304 is produced by cell fusion of a parental cell and a myeloma cell line. The parental cell is a splenocyte isolated from the spleen of a mouse immunized by an antigen derived from a 3ABC non-structural protein (NSP) of FMDV. The antigen used here is expressed by a prokaryotic cell. The monoclonal antibody produced by the hybridoma cell line CmA40 as deposited under American Type Culture Collection patent deposit number PTA-11304 can specifically recognize a 3ABC polypeptide and does not cross-react with an antiserum of swine vesicular disease virus.
US08232047B2	Luciferase signal enhancing compositions Reagents and compositions for use in reactions catalysed by luciferase enzymes, and in particular for use in luciferase-based gene reporter assays are described. The invention also provides methods and compositions for, inter alia, increasing the sensitivity and/or improving the kinetics of luciferase-catalysed reactions.
US08232043B2	Method of making a lithographic printing plate A method of making a lithographic printing plate includes the steps of a) providing a lithographic printing plate precursor including (i) a support having a hydrophilic surface or which is provided with a hydrophilic layer, (ii) a coating on the support including a photopolymerizable layer, and, optionally, an intermediate layer between the photopolymerizable layer and the support, b) image-wise exposing the coating in a plate setter, c) optionally, heating the precursor in a preheating unit, and d) developing the precursor off-press in a gumming unit by treating the coating of the precursor with a gum solution, thereby removing the non-exposed areas of the coating from the support, wherein the coating further includes a compound capable of interacting with the support, the compound being present in the photopolymerizable layer and/or in the intermediate layer.
US08232040B2	Positive resist composition and method of forming resist pattern A positive resist composition including a base material component (A) that exhibits increased solubility in an alkali developing solution under action of an acid; and an acid generator component (B) that generates an acid upon exposure, wherein the base material component (A) includes a polymeric compound (A1) having a structural unit (a10) derived from hydroxystyrene and a structural unit (a11) represented by general formula (a11-1) shown below: wherein R represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, or a halogenated alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms; R21 represents an alkyl group; and R22 represents a group that forms an aliphatic monocyclic group of 7 to 10-membered ring together with the carbon atom to which this R22 group is bonded.
US08232034B2	Electrophotographic toner and method of preparing the same The disclosure provides an electrophotographic toner and methods for preparing the electrographic toner. The electrographic toner includes a binder, a colorant and a releasing agent, wherein the electrophotographic toner includes strontium (Sr), iron (Fe), titanium (Ti), and silicon (Si) containing particles; wherein, if [Sr], [Fe], [Ti] and [Si] denote the intensities of Sr, Fe, Ti, and Si in the electrophotographic toner, respectively, as measured by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, then the [Sr]/[Fe] ratio is in the range of about 5.0×10−1 to about 4.5, the [Ti]/[Fe] ratio is in the range of about 5.0×10−1 to about 8.1×10−1, and the [Si]/[Fe] ratio is in the range of about 2.0×10−3 to about 4.0×10−3.
US08232032B2	Low friction electrostatographic imaging member Present embodiments pertain to an improved electrostatographic imaging member having low contact friction surfaces to ease sliding mechanical interaction and suppressing abrasion/wear failure and methods of preparing thereof. The improved imaging member has layers comprising one or two low surface energy polymeric materials that enhance the physical and mechanical functions and reduce the layers surface contact friction of the imaging member to extend service life.
US08232030B2	Curl-free imaging members with a slippery surface Present embodiments are directed to the improvement of flexible imaging members used in electrophotography. More particularly, embodiments pertain to a structurally simplified curl-free flexible electrophotographic imaging member without the need for an anticurl back coating, having a functionally improved top outermost exposed slippery imaging layer which furthers extends service life, and provides a process for making and using the member.
US08232028B2	Holographic storage medium and method for gated diffusion of photoactive monomer An optical medium is provided. The optical medium comprises: a diffusion-controlling matrix framework; at least one photoactive monomer attached to the diffusion-controlling matrix framework in a first state of the optical medium, wherein the at least one photoactive monomer is released from the diffusion-controlling matrix framework by photo cleavage, producing a second state of the optical medium, in which diffusion of the photoactive monomer through the optical medium is possible; and wherein the at least one photoactive monomer is then polymerized or reattached to the diffusion-controlling matrix, giving a third state of the optical medium, when exposed to photo-polymerizing light.
US08232026B2	Bipolar plates for electrochemical cells In one embodiment, an electrochemical cell such as a fuel cell is provided to include a bipolar plate. The bipolar plate includes a metal substrate defining at least one flow channel having a channel span of no greater than 1.0 millimeter; and the metal substrate includes a stainless steel material less precious than stainless steel SS316L. In certain instances, the channel span is of 0.7 to 0.9 millimeters. In certain other instances, the flow channel has a channel depth of 0.3 to 0.5 millimeters. In yet other instances, the plate substrate includes stainless steel SS301, stainless steel SS302, or combinations thereof. In another embodiment, the electrochemical cell further includes a gas diffusion layer disposed next to the bipolar plate.
US08232025B2	Electrochemical cells having current-carrying structures underlying electrochemical reaction layers An electrochemical cell structure has an electrical current-carrying structure which, at least in part, underlies an electrochemical reaction layer. The cell comprises an ion exchange membrane with a catalyst layer on each side thereof. The ion exchange membrane may comprise, for example, a proton exchange membrane. Some embodiments of the invention provide electrochemical cell layers which have a plurality of individual unit cells formed on a sheet of ion exchange membrane material.
US08232023B2	Fuel cell and method of manufacturing same A fuel cell including a power generating body including an electrolyte layer and electrode layers, diffusion layers disposed on opposite major surfaces of the power generating body, separators disposed on major surfaces of the diffusion layers opposite to those facing the power generating body, a first seal formed around the periphery of the power generating body and including an effective seal portion that suppresses leakage of the gas to the outside of the fuel cell between the separators, and a second seal formed integrally with at least one of the diffusion layers to extend along an end face of the diffusion layer. The second seal is in intimate contact with a surface of the power generating body on which the diffusion layer is laminated and a surface of a corresponding one of the separators that is laminated on the diffusion layer.
US08232019B2	Fuel cell system The present invention provides a technology related to a fuel cell system capable of adjusting a discharge amount of an odorant discharged to an outside of a moving body according to a state of the moving body. The fuel cell system mounted to a moving body includes: a fuel cell which generates electric power by electrochemically reacting a hydrogen gas with an oxidation gas; and a adjusting portion which adjusts an amount of an odorant to be discharged to an outside of the moving body according to a state of the moving body, the odorant being included in an anode off-gas discharged from an anode side of the fuel cell.
US08232008B2	Secondary battery An electrode body of a secondary battery is formed by superimposing a positive electrode and a negative electrode upon each other with a belt-shaped separator interposed between the electrodes, and rolling up the positive and negative electrodes and the separator into a spiral shape. At least one side edge of a positive electrode current collector of the positive electrode in the longitudinal direction thereof includes a plurality of step parts discontinuously formed in the longitudinal direction at unequal intervals, and extends at both sides of each step part with a deviation of 0.2 mm or more. At least one side edge of a negative electrode current collector of the negative electrode in the longitudinal direction thereof includes a plurality of step parts discontinuously formed in the longitudinal direction at unequal intervals, and extends on both sides of each step part with a deviation of 0.2 mm or more.
US08232006B2	High performance energy storage devices A lead-acid battery comprising: at least one lead-based negative electrode; at least one lead dioxide-based positive electrode; at least one capacitor electrode; and electrolyte in contact with the electrodes; wherein a battery part is formed by the lead based negative electrode and the lead dioxide-based positive electrode; and an asymmetric capacitor part is formed by the capacitor electrode and one electrode selected from the lead based negative electrode and the lead-dioxide based positive electrode; and wherein all negative electrodes are connected to a negative busbar, and all positive electrodes are connected to a positive busbar. The capacitor electrode may be a capacitor negative electrode comprising carbon and an additive mixture selected from oxides, hydroxides or sulfates of lead, zinc, cadmium, silver and bismuth, or a capacitor negative electrode comprising carbon, red lead, antimony in oxide, hydroxide or sulfate form, and optionally other additives. The capacitor electrode may be used in asymmetric capacitors and batteries of other types.
US08232005B2	Lead acid battery with titanium core grids and carbon based grids A hybrid lead acid electric storage battery uses conventional lead-acid secondary battery chemistry. The battery is a sealed battery or an unsealed battery. The battery has a set of positive battery grids (plates) having cores of thin titanium expanded metal with a thickness, if flattened, preferably in the range 0.2 mm to 0.7 mm and most preferably 0.3 mm to 0.4 mm. The grid cores are of a titanium alloy containing a platinum group metal. The cores are coated with hot dip lead and are not lead electroplated.The negative plates are carbon based assemblies. Each such assembly has a metal core, preferably a sheet of expanded copper, a corrosion shield sealing the metal core, and an outer layer primarily of activated carbon covering the shield.
US08232003B2	Lead-palladium battery A storage battery is provided comprising a positive electrode of lead, a negative electrode of palladium, and an electrolyte consisting of an aqueous solution of at least one sulfate salt. Upon charging, lead is converted to lead dioxide and atomic hydrogen is absorbed by the palladium. During discharge, lead dioxide is reduced to the plumbous state and hydrogen is oxidized to hydrogen ions.
US08232002B2	Sealed battery and manufacturing method thereof The external terminal 19 has sword-guard portion 191 provided with a terminal portion 193 formed at one end thereof and a cylindrical crimping member 192 formed at another end thereof, the cylindrical crimping member 192 being inserted through openings each formed at a first insulating member 211, the opening-sealing plate 13, a second insulating member 212 and the collector 181, and being crimped in a diameter-enlarging direction, so that the sword-guard portion 191 of the external terminal 19, the opening-sealing plate 13 and the collector 181 are mechanically-fixed and a thin-walled portion made thinner than other portions formed in a tip portion of the cylindrical crimping member 192 is adhered to the collector, and the thin-walled portion 194 and the collector being welded with a high energy beam.
US08231999B2	Separator and battery using the same A separator having at least: a base material layer made of a microporous membrane of a polyolefin resin; and a functional resin layer which is made of a resin different from the polyolefin resin and has a porous interconnected structure in which many holes are mutually interconnected. A diameter of a narrowest portion of through-holes of said functional resin layer is larger than a diameter of a narrowest portion of through-holes of said base material layer.
US08231997B2	Electrolyte membrane-electrode membrane assembly for solid polymer fuel cell and production method thereof, and fuel cell equipped therewith An object of the present invention is to provide an electrolyte membrane-electrode membrane assembly for a solid polymer fuel cell having superior characteristics, wherein a gas diffusion electrode membrane and a solid electrolyte membrane are well bonded, and electrode catalysts are uniformly-dispersed to obtain high electrode activity, a production method thereof and a fuel cell equipped therewith.The electrolyte membrane-electrode membrane assembly of the present invention is produced by jointing a molded membrane for forming a gas diffusion electrode membrane formed by a paste composition including a polymeric organic compound having a quaternary base forming functional group and an electrode catalyst, with a quaternary base anion-exchange resin precursor membrane for forming a solid electrolyte membrane having a quaternary base forming functional group; forming of a quaternary base anion-exchange group by bonding a polyfunctional quaternarizing agent to the quaternary base forming functional group included in each of said molded membrane and said precursor membrane via each functional group of the polyfunctional quaternarizing agent which is present around the bonded interface of both membranes to thereby crosslink the formed anion-exchange resins in both membranes via the polyfunctional quaternarizing agent simultaneously; and subjecting the non-quaternarized residue of the quaternary base forming functional groups in thus-obtained assembly to a quaternary base forming treatment.A fuel cell comprising thus-produced electrolyte membrane-electrode membrane assembly is excellent in bonding property, durability and output voltage.
US08231996B2	Method of cooling a battery pack using flat heat pipes Methods of cooling a battery pack comprising a large number of cells are disclosed in various embodiments. In one embodiment, one or more low thermal resistance heat pipes are used to transfer heat away from the battery pack. In another embodiment, the heat pipes are coupled to a cold plate cooled by circulating liquid.
US08231993B2	Flexible multi-walled tubing assembly A multi-walled tubing assembly includes an outer corrugated tube and an inner tube received in the outer tube, and may receive an insert. The inner tube is made from a resilient material. The outer tube is structurally rigid. The insert may be plain and used in conjunction with one or more adhesives. The insert may include a section with barbs or teeth which, once inserted into the inner tube, engage with the corrugations of the outer tube. Some embodiments result in a good seal and mechanically fix the tubing assembly.
US08231991B2	Process for making fill hole in a wall of an energy storage device A method of forming an energy storage device includes forming a fill hole in a wall of the energy storage device. The method also includes deforming the wall of the energy storage device to reduce a width of the fill hole. Moreover, the method includes sealing the fill hole.
US08231987B2	Magnetic domain data storage devices and methods of manufacturing the same Example embodiments may provide data storage devices using movement of magnetic domain walls including a first magnetic layer having at least two magnetic domains with determinable magnetization directions, and/or a soft second magnetic layer formed on a lower surface of the first magnetic layer. Magnetic domain walls may be moved even in curved regions of the first magnetic layer.
US08231986B2	Spray coating member having excellent injury resistance and so on and method for producing the same For the purpose of solving problems inherent to a white Al2O3 spray coating, i.e. drawbacks that the injury resistance, corrosion resistance, heat resistance, abrasion resistance and the like are poor and the light reflectance is high because the coating is porous and weak in the bonding force among particles, there are proposed a spray coating member having excellent injury resistance and the like in which a surface of a substrate is covered with a colored Al2O3 spray coating of a luminosity lower than grayish white, achromatic or chromatic color.
US08231981B2	Acrylic resin, resin boards, transparent electrode boards for touch panels, touch panels, and processes for production of them A method of producing an acrylic resin plate, comprising a step of adding 0.001 to 1 part by weight of a polymerization initiator having 10 hours half life temperature of 80° C. or more and 0.015 to 0.2 parts by weight of cyclohexadiene or terpenoid-based compound into 100 parts by weight of a mixture composed of an alkyl methacrylate having a C1-4 alkyl group and a poly-functional (meth)acrylate to give a polymerizable mixture, and a step of polymerizing said polymerizable mixture; an acrylic resin comprising 3 to 30 wt % of an alkyl methacrylate unit having a C8-20 alkyl group, 2 to 35 wt % of a mono-ethylenically unsaturated monomer unit containing an alkyl methacrylate unit having a C1-4 alkyl group and 35 to 95 wt % of a poly-functional (meth)acrylate unit; an acrylic resin plate made of the resin and production process the same, and a transparent electrode plate for touch panel and a touch panel having them.
US08231980B2	Medical implants including iridium oxide A medical implant includes iridium oxide. The iridium oxide has a plurality of Ir—O σ bonds and a plurality of Ir═O π bonds. The iridium oxide has a ratio of the Ir—O σ bonds to the Ir═O π bonds that is greater than 1.3.
US08231978B2	Simultaneously drawn opaque film made of PLA The present invention relates to simultaneously drawn opaque biaxially oriented film made of at least one cycloolefin copolymer (COC) containing layer. The COC is preferably at a concentration of 0.5 to 30% by weight, based on the layer. The invention further relates to an opaque, biaxially oriented polyhydroxycarboxylic acid film containing at least one layer containing a polymer based on hydroxycarboxylic acids and a cycloolefin copolymer (COC). The invention further relates to a process for producing the PHC film and the use thereof.
US08231973B2	Fluoro(meth)acrylate polymer composition suitable for low index layer of antireflective film Antireflective film articles and low refractive index coating compositions are described that comprises a fluorinated free-radically polymerizable polymeric (e.g. intermediate) material. The free-radically polymerizable fluorinated polymeric intermediate comprises the reaction product of i) at least one multi-functional free-radically polymerizable material having a fluorine content of at least 25 wt-%, and ii) optionally other multi-functional free-radically polymerizable material. The total amount of multi-functional materials is preferably at least about 25 wt-%.
US08231968B2	Natural tourmaline anion fiber and filter and producing method The present invention provides to a method of producing fiber from tourmaline anion fiber; of which, polypropylene or polyethylene chip, TPE and submicrometer tourmaline particle are prepared and then rolled into submicrometer tourmaline agglomerate through granulation by double screw; then, take submicrometer tourmaline agglomerate and polypropylene or polyethylene chip, of which the content of tourmaline agglomerate accounts for 1˜10% of gross weight, and TPE for 1˜40% of gross weight; tourmaline agglomerate and polypropylene or polyethylene are melted into composite fiber or filter material via spinning, such that the fiber or filter material can yield anion and present outstanding gas permeability and mechanical property.
US08231966B2	Anti-reflection coating and its production method An anti-reflection coating comprising a mesoporous silica coating composed of mesoporous silica nano-particles formed on a substrate or a dense coating formed on the substrate, the mesoporous silica coating having a refractive index of more than 1.10 and 1.35 or less.
US08231963B2	Armor systems including coated core materials An armor system and method involves providing a core material and a stream of atomized coating material that comprises a liquid fraction and a solid fraction. An initial layer is deposited on the core material by positioning the core material in the stream of atomized coating material wherein the solid fraction of the stream of atomized coating material is less than the liquid fraction of the stream of atomized coating material on a weight basis. An outer layer is then deposited on the initial layer by positioning the core material in the stream of atomized coating material wherein the solid fraction of the stream of atomized coating material is greater than the liquid fraction of the stream of atomized coating material on a weight basis.
US08231959B2	Photosensitive polymer composition, method of producing pattern and electronic parts A photosensitive polymer composition includes (a) a polyamide having a repeating unit represented by the following general formula (I): wherein U represents a tetravalent organic group, V represents a bivalent organic group and p is an integer representing a number of the repeating unit; (b) a compound which generates an acid upon receiving light; and (c) a compound represented by the following general formula (II): wherein m and n are each independently integer of 1 or 2, Rs are each independently hydrogen, alkyl group or acyl group, and R1 and R2 each independently represents fluoroalkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms.
US08231957B2	PTFE membranes and gaskets made therefrom Improved expanded PTFE materials and improved gasket materials made therefrom, the gaskets being capable of forming a seal with greater bolt load retention than is possible with existing PTFE gaskets. The expanded PTFE membranes of the invention can be tailored to exhibit a matrix tensile strength in at least one direction of at least 25,000 psi, a matrix tensile strength ratio in two orthogonal directions of between 0.25 and 4, an orientation index of 50° or less, and a density of 2.0 g/cc or less. The improved gaskets exhibit improved mechanical properties such as high bolt load retention, low creep, high tensile strength, low stress to seal and high crystallinity index.
US08231956B2	Retail merchandising strip A source roll having a first layer of liner paper and a second roll of two-sided adhesive is fed through a pair of rollers having six aligned rotary die cutters sized to cut through only the adhesive layer. The excess adhesive web is peeling off and removed from the process. The liner paper with spaced apart sets of six aligned adhesive dots is then laminated with a clear plastic having two sides, one uncoated and one coated, to allow the clear plastic to be easily rolled up and then unrolled, and the liner paper is peeled off and removed from the process. The material remaining having the adhesive circular dots is cut into six long strips each having six adhesive dots which can be used to display small discrete packages. As a part of marketing small discrete packages of snack foods or other goods, a plurality of the discrete packages are attached to a plurality of adhesive elements, respectively, and the plastic strips with the discrete packages attached thereto are shipped from a manufacturing location to a marketing location.
US08231955B2	Material for adhesive-free clinging to smooth surfaces A material for clinging to smooth, impervious surfaces and supporting other objects thereon. The material includes a body of foamed polyvinyl chloride, having a foam cellular structure of about 80% closed cell foam and up to about 20% open cell foam. A flexible skin is formed on one side, the skin being unfoamed polyvinyl chloride, and having surface imperfections comprising small cavities. An adhesive layer may be formed on the opposite side to secure the body to objects mounted by the material on a smooth surface. The material bears a load in addition to the weight of the material itself when the flexible skin adheres to a vertical surface, such as a mirror or stainless steel refrigerator door.
US08231948B2	Micro-molded integral non-line-of sight articles and method A method of forming integral articles having non-line-of-site contours includes the steps of providing a plurality of molds, the molds having at least one mold channel therethrough. The plurality of molds are stacked on one another to form a mold stack, wherein at least one portion of the mold stack provides a non-line of sight multi-level channel through at least partial overlap of the mold channels between adjacent ones of the plurality of molds. A flowable material is applied to the mold stack. The flowable material is pressed to fill the mold channels in each of the plurality of molds to form an integral article comprising a plurality of stacked integrally connected levels of the material, wherein through interconnection of the integrally connected levels the integral article provides at least one non-line of sight contour traversing in its thickness direction. The mold stack is then separated or removed to free the integral article.
US08231944B1	Method of using silicone coating composition as a tire shine A silicone polymer gel/coating which can be sprayed from an aerosol can preferably has a viscosity of 2,000-5,000 cps. and provides a moisture resistant coating of preferably 20-30 mils to protect components in telephone installation and maintenance applications. It is preferably sprayed from a can using Spray Actuator OTP 0025. It preferably includes a molecular sieve. It can also be used as a tire shine.
US08231942B2	Composition, method for manufacturing thin film, and method for manufacturing light-emitting element It is an object to provide a composition in which an anthracene derivative is dissolved and a technique in which a thin film that has a favorable film quality is formed by a wet process using the composition. In addition, it is another object to manufacture a highly reliable light-emitting element using the composition at low cost with high productivity. A composition having a solvent and an anthracene derivative having one anthracene structure and one carbazolyl group which is bonded to the anthracene structure directly or through a phenyl group is formed. A thin film with a favorable film quality can be formed by a wet process using the composition. Accordingly, a highly reliable light-emitting element can be manufactured using such a thin film.
US08231940B2	Wafer processing method with carrier hub removal A method of processing wafers in a rotating disc CVD reactor uses wafer carrier having a unitary plate defining wafer-holding features such as pockets on its upstream surface. The carrier connects to the spindle of the reactor during processing. After processing the carrier and wafers in the reactor, the wafers are removed from the carrier. The carrier is renewed by removing the hub from the plate, cleaning the plate and then reassembling the plate with the same or a different hub.
US08231939B2	Device and method for wet treating plate-like-articles A method and device for wet treatment of plate-like articles includes, a chuck for holding a single plate-like article having an upwardly facing surface for receiving liquid running off a plate-like article when being treated with liquid, wherein the chuck is outwardly bordered by a circumferential annular lip. The chuck has an outer diameter greater than the greatest diameter of the plate-like article to be treated, and a rotatable part with an upwardly facing ring-shaped surface for receiving liquid running off the circumferential lip of the chuck. The rotatable part is rotatable with respect to the chuck, the ring-shaped surface is coaxially arranged with respect to the circumferential annular lip, the inner diameter of the ring-shaped surface is smaller than the outer diameter of the chuck, and the distance d between the lip and the upwardly facing ring-shaped surface is in a range from 0.1 mm to 5 mm.
US08231935B2	Thermal transfer printing method and apparatus Thermal transfer printing method and apparatus are provided to make initial character image data left on a spent ink ribbon illegible. In the method, after forming an initial character image FGi1 on an ink layer 11b in black of the ink ribbon 11, a forefront position S1 of the ink layer 11b is aligned with a forefront position S2 of an intermediate transfer film 25. Then, overwrite character image data UGD1 is applied on a thermal head 19 to produce a first superimpose character image KG1i1 on the ribbon 11 and a first superimpose character image KG1m1 on the film 25. After that, the forefront position S1 of the ink layer 11b is shifted from the forefront position S2 of the film 25 by a predetermined distance and further, the overwrite character image data UGD1 is applied on the thermal head 19 to produce a second superimpose character image KG2i1 on the ribbon 11 and a second superimpose character image KG2m1 on the film 25. In this way, the initial character image data left on the ribbon 11 and the film 25 can be together brought into illegible condition.
US08231934B2	Conductive paste for solar cell electrode To obtain low resistance and high adhesion at the same time in a solar cell electrode, a conductive paste is offered. A conductive paste for solar cell electrode contains conductive powder, organic medium and glass frit which is mixture of more than one kind of glass frit such as a mixture of glass frit containing at least PbO and glass frit containing at least Bi2O3.
US08231920B2	Direct melt processing of resins The present invention relates to an animal chew including a resin and a method of direct injection molding the animal chew using a modified screw. The screw may incorporate, for example, additional flights or a larger transition zone. The formed resin may exhibit voids of about 1-100 μm in diameter.
US08231917B2	Antimicrobial peracid compositions with selected catalase enzymes and methods of use in aseptic packaging The present invention relates to specially selected catalase enzymes and their use in reducing hydrogen peroxide in applications, and particularly in aseptic packaging applications.
US08231915B2	Megestrol acetate products, method of manufacture, and method of use Disclosed herein is a method of using megestrol acetate. In one embodiment, the method comprises informing a user that megestrol acetate is metabolized by a cytochrome p450 isozyme. In another embodiment, the method comprises obtaining megestrol acetate from a container associated with published material providing information is metabolized by a cytochrome p450 siozyme. Also disclosed are articles of manufacture comprising a container containing a dosage form of megestrol acetate, wherein the container is associated with published material informing that megestrol acetate is metabolized by a cytochrome p450 siozyme, a method of treatment, and a method of manufacturing a megestrol acetate product.
US08231912B2	Cleanser composition and methods for using the same The present invention is directed to anti-microbial cleanser compositions comprising linalool, hinokitiol and dipropylene glycol. The present invention further provides methods for using these compositions to maintain eyelid hygiene, to treat an ocular disorder or to clean a skin surface. The cleanser compositions of the present invention can be in the form of a foam, gel or liquid.
US08231908B2	Sheet-like composition A sheet-shaped composition is provided which has an improved preservability and handling readiness, as well as a high flexibility in use. Amnion with trehalose added thereto is utilized. Addition of trehalose improves the flexibility of the amnion, and prevents basal membrane and stratum compactum from being damaged during lyophilization process.
US08231906B2	Transdermal estrogen device and delivery Described are transdermal drug delivery systems for the transdermal administration of estrogen, comprising a polymer matrix and estrogen. Methods of making and using such systems also are described.
US08231901B2	Opioid agonist formulations with releasable and sequestered antagonist Disclosed are oral dosage forms, comprising (i) a therapeutically effective amount of an opioid agonist; (ii) an opioid antagonist in releasable form; and (iii) a sequestered opioid antagonist which is not released when the dosage form is administered intact, and methods thereof.
US08231896B2	Non-gelatin soft capsule system A non-gelatin encapsulation system for liquid filled soft capsules, by nature of the carrier, the cationic-ionic balance of the carrier and the active ingredients, or the concentration of the active ingredients and excipients, are difficult or impossible to commercially encapsulate in gelatin capsules. In particular, the system is adapted for the encapsulation of highly basic, or alkaline, fills. The system provides for a predominantly starch and gelling carrageenan based shell, which displays high resistance to both concentrated fills and to alkaline fills, in particular, to those fills which contain the salt or salts of weak acids and strong bases.
US08231895B2	Targeted delivery to human diseases and disorders The present invention provides a system presenting site-specific accumulation through a ligand that specifically targets a receptor overexpressed on the surface of specific cells within a target organ, like, for example, tumor cells and/or vascular cells of tumor blood vessels. Moreover, this invention provides a method where, upon internalization of the previous-mentioned system by the target cells, triggered release at a high rate of the associated agent takes place, permitting efficient intracellular delivery and, thus, increased concentration of the transported cargo at the target site. Overall, this invention provides a method for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of human diseases and disorders.
US08231893B2	Multicomponent material comprising chitosan A multicomponent material, which is comprised of chitosan material being coated onto an inert carrier material. The multicomponent material can be incorporated into an absorbent structure. In one aspect of the invention, the multicomponent material can be incorporated throughout the thickness of an absorbent structure. Absorbent articles comprising the multicomponent material are also provided.
US08231891B2	Implantable drug depot for weight control The present invention is directed to an implantable drug depot for weight control. The drug depot includes at least one biodegradeable polymer and at least one biologically active agent. Through the administration of an effective amount of the biologically active agent at or near a target site, one can control weight gain and/or reduce, prevent or treat obesity. When appropriate formulations are provided within biodegradable polymers, weight control or treatment can be conducted for at least five days and up to one hundred and thirty-five days.
US08231888B2	Isoxazolines for controlling invertebrate pests Disclosed are compounds of Formula 1, including all geometric and stereoisomers, N-oxides, and salts thereof, wherein A1, A2, A3, A4, A5 and A6 are independently selected from the group consisting of CR3 and N; provided that at most 3 of A1, A2, A3, A4, A5 and A6 is N; B1, B2 and B3 are independently selected from the group consisting of CR2 and N; each R3 is independently H, halogen, C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 haloalkyl, C3-C6 cycloalkyl, C3-C6 halocycloalkyl, C1-C6 alkoxy, C1-C6 haloalkoxy, C1-C6 alkylthio, C1-C6 haloalkylthio, C1-C6 alkylsulfinyl, C1-C6 haloalkylsulfinyl, C1-C6 alkylsulfonyl, C1-C6 haloalkylsulfonyl, C1-C6 alkylamino, C2-C6 dialkylamino, —CN or —NO2; and R1, R2, R4, R5, W and n are as defined in the disclosure. Also disclosed are compositions containing the compounds of Formula 1 and methods for controlling an invertebrate pest comprising contacting the invertebrate pest or its environment with a biologically effective amount of a compound or a composition of the invention.
US08231886B2	Cosmetic powder coated with alkoxy silicones A cosmetic powder, endowed with a hydrophobic coating based on alkoxy silicones, comprising a powder phase and a hydrophobic coating phase, said hydrophobic coating phase completely coats said powder phase and said coating phase consists of a compound of general formula (RO)3—Si—(CH2)3—NHCOR′, where R and R′ have the meanings described in the disclosure. A cosmetic composition comprising said powder and to its uses in pressed powder foundations, pressed powder eye shadows, lipsticks or fluid foundations.
US08231884B2	Diffusing particles based on organogelling xerogel fibers, method for preparing same and use in cosmetic formulations The invention concerns particles consisting essentially of fibers of an organogelling substance in the form of xerogel (dry gel), the fibers being essentially oriented in a common direction and randomly aligned around the longest fiber. The organogelling substance is preferably 1,3: 2,4-di-O-benzylidene-D-sorbitol. Said particles, which are in the form of spindles, have interesting optical properties; they have a total light transmittance higher than 0.80, with a diffuse transmittance higher than the specular transmittance. The invention also concerns a method for preparing said particles by solvent evaporation process, by solvent diffusion/evaporation process or by shearing process. The invention finally concerns active particles consisting of said particles whereon is immobilized a dermocosmetically active principle, a dermocosmetic composition comprising said particles or said active particles and a cosmetic treatment method which consists in applying on the skin said dermocosmetic composition.
US08231881B2	Fusion proteins and their use in the diagnosis and treatment of leishmaniasis The present invention relates generally to a fusion protein made from a synthetic gene construct comprising of elements derived from the Leishmania antigens K26, K39, and K9. The fusion protein is particularly useful in the diagnosis of leishmaniasis, particularly visceral leishmaniasis in animals such as humans and dogs.
US08231874B2	Use of IL-12 and IL-12 antagonists in the treatment of autoimmune diseases Method of treating autoimmune conditions are disclosed comprising administering to a mammalian subject IL-12 or an IL-12 antagonist. In certain preferred embodiments the autoimmune condition is one which is promoted by an increase in levels of IFN-γ or TNF-α. Suitable conditions for treatment include multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune pulmonary inflammation, Guillain-Barre syndrome, autoimmune thyroiditis, insulin dependent diabetes melitis and autoimmune inflammatory eye disease.
US08231868B2	Method for suppressing immune system response to transplanted tissue or cells Methods are provided for suppressing the immune system response in recipients of transplanted organs, tissues or cells. An extracorporeal quantity of blood from the intended transplant recipient is treated to induce monocytes contained in the blood to differentiate and form dendritic cells. The maturation of the dendritic cells is truncated at a stage where the dendritic cells can inactivate T cell clones which would otherwise generate an undesired immune system response. The immature dendritic cells can be directly administered to the transplant recipient, or the dendritic cells can be co-incubated with the bone marrow or stem cell preparation, prior to transplantation, in order to suppress or eliminate anti-recipient donor T cells contaminating the bone marrow or stem cell preparation. The methods can be used to suppress graft versus host disease in recipients of transplanted bone marrow or stem cells, or to suppress rejection of transplanted organs or tissue.
US08231865B2	Liquid sealant and methods of use The invention provides a composition useful for forming odor suppressing seals in waterless urinals. Methods of using the composition to form liquid seals as well as waterless urinals employing such liquid seals are further provided.
US08231863B2	Continuous spray scalp therapy and dispensing systems for same A spray delivery system in combination with a scalp medication is provided which includes a portable container having a gas imperious container wall, a pressure source disposed within the container, and a selectively operable valve assembly affixed to the container. The scalp medication is in liquid form and is disposed within the container. The scalp medication comprises a hair growth stimulation or hair growth maintenance active ingredient in an amount sufficient to stimulate or maintain hair growth disposed within a pharmacologically acceptable carrier solution. The valve assembly of the system produces a 1 mL spray of said scalp medication within about 5 seconds following a single operation of said valve assembly. A method of treating alopecia using a continuous spray employing such a system is also provided. Both bag-on-valve (bag-in-can) and metered dose packages are disclosed.
US08231855B2	Method for production of sulfur hexafluoride from sulfur tetrafluoride Disclosed is a method for an energy-efficient improvement in the production of sulfur hexafluoride, and eliminates the generation of other byproducts. The process is an oxidative fluorination of sulfur tetrafluoride by CoF3/F2, where CoF3 is solid stationary phase that can be regenerated.
US08231854B2	Method for treating carbon nanotubes, carbon nanotubes and carbon nanotubes device comprising thereof An efficient and cost-effective method for treating carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is provided. The method includes comprising: dispersing said carbon nanotubes in a dispersing medium to prepare a dispersion system; mixing said dispersion system with adsorbent so that type-specific carbon nanotubes contained in said dispersion system are absorbed onto the adsorbent, wherein the adsorbent is modified by a chemical/biological modifier so as to have different adsorption selectivity to carbon nanotubes of different types; and separating the adsorbent from the dispersion system, whereby the type-specific carbon nanotubes adsorbed onto the adsorbent is separated from the carbon nanotubes of another type enriched in the dispersion system; carbon nanotubes produced by the treatment method, and CNTs devices comprising thereof.
US08231852B2	Silicon wafer and method for producing the same It is possible to provide a silicon wafer that as well as being free of COPs and dislocation clusters, has defects (grown-in defects including silicon oxides), which are not overt in an as-grown state, such as OSF nuclei and oxygen precipitate nuclei existing in the PV region, to be vanished or reduced, by adopting a method for producing a silicon wafer, the method comprising the steps of: growing a single crystal silicon ingot by the Czochralski method; cutting a silicon wafer out of the ingot; subjecting the wafer to an RTP at 1,250° C. or more for 10 seconds or more in an oxidizing atmosphere; and removing a grown-in defect region including silicon oxides in the vicinity of wafer surface layer after the RTP.
US08231851B2	Method for processing perfluorocarbon, and apparatus therefor An exhaust gas containing a perfluoride compound (PFC) and SiF4 is conducted into a silicon remover and brought into contact with water. A reaction water supplied from a water supplying piping and air supplied from an air supplying piping are mixed with the exhaust gas exhausted from the silicon remover. The exhaust gas containing water, air, and CF4 is heated at 700° C. by a heater. The exhaust gas containing PFC is conducted to a catalyst layer filled with an alumina group catalyst. The PFC is decomposed to HF and CO2 by the catalyst. The exhaust gas containing HF and CO2 at a high temperature exhausted from the catalyst layer is cooled in a cooling apparatus. Subsequently, the exhaust gas is conducted to an acidic gas removing apparatus to remove HF. In this way, the silicon component is removed from the exhaust gas before introducing the exhaust gas into the catalyst layer. Therefore, the surface of the catalyst can be utilized effectively, and the decomposition reaction of the perfluoride compound can be improved.
US08231848B1	One-pot synthesis of chalcopyrite-based semi-conductor nanoparticles Ternary and quaternary Chalcopyrite CuInxGa1-xSySe2-y (CIGS, where 0≦x and y≦1) nanoparticles were synthesized from molecular single source precursors (SSPs) by a one-pot reaction in a high boiling solvent using salt(s) (i.e. NaCl as by-product) as heat transfer agent via conventional convective heating method. The nanoparticles sizes were 1.8 nm to 5.2 nm as reaction temperatures were varied from 150° C. to 190° C. with very high-yield. Tunable nanoparticle size is achieved through manipulation of reaction temperature, reaction time, and precursor concentrations. In addition, the method developed in this study was scalable to achieve ultra-large quantities production of tetragonal and quaternary Chalcopyrite CIGS nanoparticles.
US08231847B2	Apparatus for recovering FCC product An apparatus is disclosed for recovering product from catalytically converted product streams. Gaseous unstabilized naphtha from an overhead receiver from a main fractionation column is compressed in a compressor. Liquid unstabilized naphtha from the overhead receiver and liquid naphtha fraction from the compressor are sent to a naphtha splitter column upstream of a primary absorber. Consequently, less naphtha is circulated in the gas recovery system.
US08231846B2	Identification tag with perforations for a laboratory sample cassette A tag (1) for a laboratory sample cassette has a first layer (3). A chip (8) is mounted on a surface (7) of the first layer (3), and an antenna (6) is printed on the surface of the first layer (3). The antenna (6) is arranged to establish communication between the chip (8) and an electric or electronic read/write device. A second layer (4) is positioned and bonded against the surface (7) and has a hole (9) which passes through the second layer (4). The hole (9) contains the chip (8) and a third layer (5) covers the hole (9) from the opposite side to the first layer (3), the third layer (5) being bonded to the second layer (4). Thus, the antenna (6) and chip (8) are sealed within the tag (1). A plurality of perforations (10) are provided which pass through all the layers (3,4,5) of the tag (1) from one side of the tag (1) to an opposite side thereof to enable liquid to pass through the tag (1).
US08231844B2	Method and device for manipulating liquids in microfluidic systems The present invention relates to microfluidic systems having components with specially designed and fabricated areas of enhanced and/or reduced capillarity (flow guides). The methods and devices of the present invention permit the bubble-less dispensing and mixing of small volumes of different liquids for subsequent incubation and/or detection of products of various biological reactions. Thus present invention is well-suited to applications such as polymerase chain reaction and capillary electrophoresis.
US08231836B2	Pollution control device and inorganic fiber sheet material with a fused edge Inorganic fiber mounting and insulating sheet materials for use in pollution control devices with at least one edge of the inorganic fiber sheet material having at least one group of two or more fibers fused together. A pollution control device comprising such a sheet material. A process for cutting at least one section from a sheet containing inorganic fiber material, where the sheet material is suitable for use in a pollution control device. The fibrous sheet material is cut so that the cut edge has at least one group of two or more fibers fused together. A laser beam can be used to cut the desired section out of the inorganic fiber sheet material.
US08231831B2	Micro-pixelated fluid-assay structure A pixel-by-pixel digitally-addressable, pixelated, fluid-assay, active-matrix micro-structure including plural pixels formed preferably on a glass or plastic substrate, wherein each pixel, formed utilizing low-temperature TFT and Si technology, includes (a) at least one functionalized, digitally-addressable assay sensor including at least one functionalized, digitally-addressable assay site which has been affinity-functionalized to respond to a selected, specific fluid-assay material, and (b) disposed operatively adjacent that sensor and its associated assay site, digitally-addressable and energizable electromagnetic field-creating structure which is selectively energizable to create, in the vicinity of the sensor and its associated assay site, a selected, ambient, electromagnetic field environment which is structured to assist, selectively and optionally only, in the reading-out of an assay-result response from the assay sensor and assay site.
US08231830B2	Sample analyzer A sample analyzer: measures a measurement sample including a sample and a reagent; creates a calibration curve based on first measurement data obtained by measuring a measurement standard sample including a standard sample and the reagent; provides calibration curve specifying information for specifying the calibration curve to the calibration curve; acquires an analysis result by processing second measurement data obtained by measuring the measurement sample based on the calibration curve; and stores the analysis result and the calibration curve specifying information provided to the calibration curve used in the process of the second measurement data in correspondence to each other.
US08231829B2	Device for manipulating at least one specimen slide A device for manipulating at least one specimen slide. The device includes a first sensor unit operable to sense a first rotation of a first component of the device about at least one first axis of a three-dimensional coordinate system. A second sensor unit is operable to sense a second rotation of a second component of the device about the at least one first axis of the coordinate system, the coordinate system being independent of a position of the first component and of a position of the second component. A positioning unit is operable to position the second component relative to the first component.
US08231824B2	Method and device for producing a double-walled thermoplastic corrugated pipe having a connecting sleeve A method and an apparatus for producing an endless double-walled pipe having corrugated pipe sections and sleeve pipe sections are described. The production is effected by extrusion of an outer tube (Sa), forming the outer pipe of the double-walled pipe, and of an inner tube (Si), forming the inner tube of the double-walled pipe, in a molding passage (10) having sections with a corrugated molding surface and a smooth cylindrical sleeve molding surface. To shape the sleeve section, the outer tube is extruded into the sleeve molding surface and is brought into contact with the sleeve molding surface. The inner tube (Si) is then extruded into the outer tube (Sa), already in contact over the entire axial length of the sleeve molding surface, and is brought in the process into contact with the inner side of said outer tube (Sa) that is in contact.
US08231822B2	Method for spinning a liquid matrix for production of nanofibres through electrostatic spinning of liquid matrix Method for spinning the liquid matrix (38) in electrostatic field between at least one spinning electrode (3) and against it arranged collecting electrode (4), while one of the electrodes is connected to one pole of high voltage source and the second electrode is connected to opposite pole of high voltage source or is grounded, at which the liquid matrix (38) being subject to spinning is to be found in electrostatic field on the active spinning zone (3100) of the cord (310) of the spinning means (31) of the spinning electrode (3). The active spinning zone (3100) of the cord during spinning process has a stable position towards the collecting electrode (4) and the liquid matrix (38) to the active spinning zone (3100) of the cord is delivered either by application to the active spinning zone (3100) of the cord or by motion of the cord (310) in direction of its length. The invention further relates to the device for production of nanofibres and to the spinning electrode (3), whose active spinning zone (3100) of the cord in the carrying body (32) of the spinning electrode (3) has a stable position and to the cord (310) there is assigned the device (37) for application of the liquid matrix (38) to the cord (310), which is arranged in the carrying body (32) of the spinning electrode (3).
US08231818B2	Pressure control valve assembly A pressure control valve assembly including a valve body with a valving cavity, a metal insert, a member and ball, a plastic internal ball guide, and a plug. The metal insert, which is received within the valving cavity, includes an exhaust port, a pressure control port, a supply port, and a plug-receiving end. The plastic internal ball guide is included within a portion of the metal insert. The member extends within a portion of the insert and is movable with respect to the exhaust port, the member moving a ball with respect to a supply port. In an embodiment, a plug is received within the plug-receiving end of the insert. A method for making a valve body for a valve assembly is also disclosed.
US08231817B2	Process for the production of a three-dimensionally shaped sandwich structure The three-dimensionally shaped sandwich structure is produced starting from a layered material (1) comprising a compressible core layer, in particular a paper honeycomb structure, having two opposite main faces which are each covered with a reinforcing material and with a mouldable material. The layered material (1) is moulded in a compression mould comprising two mutually movable mould sections (7, 9). In order to reduce the formation of cracks, tears or breaks in the core layer, the first mould section (7) is composed of at least two mutually movable mould parts (10 and 11-12). A first portion of the layered material (1) is first deep-drawn by moving the first mould part (10) towards its moulding position so that wrinkles are formed in the layered material and the second mould part (11-12) is moved later and/or more slowly than the first mould part (10) towards its moulding position. In this way the formation of wrinkles by the first mould part (10) is enhanced due to the fact that the layered material (1) is little or not hampered from being drawn by the first mould part to the deep-drawn area. The second mould part may be composed of different subparts (11-13) which are also moved successively towards their moulding position.
US08231814B2	Fabrication process for mastering imaging lens arrays A process and method for fabricating a master lens array for use in the manufacture of duplicate lens arrays is provided. The fabrication methods provided herein are capable of maximizing the quality of the master lens array in an efficient and cost effective manner, thereby reducing the propagation of errors in the lenses formed using the master lens array.
US08231813B2	Manufacturing method of optical waveguide for touch panel A touch panel optical waveguide production method that ensures improved productivity while suppressing occurrence of voids. For formation of an over-cladding layer, a coating layer (4a) of an uncured or half-cured photopolymerizable resin composition as an over-cladding layer material is formed over a surface of an under-cladding layer (2) formed with cores (3). In turn, a molding die (6) composed of a light-transmissive material is pressed against the coating layer (4a) with a predetermined die surface of the molding die (6) being properly positioned with respect to the coating layer (4a), and then the coating layer (4a) is exposed to light through the molding die (6). After the exposure, the molding die is removed. Thus, the over-cladding layer is formed, in which the cores (3) are buried.
US08231810B2	Composite materials of nano-dispersed silicon and tin and methods of making the same Composite compounds of tin and lithium, silicon and lithium, or tin, silicon, and lithium having tin and silicon nano-dispersed in a lithium-containing matrix may be used as electrode materials and particularly anode materials for use with rechargeable batteries. Methods of making the composite compounds include the oxidation of alloys, the reaction of stabilized lithium metal powder with tin and silicon oxides, and the reaction of inorganic salts of lithium with tin and silicon containing compounds.
US08231806B2	Liquid-crystalline medium and liquid-crystal display The present invention relates to dielectrically positive liquid-crystalline media comprising in each case one or more compounds of the formula I in which the parameters have the respective meanings indicated in the specification, and optionally one or more further dielectrically positive compounds and optionally one or more further dielectrically neutral compounds, and to liquid-crystal displays containing these media, especially to active-matrix displays and in particular to TN, IPS and FFS displays.
US08231802B2	Preparations for making planar structures oil-repellent and water-repellent, and use thereof The invention concerns preparations based on water and/or organic solvents and their use as a finish on flat materials. An exemplary preparation includes: (1) 10-90 percent by weight of a fluorine containing oil- and water-repellent agent, (2) 10-80 percent by weight of a hydrophobic reaction product(S) obtainable by reacting a component (A) with a partially blocked or non-blocked di-, tri- or polyisocyanate (IC), and (3) 0-45 percent by weight of a blocked or non-blocked di-, tri- or polyisocyanate.
US08231799B2	Plasma reactor apparatus with multiple gas injection zones having time-changing separate configurable gas compositions for each zone A plasma reactor for processing a workpiece such as a semiconductor wafer has a housing defining a process chamber, a workpiece support configured to support a workpiece within the chamber during processing and comprising a plasma bias power electrode. The reactor further includes plural gas sources containing different gas species, plural process gas inlets and an array of valves capable of coupling any of said plural gas sources to any of said plural process gas inlets. The reactor also includes a controller governing said array of valves and is programmed to change the flow rates of gases through said inlets over time. A ceiling plasma source power electrode of the reactor has plural gas injection zones coupled to the respective process gas inlets. In a preferred embodiment, the plural gas sources comprise supplies containing, respectively, fluorocarbon or fluorohydrocarbon species with respectively different ratios of carbon and fluorine chemistries. They further include an oxygen or nitrogen supply and a diluent gas supply. The controller is programmed to produce flow of different process gas species or mixtures thereof through different ones of said plural gas injection zones. The controller is further programmed to change over time the species content of the gases flowing through different ones of said plural gas injection zones.
US08231795B2	Micromachined horn An acoustic device includes a transducer formed on a first surface of a substrate and an acoustic horn formed in the substrate by a dry-etching process through an opposing second surface of the substrate. The acoustic horn is positioned to amplify sound waves from the transducer and defines a non-linear cross-sectional profile.
US08231790B2	Process for producing an anion adsorbent and anion adsorbent produced by said process A novel anion adsorbent with extremely high anion adsorptive power, composed mainly of iron as a metal excellent in biosafety, is provided. The anion adsorbent contains, as an active ingredient, amorphous ferric hydroxide produced under such conditions that a ferrous species is present.
US08231789B2	Cross-flow filtration method and cross-flow filtration device A method of cross-flow filtration using a membrane filter has a feeding a fluid to be filtered across a membrane surface of a porous alumina membrane filter serving as the membrane filter so that the fluid flows parallel to the membrane surface to separate material to be filtered with the porous alumina membrane filter. The porous alumina membrane filter is made of an aluminum anodized film and includes micropores having a degree of ordering as defined by formula (1): Degree of ordering (%)=B/A×100 (1) of at least 50%, a porosity as defined by formula (2): Porosity (%)=C/D×100 (2) of at least 40%, and a percentage of a pore size standard deviation to an average pore size of up to 10%.
US08231788B2	Method and apparatus for the filtration of biological samples A separation module and method are disclosed for processing a liquid sample and providing high conversion by operating a single-pass tangential-flow process without a recirculation loop. In one embodiment, the separation module includes three reservoirs and has at least one long, thin channel with a large ratio of channel membrane area to: channel void volume; volume of a sample feed reservoir; and volume of the feed sample. In another embodiment, the separation module includes two reservoirs and a hydrophobic vent. The single-pass process provides high conversion while operating with relatively low pressure sources.
US08231783B1	Oil filter subassembly with quick connect and disconnect replacement filter element An oil filter subassembly comprises a filter head; an orifice fitting attached to the filter head; and a filter element including a cap attached to the orifice fitting. The orifice fitting includes first and second radially disposed pins and a seal disposed above the pins. The cap includes a central opening having a cylindrical wall, the wall including first and second L-shaped grooves having vertical and horizontal portions, the grooves being oppositely disposed from each other, the horizontal portion including an upper side wall extending upwardly away from the vertical groove portion to provide a cam surface. The cap is configured to compress the seal, thereby to provide a downward bias force on the cap. The pins are configured to move downwardly within the vertical groove portions and positionable within the respective horizontal groove portions, the cam surface tending to push down on the respective pin from the bias force.
US08231782B2	Support basket of a screen centrifuge The invention relates to an outer support basket of the centrifuge basket of a screen centrifuge, wherein screen segments can be secured by conical means in the support basket, the support basket has a plurality of concentric support rings with a rectangular cross section with greater width than thickness and the broad sides of the rings lie parallel to one another and at right angles to the basket axis, wherein the support rings are spaced apart from one another by axially parallel rods which run through the support rings.
US08231777B2	Catalytic cracking process for production of diesel from seeds of oleaginous plants The present invention comprises a thermocatalytic cracking process for the production of diesel oil from a charge of vegetable origin made from seeds of oleaginous plants in refineries possessing at least two FCC reactors. At least one of such reactors processes heavy gas oil or residue under conventional conditions while at least one of such reactors processes the charge of vegetable origin made from seeds of oleaginous plants under conditions suitable, for production of diesel oil. Said process employs the same catalyst utilized in the fluid catalytic cracking process which, simultaneously, processes a conventional charge.The diesel, or biodiesel, oil produced by means of said process is of superior quality having a cetane number exceeding 40 given that the cracking reactions occur at low temperatures and the products obtained are less oxidized and consequently purer than products obtained by means of existing technology.
US08231775B2	Pitch composition A process and apparatus is disclosed for converting heavy hydrocarbon feed into lighter hydrocarbon products. The heavy hydrocarbon feed is slurried with a particulate solid material to form a heavy hydrocarbon slurry and hydrocracked in a slurry hydrocracking unit to produce vacuum gas oil (VGO) and pitch. A first vacuum column separates VGO from pitch, and a second vacuum column further separates VGO from pitch. As much as 15 wt-% of VGO can be recovered by the second vacuum column and recycled to the slurry hydrocracking unit. A pitch composition is obtained which can be made into particles and transported without sticking together.
US08231774B2	Thermal management of a high temperature fuel cell electrolyzer Apparatus, systems, and methods provide for the management of a high temperature electrolysis process. According to embodiments described herein, a fuel cell electrolyzer stack is utilized in an electrolysis process. One implementation includes the use of a solid oxide electrolyzer. Input voltage is cycled around a thermal neutral voltage such that the fuel cell electrolyzer stack cycles between operation in an exothermic mode and an endothermic mode. The waste heat generated by operation in the exothermic mode is used to support the endothermic operation. By cycling between operation modes, the temperature of the fuel cell electrolyzer stack may be controlled without the use of a cooling loop or recirculated reactant flow, and the efficiency of the electrolysis process is maximized.
US08231772B2	Power feeding method, continuous electrolytic plating apparatus for web and method for manufacturing plastic film with plated coating film Two rotating members placed to face each other and nipping a web such that only an end of the web provided with conductivity is pressed are provided, at least one of the rotating members serves as a feeding electrode, and these rotating members are rotated about the same velocity to a transportation velocity of the web.
US08231771B2	Coating system and method An apparatus and system for electromotively coating a part can include a conveyor that has a plurality of hangars that are configured to be positively connected to respective parts that are to be coated. An attachment mechanism can be provided on the hangar and the part, the attachment mechanism being configured to exert force in more than a single direction. The part can be a conductive plastic part and can include an attachment structure that is formed thereon, for example, screw threads integrally formed in the part. The hangar can include a similar fastener that is configured to connect to the attachment structure of the part. For example, the fastener of the hangar can be a screw thread that mates with threads integrally or otherwise formed on the part. Other combinations of attachment structures and fasteners can be used to provide the mechanical and electrical coupling between the hangar and the part such that a robust electrical and mechanical connection can be achieved between the conveyor and the part to be coated.
US08231769B2	Electrode and single-rod measuring chain for determining electrochemical potentials An electrode comprising: a least a first, preferably cylindrical, glass body, in which at least a first chamber is formed; at least a first electrolyte, which is located in the first chamber; at least a first potential-forming element, which is arranged in the chamber, and forms a first potential when contacted by the first electrolyte; at least a first closing element, which is axially fixed in the first chamber for enclosing the first electrolyte and the first potential-forming element and sealedly closes the first chamber; wherein, additionally, the first closing element is conductive, the first potential-forming element conductingly contacts the first closing element, and the electrode furthermore includes at least a first electrical conductor, which electrically contacts the first closing element on the side of the first closing element facing away from the first electrolyte.
US08231768B2	Biosensor, biosensor chip and biosensor device A biosensor includes a working electrode 101, a counter electrode 102 opposing the working electrode 101, a working electrode terminal 103 and a working electrode reference terminal 10 connected to the working electrode 101 by wires, and a counter electrode terminal 104 connected to the counter electrode 102 by a wire. By employing a structure with at least three electrodes, it is possible to assay a target substance without being influenced by the line resistance on the working electrode side.
US08231766B2	Method for producing printed wiring board A novel board for printed wiring comprising a fine conductor wiring having a clear and favorable boundary line and fabricated by an ordinal printing method such as screen printing, a printed wiring board using the same, and methods for manufacturing them. A board for printed wiring and a method for manufacturing the same are characterized in that the surface of a board is subjected to one of the surface treatments: (a) roughening, (2) plasma treatment, (3) roughening and then plasma treatment, and (4) roughening and then forming of a metal film coating by sputtering. A printed wiring board and a method for manufacturing the same is characterize in that a conductor wiring is fabricated by printing using a conductive paste containing metal particles the average particle diameter of which is 4 μm or less and the maximum particle diameter of which is 15 μm or less. Another printed wiring board and a method for manufacturing the same is characterized in that the surface of a conductor wiring fabricated using a conductive paste containing metal particles M and a binder B at a volume ratio of M/B of 1/1 to 1.9/1 is etched, a plating coating is formed on the surface.
US08231765B2	Process for the purification of lactams A method and a plant are disclosed for purifying lactams, particularly lactams obtained by cyclizing hydrolysis of aminonitrile. The purification of ε-caprolactam obtained by cyclizing hydrolysis of aminocapronitrile is described which includes eliminating the ammonia from the reaction medium of the hydrolysis, then recovering the lactam from the medium in purified form. The recovery is carried out by performing at least a distillation of the lactam in the presence of a base producing optionally a fronts fraction having compounds more volatile than the lactam, a fraction having the lactam to be recovered to the degree of desired purity and a distillation tails having the lactam and compounds less volatile than the lactam. The distillation tails are treated by various processes such as evaporation in thin layers to recover the major part of the caprolactam and recycling the latter in the purification process.
US08231764B2	Paper filler method A method for preparing an aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material, the method comprising a step of microfibrillating a fibrous substrate comprising cellulose in an aqueous environment in the presence of an inorganic particulate material.
US08231763B2	Wood composition containing olefins, use of olefins for rendering raw wood materials water repellent, and method for the production of wood materials The invention relates to a wood composition containing olefin and raw wood materials, the use of said olefins for rendering raw wood materials water repellent, and a method for producing wood materials therefrom. The raw wood materials contain or are made of lignocellulose and are provided in the form of fibers, strands, or chips.
US08231761B2	Creping adhesive modifier and process for producing paper products The present invention relates to the use of a quaternary ammonium complex comprising at least one non-cyclic amide as a modifier for a creping adhesive used on a creping cylinder, e.g., a Yankee dryer.
US08231756B2	Process for making resilient pad composite The present application discloses a composite pad structure that includes a substrate bonded to a plurality of discrete, spaced-apart, resilient elements engaged to at least one reinforcing structure.
US08231754B2	Coloring composition, thermal transfer recording ink sheet, thermal transfer recording method, color toner, inkjet ink, color filter, and dye compound An dye compound of the following formula (1): wherein D represents a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic group; L represents ═CR2—, ═N—, or ═N—NH—; R1 represents a monovalent substituent; R2 represents a hydrogen atom or a cyano group; n indicates an integer of from 0 to 4; when n is 2 or more, then plural R1's may be the same or different.
US08231752B2	Method and apparatus for making filter element, including multi-characteristic filter element Method and apparatus are provided for making a filter element by spinning fibers from one or more dies onto a collector, including designated combinations providing designated filter characteristics.
US08231750B2	Method for covering a vehicle interior part with leather, in particular a vehicle steering wheel A method for covering a vehicle interior part with leather, particularly a vehicle steering wheel, includes the following steps: A leather piece being cut to size and having a front side, a rear side, and edges is provided with a thermoplastic layer on the rear side. The leather piece is fastened on the vehicle interior part by a high frequency welding process in a region of the thermoplastic layer.
US08231747B2	Inflator assembly An inflator assembly having an inflator body that forms a chamber wherein a quantity of a gas generating solid reacts to form gas. A quantity of gas treatment material is included to treat the formed gas to form a treated gas. At least one assembly exit opening permits the treated gas to exit the inflator assembly. The required gas generating solid has a flame temperature of no more than 1670 K with the inflator assembly having significant weight and volume reductions as compared to an otherwise identical performing inflator assembly that utilizes gas generating composition having higher flame temperatures.
US08231743B2	Composition and process for improved zincating magnesium and magnesium alloy substrates Improved compositions and processes for zincating magnesium and magnesium alloy substrates. An aqueous zincating composition having a pH of from about 8 to about 11 and including zinc ions, a complexing agent, fluoride ions and a reducing agent. A non-electrolytic process for zincating a magnesium or magnesium alloy substrate, including immersing the substrate in the non-electrolytic aqueous zincating composition for a time sufficient to deposit a zincate on the substrate. A non-electrolytic process for zincating a magnesium or magnesium alloy substrate, including preparing a aqueous non-electrolytic composition comprising zinc ions, a complexing agent, fluoride ions and a pH in the range from about 8 to about 11; adding to the composition an amount of a reducing agent sufficient to improve deposition of zincate on the magnesium or magnesium alloy substrate; and immersing the substrate in a composition for a time sufficient to deposit the zincate on the substrate.
US08231742B2	Iron-based composite material and method of manufacturing iron-based composite material To provide an iron-based composite material which has higher abrasion and seizure resistance, and more excellent impact absorbing property as compared with a steel material, and which has higher mechanical strength as compared with a cast iron material, and also a method of manufacturing the iron-based composite material. The iron-based composite material includes at least a steel structure layer 12, a cast iron structure layer 14, and a carburized structure layer 13 which is formed by carburizing the steel structure between the steel structure layer 12 and the cast iron structure layer 14.
US08231732B2	Cleaning method and substrate processing apparatus A cleaning method that can prevent abnormal wear of an O-ring. A cleaning gas containing at least oxygen gas is supplied to the interior of a chamber in which a substrate is accommodated, and radio-frequency voltage is applied to the interior of the chamber to produce oxygen radicals from the cleaning gas. When the amount of deposit produced in the chamber in plasma processing is larger than a predetermined amount, the amount of fluorine radicals in the chamber is increased, and when the amount of the deposit is smaller than the predetermined amount, the amount of fluorine radicals in the chamber is decreased.
US08231731B2	Substrate processing apparatus A process for producing a semiconductor device, comprising the steps of conducting film formation on substrate (10) in reactor (1); and unloading the substrate (10) after film formation from the reactor (1) and thereafter effecting forced air cooling of the interior of the reactor (1) while the substrate (10) is absent in the reactor (1). The stress of deposited film adhering in the reactor (1) is increased over that exhibited at air cooling without blower so as to positively generate thermal stress with the result that the deposited film would undergo forced cracking over that exhibited at air cooling without blower. Microparticles scattered by the cracking are efficiently discharged from the reactor forcibly through purging in the reactor in the state of atmospheric pressure.
US08231727B2	Crystal growth apparatus and method Systems and methods are disclosed for crystal growth using VGF and VB growth processes to reduce body lineage. In one exemplary embodiment, there is provided a method of inserting an ampoule with raw material into a furnace having a heating source, growing a crystal using a vertical gradient freeze process wherein the crystallizing temperature gradient is moved relative to the crystal and/or furnace to melt the raw material and reform it as a monocrystalline compound, and growing the crystal using a vertical Bridgman process on the wherein the ampoule/heating source are moved relative each other to continue to melt the raw material and reform it as a monocrystalline compound.
US08231721B2	Antifungal liquid formulations The invention relates to stable antifungal liquid formulations for protecting material, containing 3-iodopropynyl butyl carbamate (IPBC) and n-octylisothiazolinone (n-OIT).
US08231719B2	Absorbent liquid, and apparatus and method for removing CO2 or H2S from gas with use of absorbent liquid An absorbent liquid according to the present invention is an absorbent liquid for absorbing CO2 or H2S or both from gas, in which the absorbent liquid includes an alkanolamine as a first compound component, and a second component including a nitrogen-containing compound having in a molecule thereof two members or more selected from a primary nitrogen, a secondary nitrogen, and a tertiary nitrogen or a nitrogen-containing compound having in a molecule thereof all of primary, secondary, and tertiary nitrogens. The absorbent liquid has an excellent absorption capacity performance and an excellent absorption reaction heat performance, as compared to an aqueous solution containing solely an alkanolamine and a nitrogen-containing compound in the same concentration in terms of wt %, and can recover CO2 or H2S or both from gas with smaller energy.
US08231718B2	Sealed air purifier A sealed air purifier is disclosed. A housing is formed by connecting a first shell and a second shell. The first shell and the second shell communicate via separable connecting base and connector. A retractable bag encloses the connecting base and the connector. A sealing structure is provided between both ends of the bag. The first shell has an air inlet connecting the inside and the outside and a gate to control the airflow. A compression assembly is disposed in the first shell. The second shell has an air outlet connecting the inside and the outside and a blocking element to control the air outlet. The second shell has a sterilizing device and a super ULPA filter. When the gate closes the air inlet, the compression assembly, sterilizing device, and the air outlet close correspondingly, so that the inside of the housing is isolated. Thus, the viruses remaining therein do not spread with air.
US08231716B2	Self-alarming air cleaner A self-alarming air cleaner is disclosed. The air cleaner includes an air filter element (1), a light emitting element (2) and a light sensor (3). The light emitting element (2) and the light sensor (3) are both faced to the air filter element (1). The light emitted from the light emitting element (2) is reflected by the air filter element (1) or permeated to the air filter element (1), then forms an area of light attenuation where the light sensor (3) is located. The light emitting element (2) and the light sensor (3) connect with a circuit which has an alarming device. When much dust is accumulated on the air filter element (1), the intensity of the light reaching the light sensor (3) is weakened and the alarming device (4) can give an alarm automatically.
US08231715B2	Filter arrangement for cleaning process gases contaminated with particles and process for cleaning filter units of such a filter arrangement A filter arrangement, for cleaning gases contaminated with particles, has at least one filter unit with an exterior and an interior filter (3.1, 3.2), wherein the exterior and interior filters can be moved relative to each other, thereby exposing an opening (3.4) in the bottom regions thereof. This allows cleaning of filter units at the site of the filter units without disassembly of the same (cleaning in place—CIP). A method for cleaning is provided in that the region of the filter unit on the clean gas side including introducing a fluid sprayed via a cleaning lance protruding into the clean gas region while exposing a gap (3.4) in the bottom region of the exterior and interior filters.
US08231712B2	Carbon-based sorbent for gas storage, and method for preparation thereof The method enables control over carbon pore structure to provide sorbents that are particularly advantageous for the adsorption of specific gases. It involves preparation of a sorbent precursor material, carbonization of the precursor material, and, usually, activation of the carbonized material. The resultant material is subjected to heat treatment and/or to surface conditioning by a reducing gas at elevated temperatures.
US08231708B2	Method of production, storage and transportation for gas hydrate Pellet damaging is prevented at the time of pellet charging into a storage tank. There is provided a method of storing a gas hydrate in which pellets obtained by compression molding of powdery gas hydrate are conveyed into a storage tank by the use of a slurry liquor, which method includes pouring a liquid for impact absorption in advance into the storage tank so that the impact on the pellets charged in the storage tank is absorbed by the liquid for impact absorption.
US08231704B2	Silver particles and processes for making them A silver powder comprising silver particles, each silver particle comprising silver components 100-2000 nm long, 20-100 nm wide and 20-100 nm thick assembled to form a spherically-shaped, open-structured particle, wherein the d50 particle size is from about 2.5 μm to about 6 μm is disclosed. Also disclosed is a process for making these silver particles. The silver particles formed are particularly useful in electronic applications.
US08231699B2	Membrane air dryer A filter having two drain valves piloted by an electro-pneumatic valve. A check valve may be provided to by pass the filter. A membrane filter housing may include vanes extending into a reservoir in which the membrane filter extends. Also, one of the circumferential recesses of the bore for the membrane filter is in the reservoir.
US08231697B2	Rapid start fuel reforming systems and techniques An on-board fuel processor includes a microchannel steam reforming reactor (30) and a water vaporizer (40) heated in series with a combustion gas. The reformer (30) and the vaporizer (40) are both of a cross-flow panel configuration that allows for low combustion side pressure drop. Fuel is directly injected into the steam, and during a rapid cold start, both the combustion gas flow rate and the steam to carbon ratio are substantially increased relative to their steady state operating values. A rapid cold start can be achieved in under 30 seconds with a manageable amount of electric power consumption, removing impediments to use in automotive fuel cell applications.
US08231689B2	Coloring composition containing an aromatic compound and an initiator A natural coloring composition for coloring materials, and methods of its use. The coloring composition comprises a natural precursor aromatic ring molecule such as L-DOPA that is oxidatively oligomerized or polymerized in the presence of an activator, such as a salt or an enzyme, to form colored compounds that dye a material. The natural coloring composition can also include a buffer, colorant, stabilizer, and/or thickening agent, and can comprise one or two inactive solutions that are combined to form an active coloring composition.
US08231688B2	Semi-actuated transfemoral prosthetic knee A semi-actuated above knee prosthetic system, which is mostly passive in nature and includes a shank link coupled to an artificial foot, a knee mechanism connected to the shank link and a thigh link attached to an above-knee remaining lower limb of an amputee, is operable in either an actuated mode or an un-actuated mode controlled by a signal processor linked to various prosthetic mounted sensors which may include combinations of knee angle, stance, thigh angle and shank angle sensors. Power is delivered through an electric motor connected to a battery source and employed to drive a hydraulic pump which is part of an overall hydraulic power unit including the torque generator. A signal processor selects a swing state from at least forward, combination forward and descent, combination forward and ascent, reverse, combination reverse and descent, and combination reverse and ascent swing states.
US08231685B2	Cartilage replacement implant and method for producing a cartilage replacement implant To improve a cartilage replacement implant for the biological regeneration of a damaged cartilage area of articular cartilage in the human body, comprising a cell carrier which has a defect-contacting surface for placement on the damaged cartilage area and is formed and designed for colonization with human cells, so that after implantation of the cartilage replacement implant, formation of a gap between adjacent contact surfaces of the implant and surrounding recipient tissue is minimized, it is proposed that the cell carrier rest with surface-to-surface contact on a carrier and be joined to the carrier at a cell carrier surface that faces away from the defect-contacting surface. A method for producing a cartilage replacement implant is also proposed.
US08231683B2	Shoulder prosthesis assembly having glenoid rim replacement structure A prosthesis assembly for use with a scapula is disclosed. The prosthesis assembly includes a glenoid bearing support and a bearing. The glenoid bearing support includes a glenoid vault-occupying portion configured to occupy at least a portion of a glenoid vault of the scapula, the glenoid-vault occupying portion having a first coupling component. The glenoid bearing support further includes a glenoid rim replacement portion attached to the glenoid vault-occupying portion. The bearing defines a bearing surface and has a second coupling component configured to cooperate with the first coupling component to couple the bearing to the glenoid vault-occupying portion. The glenoid vault-occupying portion defines a bearing-side end portion and an opposite-side end portion. The glenoid rim replacement portion projects outwardly from the bearing-side end portion of the glenoid vault-occupying portion. The glenoid bearing support defines a bone graft receptacle.
US08231682B2	Instrument for use in a joint replacement procedure A trial implant component for use in a surgical procedure for replacement of a joint between a long bone and another bone, comprises a metaphyseal part which can be located so that it extends into a cavity at the resected face of the long bone in contact with the internal wall of the cavity in the metaphyseal region, and a disk which has an essentially flat shape and which can be fitted to the metaphyseal part to provide a gauge as to the appropriate size of a head part which is to be selected according to the location of the axis of the bone relative to the edge of the resected bone.
US08231681B2	Self-contained expandable implant and method Embodiments of the invention include expandable, implantable devices and methods having internally contained expansion mechanisms. Devices expand linearly to provide secure fixation between or among anatomical structures. In some embodiments, an implant replaces one or more vertebral bodies of the spine.
US08231677B2	Artificial spinal disc An artificial disc prosthesis is provided. The prosthesis enables spinal segment alignment by having a variable height across its surface. The variable height is achieved by an asymmetric artificial nucleus or by at least one variable height end plate. The prosthesis may have a central keel on one end plate and an offset pair of keels on a second end plate. The nucleus may engage a slot or trough in an inner surface of an end plate. The trough can be open on the posterior or anterior end to allow the nucleus to slide into the trough without undue distraction of adjacent vertebrae. The nucleus can be prevented from moving out of the trough by inserting a stop in the trough.
US08231673B2	Non-invasive power adjustable intraocular lens An improved multifocal design for an ocular implant is provided. This ocular implant includes an intraocular lens (IOL) and a number of haptics. The IOL passes optical energy. A microstructure within the IOL places the IOL under tension. The microstructure is operable to be broken in a controlled manner to release tension in the IOL and reshape the IOL. This may be done at any time post operatively and in conjunction with wavefront aberrometry to provide improved results. The haptics mechanically couple to the IOL in order to position and secure the IOL within the eye.
US08231672B2	Systems and methods for ocular measurements A system for measuring the size of a capsular bag of an eye of a subject includes a size indicator and a sizing gauge. The size indicator is configured for insertion into a capsular bag and includes a peripheral portion and a pair of arms. The peripheral portion is configured to engage the capsular bag. Each of the arms has a proximal end and a distal end, the arms being joined to one another at the proximal ends. The peripheral portion is joined to the distal ends of the arms. The arms form an angle that depends on a size of the capsular bag into which the size indicator is placed. The sizing gauge has a body having a front surface, along with first and second features disposed along or behind the front surface. The features are configured to correspond to an angle that is within a predetermined range of angles of the arms of the size indicator when the size indicator is placed within a capsular bag.
US08231671B2	Mitral cerclage annuloplasty apparatus A mitral cerclage annuloplasty apparatus comprises a tissue protective device and a knot delivery device. The tissue protective device comprises a first protective tube and a second protective tube. The knot delivery device comprises a tube wherein a loose knot is looped around its distal end through a hole and wherein tight knot is formed when the distal end of the tube is cut open. Alternatively, the knot delivery device comprises an inner tube and outer tube. The inner tube is insertable and rotatable inside the outer tube. When the tubes are in a closed position by rotating either the outer tube or the inner tube, a hole is created near its distal end. When the tubes are in open position by rotating either the outer tube or the inner tube, the hole joins the opening of the outer tube and lengthens.
US08231669B2	Tether guided stent side branch A tether guided bifurcated stent having a generally tubular main body extending along a longitudinal axis connected to a side branch assembly. Both the main stent body and the side branch assembly are capable of forming an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration. The bifurcation's expansion is facilitated by a force exerted by the tether. When the side branch assembly is expanded it forms a secondary tubular region defining a generally tubular shape extending at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the main tubular body.
US08231668B2	Stent for introducing into human body cavities, in particular into blood vessels The invention relates to a stent (1) for introducing into human body cavities, in particular into blood vessels, comprising a proximal first end to be introduced (2) and a distal final end to be introduced (3), a sleeve-like stent body (4) made of biocompatible material, and at least one support wire (5) provided as a support body within the stent body (4), the support wire (5), when the stent is in the tensioned state, resting against the inside of the stent body (4) in the shape of a spiral and the stent body (4), when the stent is in a compressed state, being collapsed and expandable into a tensioned state. The proximal end of the support wire (5) in the region of the proximal first end to be introduced (2) is firmly attached to the stent body (4) and the distal end of the support wire, when the stent is in the compressed state, extending from the distal final end (3) of the stent body (4) to be introduced. The support wire (5) is a shape-retaining spring wire which in the compressed state is pre-tensioned at least in the region of the stent body (4) and is drawn into an elongated straight line and contracts in the longitudinal direction into the spiral shape at least in sections upon closing of the spring and expands radially in the form of a spiral in order to effect a radial expansion of the contracted stent body (4) until it reaches the tensioned state.
US08231667B2	Endoprosthesis for vascular bifurcation An apparatus for treating an area of bifurcation where a principal body conduit separates into at least two secondary conduits comprises a radially expandable first stent body. The first stent body has a substantially conical shape and a first end having a greater diameter than a second end when fully expanded. The first stent body is preferably shaped to be independent of any other stent bodies, and is free of any means for connecting to any other stent bodies when fully expanded.
US08231664B2	Devices and methods for controlling patient temperature Relatively non-invasive devices and methods for heating or cooling a patient's body are disclosed. Devices and methods for treating ischemic conditions by inducing therapeutic hypothermia are disclosed. Devices and methods for inducing therapeutic hypothermia through esophageal cooling are disclosed. Devices and methods for operative temperature management are disclosed.
US08231660B2	System and method for facet fixation A spinal fixation element includes a screw and a washer. The screw comprises an elongated body of a first diameter and the body includes a threaded portion at a distal end and a semispherical head of a second diameter at a proximal end. The second diameter is larger than the first diameter. The washer comprises a semispherical through opening of a third diameter at the top, of a fourth diameter in the middle and of a fifth diameter at the bottom. The third diameter is slightly smaller than the second diameter, the fourth diameter is slightly larger than the second diameter and the fifth diameter is smaller than the second diameter. The washer surrounds the semispherical head, is non-removably attached to the semispherical head and is rotatable and positionable at an angle relative to the elongated body.
US08231656B2	Adjustable spine distraction implant An adjustable spine distraction implant alleviates pain associated with spinal stenosis and facet arthropathy by expanding the volume and/or cross sectional area in the spinal canal and/or neural foramen. The adjustable implant provides a spinal extension inhibitor. The implant includes elliptical or oval shaped adjustable member or spacer for positioning between and adjustably spacing apart the spinous processes.
US08231653B2	Method of forming knotless double row construct with graft or patch fixed under repair site Systems and methods for soft tissue to bone repairs, without knot tying. The soft tissue repair includes the steps of (i) providing a medial row formed of a plurality of medial anchors, the medial anchors comprising suture or tape attached to each of the bodies of the medial anchors, the suture or tape forming a loop when the medial anchors are placed within tissue; (ii) passing traction sutures through each of the corresponding loop of the nearest medial anchor; (iii) passing through the tissue (rotator cuff) the free limbs of the suture or tape attached to each of the medial anchors, and one end of the traction suture (passed through the corresponding loop) at their respective points; (iv) bringing the other end of the traction suture (through a lateral cannula) underneath the tissue (the rotator cuff) and then securing the passed end of the traction suture to a graft or patch located underneath the tissue (rotator cuff); and (v) adjusting the position of the graft or patch by pulling end of the traction suture passed through the tissue (rotator cuff).
US08231652B2	Instrument with sealing device and methods of advancing fluid therethrough Embodiments of the invention include a medical instrument with a sealing device. In embodiments, the medical instrument is an endoscopic device having a seal between an elongate shaft member and/or on a portion of a handle to, for example, prevent flow communication between a lumen of the elongate member and the external environment.
US08231647B2	Catheter having an improved torque transmitting shaft The present invention relates generally to a catheter having a torque transmitting shaft which retains adequate flexibility. The catheter includes an elongate shaft having an outer surface. In a preferred embodiment, a raised pattern is disposed on the outer surface. Preferably, the raised pattern improves the transmission of torque along the elongate shaft by including a series of bearing points which contact other bearing points along the shaft when torqued.
US08231646B2	Device and methods for controlling blood perfusion pressure using a retrograde cannula Devices and methods are disclosed for the control of blood perfusion pressure within a blood vessel that undergoes arterialization. A cannula is introduced that contains a stenosis that either resorbs or is removed in time, allowing a gradual increase in blood pressure between two blood passages connected at either ends of the cannula. Particular emphasis has been made with the use of the cannula for the vessels in the heart.
US08231644B2	Torque wrench and ultrasonic surgical device A head portion includes an engaging portion capable of engaging with an engagement portion, a slit formed by cutting a part of a peripheral wall surface of the engaging portion, a protuberance which protrudes inward from the peripheral wall surface of the engaging portion, the protuberance including a slope the height of projection of which gradually increases along the circumference of the peripheral wall and which is oriented in a direction of rotation in a rotating operation, and a stop surface extending in radial directions of the engaging portion. The head portion includes an elastically deformable portion configured to cause at least one of two opposite side portions of the slit to be elastically deformed so that the slit is widened until a preset value is reached by the torque applied from the engaging portion to the engagement portion with the protuberance in mesh with an interlocking portion.
US08231641B2	Method and devices for modifying the function of a body organ Methods and devices for partitioning or plicating a region of a hollow body organ are described herein. These methods and devices relate generally to medical apparatus and methods and more particularly to devices and methods for affecting a change in the function of a hollow body organ, particularly a stomach, intestine or gastrointestinal tract. These changes can include reducing the volume capacity of the hollow body organ, disrupting or altering the normal function of the organ, functionally excluding certain sections of the organ either by affixing adjacent tissue or excising certain regions, or affecting or correcting the response of the organ to naturally occurring stimuli, such as ingestion.
US08231638B2	Apparatus and method of user interface with alternate tool mode for robotic surgical tools In one implementation, a method is disclosed in which a lock sensing mode is entered for a robotic surgical instrument. In the lock sensing mode, the degrees of freedom of movement in the robotic surgical instrument are switchably reduced. Further in the lock sensing mode, one or more end effectors of the robotic surgical instrument are switchably clamped together in the robotic surgical instrument. An increased level of torque may also be applied to the end effectors to increase a gripping force applied by the one or more end effectors in response to the reduced degrees of freedom of movement in the robotic surgical instrument.
US08231636B2	Anchor driver with assured seating A surgical instrument for securing an anchor in a target area of the skull of a patient, wherein the anchor has a shaped surface, a top and a base. In one embodiment, the surgical instrument includes a driver having a first end, an opposite, second end, and a body portion defined therebetween forming a bore therein along a longitudinal axis, where the bore is configured to allow the anchor to be received therein, a first inner surface formed inside the bore proximate to the first end, wherein the first inner surface is formed with a shape that is complimentary to the shaped surface of the anchor, and a second inner surface formed inside the bore and between the first inner surface and the second end, wherein the second inner surface is formed with a shape that is different from that of the first inner surface.
US08231635B2	Polyaxial screwdriver for a pedicle screw system A polyaxial screwdriver for inserting a bone screw in a vertebra. A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a coupling element. When a screw engaging end of the polyaxial screwdriver is lowered on the head of the bone screw, the complimentary surfaces of the screw engaging end of the screwdriver and the head of the screw self-align. A ratchet mechanism formed in the screwdriver provides progressive and automatic locking of the polyaxial screwdriver to the coupling element and prevents the accidental unthreading from the coupling element. In another embodiment of the polyaxial screwdriver, a collet slides over the outside surface of the upper end of the coupling element and locks on to the coupling element. In yet another embodiment of a polyaxial screwdriver, the outer sleeve of the polyaxial screwdriver has a split end that securely engages the coupling element.
US08231633B2	Instruments, implants and methods for positioning implants into a spinal disc space Instruments, implants and methods are provided for positioning spinal implants in a spinal disc space between adjacent vertebrae. The instruments provide a low profile engagement with the implants and facilitate insertion while minimizing tissue retraction and exposure of the tissue and neural elements to the instrumentation in the approach to the disc space.
US08231632B1	Cannulated surgical screw bone filler adapter An adapter attached between a syringe containing a bone void filler and the head of a cannulated surgical screw allows the cannulated surgical screw to be used as a port to inject bone void filler into a bone void during the course of a surgical repair which would use a surgical screw to attach broken or separated bone fragments providing a more secure bone anchor matrix within which the surgical screw is set.
US08231629B2	System and method for locating of distal holes of an intramedullary nail The present invention relates to alignment systems and methods for detecting a distal hole of an intramedullary nail. A jig is attached to the proximal end of the nail and also mounted on the bone. The jig has an adjustable positioning head that includes a drill axis hole along with an alignment pin. The alignment pin includes reference marks that are visible in X-ray images and helps to align the positioning head drill axis with the distal hole of the intramedullary nail. A light source is insertable into the nail in order to shine light out of the distal hole to illuminate a spot on the bone surface as an alignment aid. Viewing optics are mountable on the positioning head for viewing the illuminated spot created by the light source in the intramedullary nail.
US08231628B2	Instrumentation and methods for use in implanting a cervical disc replacement device Instrumentation for implanting a cervical disc replacement device includes cervical disc replacement trials for determining the appropriate size of replacement device to be implanted, an insertion plate for maintaining the elements of the replacement device in fixed relation to one another for simultaneous manipulation, an insertion handle for attachment to the insertion plate for manipulation of the elements, an insertion pusher for releasing the insertion handle from the insertion plate, a drill guide that cooperates with the insertion plate to guide the drilling of tap holes for bone screws to be placed through bone screw holes in the flanges of the replacement device, clips that are applied to the flanges after placement of the bone screws to resist screw backout, and a clip applicator for applying the clips to the flanges.
US08231627B2	Insertion tool for bone plates System, including methods, apparatus, kits, and components, for installation of a bone plate using an insertion tool attached to a bone plate and providing a blade for lifting soft tissue off bone in front of the bone plate as the insertion tool is advanced along a surface of the bone.
US08231626B2	Self-retaining cable tie A system for securing a bone fixation device to a bone comprises a flexible longitudinal element configured to wrap about and stabilize one of a target portion of bone and a bone stabilizing element. The longitudinal element includes a plurality of projections extending distally from a first surface thereof. Each projection includes a proximal abutting surface in combination with a bone fixation element including a channel extending therethrough sized and shaped to slidably receive therein a portion of the longitudinal element distal of the head. The bone fixation element includes a recess shaped to receive the head and prevent the head from being drawn distally through the channel. The bone fixation element or the longitudinal element includes a tab configured to engage one of the proximal abutting surfaces to prevent the projections of the longitudinal element from moving proximally relative to the tab.
US08231618B2	Magnetically guided energy delivery apparatus This invention describes an energy delivery apparatus for delivering electrical energy at a target location, said energy delivery apparatus being usable in combination with a magnetic field and comprising an electrical conductor having a substantially elongated configuration; an electrode for delivering electrical energy at the target location, with the electrode being electrically coupled to the electrical conductor and having an exposed surface with at least a portion of the exposed surface having one of its principal radii of curvature smaller than 0.35 mm; an insulating dielectric coating along a substantial portion of the length of the electrical conductor, with the dielectric coating having a dielectric constant smaller than about 3; at least one guiding element mounted to the electrical conductor, with at least one of the guiding elements including a magnetically responsive material. The magnetic field is used to move the guiding element in order to position the electrode substantially adjacent to the target location.
US08231614B2	Temperature monitoring return electrode An electrosurgical return electrode is disclosed. The return electrode includes a first and second flexible conductive material layers and a material layer disposed between the first and second conductive material layers. The material layer is transitionable between a solid state and a non-solid state, the material layer is also configured to melt upon an increase in temperature beyond a predetermined threshold, thereby increasing conductivity between the first and second conductive material layer.
US08231612B2	Method of making sub-surface photoalterations in a material A method of photoaltering a material using a pulsed laser beam includes selecting a first pulse energy and a first focal point separation based on a relationship of pulse energy and focal point separation combinations enabling layer separation of the material by photoalteration, and scanning the pulsed laser beam along a scan region at the first pulse energy and the first focal point separation. The relationship has a slope and has a distinct change in the slope. The distinct change in the slope is associated with a second pulse energy of the relationships and the first pulse energy is equal to or less than the second pulse energy.
US08231610B2	Robotic surgical system for laparoscopic surgery A robotic surgical system includes a master manipulator, slave robotic units having a surgical instrument for performing a Minimal Invasive Surgery (MIS), and a control system for electrically associating the master manipulator with the slave robotic units. The slave robotic unit includes the driving mechanisms which are more compact than those of the conventional MIS system. In use, the existing surgical instruments used in the conventional MIS procedure can be applied to the slave robotic unit. Moreover, by using the pivotal mechanism of the driving mechanisms, a pivot point of the surgical instrument is allowed to be shifted with respect to an incision of a patient. So, the patient's tissues surrounding the surgical instrument are not excessively affected by the surgical instrument during the procedure.
US08231609B2	Drug-delivery pumps and methods of manufacture Embodiments of an implantable electrolytic pump include an electrolysis chamber, a drug chamber and an osmosis chamber, the osmosis chamber having a first portion in contact with the drug chamber and a second portion exposed to facilitate contact with a surrounding fluid. The pump further includes a cannula for conducting liquid from the drug chamber and electrolysis electrodes within the electrolysis chamber for causing generation of a gas therein, the electrolysis and drug chambers being in contact such that gas electrolysis within electrolysis chamber forces fluid from the drug chamber into the cannula, contact between the drug chamber and the osmosis chamber permitting fluid admitted into the osmotic chamber from the surrounding fluid to offset volume loss from the drug chamber and prevent buildup of vacuum pressure thereon.
US08231608B2	Drug-delivery pumps and methods of manufacture Embodiments of an implantable electrolytic pump include a first expandable diaphragm and a second flexible diaphragm, and first and second chambers each for containing a fluid, wherein the first expandable diaphragm separates the first and second chambers and provides a fluid barrier therebetween, and the second chamber is formed between the first expandable diaphragm and the second flexible diaphragms. The pump may further include electrolysis electrodes within the first chamber for causing generation of a gas therein and to thereby expand the expandable diaphragm so that fluid is forced from the second chamber into a cannula.
US08231607B2	Suction catheter and suction-catheter system Provided is a suction catheter including: a catheter main body made of a flexible lengthy body having a lumen inside; a leading-end case portion positioned at a leading-end portion of the catheter main body and including an opening for retrieving an object; and object cutting means partially exposed through the opening and movable in the axial direction within the leading-end case portion. The object cutting means includes a cutting portion exposed through the opening portion, and a power receiving portion driving the cutting portion when receiving power from outside. A leading-end side of the suction catheter is inserted into a blood vessel while a base-end portion of the suction catheter is connected to a suction apparatus. An object sticking to the internal wall of the blood vessel is cut off by operating the object cutting means in the opening of the leading-end case portion while the lumen is vacuumed. The cut-off object is immediately sucked in and retrieved.
US08231598B2	Propellant bag improvement An improved propellant pillow and method for filling a propellant chamber of an implantable pump with propellant through the use of such an improved propellant pillow are disclosed. The propellant pillow includes an improved design that prevents the damage of such during evacuating and filling procedures.
US08231596B2	Communicating member, medical container using the same, and infusion preparation tool set A communicating member for a medical container contains a plate member 4 having a first opening 5 and a second opening 6, a first connection port 15 including the first opening 5, a plug 9 that obturates the first opening 5 and a first approximately cylindrical member 19 that is in communication with the first opening 5, a second connection port 16 including the second opening 6 and a barrier member 13 that obturates the second opening 6, and a continuous wall 17 disposed on the plate member 4 on the first approximately cylindrical member 19 side and disposed upright on the plate member 4 such that the continuous wall 17 encloses the first opening 5 and the second opening 6 when the plate member is viewed from above; and the first approximately cylindrical member 19 is provided with a first communication part 20 that has an opening on the second opening 6 side.
US08231592B2	Disposable diaper A disposable diaper is provided with a barrier adapted to prevent body fluid from freely flowing in a back-and-forth direction of the diaper so that such barrier can be reliably held in close contact with the wearer's skin. The barrier stands in the way of body fluid flowing in the back-and-forth direction of the diaper and the barrier is provided in the form of an assembly of nonwoven fabric strips.
US08231590B2	Visually coordinated absorbent product A visually coordinated absorbent product includes a article component having a body side liner, a garment side outer cover and an absorbent core disposed between the body side liner and the garment side outer cover. The article component has at least a first and second visual characteristic, wherein the first visual characteristic is different than the second visual characteristic. The article component is disposed in a packaging component having at least the first and second visual characteristics. In one embodiment, the packaging component is an individual pouch sized and configured to hold a single, individual article component. In various embodiments, the visual characteristics can include color, embossment, printing, and/or side sealing.
US08231589B2	Irrigation system An irrigation system includes a control unit and a pump integrated with the control unit. The control unit includes an adjustment knob attached to a major surface of the control unit, a first conduit extending from a side of the control unit to a reservoir that is configured to contain a volume of irrigation liquid, and a second conduit extending from the side of the control unit to an anal probe that is inflatable for fixation of the anal probe within a user. The adjustment knob has a first setting that is selectable to inflate a cuff of the anal probe and a second setting that is selectable to allow the pump to pump gas into the reservoir and thereby transfer the irrigation liquid from the reservoir through the inflated anal probe.
US08231585B2	Membrane syringe The syringe is a prefillable or prefilled syringe having a syringe cylinder which is delimited to one side by a plunger and which to the other side opens into a syringe connection having a free end closed by a membrane. The syringe cylinder, the syringe connection and the closing membrane are formed as one piece as a plastic injection molded part.
US08231580B2	Access port An access port for enabling passage of a conduit through a partition wall, said port comprising three portions, a sleeve portion surrounding an aperture for receiving a conduit there through, a flange portion for attachment to the partition wall, said flange portion encircles the sleeve portion and has a greater diameter than the sleeve portion, and a membrane portion connecting the flange portion and the sleeve portion. The port may be suitable for, in a leak-proof manner, passing a catheter or drain tube through the wall of a medical device such as a wound care device or a drainage bag.
US08231578B2	System and method for sequencing channels in a multi-channel infusion pump A system, method, and computer program for controlling at least one infusion pump wherein the system comprises a first channel for delivering a first fluid, a second channel for delivering a second fluid, a first input for receiving channel sequence data wherein the channel sequence data identifies the sequence for delivering the first fluid from the first channel and the second fluid from the second channel, a second input for receiving first delivery data for the first channel and the second delivery data for the second channel, and a processor for controlling delivery of the first fluid from the first channel and the second fluid from the second channel according to the channel sequence data, the first delivery data, and the second delivery data.
US08231574B2	Manual irrigation pump for intraprocedural irrigation A disposable manual irrigation pump system comprises a manual foot pump operatively coupled to a fluid reservoir and an associated intraprocedural device. The pump system is configured to provide a substantially continuous fluid supply at a desired flow rate from the fluid reservoir to the associated intraprocedural device along a first direction without backflow of fluid along a direction opposite the first direction.
US08231573B2	Medicament delivery device having an electronic circuit system Medicament delivery devices are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a medical injector and an electronic circuit system. The medical injector includes a housing, a medicament container, and a medicament delivery member. The housing defines a first region and a second region. The first region includes the medicament container and is physically isolated from the second region. The electronic circuit system is configured to be disposed within the second region defined by the housing. The electronic circuit system is configured to output an electronic output associated with a use of the medical injector.
US08231570B2	Inverted conical expandable retractor Access devices and related methods are disclosed that generally involve flexible or adjustable cannulas that have a substantially cylindrical insertion configuration and a substantially conical expanded configuration. Various methods and features are provided for transitioning the cannula from the insertion configuration to the expanded configuration while the access device is inserted through tissue to form a conical opening through the tissue. Examples include cables, biasing elements, retaining elements, bimodal rings, and coil springs. The devices and methods disclosed herein can allow for improved retention of the access device, improved angulation of instruments passed through the access device, and can increase the integrity of a seal formed between the access device and surrounding tissue.
US08231569B2	Torque-limiting catheter handle A catheter includes a handle that advantageously limits the amount of torque that can be imparted to the body of the catheter. This advantageously reduces the likelihood of catheter failure, damage to tissue, or damage to medical devices introduced into the vasculature via the catheter. The catheter handle includes a grip portion that the practitioner manipulates in order to impart a torque and a torque transmitting portion operably coupled thereto that transmits the torque to the catheter body. A torque limiting mechanism decouples the torque transmitting portion from the grip portion, the body, and/or any pull wires when the torque imparted to the grip portion exceeds a torque threshold, thereby preventing excessive torques from being transmitted to the catheter body and/or pull wires. A practitioner may be able to adjust the torque threshold and may be able to disable the torque limiting mechanism.
US08231568B2	Syringes with a reduced susceptibility to freeze-thaw void formation and methods of manufacturing such syringes Syringes for holding fluids susceptible to void formation when the syringe and fluid are frozen and thawed before use. The interior surface of the syringe barrel is modified by exposure to a plasma such that the incidence of void formation in the fluid is prevented or, at the least, significantly reduced in comparison with conventional syringes.
US08231567B2	Syringe devices and methods for mixing and administering medication The invention includes a device having a chamber within a syringe. A fluid passageway extends through a syringe piston. A valve is associated with the passageway controlling fluid passage through the piston. The invention includes a piercing structure having a head segment and a body portion, with a channel through the body portion and through at least one surface of the head without passing through the tip. In another aspect the invention encompasses a method of preparing an agent for administration to an individual. A first component is provided within a syringe and a second component is provided within a vial. A closed valve is associated with a fluid passageway between the vial and the syringe barrel through a piston. Valve repositioning allows fluid passage and sliding of the piston joins the first and second components. Repeated sliding of the piston mixes the components to produce the medication agent.
US08231566B2	Fluid delivery system and flow control therefor A fluid delivery system having a closed-loop control process for delivering a medical fluid to a patient. A fluid infusion system includes a pump for delivering a fluid to a patient via an administration tube. A flow sensor associated with the administration tube provides an indication of the actual flow rate of fluid in the administration tube. Such a flow sensor may comprise a positive displacement flow sensor constructed using micro-fabrication and/or micro-molding techniques. A reader reads the actual flow rate signal and provides an indication to a controller for controlling the pump. The flow rate information can also be used for providing status information, such as the existence of a blockage in the fluid delivery system.
US08231565B2	Applicator device for medicated materials A device for delivering a medicated product into a bodily cavity includes a barrel member having a dispensing end, a proximal end, which is positioned opposite the dispensing end, and a bore, which extends through the barrel member. The bore is sized and shaped so as to receive a medicated product therein and includes an opening formed in the dispensing end of the barrel member. The opening is sized and shaped so as to permit a medicated product received in the bore to be dispensed therethrough. The applicator is also provided with a plunger member movably extending through the bore of the barrel member for dispending a medicated product from the bore through the opening. The barrel member includes at least one substantially flexible section located between the dispending end and the proximal end such that the barrel member is bendable about the flexible section.
US08231563B2	Electrokinetic actuator to titrate fluid flow An electrokinetic actuator for fluid flow titration including two chambers separated from one another by a porous dielectric disposed therebetween. A plurality of electrodes are disposed about a perimeter of the first and second chambers. Polar electrolyte disposed within the actuator is able to pass through the porous dielectric between the first and second chambers upon the application of an electric field or electric potential to the plural electrodes. A mechanical valve actuation mechanism connected to the second chamber allows for fine titration of fluid flow using electro-osmosis, including full-flow and/or complete cut-off. The polar electrolyte is isolated to prohibit intermixing with a fluid being titrated (such as cerebrospinal fluid).
US08231562B2	Insulin pump configuration programming invalid settings notification and correction An insulin pump configuration programming approach is disclosed that permits setting parameters of pump configuration files to invalid values. An operator may continue with the programming workflow after setting the invalid value. The configuration file including the invalid value may be saved to a memory location of a computing device, but cannot be saved to the pump. Invalid item icons are presented when a parameter is set to an invalid value, and instructions for correcting the invalidity condition are provided when an invalid item icon is hovered over using a pointing device.
US08231560B2	Orthotic device and method for securing the same An orthotic device includes a frame having a first shell defining front and rear surfaces, and extending longitudinally into the anterior and posterior sides of the brace. The first shell defining an opening located on the posterior side of the brace. A tightening mechanism is mounted onto the first shell, and has a ratchet strap located along the rear surface of the first shell and a ratchet device mounted on the front surface of the first shell so as to extend partially into the opening and engage the ratchet strap. An elongate tensioning device having a first end portion is connected to the ratchet strap, and the first end portion of the tensioning device extends along the rear surface of the first shell. The tensioning device has a second end portion anchored to a portion of the frame. A channel is mounted to the rear surface of the first shell and entirely encloses at least a portion of the ratchet strap. The tensioning device is a textile-based and substantially inelastic strap.
US08231557B2	Assembly for heat treating biological tissue An assembly for heat treating an area of biological tissue, including an energy generating device for supplying energy to a focal point in said area, a device for measuring the spatial temperature distribution in said area, and a control unit for controlling the movement of the focal point along a predetermined path to give a spatial temperature distribution consistent with a pre-sent distribution, characterized in that, as the focal point moves along the path, the control unit controls the distribution of the energy provided by the generating device depending on the measured temperature distribution and the pre-set distribution, in accordance with a control law including a proportional-integral-derivative term.
US08231555B2	Therapy system including multiple posture sensors Posture-responsive therapy is delivered by the medical system based on posture state input from only one of multiple posture sensors at any given time. An example implantable medical system includes a first posture sensor and a second sensor. A processor controls therapy delivery to the patient based on at least one of a patient posture state or a patient activity level determined based on input from only one of the first or second posture sensors. In some examples, one of multiple posture sensors of an implantable posture-responsive medical system is used to automatically reorient another posture sensor (of the system), which has become disoriented. The disoriented posture sensor may be automatically reoriented for one or more posture states at a time.
US08231554B2	Method and device for registering a femur implant A method for registering an asymmetrical femur implant having a shaft and a collar includes ascertaining a position of a shaft axis associated with the shaft and ascertaining a position of a collar axis associated with the collar. A device for registering an asymmetrical femur implant connected to at least one reference marker is provided. The device includes a detection device for detecting a spatial position of the at least one reference marker and a database in which a geometry of the asymmetrical femur implant is stored. A processor ascertains the spatial position of the asymmetrical femur implant.
US08231546B2	Systems and methods for parenterally procuring bodily-fluid samples with reduced contamination The present invention is directed to the parenteral procurement of bodily-fluid samples. The present invention is also directed to systems and methods for parenterally procuring bodily-fluid samples with reduced contamination from dermally-residing microbes. In some embodiments, a bodily-fluid withdrawing system is used to withdraw bodily fluid from a patient for incubation in culture media in one or more sample vessels. Prior to withdrawing bodily fluid into the one or more sample vessels for incubation, an initial volume of withdrawn bodily fluid is placed in one or more pre-sample reservoirs and is not used for the incubation in culture media.
US08231543B2	Methods and systems for screening and treatment of young infants demonstrating deficits in auditory processing The present invention provides a method and apparatus for screening infants at high risk for central auditory processing deficits and then remediating less efficient processing behaviorally using an adaptive training algorithm that gradually increases sensitivity to rapidly occurring stimuli streams.
US08231540B2	System and method for managing respiratory insufficiency in conjunction with heart failure assessment A system and method for evaluating a patient status from sampled physiometry for use in respiratory insufficiency management and heart failure assessment is presented. Physiological measures are stored and include direct measures regularly recorded on a substantially continuous basis by a medical device for a patient or measures derived from the direct measures. The physiological measures are sampled, which each relate to a same type of physiometry, and those of the physiological measures, which each relate to a different type of physiometry. A status is determined through analysis of those sampled physiological measures assembled from a plurality of recordation points. The sampled physiological measures are evaluated. Any trends are identified and include one of a status quo and a change, which might affect cardiac performance or respiratory performance. Each such trend is compared to applicable indications of worsening heart failure and respiratory insufficiency to generate a notification of parameter violations.
US08231535B2	Capacitative microfabricated ultrasound transducer-based intravascular ultrasound probes An ultrasound catheter is described herein for insertion into a cavity such as a blood vessel to facilitate imaging within a vasculature. The catheter comprises an elongate flexible shaft, a capacitive microfabricated ultrasonic transducer, and a sonic reflector. The elongate flexible shaft has a proximate end and a distal end. A capacitive microfabricated ultrasonic transducer (cMUT) is mounted to the shaft near the distal end. The reflector is positioned such that a reflective surface redirects ultrasonic waves to and from the transducer. In other embodiments, the catheter comprises a plurality of cMUT elements and operates without the use of reflectors. In further embodiments, integrated circuitry is incorporated into the design.
US08231534B2	Ultrasonic transmitter/receiver device, ultrasonic probe and ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus The ultrasonic transmitter/receiver device comprises a transmission section which transmits ultrasonic waves generated by a piezoelectric element when a transmission signal is inputted, a reception section which is superposed directly or indirectly on the transmission section and outputs a reception signal generated by a piezoelectric element when ultrasonic waves are received, a pair of a transmission signal wire and a transmission grounding wire for supplying the transmission signal to the transmission section, and a pair of a reception signal wire and a reception grounding wire for taking the reception signal from the reception section. The transmission grounding wire and the reception grounding wire are used in common as a common grounding wire. The common grounding wire and the transmission signal wire, and further the common grounding wire and the reception signal wire are disposed on different side surfaces of the transmission section and the reception section superposed with each other.
US08231528B1	System and method for retracting body tissue A retractor system includes a rail having two opposed widened rail portions separated by a narrowed portion, each widened portion engageable by a separate clamp. The clamps are configured to support the rail to a fixed surface, or to support a surgical device. Each clamp may independently be positioned or slid along the rail to a desired location without interference with a clamp on an opposing widened rail portion. A device clamp is formed of spherical mating portions which enable alignment of a surgical device along six degrees of freedom, and tightenable by securing a single fastener. A retractor blade mount enables an angular and tilting disposition of a retractor blade, as well as remote manipulation of the retractor blade.
US08231525B2	Endoscope channel cap The invention relates to an endoscope channel cap that may be used separately with two or more endoscopes each having a cap interface portion with a different configuration. The channel cap also may include one or more seals to maintain insufflation pressure both when an endoscopic instrument is inserted in a working channel of the endoscope and when the instrument is not inserted in the channel.
US08231523B2	Endoscopic system equipped with gas supply apparatus An endoscopic system includes an endoscope having a delivery member available to supply a body cavity of a specimen and, in addition thereto, a gas supply apparatus from which predetermined gas is supplied to a body cavity via a delivery member. The endoscopic system further includes a determination unit that determines whether or not there is a status in which, the gas supply device needs to supply gas to the body cavity, and a control unit that selectively and automatically control a permit and stop for the gas supply to be implemented by the gas supply apparatus depending on a determined result of the determination unit, which are formed in a unitary structure with, for instance, the gas supply unit.
US08231522B2	Electronic endoscope system An electronic endoscope system includes an electronic endoscope having a CMOS image sensor on the tip of an insertion section, a light source device for illuminating the interior of a patient's body, and a processing device for reading out image signals from the CMOS image sensor. The electronic endoscope system can operate with a standard imaging mode and a special imaging mode. When the time taken to read out the image signals from all the pixels in the standard mode is defined as T, the light source device in the special imaging mode emits illumination light in every first half period T/2 while switching a wavelength of the illumination light between two different wavebands. In every second half period T/2, the processing device reads out the image signals from the half of the pixels.
US08231519B2	Multi-lumen cannula This document relates to methods and materials for providing blood flow for a blood pump recipient. For example, cannulae that can be connected to the circulatory system of a mammal and can be used in conjunction with a blood pump (e.g., an assist device) are provided.
US08231518B2	Cardiac diastolic augmentation improving cardiac output in electromagnetic biventricular assist device An electromagnetic biventricular assist device adapted to assist ventricular output in a human heart includes a magnetic mat adapted for mounting inside a human body adjacent the heart, and an electromagnetic assembly adapted for mounting on the human body in functionally cooperative relation with respect to the mat. The mat is responsive to application of a first electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnetic assembly so as to be movable from a neutral position towards the heart and into compressive relation with the heart, and responsive to application of a second electromagnetic field that is opposite the first electromagnetic field so as to be movable from the neutral position in a direction away from the heart to expand ventricles in the heart and augment filling of the ventricles. A control circuit is constructed and arranged to control when the first and second electromagnetic fields are generated by the electromagnetic assembly.
US08231514B2	Folding assembly and method for producing a gable portion of a sealed package of a pourable food product A folding assembly for producing a gable portion of a sealed package of pourable product, wherein the gable portion has first and second walls sloping with respect to each other and joined at a seal, and a flap connecting lateral edges of the first and second walls. The folding assembly is supplied with packs, each having an axis and, at one end and on opposite sides of the axis, two end portions which are folded to form the gable portion, with the end portions having, respectively, a first and a second portion to be folded, which are joined by a lateral face of the pack. The folding assembly includes a folding mechanism which interacts, on opposite sides of the axis, with the first and second portion of the pack to fold the second portion onto the lateral face, and the first portion onto the second portion to form the flap.
US08231512B2	Tool magazine for storing driver bits and/or drill bits that includes a magazine, a driver head, a bit locking device, and sliders for moving the driver bits and/or drill bits from a storage position to a use position Retractable chuck for drill bits, screw bits and other tools for any chuck size operated by hand or power source which operates without the user touching the bits to move into operating position.
US08231511B2	Exerciser An exerciser apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a member having a substantially tubular exterior surface, said surface having a central longitudinal axis. The member has two or more receivers, said two or more receivers including a pair of receivers, axially-spaced from one another. A handle is provided for each receiver. The apparatus can be constructed from a tube, with each receiver being formed by a pair of radially-directed apertures formed through the tube and the handle provided for said each receiver being defined by a strip of the tube separating the pair of apertures.
US08231499B2	Eight speed automatic transmission An eight speed automatic transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets and five torque transmitting devices. Three of the planetary gear sets are simple and one planetary gear set is compound. Each of the plurality of planetary gear sets has first, second and third members: a sun gear, a ring gear and a planet carrier having a plurality of planet gears rotatably disposed thereon. Three of the torque transmitting devices are clutches and two of the devices are brakes. Eight embodiments of the transmission having different arrangements of the planetary gear sets, clutches and brakes are disclosed.
US08231489B2	One piece belt installation/removal guide A guide useful to install or remove a belt from a belt module is shown. This guide is made up of an elongated structure with a center aperture over which an endless belt is initially draped during installation. Once rotably attached to a belt module, the guide is moved downwardly to form a belt form over a top of the top drive rollers. A tube is attached to a bottom drive roller to help transfer the belt to the bottom drive roller and form the belt around the entire module. Once the belt is slidably positioned adjacent each drive roller, the belt is transferred from the guide and tube to the drive rollers for final installation.
US08231482B2	Multi-layer core golf ball Golf balls consisting of a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core consists of a small, hard center enclosed by a soft intermediate core layer and an outer core layer.
US08231477B2	Golf aids A golf aid (10) comprising an elongate alignment member (12) provided with at least one through-hole (16) for receiving a golf tee. The golf aid can provide a golfer who is looking down at the ball (30) to ensure the club head (32) is correctly addressing the ball with an indication of the line along which the ball is intended to travel.
US08231476B2	Yoke for universal joint A yoke 1 for universal joint of the present invention comprises: an insertion portion 11 which is formed in cylindrical shape opening along an axial direction of a rotating shaft and into which the one end side of the rotating shaft is inserted; a first tightening portion 13 and the second tightening portion 14 being a pair of tightening portions 12 which is extended from the insertion portion 11 so as to face each other with the opening of the insertion portion 11 between them; and a bolt 16 and nut 17 for tightening the pair of tightening portions 12 from either outside thereof, and the pair of tightening portions 12 is tightened, thereby the rotating shaft inserted into the insertion portion 11 is held and fixed. The bolt 16 is inserted into a through hole 13a of the first tightening portion 13. The nut 17 is fitted into a through hole 14a of the second tightening portion 14 so as to engage with the second tightening portion 14, and is formed so that at least a part of the end surface on the side facing the first tightening portion 13 is extended toward the first tightening portion 13 side and a gap S between them is a predetermined gap.
US08231475B2	CV joint with mechanically efficient assembly properties The constant velocity pivot joint includes an outer joint part (12), an inner joint part (14) and rollers (28) disposed between the outer joint part (12) and the inner joint part (14). The rollers (28) each comprise an inner ring (48) with an inner roller surface (54) and an outer ring (42) with an outer roller surface (56). A plurality of rolling members (46) is disposed between the inner ring (48) and outer ring (42) so that the outer ring (42) can roll off on the inner ring (48). The inner ring (48) forms an axial guide, which fixes the position of the rolling members (46) relative to the inner ring (48) in the axial direction. Furthermore, an inner ring (48) and the outer ring (42) are axially displaceable relative to each other to a limited extent.
US08231474B2	Multi-stimulus personal defense device A baton includes an elongate housing with a first compartment and a second compartment. A power source is located in the first compartment. An interchangeable operative component is located in the second compartment and may be removable/replaceable. The interchangeable operative component may be a training module, a light source, a laser generator, a sound generator, an incapacitation waveform generator, and combinations thereof.
US08231471B2	Automated wagering game machine configuration and recovery A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include determining one or more casino events that request a configuration for one or more wagering game machines, generating one or more automated configuration tasks, assigning one or more properties to the tasks, and storing the one or more automated configuration tasks and the one or more properties so that the one or more properties are persisted on the gaming network. The operations can also include recovering a wagering game machines operational state if the automated configuration tasks encounter problems during execution that affect the wagering game machines playability.
US08231467B2	Wagering game machine with scalable fidelity audio A computerized wagering game system includes a gaming module comprising gaming code which is operable to present a wagering game on which monetary value can be wagered, and an audio module. The audio module is operable selectively reduce the information content of a digital audio signal based on available audio resources.
US08231463B2	Modular gaming machine and security system A modularized gaming machine operable to receive wagers on a play of a game of chance is described. The modularized gaming machine may include a base gaming module that can operate independently or can be coupled to additional gaming modules. In one embodiment, the base gaming module may include a security monitoring system operable to determine a security configuration including error conditions that depends on features of gaming modules coupled to the base gaming module. In another embodiment, the security monitoring system may be operable to monitor a fixed security configuration that is independent of the configuration of the modularized gaming machine. The fixed security configuration may anticipate input from security devices that are unconnected in a particular configuration of the modularized gaming machine. In these instances, a signal mechanism may provide information to the security monitoring system to ensure a non-error condition for unconnected security devices.
US08231458B2	Gaming system having multiple player simultaneous display/input device A game table having a multiplayer interactive display/input device which enables multiple players to simultaneously play primary or base wagering games and/or secondary or bonus games using the display/input device. The display/input device enables multiple players to simultaneously interact with the game table and the various games using the same display/input device. The game table enables multiple players to manipulate displayed objects (such as virtual cards or other game symbols) displayed by the display/input device at the same time. This enables the display/input device to simultaneously display the same game to multiple players in an integrated seamless manner without the need for multiple different sets of display devices and input devices for each of the players.
US08231457B2	Financial trading game A game, and more particularly to an electronic game that simulates trading securities on an exchange. The game is preferably played as a video gaming machine for gambling purposes. A computing device is provided having, among other things, a video screen display on which a line chart is displayed. The computing device also includes a selection device, which provides a means by which the player interacts with the computing device to “buy” or “sell”. The line chart includes a vertical axis that corresponds to the value or price of one or more securities, and a horizontal axis that corresponds to time. A segmented line is plotted on the line chart during a round of play. A random number generator randomly determines the vertical axis value for each point plotted along the segmented line.
US08231451B2	Wagering game with player pre-selecting bonus feature A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a display for displaying a plurality of symbols indicating a randomly selected outcome and a selection-input device for selecting at least one bonus item from a plurality of bonus items. Each time a winning outcome is achieved, the selected bonus item reveals at least one of a plurality of bonus awards.
US08231447B2	Threshing unit for combine harvesters for optimized crop conveyence A threshing unit for combine harvesters has a cylinder, an assigned concave, at least one drum situated downstream of the cylinder, redirecting a threshed crop material out of a threshing region, and conveying it further in a direction of a remaining-grain separating device, wherein threshing slats of the cylinder and slats of at least one downstream drum are situated at a distance from one another in a circumferential region of the cylinder, and wherein peripheral speeds of the cylinder and the drum are synchronized with one another such that in a turning and scraping region the slats of the cylinder and the drum are always positioned opposite each other, or in a leading position that slightly deviates from the position opposite each other, or in a trailing position which slightly deviates from the position opposite each other.
US08231444B2	Method and apparatus for filleting poultry or poultry parts A method and system for filleting poultry or poultry parts is provided, which can include a conveyor system incorporating carriers for the poultry or poultry parts, with at least one processing station provided in or along the path of the conveyor system for processing the poultry or poultry parts. The processing station can be a cutting instrument that is placed behind a fillet scraper, and is embodied with a knife having a cutting-edge or cutting edges for cutting loose tissue connections that have remained between the carcass of the poultry or poultry part and its inner and outer fillets after passing the fillet scraper.
US08231440B2	Expansible sanding block exhibiting oblique extending surfaces A sanding block for supporting an exteriorly mounted looped sanding belt having an elongated and planar shaped base. A planar shaped cover exhibits first and second oblique extending surfaces and, upon engaging with the base by a plurality of mating tabs and slots, collectively defines a three-dimensional article for supporting thereupon the looped sanding belt. A trigger exhibits a three-dimensional rectangular shape and extends laterally across a widthwise defined opening in the base in communicating fashion with an end surface associated with the cover, such that the trigger is positioned between the base and cover. The trigger is displaced in a first lateral direction to lengthwise displace the cover away from the base, the trigger displacing in a second and opposite lateral direction to reverse displace the cover inwardly towards the base.
US08231433B2	Polishing method and polishing apparatus The polishing method of a disk-shaped substrate for polishing an outer circumference 13 of a disk-shaped substrate using slurry is provided with in this sequence: a first polishing process for polishing the outer circumference 13 using an abrasive-grain inclusion brush 50 made of a resin in which polishing abrasive grains are included; and a second polishing process for polishing the outer circumference 13 using a resin brush 60 made of a resin in which the polishing abrasive grains are not included.
US08231430B2	Wafer production method The present invention is a wafer production method at least comprising a chamfering step of chamfering a wafer sliced from an ingot using a grindstone for chamfering, and a step of obtaining a product wafer thinner than the chamfered wafer by performing at least one or more than one of the following processes on the chamfered wafer: flattening, etching, and polishing, the method at least comprising a correction step of chamfering a dummy wafer equivalent in thickness to the product wafer, measuring the chamfered dummy wafer for its chamfered shape, and correcting the shape of the grindstone for chamfering based on the measured chamfered shape of the dummy wafer, at least before the chamfering step, thereby chamfering the wafer sliced from the ingot using the grindstone for chamfering having its shape corrected. Thus, it is possible to provide a wafer production method allowing a product wafer with a desired chamfered shape to be obtained in a short period of time.
US08231425B1	Toy construction set and method A toy construction set has interconnectable objects, each with multiple faces. Some faces have a connector, while others lack a connector but may have a fibrous or pierceable material. The connector includes a pair of concentrically nested hubs. The two hubs have spiral prongs that spiral in opposite directions. A manually operable link connected between the two hubs can relatively rotate them in opposite directions. The play activity proceeds by adjoining a pair of the objects with a prominent, connector-bearing face of one of the pair touching a prominent connector-free face of the other one of the pair. The player will counter-rotate the hubs in the connector of the prominent connector-bearing face to embed their spiral prongs in the fibrous or pierceable material of the prominent connector-free face.
US08231424B2	Light-emitting element, light-emitting device, electronic appliance, and method of manufacturing the same A light-emitting element is provided which has a light-emitting layer between a first electrode and a second electrode, where the light-emitting layer has a first layer and a second layer; the first layer contains a first organic compound and a third organic compound; the second layer contains a second organic compound and the third organic compound; the first layer is provided to be in contact with the second layer on the first electrode side; the first organic compound is an organic compound with an electron transporting property; the second organic compound is an organic compound with a hole transporting property; the third organic compound has an electron trapping property; and light emission from the third organic compound can be obtained when voltage is applied to the first electrode and the second electrode so that the potential of the first electrode is higher than that of the second electrode.
US08231423B2	Organic light-emitting device and method for forming the same An organic light-emitting device and a method for forming the same are provided. The organic light-emitting device includes: a substrate including a pixel area and a peripheral circuit area; a passivation layer on the substrate, the passivation layer including a first part in the pixel area and a second part in the peripheral circuit area; a pixel definition layer defining a plurality of pixel openings corresponding to the pixel area of the substrate; a plurality of first electrodes in the pixel openings; an adhesion layer on the second part; an organic layer on the first electrodes; and a second electrode layer on the organic light emitting layer, wherein the second electrode extends to the peripheral circuit area to connect with the adhesion layer.
US08231422B2	Plasma display panel and manufacturing method thereof A plasma display panel includes a substrate, a plurality of metal electrodes, and a dielectric layer. The plurality of metal electrodes are formed on the substrate in a predetermined direction. The dielectric layer is formed on the metal electrodes by firing a glass material. The metal electrodes are formed with a film thickness of 6 μm or less. The dielectric layer is formed with a film thickness of 25 μm or less.
US08231420B2	Submersible mooring system A submersible mooring buoy for a floating vessel comprises a compartmented hull; a plurality of non-buoyant, catenary anchor lines each connected to the hull and a spring buoy such that the hull may be submerged without sinking to the seafloor by flooding selected compartments; and, a plurality of mooring legs anchoring each spring buoy to the seafloor.
US08231419B2	Water jet propulsion watercraft A water jet propulsion watercraft includes a main engine body, a rotor chamber disposed at a rear portion of the main engine body, a crankshaft disposed so as to extend penetratingly through the rotor chamber such that a rear end portion thereof protrudes to an outer side of the rotor chamber, a rotor unit coupled to the crankshaft inside the rotor chamber, a drive shaft connected to the rear end portion of the crankshaft and rotated together with the crankshaft, and a jet propulsion unit, having an impeller that is coupled to the drive shaft, and arranged to suck in and jet out water. The crankshaft includes a flange portion that is integral with the crankshaft inside the rotor chamber. The rotor unit is fixed to the flange portion.
US08231414B2	Sensor interconnect system An interconnect subsystem having a sensor, at least one substrate, at least one contact assembly to said sensor and said substrate, and optionally a registration pin connected to said sensor and passing through said substrate. The contact assembly includes a guide tube, a spring within the guide tube, and a transmission tube having a contact surface and at least partially within the guide tube and forced outward by the spring, such that the contact surface contacts conductive pads on the substrate.
US08231412B2	Electrical connector with grounding member An electrical connector that comprises a connector body that has opposite first and second ends. The first end is configured to be coupled with a prepared end of a cable. A coupling member that has an interface end configured to interface with a mating connector and an free end opposite the interface end that is rotatable with respect to the connector body at the second end of the connector body. A resilient grounding member is disposed between an outer surface of the second end of the connector body and the free end of the coupling member. Each of the connector body, the coupling member, and the resilient grounding member is conductive thereby creating a grounding path between the connector body and the coupling member.
US08231409B2	Connector having a front grid actuated by a counterpart connector The invention relates to an electrical connector comprising including a housing for electrical contacts having a plugging face, and a front grid to be mounted onto the plugging face of the housing according to a plugging axis, the housing comprising including a series of locking members that lock the contacts in place, the front grid comprising: including mounting arrangements arranged for allowing the mounting of the front grid onto the housing from an open position into a closed position only if the contacts are locked in place in the housing, and at least one retractable stop member arranged for stopping the plugging of the counterpart connector with the connector as long as the front grid is not in the closed position, wherein the or each retractable stop member is arranged such that its retraction in the closed position of the front grid can be caused by a sole force exerted thereon in a direction substantially parallel to the plugging axis.
US08231408B2	Connector A connector that has a high waterproof property, and can be easily assembled. A housing is formed with a through hole for accommodating a contact which is connected to a cable. An elastic sealing member that has a hollow cylindrical shape and is fitted on an outer peripheral surface of the cable is accommodated in a rear portion of the through hole, and an urging member having a hollow cylindrical shape is fitted on an outer peripheral surface of the housing. The urging member is formed with a tapered surface for urging a rear end of the elastic sealing member against the outer peripheral surface of the cable when the urging member is fitted on the outer peripheral surface of the housing.

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