最新美国发明专利第2012-08-07期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

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US08236937B2	Methods and compositions for the detection and isolation of ligands A method for the detection and isolation of ligands, preferably nuclear receptor ligands, bound to their cognate receptors in live animals, is described. A novel composition comprising 1) a chimeric transcription factor containing a DNA-binding domain, preferably from a non-vertebrate transcription factor, fused to the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of a nuclear receptor, 2) a reporter system, driven by a promoter that contains binding sites for the chosen DNA-binding domain, 3) multiple affinity tags fused to the LBD fusion proteins to facilitate efficient purification, along with specifically associated molecules and 4) sequences required for simultaneous genomic integration of all three components above are described. To make use of the system, expression of the chimeric LBD protein is broadly induced.
US08236936B2	Production of recombinant selenoprotein mutants with enhanced catalytic activity The present invention generally relates to the production of industrially relevant quantities of selenoprotein enzymes in eukaryotic cell cultures. More specifically, the present invention generally relates to the production of such enzymes wherein one or more catalytic cysteine or serine residues are mutagenically replaced by selenocysteine.
US08236929B2	Method and system for production of zein and/or xanthophylls using chromatography Methods and systems for obtaining zein and/or xanthophylls in highly pure form. Zein is first extracted from corn using aqueous ethanol. Suspended corn solids are separated, and the resulting extract is purified in a single size-exclusion chromatography step to separate impurities and produce substantially purified zein. The chromatography step may simultaneously produce substantially purified xanthophylls.
US08236928B2	Genes differentially expressed in breast cancer A polynucleotide sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO:1 is associated with metastatic potential of cancer cells, especially breast cancer cells. Methods are provided for determining the risk of metastasis of a tumor, by determining whether a tissue sample from a tumor expresses a polypeptide or mRNA encoded by a polynucleotide as shown in SEQ ID NO:1. Also provided are therapeutic methods and compositions.
US08236927B2	Stabilizer molecule-depleted albumin solution The invention concerns a method for producing an aqueous albumin solution from a starting albumin solution which contains stabilizer molecules which are capable of occupying binding sites of the albumin, wherein in a method for increasing the albumin binding capacity (ABiC) for other molecules, at least a portion of the stabilizer molecules is removed from the albumin of the starting albumin solution and separated from the starting albumin solution. To carry out such a method, by means of which a stabilized commercial starting albumin solution can be prepared in a manner which is simpler, faster, cheaper and in a manner which is gently on the albumin by removing the majority of the stabilizers and increasing the albumin binding capacity, the method comprises steps in which the starting albumin solution is brought into contact with a solid adsorption material the affinity of which for at least a portion, preferably all of the stabilizer molecules is higher than the affinity of the albumin for the corresponding stabilizer molecules, and the albumin is separated from the adsorption material; wherein the method is carried out at a pH of >3.
US08236925B1	Protein nanorings The invention provides protein nanorings.
US08236924B2	Cell-permeable peptide inhibitors of the JNK signal transduction pathway The invention provides cell-permeable peptides that bind to JNK proteins and inhibit JNK-mediated effects in JNK-expressing cells.
US08236913B2	(Meth)acrylate copolymer, a method for producing the same and a medical device [Object] An object of the present invention is to provide a surface-treating agent excellent in antithrombogenicity, and accordingly, excellent in biocompatibility, and having high hydrophilicity as compared with conventional medical materials. Further, an object of the present invention is to provide a production method excellent in performance of removing unreacted monomers and further improving a yield as compared with conventional production methods.[Constitution] The present invention relates to a water-insoluble copolymer comprising alkyl(meth)acrylate and methoxypolyethylene glycol(meth)acrylate. The present invention also relates to a method for producing a water-insoluble (meth)acrylate copolymer by copolymerizing alkyl(meth)acrylate and methoxypolyethylene glycol(meth)acrylate in a common polymerization solvent. Further, the present invention relates to a method for purifying (meth)acrylate copolymer by purifying (meth)acrylate copolymer by reprecipitation using a mixed solution of an alcohol having 1 to 10 carbon atoms and water.
US08236910B2	Cycloolefin copolymers, a process for their preparation and the use thereof and catalysts Cycloolefin copolymers which are distinguished by the presence of racemic diads of repeating polycyclic units and additionally by racemic triads of repeating polycyclic units are described. These copolymers can be prepared by copolymerization of polycyclic olefins with linear olefins in the presence of metallocene catalysts which have no Cs symmetry in relation to the centroid-M-centroid plane. The novel copolymers can be used for the production of shaped articles, in particular of films.
US08236908B2	Components and catalysts for the polymerization of olefins A solid catalyst component for olefin polymerization comprising a titanium atom, a magnesium atom, a halogen atom, and a cycloheptapolyenedicarboxylic diester; a production method of the solid catalyst component, by contacting with one another a titanium compound, a magnesium compound, and the cycloheptapolyenedicarboxylic diester; a production method of a solid catalyst, by contacting the solid catalyst component with an organoaluminum compound; and a production method of an olefin polymer by polymerizing an olefin in the presence of the solid catalyst.
US08236905B2	Hyperbranched polymers having ethylenically unsaturated groups Hyperbranched polyesters containing ethylenically unsaturated groups and obtainable by reacting (c) at least one compound having at least one ethylenic double bond with at least one hyperbranched polyester obtainable by condensing (a) at least one dicarboxylic acid or derivative thereof with at least one at least trifunctional alcohol or (b) at least one tricarboxylic or higher polycarboxylic acid or derivative thereof with at least one diol.
US08236904B2	Bioabsorbable polymer compositions exhibiting enhanced crystallization and hydrolysis rates A bimodal bioabsorbable polymer composition. The composition includes a first amount of a bioabsorbable polymer polymerized so as to have a first molecular weight distribution; a second amount of said bioabsorbable polymer polymerized so as to have a second molecular weight distribution having a weight average molecular weight between about 10,000 to about 50,000 Daltons, the weight average molecular weight ratio of said first molecular weight distribution to said second molecular weight distribution is at least about two to one; wherein a substantially homogeneous blend of said first and second amounts of said bioabsorbable polymer is formed in a ratio of between about 50/50 to about 95/5 weight/weight percent. Also disclosed are a medical device, a method of making a medical device and a method of melt blowing a semi-crystalline polymer blend.
US08236900B2	Modified polyolefin resin and uses thereof It is an object of the present invention to provide a modified polyolefin resin adhesive agent which is excellent in adhesiveness to a nonpolar substrate, particularly a poorly adhesive polyolefin substrate to which no surface treatment has been given and to a polar substrate, develops the excellent adhesiveness by drying or thermal compression bonding at relatively low temperature, and exhibits a low tack. That is, the present invention provides the modified polyolefin resin obtained by modifying a polyolefin resin with (A) a polarity imparting agent which is at least one selected from chlorine, unsaturated carboxylic acid, derivatives and anhydrides of unsaturated carboxylic acid and radical polymerizable monomers; and (B) an ethylene-α-olefin copolymer having an unsaturated bond at one end, and use of said modified polyolefin resin as an aqueous resin composition or an organic solvent resin composition.
US08236899B2	Zwitterionic block copolymers and methods Zwitterionic block copolymers having oppositely charged or chargeable terminal groups, and methods of making and using the same, are disclosed. The zwitterionic block copolymers can undergo microphase separation.
US08236897B2	Fluoroelastomer composition A fluoroelastomer composition comprising: at least one fluoroelastomer [fluoroelastomer (A)]; from 0.1 to 25 phr (with respect to fluoroelastomer (A)) of at least one melt-processable per(halo)fluoropolymer having a melting point of at most 250° C. [polymer (F)]; and optionally at least one (per)fluoropolyether [(per)fluoropolyether (E)]. The incorporation of the polymer (F) in the fluoroelastomer composition as described above enables easier processing of the fluoroelastomer composition, both in injection molding and extrusion molding technologies, yielding improved behavior in mold release, mold fouling, and aspect surface of the molded parts.
US08236892B2	Functionalized polymer and methods for making and using A functionalized polymer includes a polymer chain and a terminal functionality that includes at least one disilylamino group. The polymer can be the reaction product of a terminally active polymer chain and a compound that includes at least one disilylamino group and a group capable of reacting with terminally active polymers. Methods for making and using such polymers also are provided, as are compositions containing the polymer and one or more types of filler particles as well as vulcanizates provided from such compositions.
US08236891B2	Adhesive useful for installing vehicle windows providing rapid drive away time In one embodiment, the invention is a composition comprising: a) one or more isocyanate functional polyether based prepolymers having a polydispersity of less than about 2.5 determined by Gel Permeation Chromatography at a Mp of >1000; b) one or more plasticizers in sufficient amount that the composition can be pumped and applied to a substrate at a temperature of −10° C., preferably in an amount of about 15 percent by weight or less; c) one or more fillers in sufficient amount such that the composition exhibits a press flow viscosity of about 8 grams per minute or more; d) one or more catalysts for the reaction of isocyanate moieties with isocyanate reactive groups; wherein the composition demonstrates 30 minutes after application a high speed impact of about 1.6 MPa or greater according to DIN EN 1465 high speed impact test.
US08236889B2	Polymeric defoamer additive The present invention relates to a cost-effective and environmentally friendly polymeric defoamer formulation for use in various industrial applications that does not contain oil, EBS or free silicone.
US08236884B2	High permeability superabsorbent polymer compositions The invention relates to absorptive, crosslinked polymeric composition that are based on partly neutralized, monoethylenically unsaturated monomer carrying acid groups wherein the absorptive crosslinked polymer may be coated with a polymeric coating, and have improved properties, in particular in respect of their capacity for transportation of liquids in the swollen state, and which have a high capacity and a high gel bed permeability.
US08236880B2	Compositions comprising an amino triazine and ionomer or ionomer precursor Disclosed embodiments concern using at least one triazine, typically an amine or polyamine triazine (referred to as amino triazines), in combination with at least one ionomer or ionomer precursor to form compositions useful for making sporting equipment, such as golf ball components. The ionomer or ionomer precursor typically includes plural acid functional groups, such as carboxyl or carboxylate groups, that react or form salts with the amino triazine. Specific examples, without limitation, of suitable amino triazines include guanamine, 6-methyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine (acetoguanamine), 6-nonyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine (nonylguanamine), 6-phenyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine (benzoguanamine) and 2,4,6-triamino-triazine (melamine).
US08236879B2	Cementing composition comprising within un-reacted cement Cementing compositions for use in oilfield applications are designed such that, after setting, a significant amount of cement remains unhydrated. After placement in a subterranean well, the unhydrated cement remains dormant. If the cement sheath becomes damaged, the unhydrated cement hydrates upon exposure to formation fluids, thereby restoring zonal isolation in the wellbore. The compositions comprise emulsions that allow a substantial reduction of the water-to-cement ratio, yet the rheological properties remain suitable for placement in the well.
US08236878B2	Composition and manufacture thereof A process for preparing a functionalized polymer composition and a functionalized polymer composition. The process comprises the steps of providing a hydrocarbon resin, a polyolefin and a graft monomer, and dispersing the hydrocarbon resin in the polyolefin, followed by adding the graft monomer under shear to prepare the functionalized polymer composition. The polyolefin can comprise a polyethylene polymer or a C3 to C40 polymer having a molecular weight (Mw) of at least 20000.
US08236875B2	Rubber mixture comprising environmentally friendly softeners The invention relates to a rubber mixture, in particular for vehicle air-inflated tires, seat belts, belts and hoses. The rubber mixture is characterized by the following composition: at least one polar or non-polar rubber and at least one bright and/or dark filler and at least one softener, wherein the softener is free of polycyclic aromatics according to Directive 76/769/EEC, and wherein the carbon source for the softener comes from non-fossil sources, and other additives.
US08236865B2	Hydrophilic vinylidene fluoride resin composition and method for production thereof A hydrophilic vinylidene fluoride resin composition, comprising: porous vinylidene fluoride polymer particles and a hydrophilic polymer having a weight-average molecular weight of at least 2×105 contained in the pores of the porous vinylidene fluoride polymer particles. The composition is preferably obtained by subjecting a slurry containing porous vinylidene fluoride polymer particles after suspension polymerization to an appropriate degree of heat treatment for adjusting the amount of residual polymerization initiator, then impregnating the Polymer particles with a hydrophilic monomer and polymerizing the monomer. The thus-obtained vinylidene fluoride resin composition exhibits persistent hydrophilicity and good processability.
US08236863B2	Saline solutions for clinical or cosmetic use A saline solution for a clinical or cosmetic use which consists essentially of a solution in water of sodium ions in major amount and potassium ions in minor amount, together with physiologically acceptable counter ions, being isotonic or optionally slightly hypertonic or hypotonic with respect to blood plasma or tears or an otherwise relevant biological fluid, and being substantially free of calcium ions, magnesium ions, phosphate ions, bicarbonate ions and also glucose, sucrose, food starch or other glucose-releasing saccharides, for use as a more cell-friendly alternative to normal saline.
US08236861B2	Method for enhancing the bioavailablity of ospemifene This invention relates to a method for enhancing the bioavailability of a therapeutically active compound of the formula (I) or a geometric isomer, a stereoisomer, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, an ester thereof or a metabolite thereof, wherein said compound is administered orally to the individual in connection with the intake of food.
US08236854B2	Lipid-improving agent and composition containing lipid-improving agent A lipid-improving agent containing a triglyceride(s) where a poly-unsaturated fatty acid is bonded to 2-position of a triglyceride(s).
US08236853B1	Formation of cyclopentene nitro-ester and derivatives Disclosed is a method of synthesizing new optically pure heterocyclic compounds using Pd(0) catalyzed intramolecular cyclizations. Analogs of cyclopentanes, like isoxazoline-2-oxide and furan, with similar framework to the cyclopentanes act as anti-HIV and anticancer agents which opens a whole new field for application of these compounds. Starting from a meso-diol, optically pure compounds were prepared without utilizing chiral ligands at any stage of the synthesis. The stereochemical outcome of the product (>99% ee) was influenced by desymmetrization catalyzed by Pseudomonas cepacia lipase and the stereoselective nature of the palladium catalyzed transformations.
US08236852B2	Compounds with (substituted phenyl)-propenal moiety, their derivatives, biological activity, and use thereof The present invention includes compounds, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics having at least one (substituted phenyl)-propenal moiety. The compounds and compositions of the present invention are useful in the treatment or prevention of medical conditions including androgen associated conditions, androgen associated inflammation, acne, alopecia, hirsutism, a wound, prostate cancer, bladder cancer, liver cancer, breast cancer and Kennedy's disease.
US08236850B2	Dimeric derivatives of artemisinin and application in anticancer therapy The present invention relates to dimeric derivatives of 10-trifluoromethylated artemisinin of formula (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof with B1 and B2 selected from C═O, CHOH and CH2, as well as to their use in treating cancer and to their preparation method.
US08236847B2	Crystal forms of saxagliptin and processes for preparing same Physical crystal structures of a compound of the formula I: are provided including the free base monohydrate thereof (form H-1) and the hydrochloric acid salt thereof, including hydrochloric acid salt containing 0.75 equivalent of H2O (form H0.75-3) and hydrochloric acid salt containing 2 equivalents of H2O (form H2-1), and hydrochloric acid salt Pattern P-5, preferably in substantially pure form, and other forms as described herein, pharmaceutical compositions containing structures of compound I or IA, processes for preparing same, intermediates used in preparing same, and methods of treating diseases such as diabetes using such structures.
US08236844B2	Histidine derivatives A novel histidine derivative represented by the following formula (I), and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and hydrate thereof, useful as a pharmaceutical agent such as analgesics for the treatment of various kinds of acute or chronic pain diseases and of neuropathic pain diseases: wherein, R1 is hydrogen, alkyl having 1 to 6 carbon(s) or benzyl which may be substituted with alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon(s) or halogen; R2 is hydrogen or alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon(s); R3 and R4 are same or different and each is hydrogen, alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon(s) or phenyl which may be substituted with any one or two of alkyl having 1 to 6 carbon(s), alkoxy having 1 to 6 carbon(s), halogen, trifluoromethyl, nitro and cyano; and R5 is hydrogen or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon(s).
US08236840B2	Thiopene containing analogues of fluconazole as antifungal agents and process for their preparation The present invention discloses novel compounds of the Formula (1), containing thiophene moieties and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, methods for preparing these compounds, the use of these compounds in prevention and treatment of fungal infections, and pharmaceutical preparations containing these novel compounds.
US08236836B2	Composition comprising at least one oxazoline for inhibiting langerhans cell migration, and uses thereof The invention concerns a composition containing at least an oxazolin, optionally combined with at least a compound such as a metalloprotease inhibitor, a PKC inhibitor, an anti-inflammatory agent, a soothing agent, an immunosuppressor, an ion chelating agent, an alkanolamide, an oxazolidinone and a carbamic acid derivative. The invention also concerns the use of such a composition as medicine, in particular for preventing or treating skin pathologies of allergic and/or inflammatory and/or irritative origin or resulting from a danger signal. The invention further concerns a method for cosmetic treatment of sensitive, irritated, intolerant, allergy-prone, ageing skin and/or mucosa exhibiting skin barrier disorder, or exhibiting non-pathological immunologic imbalance, which consists in applying such composition on the skin and/or mucosa.
US08236835B2	Heterocyclic inhibitors of stearoyl-CoA desaturase The present invention provides heterocyclic derivatives that modulate the activity of stearoyl-CoA desaturase. Methods of using such derivatives to modulate the activity of stearoyl-CoA desaturase and pharmaceutical compositions comprising such derivatives are also encompassed.
US08236834B2	Crystalline forms of thiazolidinedione compound and its manufacturing method It is an object of the present invention to provide the crystalline form of a thiazolidinedione compound, which is effective as a pharmaceutical ingredient for manufacturing a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) activator and an anticancer pharmaceutical composition. The present invention relates to a crystalline form of a hydrate of 5-(4-{[6-(4-amino-3,5-dimethylphenoxy)-1-methyl-1-H-benzimidazol-2-yl]methoxy}benzyl)-1,3-thiazolidine-2,4-dione dihydrochloride represented by the following formula (I). [Formula 1]
US08236833B2	Biphenyl derivatives as modulators of voltage gated ion channels Biphenyl derivatives useful as ion channel antagonists are disclosed herein. The compositions thereof are useful for treating or relieving pain-related conditions.
US08236827B2	Compounds A compound for use in the treatment of proliferative disorders, such as cancer, having the following formula: wherein: R1, R2 and R3 are independently H or lower alkyl; R4, R5, R6, R7 and R8 are independently H, halo, lower alkyl or —O-lower alkyl, provided that at least one is —O-lower alkyl; or at least one pair of R4 to R8, the members of which pair are adjacent to one another on the ring, are conjoined to form —O—(CR14R15)n—O—, where n is 1 or 2 and R14 and R15 are independently H or lower alkyl, and the remainder of R4 to R8 are independently H, halo, lower alkyl or —O-lower alkyl; and R9, R10, R11, R12 and R13 are independently H, halo, lower alkyl or —O— lower alkyl, provided that at least one is —O-lower alkyl; or at least one pair of R9 to R13, the members of which pair are adjacent to one another on the ring, are conjoined to form —O—(CR16R17)m—O—, where m is 1 or 2 and R16 and R17 are independently H or lower alkyl, and the remainder of R9 to R13 are independently H, halo, lower alkyl or —O-lower alkyl.
US08236826B2	Diarylether derivatives as antitumor agents An object of the present invention is to provide a medicinal drug much improved in anti tumor activity and excellent in safety. According to the present invention, there is provided a medicinal drug containing a compound represented by the following general formula (1) or a salt thereof as an active ingredient: [Formula 1] wherein X1 represents a nitrogen atom or a group —CH═, R1 represents a group —Z—R6, in which Z represents a group —CO—, a group —CH(OH)— or the like, R6 represents a 5- to 15-membered monocyclic, dicyclic or tricyclic saturated or unsaturated heterocyclic group having 1 to 4 nitrogen atoms, oxygen atoms or sulfur atoms, R2 represents a hydrogen atom or a halogen atom, Y represents a group —O—, a group —CO—, a group —CH(OH)— or a lower alkylene group, and A represents [Formula 2] wherein R3 represents a hydrogen atom, a lower alkoxy group or the like, p represents 1 or 2, R4 represents an imidazolyl lower alkyl group or the like.
US08236825B2	Mitotic kinesin inhibitors and methods of use thereof This invention relates to inhibitors of mitotic kinesins, particularly KSP, and methods for producing these inhibitors. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the inhibitors of the invention and methods of utilizing the inhibitors and pharmaceutical compositions in the treatment and prevention of various disorders.
US08236823B2	Multi-cyclic compounds and methods of use The present invention relates to compounds of Formulas I and II, wherein B1, B2, B3, B4, C1, C2, ring D, L1, L2 and R1-4 are defined herein, synthetic intermediates, and pharmaceutical compositions, comprising such compounds. The compounds and compositions are capable of modulating various protein kinase receptors such as Tie-2 and Aurora and, therefore, influencing kinase related disease states and conditions. The compounds, for example, are capable of treating cancer caused by unregulated angiogenesis, and inflammation as well as other proliferative disorders.
US08236822B2	Compounds as cannabinoid receptor ligands Cannabinoid receptor ligands of formula (I) wherein Ring A and R1 are as defined in the specification. Compositions including such compounds, and methods of treating conditions and disorders using such compounds and compositions are also described.
US08236819B2	Dihydro-[1H]-quinolin-2-one derivatives as RXR agonists for the treatment of dyslipidemia, hypercholesterolemia and diabetes The present invention relates to compounds of Formula (I), methods for preparing these compounds, compositions, intermediates and derivatives thereof and for treating RXR mediated disorders. More particularly, the compounds of the present invention are RXR agonists useful for treating RXR mediated disorders.
US08236810B2	Substituted 8-aminoalkylthioxanthines, and their use as inhibitors of dipeptidyl peptidase IV The invention 8-aminothioxanthines and the derivatives of formula I wherein the various R groups and substituents are comprised of a number of different (C1-C10)-alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkene, alkyne, etc. groups and derivatives thereof which are hereinafter more specifically defined for the treatment of metabolic disorders such as type-2 diabetes, hyperglycemia, arteriosclerotic diseases and the like.
US08236808B2	Pyrazine derivatives as ENAC blockers A compound of Formula I or a hydrate or solvate thereof, where R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, and R10 have the meanings as indicated in the specification, is useful for treating diseases which respond to the blockade of the epithelial sodium channel. Pharmaceutical compositions that contain the compounds and processes for preparing the compounds are also described.
US08236807B2	Quinoxalinyl macrocyclic hepatitis C serine protease inhibitors The present invention relates to compounds of Formula I or II, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, or prodrug, thereof: which inhibit serine protease activity, particularly the activity of hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3-NS4A protease. Consequently, the compounds of the present invention interfere with the life cycle of the hepatitis C virus and are also useful as antiviral agents. The present invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the aforementioned compounds for administration to a subject suffering from HCV infection. The invention also relates to methods of treating an HCV infection in a subject by administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compounds of the present invention.
US08236805B2	Substituted piperazines as CB1 antagonists Compounds of Formula (I): or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, or esters thereof, are useful in treating diseases or conditions mediated by CB1 receptors, such as metabolic syndrome and obesity, neuroinflammatory disorders, cognitive disorders and psychosis, addiction (e.g., smoking cessation), gastrointestinal disorders, and cardiovascular conditions.
US08236804B2	Polymorphic forms of 1-′4-(5-cyanoindol-3-yl)butyl-4-(2-carbamoylbenzofuran-5-yl)piperazine hydrochloride The invention relates to new crystalline modifications of the hydrochloride of 1-[4-(5-cyanoindol-3-yl)butyl]-4-(2-carbamoyl-benzofuran-5-yl)-piperazine, crystalline modification of the dihydrochloride of 1-[4-(5-cyanoindol-3-yl)butyl]-4-(2-carbamoyl-benzofuran-5-yl)-piperazine and amorphous 1-[4-(5-cyanoindol-3-yl)butyl]-4-(2-carbamoyl-benzofuran-5-yl)-piperazine hydrochloride which are suitable in particular for the preparation of solid medicaments for the treatment or prevention of depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, mania, dementia, substance-related disorders, sexual dysfunctions, eating disorders, obesity, fibromyalgia, sleeping disorders, psychiatric disorders, cerebral infarct, tension, for the therapy of side-effects in the treatment of hypogonadism, secondary amenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome and undesired puerperal lactation.
US08236802B2	PARP inhibitor compounds, compositions and methods of use The present invention relates to tetraaza phenalen-3-one compounds which inhibit poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and are useful in the chemosensitization of cancer therapeutics. The induction of peripheral neuropathy is a common side-effect of many of the conventional and newer chemotherapies. The present invention further provides means to reliably prevent or cure chemotherapy-induced neuropathy. The invention also relates to the use of the disclosed PARP inhibitor compounds in enhancing the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents such as temozolomide. The invention also relates to the use of the disclosed PARP inhibitor compounds to radiosensitize tumor cells to ionizing radiation. The invention also relates to the use of the disclosed PARP inhibitor compounds for treatment of cancers with DNA repair defects.
US08236801B2	2-aza-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane derivatives The invention relates to novel 2-aza-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane derivatives of formula (I), wherein A, B, n and R1 are as described in the description, and to the use of such compounds, or of pharmaceutically acceptable salts of such compounds, as medicaments, especially as orexin receptor antagonists.
US08236798B2	Carboxamide compounds and their use as calpain inhibitors The present invention relates to novel carboxamide compounds and their use for the manufacture of a medicament. The carboxamide compounds are inhibitors of calpain (calcium dependant cysteine proteases). The invention therefore also relates to the use of these carboxamide compounds for treating a disorder associated with an elevated calpain activity.The carboxamide compounds are compounds of the general formula I in which R1, R2, R3a, R3b, R4, Q, Y, A and X have the meanings mentioned in the claims and the description, the tautomers thereof and the pharmaceutically suitable salts thereof. In particular, the compounds have the general formula Ia and Ib in which R1, r, R2b, R3a, R3b, R4, Y and X have the meanings mentioned in the claims, including the tautomers thereof and the pharmaceutically suitable salts thereof. Of these compounds those are preferred wherein Y is a moiety CH2—CH2, CH2—CH2—CH2, N(Ry#)—CH2, N(Ry#)—CH2—CH2 or CH═CH—CH═, each optionally having 1 or 2 H-atoms replaced with identical or different radicals Ry, wherein Ry and Ry# have the meanings mentioned in the claims.
US08236796B2	Aryl- and heteroaryl-substituted tetrahydroisoquinolines and use thereof to block reuptake of norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin The compounds of the present invention are represented by the chemical structure found in Formula (I): wherein: the carbon atom designated * is in the R or S configuration; and X is a fused bicyclic carbocycle or heterocycle selected from the group consisting of benzofuranyl, benzo[b]thiophenyl, benzoisothiazolyl, benzoisoxazolyl, indazolyl, indolyl, isoindolyl, indolizinyl, benzoimidazolyl, benzooxazolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzotriazolyl, imidazo[1,2-a]pyridinyl, pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridinyl, [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3 -a]pyridinyl, thieno[2,3-b]pyridinyl, thieno[3,2-b]pyridinyl, 1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridinyl, indenyl, indanyl, dihydrobenzocycloheptenyl, tetrahydrobenzocycloheptenyl, dihydrobenzothiophenyl, dihydrobenzofuranyl, indolinyl, naphthyl, tetrahydronaphthyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, 4H-quinolizinyl, 9aH-quinolizinyl, quinazolinyl, cinnolinyl, phthalazinyl, quinoxalinyl, benzo[1,2,3]triazinyl, benzo[1,2,4]triazinyl, 2H-chromenyl, 4H-chromenyl, and a fused bicyclic carbocycle or fused bicyclic heterocycle optionally substituted with substituents (1 to 4 in number) as defined in R14; with R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, and R14 defined herein.
US08236795B2	IL-12 modulatory compounds The invention relates to heterocyclic compounds, compositions including the compounds and methods of using and methods of making thereof. The compounds (and compositions) are useful, inter alia, in modulating IL-12 production and processes mediated by IL-12.
US08236793B2	Diazabicyclic aryl derivatives as cholinergic receptor modulators This invention relates to novel diazabicyclic aryl derivatives which are found to be cholinergic ligands at the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and modulators of the monoamine receptors and transporters. Due to their pharmacological profile the compounds of the invention may be useful for the treatment of diseases or disorders as diverse as those related to the cholinergic system of the central nervous system (CNS), the peripheral nervous system (PNS), diseases or disorders related to smooth muscle contraction, endocrine diseases or disorders, diseases or disorders related to neuro-degeneration, diseases or disorders related to inflammation, pain, and withdrawal symptoms caused by the termination of abuse of chemical substances.
US08236792B2	Substituted pyrrolidine amides as modulators of the histamine H3 receptor Certain substituted pyrrolidine amide compounds are histamine H3 receptor modulators useful in the treatment of histamine H3 receptor-mediated diseases.
US08236784B2	Composition comprising threitol phosphate and salts thereof This application discloses compositions containing synthetic threitol phosphates, in particular threitol monophosphate, threitol-bis-phosphate, threitol diphosphate, and/or threitol triphosphate. The threitol phosphates are useful in treating wounds, for cosmetic applications, and for bone and periodontal regeneration.
US08236778B2	Synergistic 5′-methylthioadenosine combinations The present invention relates to combinations of 5′-methylthioadenosine and glatiramer acetate, and to their use in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. In a particular embodiment, the present invention relates to a product comprising 5′-methylthioadenosine and glatiramer acetate as a combined preparation for the simultaneous, separate, or sequential use thereof for the prevention and/or treatment of multiple sclerosis.
US08236776B2	Modified CEA nucleic acid and expression vectors The present invention relates to a nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide and the use of the nucleic acid or polypeptide in preventing and/or treating cancer. The invention relates to improved vectors for the insertion and expression of foreign genes encoding tumor antigens for use in immunotherapeutic treatment of cancer. One such foreign DNA sequence is modified CEA nucleic acid.
US08236774B2	Human telomerase catalytic subunit The invention provides compositions and methods related to human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTRT), the catalytic protein subunit of human telomerase. The polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention are useful for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of human diseases, for changing the proliferative capacity of cells and organisms, and for identification and screening of compounds and treatments useful for treatment of diseases such as cancers.
US08236773B2	Aptamer therapeutics useful in the treatment of complement-related disorders The invention provides nucleic acid therapeutics and methods for using these nucleic acid therapeutics in the treatment of complement-related disorders.
US08236772B2	Methods of modulating angiogenesis and screening compounds for activity in modulating angiogenesis The present invention provides methods of modulating angiogenesis in an individual, as well as methods of identifying a candidate agent that modulates angiogenesis, where such methods involve modulating and identifying agents that modulate expression of gene products of a subset of genes concordantly-regulated by agonists of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), bFGF receptor, and VEGF receptor.
US08236767B2	Methods for treating inflammation using B7-H4 polypeptides and fragments thereof The invention provides novel B7-H3 and B7-H4 polypeptides useful for co-stimulating T cells, isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding them, vectors containing the nucleic acid molecules, and cells containing the vectors. Also included are methods of making and using these co-stimulatory polypeptides.
US08236766B2	Uses of synthetic peptide amides The invention relates to synthetic peptide amides that are ligands of the kappa opioid receptor and particularly to agonists of the kappa opioid receptor that exhibit low P450 CYP inhibition and low penetration into the brain. The synthetic peptide amides of the invention conform to the structure: wherein Xaa is a D-amino acid and G is selected from the following three groups: The compounds are useful in the prophylaxis and treatment of pain, pruritus and inflammation associated with a variety of diseases and conditions.
US08236763B2	Use of antagonists of the CB1 receptor for the manufacture of a composition useful for the treatment of hepatic diseases The invention relates to the use of antagonists to the CB1 receptor for the preparation of a composition for the treatment of hepatic diseases and preferably to the use of N-piperidino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methylpyrazole-3-carboxamide.
US08236762B2	Peptide-cytotoxic conjugates The invention features targeted cytotoxic compounds and methods relating to their therapeutic use for the treatment of neoplasia and other conditions.
US08236751B2	Methods of increasing muscle mass using follistatin-like related gene (FLRG) The present relates to use of follistatin-like related gene (FLRG) to increase muscle mass in a subject. As such, methods of ameliorating the severity of a pathologic condition characterized, at least in part, by a decreased amount, development or metabolic activity of muscle are provided. In addition transgenic non-human mammals expressing FLRG and having increased muscle mass as compared to a corresponding mammal having a myostatin-null mutation or a decreased level of myostatin are provided.
US08236748B2	pH tuneable amido-gellant for use in consumer product compositions The invention is to pH tunable amido-gellant that are suitable for use in consumer product compositions.
US08236746B2	Detergent composition comprising a ternary surfactant mixture and a clay A detergent composition containing: (a) a nonionic surfactant containing a polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether of which alkylene oxide moiety has an average number of moles of from 4 to 8; (b) an anionic surfactant, excluding a fatty acid and a salt thereof; and (c) a clay mineral represented by the general formula (I): [Si8(MgaAlb)O20(OH)4]X−·MeX+ (I) wherein a, b and x satisfy 0
US08236745B2	Liquid treatment composition According to the present invention there is provided a pearlescent liquid treatment composition suitable for use in laundering fabrics comprising a fabric care benefit agent selected from the group consisting of fabric softening agent, color protection, pill reduction, anti-abrasion, anti-wrinkle agents and mixtures thereof and a pearlescent agent, said pearlescent agent having D0.99 volume particle size of less than 50 μm.
US08236744B2	Composition with a color to indicate coverage A composition comprising at least one indicator, at least one light stabilizer, and at least one antioxidant. The composition is useful as a cleanser that provides a usage timer based on color change to indicate to a person that sufficient time has elapsed for cleansing.
US08236741B2	Method for haze mitigation and filterability improvement for gas-to-liquid hydroisomerized base stocks Haze formation in heavy Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) base stock is mitigated by the addition to said GTL base stock of one or more particular additives.
US08236736B2	Oil-based insulating packer fluid A packer or annular fluid includes a hydrocarbon fluid; and a gelling agent; wherein the packer fluid is a yield power law fluid. A method for preparing a packer fluid includes preparing a mixture of a hydrocarbon fluid, and a gelling agent; heating the mixture to a selected temperature; and shearing the mixture. A method for emplacing a packer fluid into an annulus includes preparing the packer fluid that includes a hydrocarbon fluid and a gelling agent, wherein the packer fluid is a yield power law fluid; and pumping the packer fluid into the annulus.
US08236734B1	Method for preventing scale formation in the presence of dissolved iron The present invention relates to a method of using threshold scale inhibitors of the formula: wherein n is 2 or 3 and M is hydrogen or an alkali metal cation, for preventing calcium carbonate, iron carbonate, and calcium sulfate scale formation in oilwell brines containing dissolved iron.
US08236732B2	Herbicidal composition A herbicidal composition comprising i) clethodim, ii) a sulfonate surfactant such as calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, iii) a polyoxyalkylene polyaryl ether such as polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene tristyryl phenyl ether and polyoxyalkylene distyryl phenyl ether, iv) an aromatic hydrocarbon, and optionally, v) an ester of fatty acid such as methyl oleate methyl palmitate, methyl laurate, isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, octyl laurate, octyl palmitate and butyl stearate gives good stability of the emulsion after it is diluted with water.
US08236728B2	Heat-sensitive transfer sheet A heat-sensitive transfer sheet containing a base film, a dye layer formed over one surface of the base film and containing a heat-transferable dye and a resin, and a heat-resistant lubricating layer formed over the other surface of the base film and containing a lubricant and a resin, wherein the heat-resistant lubricating layer contains a specific phosphate ester as the lubricant, and the maximum value of the following characteristic X-ray intensities is at least 5 times the minimum value thereof: characteristic X-ray intensities obtained by radiating an electron beam which is accelerated to 20 kV and has a beam diameter of 1 μm or less onto plural positions of the heat-sensitive transfer sheet from the heat-resistant lubricating layer side of this sheet, and measuring the resultant characteristic X-rays originating from the K-line of the phosphorus element in the heat-resistant lubricating layer by an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer.
US08236726B2	Nickel catalyst for selective hydrogenation The present invention discloses a Ni-based catalyst useful in selective hydrogenation, comprising the following components supported on an alumina support: (a) 5.0 to 40.0 wt. % of metallic nickel or oxide(s) thereof; (b) 0.01 to 20.0 wt. % of at least one of molybdenum and tungsten, or oxide(s) thereof; (c) 0.01 to 10.0 wt. % of at least one rare earth element or oxide(s) thereof; (d) 0.01 to 2.0 wt. % of at least one metal from Group IA or Group IIA of the Periodic Table or oxide(s) thereof; (e) 0 to 15.0 wt. % of at least one selected from the group consisting of silicon, phosphorus, boron and fluorine, or oxide(s) thereof; and (f) 0 to 10.0 wt. % of at least one metal from Group IVB of the Periodic Table or oxide(s) thereof; with the percentages being based on the total weight of the catalyst. The catalyst is useful in the selective hydrogenation of a pyrolysis gasoline.
US08236724B2	Catalyst-supporting particle, composite electrolyte, catalyst electrode for fuel cell, and fuel cell using the same, and methods for fabricating these An adhesive layer 3 is disposed between a carbon particle 2 and a catalyst substance 1 of a catalyst-supporting particle for a fuel cell containing the carbon particle 2 and the catalyst substance 1. Thereby, the catalyst-supporting particle for fuel cell can be obtained in which a contact resistance between the catalyst substance and the carbon particle supporting the same is lower, and the aggregation of the catalyst substance is suppressed. A catalyst electrode for a fuel cell and the fuel cell using the above particle have a higher output power and an excellent durability.
US08236723B2	Selective catalysts for naphtha hydrodesulfurization The invention relates to a catalyst for hydrodesulfurizing naphtha, to a method for preparing said catalyst and to a method for hydrodesulfurizing naphtha using said catalyst. More particularly, the catalyst comprises a Co/Mo metal hydrogenation component on a silica support having a defined pore size distribution and at least one organic additive. The catalyst has high dehydrosulphurisation activity and minimal olefin saturation when used to hydrodesulfurize FCC naphtha.
US08236720B2	Unshaped refractory material, a process for producing an earth-moist, unshaped refractory material, and use of the unshaped refractory material The invention relates to an unshaped refractory material comprising a refractory base component and a binder component, the binder component comprising, related to the refractory material, an acidic component of the group comprising an acid, salt of an acid, ester of an acid, salt and ester of an acid as phosphate, sulfate or carbonate, in an amount of ≧1.5 wt.-% and ≦6 wt.-%, and a basic component of the group comprising: base, urotropin, calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide, magnesium oxide, caustic MgO, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, in an amount of ≧1 wt.-% and ≦4 wt.-%, wherein said material receives an earth-moist, crumbly consistency by addition of 1 to 5 wt.-% of water and which solidifies after an exothermic reaction of the binder component.
US08236718B1	Continuous-fiber-reinforced amorphous ceramic composition The application discloses and claims an oxidation resistant, continuous-fiber-reinforced ceramic composition, durable at temperatures above 1000° C., and capable of taking on any arbitrary near net shape formed without machining and tooling. The composition of the invention comprises a fine grained ceramic matrix which in turn comprises a mixture of a ZrB2 phase and a SiC phase with the matrix being reinforced with SiC or C or an oxide fiber, resulting in a fine grained ZrB2—SiC matrix with domain sizes ≦0.5 μm. The ZrB2 phase of the invention is capable of forming small microcrystalline domains ≦0.5 μm upon heat treatment. The composition the invention also comprises a fiber reinforced composite with a high degree of filling and densification of its preform resulting in a composition containing a low level of porosity and high fiber volume fraction.
US08236715B2	Absorbent structure with improved water-absorbing material The present invention relates to an absorbent structure suitable in, or being an adult or infant diaper or feminine hygiene article, comprising a water-absorbing material comprising water-absorbing particles that comprise a film coating, comprising an elastic film-forming polymer and a coalescing agent.The invention also relates to an absorbent structure comprising a water absorbent material obtainable by a process of: a) spray-coating water-absorbing polymeric particles with an elastic film-forming polymer in a fluidized bed reactor at a temperature in the range from 0° C. to 150° C. and b) heat-treatment of the coated polymeric particles at a temperature above 50° C., wherein in step a) and/or b) a coalescing agent is added.
US08236713B2	Water-dispersible and multicomponent fibers from sulfopolyesters Disclosed are water-dispersible fibers derived from sulfopolyesters having a Tg of at least 25° C. The fibers may contain a single sulfopolyester or a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water-dispersible or water-nondispersible polymer. Also disclosed are multicomponent fibers comprising a water dispersible sulfopolyester having a Tg of at least 57° C. and a water non-dispersible polymer. The multicomponent fibers may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the water-dispersible fibers, multicomponent fibers, and microdenier fibers. The fibrous articles include water-dispersible and microdenier nonwoven webs, fabrics, and multilayered articles such as wipes, gauze, tissue, diapers, panty liners, sanitary napkins, bandages, and surgical dressings. Also disclosed is a process for water-dispersible fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs. The fibers and fibrous articles have further applications in flushable personal care and cleaning products, disposable protective outerwear, and laminating binders.
US08236704B2	Etchant and array substrate having copper lines etched by the etchant An etchant includes hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and a mixed solution including at least one of an organic acid, an inorganic acid, and a neutral salt.
US08236702B2	Method of fabricating openings and contact holes A semiconductor substrate having an etch stop layer and at least a dielectric layer disposed from bottom to top is provided. The dielectric layer and the etching stop layer is then patterned to form a plurality of openings exposing the semiconductor substrate. A dielectric thin film is subsequently formed to cover the dielectric layer, the sidewalls of the openings, and the semiconductor substrate. The dielectric thin film disposed on the dielectric layer and the semiconductor substrate is then removed while the dielectric thin film disposed on the sidewalls remains.
US08236694B2	Method for manufacturing micromechanical components The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an acceleration sensor. In the method, thin SOI-wafer structures are used, in which grooves are etched, the walls of which are oxidized. A thick layer of electrode material, covering all other material, is grown on top of the structures, after which the surface is ground and polished chemo-mechanically, thin release holes are etched in the structure, structural patterns are formed, and finally etching using a hydrofluoric acid solution is performed to release the structures intended to move and to open a capacitive gap.
US08236692B2	Method of manufacturing semiconductor device, cleaning method and cleaning control apparatus Efficient cleaning is possible although the film qualities and thicknesses of a reaction tube and a gas supply nozzle are different. There is provided a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device. The method includes forming a film on a substrate, performing a first cleaning process to remove a first deposition substance attached to an inner wall of a gas introducing part, and performing a second cleaning process to remove a second deposition substance attached to an inside of a process chamber and having a chemical composition different from that of the first deposition substance. In the first cleaning process, cleaning conditions are set according to the accumulated supply time of a first source gas supplied to the inside of the process chamber through the gas introducing part, and in the second cleaning process, cleaning conditions are set according to the accumulated thickness of a film formed on the substrate.
US08236691B2	Method of high aspect ratio plug fill A method of plug fill for high aspect ratio plugs wherein a nucleation layer is formed at a bottom of a via and not on the sidewalls. The plug fill is in the direction from bottom to top of the via and not inwards from the sidewalls. The resulting plug is voidless and seamless.
US08236690B2	Method for fabricating semiconductor package substrate having different thicknesses between wire bonding pad and ball pad A method for fabricating a semiconductor package substrate, including: preparing a copper clad laminate and half etching a copper foil on a wire bonding pad side of the copper clad laminate; depositing a first etching resist on the opposite sides of the copper clad laminate; forming circuit patterns on the first etching resist, constructing circuits including a wire bonding pad and a ball pad after the model of the circuit patterns, and removing the first etching resist; applying a solder resist to the copper clad laminate in such a way to expose the wire bonding pad and the ball pad; and plating the wire bonding pad with gold and subjecting the ball pad to surface treatment.
US08236688B2	Integrated circuit system with through silicon via and method of manufacture thereof A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit system includes: providing a substrate including an active device; forming a through-silicon-via into the substrate; forming an insulation layer over the through-silicon-via to protect the through-silicon-via; forming a contact to the active device after forming the insulation layer; and removing the insulation layer.
US08236684B2	Prevention and reduction of solvent and solution penetration into porous dielectrics using a thin barrier layer A method and apparatus for treating a substrate is provided. A porous dielectric layer is formed on the substrate. In some embodiments, the dielectric may be capped by a dense dielectric layer. The dielectric layers are patterned, and a dense dielectric layer deposited conformally over the substrate. The dense conformal dielectric layer seals the pores of the porous dielectric layer against contact with species that may infiltrate the pores. The portion of the dense conformal pore-sealing dielectric layer covering the field region and bottom portions of the pattern openings is removed by directional selective etch.
US08236680B2	Nanoscale, spatially-controlled Ga doping of undoped transparent conducting oxide films An article of manufacture comprising a nanowire and methods of making the same. In one embodiment, the nanowire includes a Ga-doped trace formed on a surface of an indium oxide layer having a thickness in nano-scale, and wherein the Ga-doped trace is formed with a dimension that has a depth is less than a quarter of the thickness of the indium oxide layer. In one embodiment, the indium oxide layer, which is optically transparent and electrically insulating, comprises an In2O3 film, and the thickness of the indium oxide layer is about 40 nm, and the depth of the nanowire is less than 10 nm.
US08236675B2	Semiconductor device and method of fabricating a semiconductor device A method is proposed for the fabrication of the gate electrode of a semiconductor device such that the effects of gate depletion are minimized. The method is comprised of a dual deposition process wherein the first step is a very thin layer that is doped very heavily by ion implantation. The second deposition, with an associated ion implant for doping, completes the gate electrode. With the two-deposition process, it is possible to maximize the doping at the gate electrode/gate dielectric interface while minimizing risk of boron penetration of the gate dielectric. A further development of this method includes the patterning of both gate electrode layers with the advantage of utilizing the drain extension and source/drain implants as the gate doping implants and the option of offsetting the two patterns to create an asymmetric device. A method is also provided for the formation of shallow junctions in a semiconductor substrate by diffusion of dopant from an implanted layer contained within a dielectric layer into the semiconductor surface. Further, the ion implanted layer is provided with a second implanted species, such as hydrogen, in addition to the intended dopant species, wherein said species enhances the diffusivity of the dopant in the dielectric layer.
US08236672B2	Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing semiconductor device A cavity-containing layer having a plurality of cavities is formed on a growth substrate by carrying out in alternating fashion a plurality of cycles of a first and second growth steps of growing a group III nitride at growth rates different from each other. The semiconductor epitaxial layer is subsequently formed on the cavity-containing layer, after which a support substrate is bonded to the semiconductor epitaxial layer. The growth substrate is separated from the cavity-containing layer.
US08236671B2	Method of manufacturing semiconductor device A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device including a nitride semiconductor layer having high-precision thickness is provided. The method includes steps of: forming a gallium nitride (GaN) layer whose main face is a +c face on a substrate; forming a trench by selectively etching down a partial region in the +c face of the GaN layer; forming a metal layer so as to bury the trench; and separating the substrate and the GaN layer, after that, polishing a −c face of the GaN layer until the metal layer is exposed, and removing a part in a thickness direction of the GaN layer.
US08236660B2	Monolayer dopant embedded stressor for advanced CMOS Semiconductor structures are disclosed that have embedded stressor elements therein. The disclosed structures include at least one FET gate stack located on an upper surface of a semiconductor substrate. The at least one FET gate stack includes source and drain extension regions located within the semiconductor substrate at a footprint of the at least one FET gate stack. A device channel is also present between the source and drain extension regions and beneath the at least one gate stack. The structure further includes embedded stressor elements located on opposite sides of the at least one FET gate stack and within the semiconductor substrate. Each of the embedded stressor elements includes a lower layer of a first epitaxy doped semiconductor material having a lattice constant that is different from a lattice constant of the semiconductor substrate and imparts a strain in the device channel, and an upper layer of a second epitaxy doped semiconductor material located atop the lower layer. The lower layer of the first epitaxy doped semiconductor material has a lower content of dopant as compared to the upper layer of the second epitaxy doped semiconductor material. The structure further includes at least one monolayer of dopant located within the upper layer of each of the embedded stressor elements. The at least one monolayer of dopant is in direct contact with an edge of either the source extension region or the drain extension region.
US08236656B2	Method and apparatus for controlling a circuit with a high voltage sense device A high-voltage junction field-effect transistor (JFET) includes a semiconductor substrate, a well region, first, second, and third doped regions, and first, second, and third terminals. The first doped region is disposed in the well region and the second dope region is laterally displaced from the well region. The third doped region is disposed in the well region between the first and second doped regions. A portion of the well region is substantially depleted of free charge carriers when a first voltage between the first and second terminals is greater than or equal to a pinch-off voltage. A voltage output at the third terminal is substantially proportional to the first voltage when the first voltage is less than the pinch-off voltage, and the voltage output at the third terminal is substantially fixed and less than the first voltage when the first voltage is greater than or equal to the pinch-off voltage.
US08236652B2	Semiconductor device with buried bit lines and method for fabricating the same A semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor substrate configured to include a plurality of trenches therein; a plurality of buried bit lines each configured to fill a portion of each trench; a plurality of active pillars each formed in an upper portion of each buried bit line; a plurality of vertical gates each configured to surround each active pillar; and a plurality of word lines configured to couple neighboring vertical gates with each other.
US08236650B2	Vertical-type non-volatile memory devices and methods of manufacturing the same In a semiconductor device, and a method of manufacturing thereof, the device includes a substrate of single-crystal semiconductor material extending in a horizontal direction and a plurality of interlayer dielectric layers on the substrate. A plurality of gate patterns are provided, each gate pattern being between a neighboring lower interlayer dielectric layer and a neighboring upper interlayer dielectric layer. A vertical channel of single-crystal semiconductor material extends in a vertical direction through the plurality of interlayer dielectric layers and the plurality to of gate patterns, a gate insulating layer being between each gate pattern and the vertical channel that insulates the gate pattern from the vertical channel.
US08236645B1	Integrated circuits having place-efficient capacitors and methods for fabricating the same Integrated circuits having place-efficient capacitors and methods for fabricating the same are provided. A dielectric layer is formed overlying a conductive feature on a semiconductor substrate. A via opening is formed into the dielectric layer to expose a portion of the conductive feature. A partial opening is etched into the dielectric layer and positioned over the conductive feature. Etch resistant particles are deposited overlying the dielectric layer and in the partial opening. The dielectric layer is further etched using the etch resistant particles as an etch mask to extend the partial opening. A first conductive layer is formed overlying the extended partial opening and electrically contacting the conductive feature. A capacitor insulating layer is formed overlying the first conductive layer. A second conductive layer is formed overlying the insulating layer.
US08236644B2	Trench structure and method of forming the trench structure Disclosed are embodiments of an improved deep trench capacitor structure and memory device that incorporates this deep trench capacitor structure. The deep trench capacitor and memory device embodiments are formed on a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) wafer such that the insulator layer remains intact during subsequent deep trench etch processes and, optionally, such that the deep trench of the deep trench capacitor has different shapes and sizes at different depths. By forming the deep trench with different shapes and sizes at different depths the capacitance of the capacitor can be selectively varied and the resistance of the buried conductive strap which connects the capacitor to a transistor in a memory device can be reduced.
US08236638B2	Shallow trench isolation for SOI structures combining sidewall spacer and bottom liner A method for making a semiconductor device is provided which includes (a) providing a layer stack comprising a semiconductor layer (211) and a dielectric layer (209) disposed between the substrate and the semiconductor layer, (b) creating a trench (210) which extends through the semiconductor layer and which exposes a portion of the dielectric layer, the trench having a sidewall, (c) creating a spacer structure (221) which comprises a first material and which is adjacent to the sidewall of the trench, and (d) forming a stressor layer (223) which comprises a second material and which is disposed on the bottom of the trench.
US08236637B2	Planar silicide semiconductor structure A planar silicide structure and method of fabrication is disclosed. A FET having a silicided raised source-drain structure is formed where the height of the source-drain structures are the same as the height of the gates, simplifying the process of forming contacts on the FET. One embodiment utilizes a replacement metal gate FET and another embodiment utilizes a gate-first FET.
US08236636B2	Hybrid orientation semiconductor structure with reduced boundary defects and method of forming same The present invention provides an improved amorphization/templated recrystallization (ATR) method for forming hybrid orientation substrates and semiconductor device structures. A direct-silicon-bonded (DSB) silicon layer having a (011) surface crystal orientation is bonded to a base silicon substrate having a (001) surface crystal orientation to form a DSB wafer in which the in-plane <110> direction of the (011) DSB layer is aligned with an in-plane <110> direction of the (001) base substrate. Selected regions of the DSB layer are amorphized down to the base substrate to form amorphized regions aligned with the mutually orthogonal in-plane <100> directions of the (001) base substrate, followed by recrystallization using the base substrate as a template. This optimal arrangement of DSB layer, base substrate, and amorphized region orientation provides a near-vertical, essentially defect-free boundary between original-orientation and changed-orientation silicon regions, thus enabling complete boundary region removal with smaller footprint shallow trench isolation than possible with ATR methods not so optimized.
US08236627B2	Manufacturing method of semiconductor device It is an object to provide a manufacturing method of a structure of a thin film transistor including an oxide semiconductor film, in which threshold voltage at which a channel is formed is positive and as close to 0 V as possible. A protective insulating layer is formed to cover a thin film transistor including an oxide semiconductor layer that is dehydrated or dehydrogenated by first heat treatment, and second heat treatment at a temperature that is lower than that of the first heat treatment, in which the increase and decrease in temperature are repeated plural times, is performed, whereby a thin film transistor including an oxide semiconductor layer, in which threshold voltage at which a channel is formed is positive and as close to 0 V as possible without depending on the channel length, can be manufactured.
US08236625B2	Method of forming a multi-channel ESD device In one embodiment, a two terminal multi-channel ESD device is configured to include a zener diode and a plurality of P-N diodes. In another embodiment, the ESD devices has an asymmetrical, characteristic.
US08236623B2	Memory cell that employs a selectively fabricated carbon nano-tube reversible resistance-switching element and methods of forming the same In some aspects, a method of fabricating a memory cell is provided that includes (1) fabricating a steering element above a substrate; and (2) fabricating a reversible-resistance switching element coupled to the steering element by selectively fabricating carbon nano-tube (CNT) material above the substrate. Numerous other aspects are provided.
US08236621B2	Mold resin sealing device and molding method A mold resin sealing device for sealing a surface of a semiconductor wafer with a mold resin, includes: a first mold die; and a second mold die disposed opposite to the first mold die, the second mold die having a second surface; wherein the first mold die includes a first part having a first surface facing the second surface of the second mold die and having an opening in a central region of the first surface; and a first step-like movable part capable of moving in the opening in both directions so that the first step-like movable part moves toward and away from the second mold die.
US08236614B2	Semiconductor device manufacturing method Provided are a semiconductor device producing method with simple production steps while preventing contamination of a bonding pad and preventing warp generation in an adherend such as a substrate, a lead frame, or a semiconductor element, thereby improving yield; an adhesive sheet used in this method; and a semiconductor device obtained by this method. The invention includes a pre-setting step of pre-setting a semiconductor element 13 to an adherend 11 through an adhesive sheet 12, and a wire bonding step of wire bonding the element 13 in the bonding temperatures range of 80 to 250° C. without performing any heating step, wherein, as the adhesive sheet 12, a sheet having a storage elastic modulus of 1 MPa or more in the temperature range of 80 to 250° C. or a storage elastic modulus of 1 MPa or more at any temperature in the temperature range before curing the sheet 12 is used.
US08236609B2	Packaging an integrated circuit die with backside metallization A method (32) of packaging integrated circuit (IC) dies (48) includes applying (36) a laminating material (44) to a wafer (40), and separating (46) the wafer (40) into multiple IC dies (48) such that the laminating material (44) is applied to back surfaces (52) of the IC dies (48). Each of the IC dies (48) is positioned (62) with an active surface (50) facing a support substrate (56). An encapsulant layer (72) is formed (64) overlying the laminating material (44) and the back surfaces (52) of the IC dies (48) from a molding compound (66). The molding compound (66) and the laminating material (44) are removed from the back surfaces (52) of the IC dies (48) to form (76) openings (78) exposing the back surfaces (52). Conductive material (84, 88) is placed in the openings (78) and functions as a heat sink and/or a ground for the IC dies (48).
US08236604B2	Fine line metallization of photovoltaic devices by partial lift-off of optical coatings A metal grid contact and dielectric pattern on a layer requiring conductive contact in a photovoltaic device. The invention includes, in one aspect, forming a metal film; forming an etch resist over the metal film by, e.g., directly writing and in-situ curing the etch resist using, e.g., ink-jetting or screen-printing; etching the metal film leaving the resist pattern and a metal grid contact pattern under the etch resist intact; forming a dielectric layer over the etch resist; and removing the resist pattern and the dielectric over the etch resist, leaving a substantially co-planar metal grid contact and dielectric pattern. The metal grid contact pattern may form the front and/or back contact electrode of a solar cell; and the dielectric layer may be an optical reflection or antireflection layer. The layer requiring contact may be multifunctional providing its own passivation, such that passivation is substantially not required in the dielectric layer.
US08236602B2	Phase change memory device resistant to stack pattern collapse and a method for manufacturing the same A phase change memory device resistant to stack pattern collapse is presented. The phase change memory device includes a silicon substrate, switching elements, heaters, stack patterns, bit lines and word lines. The silicon substrate has a plurality of active areas. The switching elements are connected to the active areas. The heaters are connected to the switching elements. The stack patterns are connected to the heaters. The bit lines are connected to the stack patterns. The word lines are connected to the active areas of the silicon substrate.
US08236601B2	Apparatus and methods of forming a conductive transparent oxide film layer for use in a cadmium telluride based thin film photovoltaic device Methods for forming a TCO layer on a substrate are generally provided and include sputtering a TCO layer on a substrate from a target including cadmium stannate. A cap material (e.g., including cadmium) is deposited onto an outer surface of an indirect anneal system, and the TCO layer can be annealed at an anneal temperature while in contact with or within about 10 cm of the cap material. An anneal oven is also generally provided and includes an indirect anneal system defining a deposition surface and an anneal surface such that a cap material deposited on the anneal surface of the indirect anneal system is positioned to be in contact with or within about 10 cm of a thin film on the substrate. A cap material source can be positioned to deposit the cap material onto the deposition surface such that the anneal surface comprises the cap material.
US08236599B2	Solution-based process for making inorganic materials Disclosed embodiments provide a solution-based process for producing useful materials, such as semiconductor materials. One disclosed embodiment comprises providing at least a first reactant and a second reactant in solution and applying the solution to a substrate. The as-deposited material is thermally annealed to form desired compounds. Thermal annealing may be conducted under vacuum; under an inert atmosphere; or under a reducing environment. The method may involve using metal and chalcogen precursor compounds. One example of a metal precursor compound is a metal halide. Examples of suitable chalcogen precursor compounds include a chalcogen powder, a chalcogen halide, a chalcogen oxide, a chalcogen urea, a chalcogen or dichalcogen comprising organic ligands, or combinations thereof. Certain disclosed embodiments concern a method for making a solar cell from I-III-VI semiconductors.
US08236597B1	Bulk metal species treatment of thin film photovoltaic cell and manufacturing method A method for forming a thin film photovoltaic device. The method includes providing a transparent substrate comprising a surface region. A first electrode layer is formed overlying the surface region. A copper layer is formed overlying the first electrode layer and an indium layer is formed overlying the copper layer to form a multi-layered structure. The method subjects at least the multi-layered structure to a thermal treatment process in an environment containing a sulfur bearing species to form a bulk copper indium disulfide material. The bulk copper indium disulfide material comprises one or more portions of copper indium disulfide material and a surface region characterized by a copper poor surface having a copper-to-indium atomic ratio of less than about 0.95:1. The copper poor surface and one or more portions of the bulk copper indium disulfide material are subjected to metal cation species to convert the copper poor surface from an n-type characteristic to a p-type characteristic and to convert any of the one or more portions of the bulk copper indium disulfide material having the copper-to-indium atomic ratio of less than about 0.95:1 from a p-type characteristic to an n-type characteristic. A window layer is formed overlying the copper indium disulfide material.
US08236596B2	Diffusion furnaces employing ultra low mass transport systems and methods of wafer rapid diffusion processing Multi-zone, solar cell diffusion furnaces having a plurality of radiant element (SiC) or/and high intensity IR lamp heated process zones, including baffle, ramp-up, firing, soaking and cooling zone(s). The transport of solar cell wafers, e.g., silicon, selenium, germanium or gallium-based solar cell wafers, through the furnace is implemented by use of an ultra low-mass, wafer transport system comprising laterally spaced shielded metal bands or chains carrying non-rotating alumina tubes suspended on wires between them. The wafers rest on raised circumferential standoffs spaced laterally along the alumina tubes, which reduces contamination. The bands or chains are driven synchronously at ultra-low tension by a pin drive roller or sprocket at either the inlet or outlet end of the furnace, with appropriate tensioning systems disposed in the return path. The high intensity IR flux rapidly photo-radiation conditions the wafers so that diffusion occurs >3× faster than conventional high-mass thermal furnaces.
US08236592B2	Method of forming semiconductor device A method for forming a semiconductor device is provided including processing a wafer having a target material; forming a first pattern over the target material; forming a protection layer over the first pattern; and forming a second pattern, over the target material and not over the protection layer, without an etching step between the forming the first pattern and the forming the second pattern.
US08236591B2	Semiconductor light emitting element and method for manufacturing the same A method for manufacturing a semiconductor light emitting element from a wafer in which a gallium nitride compound semiconductor has been laminated on a sapphire substrate having an orientation flat, comprises of: laminating a semiconductor layer on a first main face of the sapphire substrate having an off angle θ in a direction Xo parallel to the orientation flat; forming a first break groove that extends in a direction Y substantially perpendicular to the direction Xo, on the semiconductor layer side; forming a second break line that is shifted by a predetermined distance in the ±Xo direction from a predicted split line within the first break groove and parallel to the first break groove in the interior of the sapphire substrate and corresponding to the inclination of the off angle θ; and splitting the wafer along the first and/or second break line.
US08236589B2	DBR laser with improved thermal tuning efficiency A distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) includes a base substrate and a gain medium formed on the base substrate. A waveguide positioned above the base substrate in optical communication with the gain medium and defines a gap extending between the base substrate and the waveguide along a substantial portion of the length thereof. The waveguide having a grating formed therein. A heating element is in thermal contact with the waveguide and electrically coupled to a controller electrically configured to adjust optical properties of the waveguide by controlling power supplied to the heating element.
US08236587B2	Method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display module Disclosed is a robot for transferring a substrate, wherein the robot has a robot arm, a hand part, which includes a plurality of plates. A plurality of pins protrude from the plates such that each pin may be folded downward. The pins include a rubber or resin with thermally insulating properties. By selectively folding down a certain number of the pins, contact may be minimized between the substrate and the robot, thereby preventing damage to the substrate such as thermally-induced defects and stains.
US08236584B1	Method of forming a light emitting diode emitter substrate with highly reflective metal bonding The present disclosure provides one embodiment of a method for fabricating a light emitting diode (LED) package. The method includes forming a plurality of through silicon vias (TSVs) on a silicon substrate; depositing a dielectric layer over a first side and a second side of the silicon substrate and over sidewall surfaces of the TSVs; forming a metal layer patterned over the dielectric layer on the first side and the second side of the silicon substrate and further filling the TSVs; and forming a plurality of highly reflective bonding pads over the metal layer on the second side of the silicon substrate for LED bonding and wire bonding.
US08236583B2	Method of separating light-emitting diode from a growth substrate A method of forming a light-emitting diode (LED) device and separating the LED device from a growth substrate is provided. The LED device is formed by forming an LED structure over a growth substrate. The method includes forming and patterning a mask layer on the growth substrate. A first contact layer is formed over the patterned mask layer with an air bridge between the first contact layer and the patterned mask layer. The first contact layer may be a contact layer of the LED structure. After the formation of the LED structure, the growth substrate is detached from the LED structure along the air bridge.
US08236581B2	Method of manufacturing semiconductor light emitting device Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a semiconductor light emitting device. The method includes forming a light emitting structure including a first conductive semiconductor layer, an active layer, and a second conductive semiconductor layer on a substrate, forming an electrode layer on the light emitting structure, forming a conductive support member on the electrode layer, and planarizing a top surface of the conductive support member.
US08236575B2	Carrier for analysis of an analyte and process for producing the same A first reactant, which is provided with a reaction site for specific binding with an analyte, and a fluorescent label site, and a second reactant, which is provided with a reaction site for specific binding with the analyte, and a fluorescence recognition site for recognizing fluorescence produced by the fluorescent label site of the first reactant, are respectively fixed onto a support such that the first reactant and the second reactant have a positional relationship adapted for the binding with the analyte.
US08236572B2	Chemical exchange saturation transfer based MRI using reporter genes and MRI methods related thereto Featured are a new class of reporter genes including reporter compositions as well as methods, MRI systems and MRI imaging kits related thereto. The genes according to the present invention provide MR contrast when the sample/subject is irradiated at a specific off-resonance radio-frequency (RF frequency), where the contrast mechanism utilizes chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) technique for imaging.
US08236571B2	Method of making micro-pixelated fluid-assay precursor structure A method of producing a precursor, active-matrix, fluid-assay micro-structure including the steps of (1) utilizing low-temperature TFT and Si technology, establishing preferably on a glass or plastic substrate a matrix array of non-functionalized pixels, and (2) preparing at least one of these pixels for individual, digitally-addressed (a) functionalization, and (b) reading out, ultimately, of completed assay results.
US08236566B2	Preparation and optimization of oxygenated gasolines A process for controlling the composition of an xBOB so that the xBOB will yield an oxygenate-containing gasoline which precisely meets desired specifications when mixed with the desired amount of oxygenate. The process involves blending a plurality of blendstocks to produce an xBOB, withdrawing a sample of the xBOB, obtaining spectroscopic measurements for the sample, applying mathematical models that were based on correlation of xBOB spectra to associated oxygenate-containing gasoline properties, to predict laboratory analysis results for oxygenate-containing gasoline properties, and using the analysis results to control and optimize the blending process.
US08236565B2	Tagging reagents and methods for hydroxylated compounds In various aspects, the present teachings provide labeling reagents and sets of labeling reagents for the relative quantitation, absolute quantitation, or both, of hydroxylated compounds including, but not limited to, hydroxylated ring containing compounds, steroids and sterols. In various aspects, the present teachings also provide methods for the analysis hydroxylated compounds including, but not limited to, hydroxylated ring containing compounds, steroids and sterols my MS/MS methods.
US08236558B2	Bovine immunodeficiency virus (BIV) based vectors BIV packaging constructs, BIV packaging cell lines, methods of making BIV packaging cells and methods of making BIV producer cells are described.
US08236557B2	Hybrid-AAV vectors to deliver large gene expression cassette Hybrid adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector systems able to efficiently express therapeutic target genes larger than may be carried in a single AAV vector are provided, wherein a highly recombinogenic foreign DNA sequence is incorporated into two or more ITR-mediated AAV vectors. In one aspect of one embodiment, the novel hybrid AAV vector system is a hybrid dual AAV (hdAAV) vector system. In another aspect of one embodiment, the novel hybrid AAV vector system is a hybrid tri AAV (htAAV) vector system. A method of treating a clinical disease caused at least in part by a defective gene is provided, and comprises (1) providing a hybrid AAV vector system capable of expressing a therapeutic target gene, wherein the therapeutic target gene is capable of replacing, restoring or counteracting the effects of the defective gene; and (2) administering a therapeutic amount of said vector system to a subject wherein said therapeutic target gene is expressed at levels having a therapeutic effect.
US08236547B2	Increased ethanol production in recombinant bacteria The invention pertains to a recombinant bacterium with enhanced ethanol production characteristics when cultivated in a growth medium comprising glycerol. The recombinant bacterium comprises an inserted heterologous gene encoding glycerol dehydrogenase, and/or an up-regulated native gene encoding glycerol dehydrogenase. Particularly there is provided the recombinant bacterium BG1G1 of the Thermoanaerobacter mathranii species with an inserted heterologous gene encoding the E.C. 1.1.1.6 type, a NAD dependent glycerol dehydrogenase obtained from Thermotoga maritima.
US08236543B2	Methods of and compositions for inhibiting the proliferation of mammalian cells A method of preventing, inhibiting and/or reversing cell motility, actin filament assembly or disassembly, proliferation, colonization, differentiation, accumulation and/or development of abnormal cells in a subject is disclosed. The method is effected by administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a ribonuclease of the T2 family having actin binding activity.
US08236542B2	Compositions and methods comprising cellulase variants with reduced affinity to non-cellulosic materials The present disclosure relates to cellulase variants. In particular the present disclosure relates to cellulase variants having reduced binding to non-cellulosic materials. Also described are nucleic acids encoding the cellulase, compositions comprising said cellulase, methods of identifying cellulose variants and methods of using the compositions.
US08236541B2	Thymidine kinase mutants and fusion proteins having thymidine kinase and guanylate kinase activities The present invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding a Herpesviridae thymidine kinase enzyme comprising one or more mutations, at least one of the mutations encoding an amino acid substitution located toward the N-terminus from a DRH nucleoside binding site which increases a biological activity of the thymidine kinase, as compared to unmutated thymidine kinase. Such mutations include amino acid substitutions within a Q substrate binding domain which increases a biological activity of the thymidine kinase, as compared to unmutated thymidine kinase. Within a further aspect, fusion proteins are provided which have both guanylate kinase and thymidine kinase biological properties. Also provided are vectors suitable for expressing such DNA molecules, as well as methods for utilizing such vectors.
US08236540B2	Isolated luciferases and the use thereof The invention relates to the nucleotide and amino acid sequences, and to the activity and use, of the luciferases LuAL, Lu164, Lu16, Lu39, Lu45, Lu52 and Lu22.
US08236538B2	Methods for sterilizing materials containing biologically active agents Provided are methods for sterilizing a material comprising a biologically-active agent comprising irradiating said material with ionizing radiation at a dose of about 5 kGy to about 25 kGy while maintaining said material in an atmosphere comprising at least 95% by volume inert gas and at a temperature of about 4° C. or lower. Also provided are sterilized materials comprising a biologically-active agent, wherein said materials exhibit substantially the same amount of biological activity as a non-sterilized control.
US08236536B2	Saccharifying cellulose Dissolution, partial dissolution or softening of cellulose in an ionic liquid (IL) and its subsequent contact with anti-solvent produces regenerated cellulose more amorphous in structure than native cellulose, which can be separated from the IL/anti-solvent mixture by mechanical means such as simple filtration or centrifugation. This altered morphology of IL-treated cellulose allows a greater number of sites for enzyme adsorption with a subsequent enhancement of its saccharification. The IL-treated cellulose exhibits significantly improved hydrolysis kinetics with optically transparent solutions formed after about two hours of reaction. This provides an opportunity for separation of products from the catalyst (enzyme) easing enzyme recovery. With an appropriate selection of enzymes, initial hydrolysis rates for IL-treated cellulose were up to two orders of magnitude greater than those of untreated cellulose. Due to the non-volatility of the IL, anti-solvent can be easily stripped from the IL/anti-solvent mixture for recovery and recycle of both the ionic liquid and anti-solvent.
US08236531B2	Purine-derived substance-producing bacterium and a method for producing a purine-derived substance A purine-derived substance is produced by culturing a bacterium belonging to the genus Bacillus which has an ability to produce a purine-derived substance and has been modified so that enzymatic activity of transaldolase is decreased in a medium to cause accumulation of a purine-derived substance in the medium or cells, and collecting the purine-derived substance from the medium or cells.
US08236530B2	Method for preparing monoclonal antibody A significantly increased amount of a monoclonal antibody is obtained from the culture medium of recombinant hybridoma prepared by introducing genes encoding a protein identical to the immunoglobulin heavy chain polypeptide of the specific monoclonal antibody into an immortalized B cell (hybridoma) producing the monoclonal antibody.
US08236526B2	Calcium-binding photoprotein, gene encoding the same, and use thereof A protein according to the invention can be used to detect or measure calcium ions is provided. Further the protein is useful as a reporter protein or a luminescence marker. A polynucleotide according to the invention is also useful as a reporter gene.
US08236525B2	Reduced phosphotransferase system activity in bacteria A method of producing biological products using bacteria with an inactivated ptsHI and wild type err and no added glucose transport activity and which consumes nearly all glucose in the media is described. The ΔptsHI bacteria produce large quantities of recombinant protein without producing significant amounts of acetate. The bacteria grow well on standard LB broth without additional supplementation.
US08236521B2	Methods for isolating cells based on product secretion The invention provides methods for purifying one or more cells based on the level of one or more products secreted by the cells. In one embodiment, the method involves (a) contacting a plurality of cells immobilized in proximity to a capture matrix, the capture matrix capable of localizing a product secreted by one or more of the cells, with an agent that selectively binds to the product, the agent capable of generating a signal detectable as a property of light; (b) illuminating a population of the cells, the population contained in a frame; (c) detecting two or more properties of light directed from the frame, wherein a first property of light identifies substantially all cells of the population, and the second property of light identifies product localized to the capture matrix; (d) locating (i) substantially all cells of the population with reference to the detected first property of light, and (ii) one or more selected cells with reference to the detected second property of light, and (e) irradiating the non-selected cells, wherein each non-selected cell receives a substantially lethal dose of radiation, whereby one or more selected cells having a desired product secretion profile are purified.
US08236520B2	Recombinant beta-galactosidase derived from Streptococcus pneumoniae The present invention relates to beta-galactosidase derived from Streptococcus pneumoniae, a BgaC protein exhibiting the enzyme activity, and a method for using the same. The protein can be used in the modification and analysis of sugar chain and used as an anti-cancer agent.
US08236519B2	Acetaminophen assay kit In general, the present invention provides a reliable assay for the quantitative determination of p-aminophenol in an aqueous sample. More particularly, the present invention provides a rapid enzyme-based assay for the quantitative determination of acetaminophen in a sample. The assay employs a xylenol chromophore and a catalyst that is preferably a weak oxidizer. The assay provides reliable results in the presence or absence of N-acetylcystiene (NAC) and can therefore be used to monitor acetaminophen levels during NAC treatment. Methods and kits for determining acetaminophen concentration in an aqueous sample are also provided.
US08236517B2	Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) sensor A BUN (blood urea nitrogen) sensor containing immobilized carbonic anhydrase and immobilized urease for the in vitro detection of urea nitrogen in blood and biological samples with improved performance and precision characteristics.
US08236514B2	Method for diagnosing auto-immune chronic urticaria In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to methods, compositions, and kits for diagnosing autoimmune chronic urticaria. For example, in certain embodiments, such methods generally comprise detecting the presence of auto-antibodies to cell-surface IgE receptors or cell-bound IgE in a patient. Such auto-antibodies may be detected by (a) obtaining donor basophils and associated leukocytes from one or more donors, (b) challenging the donor basophils and associated leukocytes with control serum and quantifying the amount of histamine released by the donor basophils and associated leukocytes, (c) calculating a normalized baseline of histamine release, wherein the normalized baseline of histamine release represents a mean percentage of histamine released by the basophils and associated leukocytes of an individual donor plus a specified amount above such mean, (d) reacting patient serum with the donor basophils and associated leukocytes, (e) measuring the percentage of histamine released by the donor basophils and associated leukocytes in response to the patient serum, and (f) comparing the percentage of histamine released by the donor basophils and associated leukocytes in response to the patient serum to the normalized baseline of histamine release.
US08236513B2	Determining and reducing immunoresistance to botulinum toxin therapy using botulinum toxin A peptides The present invention provides BoNT/A peptide compositions, tolerogizing compositions, BoNT/A immune response inducing compositions and antibody compositions, as well as methods of determining immunoresistance to botulinum toxin therapy in an individual, methods of preventing or reducing immunoresistance to botulinum toxin therapy in an individual, methods of vaccinating an individual against botulinum toxin, methods of preparing anti-BoNT/A antibodies, methods of treating botulinum toxicity in an individual and methods of reducing anti-botulinum toxin antibodies in an individual.
US08236510B2	Protein showing enhanced expression in cancer cells A novel gene (designated 101P3A11 or PHOR-1) and its encoded protein, and variants thereof, are described wherein 101P3A11 exhibits tissue specific expression in normal adult tissue, and is aberrantly expressed in the cancers listed in Table I. Consequently, 101P3A11 provides a diagnostic, prognostic, prophylactic and/or therapeutic target for cancer. The 101P3A11 gene or fragment thereof, or its encoded protein, or variants thereof, or a fragment thereof, can be used to elicit a humoral or cellular immune response; antibodies or T cells reactive with 101P3A11 can be used in active or passive immunization.
US08236505B2	Method for pairwise sequencing of target polynucleotides The invention relates to methods for pairwise sequencing of a double-stranded polynucleotide template, which methods result in the sequential determination of nucleotide sequences in two distinct and separate regions of the polynucleotide template. Using the methods of the invention it is possible to obtain two linked or paired reads of sequence information from each double-stranded template on a clustered array, rather than just a single sequencing read from one strand of the template.
US08236502B2	Oligonucleotide sequence formula for labeling olignucleotide probes and proteins for in-situ analysis The present invention provides oligonucleotide probes and oligonucleotide probe collections and protein labeling for detecting or localizing a plurality nucleic acid target genes or antigens within a cell or tissue sample. Specifically, the invention provides collections of oligonucleotide probes for use in in situ hybridization analyses in which each probe has a label-domain with the sequence formulas of (CTATTTT)nCT, (AAAATAG)n or (TTTTATC)n or (GATAAAA)n in which all cases “n” would equal 1 or greater. The present invention provides collections or “cocktails” of oligonucleotide probes for detecting or localizing specific nucleic acid target genes within a cell or tissue sample. The cocktails are useful for detecting the following: the Kappa gene (SEQ ID NOS: 1-16 inclusive); the Lambda gene (SEQ ID NOS: 17 through 29 inclusive); the CMV (cytomegalovirus) gene (SEQ ID NOS: 30 through 50 inclusive); EBER (Epstein-Barr early RNA) gene (SEQ ID NOS: 51-54 inclusive); Alu (SEQ ID NOS: 55-56); PolyA (SEQ ID NO: 57); and the detection tail (SEQ ID NO: 58).
US08236498B2	Method of detecting nucleotide sequence with an intramolecular probe A nucleotide sequence-detecting method, including preparing a first intramolecular detecting sequence having a sequence complementary to a first sequence located at a 3′-side of the detecting site contained in the nucleotide sample and a second intramolecular detecting sequence having a sequence complementary to a second sequence located at a 5′-side of the detecting site, preparing a detecting chain containing a sequence of the detecting chain by connecting the first intramolecular detecting sequence to the 3′ terminal of the nucleotide sample and the second intramolecular detecting sequence to the 5′ terminal, allowing intramolecular hybridization at two positions of the detecting chain, connecting the 3′ terminal of the first intramolecular detecting sequence to the 5′ terminal of the second intramolecular detecting sequence, obtaining a cyclic structure, detecting the desired sequence in the nucleotide sample from the cyclic structure.
US08236493B2	Methods of enzymatic discrimination enhancement and surface-bound double-stranded DNA Methods for discriminating between fully complementary hybrids and those that differ by one or more base pairs and libraries of unimolecular, double-stranded oligonucleotides on a solid support. In one embodiment, the present invention provides methods of using nuclease treatment to improve the quality of hybridization signals on high density oligonucleotide arrays. In another embodiment, the present invention provides methods of using ligation reactions to improve the quality of hybridization signals on high density oligonucleotide arrays. In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides libraries of unimolecular or intermolecular, double-stranded oligonucleotides on a solid support. These libraries are useful in pharmaceutical discovery for the screening of numerous biological samples for specific interactions between the double-stranded oligonucleotides, and peptides, proteins, drugs and RNA. In a related aspect, the present invention provides libraries of conformationally restricted probes on a solid support. The probes are restricted in their movement and flexibility using double-stranded oligonucleotides as scaffolding. The probes are also useful in various screening procedures associated with drug discovery and diagnosis. The present invention further provides methods for the preparation and screening of the above libraries.
US08236491B2	Protein fragment complementation assay for thermophiles A protein fragment complementation assay for thermophiles is provided wherein a thermophilic bacteria having a temperature-sensitive adenylate kinase is transformed with one or more vectors having sequences encoding a first test peptide operatively fused to a first portion of a thermostable adenylate and a second test peptide operatively fused to a second portion of the thermostable adenylate kinase. Association of the first and second test peptides allows association of the first and second portions of the thermostable adenylate kinase and growth of the thermophilic bacteria at a temperature greater than 70° C.
US08236490B2	Screening method for compounds that reduce ER stress The present invention relates to a cell comprising an Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) stress element operably linked to a reporter element and an exogenous gene encoding a protein that induces ER stress. Methods of screening using the modified cell, constructs used in the modified cell, the candidate agents identified by the screen and uses thereof are also part of the invention.
US08236488B2	Method of screening for therapeutic compounds for vascular disorders and hypertension based on URAT1 activity modulation It is intended to clarify a transportation system participating in the uric acid uptake in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and provide a novel remedy, a preventive or a treating agent for vascular disorders, hypertension and renal disorders with the use of a drug participating in this transportation system. It is also intended to provide a novel screening system for a remedy, a preventive or a treating agent for vascular disorders, hypertension and renal disorders with the use of such a transportation system. Namely, a medicinal composition for healing, preventing or treating vascular disorders, hypertension and renal disorders which comprises a drug having an effect of inhibiting the uric acid uptake by a uric acid transporter URAT1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier; and a method of screening a substance efficacious for healing, preventing or treating vascular disorders, hypertension and renal disorders which comprises using a cell line expressing URAT1 in the presence or absence of a test compound and assaying the uric acid uptake level, cell proliferation ability or the amount of a monocyte chemotactic factor produced by the cells.
US08236486B2	Flush preservation solution Flush preservation solution for the preservation of cells in the absence of a blood supply comprising: v) water for injection; and vi) at least one saccharide such as a monosaccharide, disaccharide, trisaccharide, or polysaccharide and vii) at least one component with pH buffer properties; and viii) at least one component with calcium transport blocking properties or an anti-calcium action activity; method for the preparation thereof; use thereof in transplantation including organs from heart beating or non heart beating donors, in surgery including any situation of warm or cold ischaemia, cardioplegia or open heart surgery, whole limb or whole body preservation in experimentation on living tissues or in culturing and preserving engineered cells, tissues and organs, limbs or the whole body; method for flushing, preserving or flush preservation of cells; and a kit of parts comprising the solution components.
US08236484B2	Single layer resist liftoff process for nano track width As the critical dimensions of liftoff patterns grow smaller, it becomes increasingly more difficult to make liftoff resists that have the required resolution. This problem has been overcome by use of a combination of ion beam processing and ozone slimming to form lift-off patterns with undercuts from a single layer of photoresist. The ion beam process serves to harden the top portion of the resist while the ozone is used to oxidize and erode the lower portion resist sidewall to form the undercut.
US08236483B2	Method of forming resist pattern A method of forming a resist pattern including: forming a resist film on a substrate using a chemically amplified negative resist composition; forming a latent image of a first line and space pattern by subjecting the resist film to first exposure through a photomask; forming a latent image of a second line and space pattern so as to intersect with the latent image of the first line and space pattern by subjecting the resist film to second exposure through a photomask; and subjecting the resist film to developing to form a hole pattern in the resist film.
US08236480B2	Fabrication method of topographically modulated microstructures using pattern homogenization with UV light A method for microfabrication of a microfluidic device having sub-millimeter three dimensional relief structures is disclosed. In this method, homogeneous surfaces, which do not exhibit apparent pixel geometry, emerge from the interaction of the overlapping of diffracted light under opaque pixels and the nonlinear polymerization properties of the photoresist material. The method requires a single photolithographic step and allows for the fabrication of microstructures over large areas (centimeters) with topographic modulation of features smaller than 100 micrometers. The method generates topography that is useful in a broad range of microfluidic applications.
US08236476B2	Multiple exposure photolithography methods and photoresist compositions A method and a composition are provided. The composition includes a polymer and a photosensitive acid generator capable of generating a first amount of acid upon exposure to a first dose of radiation and a second amount of acid upon exposure to a second dose of radiation. The second amount of acid is greater than said first amount of acid. The second dose is greater than the first dose. The composition includes a photosensitive base generator capable of generating a first amount of base upon exposure to the first dose and a second amount of base upon exposure to the second dose, where the first amount of base is greater than the first amount of acid and the second amount of base is less than the second amount of acid. A method for exposing to radiation a film of a photoresist on a substrate is included.
US08236475B2	Methods for removing a photoresist from a metal-comprising material Methods for removing a photoresist from a metal-comprising material are provided. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the method comprises applying to the photoresist a substantially non-aqueous-based solvent having a pH no less than about 9 or no pH and subsequently applying to the metal-comprising material an aqueous-based fluid having a pH no less than about 9.
US08236465B2	Method for manufacturing flexible color filter substrate A method for manufacturing flexible color filter substrate includes the following steps. First, a rigid substrate is provided. The rigid substrate has an upper surface and a lower surface opposite to the upper surface. The upper surface includes a first region and a second region located at a periphery of the first region. Next, a release layer is formed on the first region. Next, a flexible substrate layer is formed to cover the second region and the release layer. Next, a color photoresist layer is formed on a portion of the flexible substrate layer above the release layer. Next, the rigid substrate and the flexible substrate layer are cut along a border between the first region and the second region. Next, the flexible substrate layer is separated with the release layer. The method for manufacturing flexible color filter substrate can improve optical performance of the flexible color filter substrate.
US08236463B2	Magnetic current collector An electrode for use in a flow cell is presented. The electrode includes a metal plate for collecting current in the electrode that is bonded between a first and second plate.
US08236462B2	Electrode catalyst for fuel cell, method for producing the electrode catalyst, and polymer electrolyte fuel cell using the electrode catalyst An electrode catalyst for a fuel cell, which has improved performance compared with conventional platinum alloy catalysts, a method for producing the electrode catalyst, and a polymer electrolyte fuel cell using the electrode catalyst are provided. The electrode catalyst for a fuel cell comprises a noble-metal-non-precious metal alloy that has a core-shell structure supported on a conductive carrier. The composition of the catalyst components of the shell is such that the amount of the noble metal is greater than or equal to the amount of the non-precious metal.
US08236449B2	Lithium ion secondary battery with improved electrode stability and safety A lithium ion secondary battery is provided including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a non-aqueous electrolyte. The positive electrode includes active material particles. The active material particles include secondary particles of a lithium composite oxide, and some of the secondary particles have a crack. At least a surface layer portion of the active material particles includes element Me of at least one selected from the group consisting of Mn, Al, Mg, Ca, Zr, B, W, Nb, Ta, In, Mo, and Sn. Element Me is distributed more in the surface layer portion compared with an inner portion of the active material particles.
US08236448B2	Battery electrode substrate, and electrode employing the same An electrode substrate for a battery has nickel applied as a coat on the surface of a base constituted of crossing of a plurality of fibers including a core formed of synthetic resin and a coating of synthetic resin having a softening temperature lower than the softening temperature of the synthetic resin forming the core. The electrode substrate has the fibers of the base fusion-bonded at a cross point by heat treatment. The ratio of the coating occupying a II-II cross section of the fiber cross point is larger than the ratio of the coating occupying a fiber cross section (III-III cross section) at a site other than at the cross point.
US08236447B2	Electrode active material for non-aqueous secondary batteries An electrode for non-aqueous secondary batteries that is capable of intercalating and de-intercalating an alkali metal, such as lithium, and a non-aqueous secondary battery comprising the electrode are disclosed. The electrode comprises an electrode current collector, and, on the electrode current collector, an electrode active material. The electrode active material has the overall composition: SiaMbPc; in which 0
US08236445B2	Electrochemical energy system An electrochemical energy generation system can include a sealed vessel that contains inside (i) at least one electrochemical cell, which has two electrodes and a reaction zone between them; (ii) a liquefied halogen reactant, such as a liquefied molecular chlorine; (iii) at least one metal halide electrolyte; and (iv) a flow circuit that can be used for delivering the halogen reactant and the electrolyte to the at least one cell. The sealed vessel can maintain an inside pressure above a liquefication pressure for the halogen reactant. Also disclosed are methods of using and methods of making for electrochemical energy generation systems.
US08236442B2	Asymmetric aperture pattern in a current collector for an electrochemical cell An electrode for an electrochemical cell in an implantable medical device is presented. The electrode comprises a current collector with electrode material disposed thereon. The current collector includes an asymmetric aperture pattern that uniformly dissipates heat during current flow through the current collector.
US08236438B2	Nonaqueous electrolyte battery A nonaqueous electrolyte battery includes an outer case having one open end portion, a battery element held in the outer case, and a battery lid which is disposed on the one open end portion and which is provided with a protrusion portion protruded toward the outside of the battery, at least two opening portions disposed in the protrusion portion, and release portions disposed adjoining the respective opening portions so as to deform in accordance with an increase in internal pressure of the battery.
US08236437B2	Battery case cover Provided is a battery case cover which can be produced through a single process, by integrally forming the structural components of a battery case cover such as a recovering part, a cell partition part and a gas inlet part on the bottom surface, while forming the recovering part in the shape of a pipe and applying a vent cap mode to the gas inlet part.
US08236425B2	Long-chain polymethylene halide telomers A composition comprises a distribution of telomers of ethylene and at least one fluoroalkyl or perfluoroalkyl halide, the telomers comprising at least one polymethylene segment (—(CH2)n—) and at least one halomethyl group (—CXH2) and optionally comprising at least one non-fluorine heteroatom, and the halogen being selected from iodine and bromine; wherein the distribution has a number average ratio of methylene moieties of the polymethylene segment to the halomethyl groups of at least about 15.
US08236415B2	Strong, high density foam glass tile A strong, high density foam glass tile having a small pore size which can be used as a facade on both exterior and interior building walls. The foam glass tile of the present invention is strong enough that it can also be used as a structural member for a building. The foam glass tiles are very strong, and have a compression strength of 6000 psi (lb./sq. in.) or greater, and more particularly of 8000 lb./sq. in. or greater, and even more particularly of 10,000 lb./sq. in. or greater, and even more particularly of 12,000 lb./sq. in. or greater, and even more particularly of 14,000 lb./sq. in. or greater. These foam glass tiles will absorb more energy from an explosion, withstand higher heat and wind loading and other mechanical forces. The tiles of the present invention may have an average pore size of 1.0 mm or less, and preferably 0.7 mm or less, and more preferably 0.6 mm or less, and even more preferably 0.5 mm or less, and even more preferably 0.4 mm or less, and even more preferably 0.3 mm or less. The tile of the present invention may also have a closed pore structure.
US08236413B2	Combination structural support and thermal protection system A combination structural support and thermal protection system is provided. A cured preceramic polymer matrix reinforced with carbon fibers can be used alone or in a multiple component system.
US08236406B2	Fingerprint easily erasible film A fingerprint easily erasable film formed by providing a resin layer on a substrate, in which surface of the resin layer is matted and which is formed so that the surface of the resin layer should show a wet tension (JIS-K 6768:1999) of 25 mN/m or higher. Preferably, the resin layer has a surface roughness of 0.2 to 2.0 μm in terms of the ten point mean roughness Rz (JIS-B 0601:1994). The resin layer preferably contains an ionizing radiation curable resin and a matting agent, more preferably, two kinds of matting agents having different average particle diameters. On the fingerprint easily erasable film having such a configuration, ingredients of fingerprint are unlikely to adhere, and even if ingredients of fingerprint adhere, the ingredients of fingerprint can be removed substantially completely or to such a degree that they cannot be visually observed by wiping with cloth or the like.
US08236405B2	Waterproof seal for portable electronic devices A waterproof seal includes a first body and a second body. The first body is formed by inserting molding, and includes a first metal plate inside. The first body further includes a first flat surface, and defines a first groove in the first flat surface. The second body is formed by inserting molding, and includes a second metal plate inside. The second body further includes a second flat surface matching the first flat surface, and defines a second groove in the second flat surface. When the first flat surface clings to the second flat surface, a gap is formed between the first body and the second body for allowing a flexible printed circuit board to extend through.
US08236404B2	Honeycomb structure A honeycomb structure comprising a plurality of columnar honeycomb segments in which two kinds of plural through-holes different in end face area are formed side by side by being surrounded by partition walls, each honeycomb segment having, at one end face, an inlet side of high opening ratio, wherein through-holes of smaller end face area are plugged and, at other end face, an outlet side of low opening ratio, and wherein through-holes of larger end face area are plugged, the plurality of honeycomb segments being bonded to each other via a bonding material in the longitudinal direction of each honeycomb segment. The Young's modulus of the bonding material when sintered is smaller than that of each honeycomb segment when sintered, and the bonded width of the bonding material is larger at the outlet side of honeycomb structure than at the inlet side is presented.
US08236400B2	Adhesive cover systems for articles A protective device for attaching to and protecting at least one article includes a cover having an attachment surface and a display surface opposing the attachment surface. An adhesive coating is applied to the attachment surface of the cover to facilitate adhesion of the cover to an article. A removable backing is releasably attached to the adhesive coating and at least one relief notch is formed in the cover through the attachment surface of the cover and terminates beneath the display surface of the cover.
US08236394B2	Recording medium A recording medium comprising a substrate and at least two porous ink receiving layers provided thereon of which a lower layer, second distant from the substrate, is arranged on the substrate side of an upper layer, most distant from the substrate. Pore distribution curves of the upper and lower layers respectively have one peak and two peaks. When pore radii giving the one peak and the two peaks are respectively regarded as R1 and R2, R3 where R2 is smaller than R3, R1 is 8 to 11 nm, R2 is 5 nm or more, R2 is smaller than R1, a difference between R1 and R2 is 2 nm or more, R3 is not less than R1, a difference between R3 and R1 is 3 nm or less. When pore volumes at the pore radii of R2 and R3 are respectively VR2 and VR3, a proportion VR2/VR3 is 0.8 to 2.4.
US08236393B2	Inkjet recording material An inkjet recording material which comprises a supporting substrate, a first bottom base coat applied to at least one surface of said substrate, and a second topcoat layer applied over said base coat. In said inkjet recording material, the base coat includes a combination of at least three pigments and the topcoat layer comprises pigments selected from the group consisting of fumed silica, silica gel, precipitated silica, colloidal silica, fumed alumina, boehmite, pseudo-boehmite or a mixture thereof.
US08236392B2	Base for turf system An underlayment layer is configured to support an artificial turf assembly. The underlayment layer comprises a core with a top side and a bottom side. The top side has a plurality of spaced apart, upwardly oriented projections that define channels suitable for water flow along the top side of the core when the underlayment layer is positioned beneath an overlying artificial turf assembly.
US08236390B2	Liquid-crystalline medium The invention relates to a liquid-crystalline medium based on a mixture of polar compounds, characterized in that it comprises one or more compounds of the formula I in which R1, X1, L1-5 have the meanings indicated in Claim 1, and to the use thereof for electro-optical purposes, in particular TN monitor applications.
US08236387B2	Process of producing patterned birefringent product A process of readily producing a patterned birefringent product excellent in resolution and heat-resistance is provided. Said process comprises at least the following steps [1] to [3] in order: [1] preparing a birefringence pattern builder which comprises an optically anisotropic layer comprising a polymer, and said optically anisotropic layer has a retardation disappearance temperature in the range higher than 20° C., at said retardation disappearance temperature in-plane retardation becomes 30% or lower of the retardation at 20° C. of the same optically anisotropic layer, and said retardation disappearance temperature rises by light exposure; [2] subjecting the birefringence pattern builder to patterned light exposure; [3] heating the laminated structure obtained after the step [2] at 50° C. or higher and 400° C. or lower.
US08236385B2	Treatment of substrates for improving ink adhesion to the substrates A polymeric substrate primed with a treatment composition to allow better receptivity of an ink composition, and method for making the same, is generally disclosed. More specifically, the polymeric substrate can be a hydrophobic polymeric substrate such as comprising polyolefins, which exhibits better ink adhesion and rub resistance when pretreated with a treatment composition of the present invention.
US08236384B2	Methods for enhancing visual aspect stability A method of enhancing visual aspect stability in wooden substrates comprised of the steps of preparing a sealing composition by mixing thermosetting resins and hardener, applying said sealing composition onto the surface of a wooden substrate; and curing said polymer. The method may additionally comprise further steps of: scuffing or sanding the cured sealing layer, applying one or more topcoat composition, and curing said topcoat composition. Interior that comprises sealed wooden substrates with enhanced visual aspect stability produced by methods of the invention are also provided.
US08236382B2	Proximity substrate preparation sequence, and method, apparatus, and system for implementing the same A method for preparing a surface of a substrate is provided. The method includes scanning the surface of the substrate by a meniscus, preparing the surface of the substrate using the meniscus, and performing a next preparation operation on the surface of the substrate that was prepared without performing a rinsing operation.
US08236380B2	Gas supply system, substrate processing apparatus and gas supply method A gas supply system for supplying a gas into a processing chamber for processing a substrate to be processed includes: a processing gas supply unit; a processing gas supply line; a first and a second processing gas branch line; a branch flow control unit; an additional gas supply unit; an additional gas supply line; a first and a second additional gas branch line; a flow path switching unit; and a control unit. Before processing the substrate to be processed, the control unit performs a pressure ratio control on the branch flow control unit while the processing gas supply unit supplies the processing gas. After the inner pressures of the first and the second processing gas branch line become stable, the control unit switches the pressure ratio control to a fixed pressure control, and then the additional gas supply unit supplies the additional gas.
US08236378B2	Wet processing system, wet processing method and storage medium A wet processing system detects a globule of a process solution in a drippy or dripping state from the tip of any one of process solution pouring nozzles being moved to a pouring position for pouring the process solution onto a substrate by obtaining image data on the process solution pouring nozzle, and takes proper measures to prevent the process solution from dripping. A wet processing system 1 pours a process solution, such as a resist solution, through one of process solution pouring nozzles 10 onto a surface of a substrate, such as a wafer W, held substantially horizontally by a substrate holding device 41 surrounded by a cup 5 to process the surface by a wet process. A nozzle carrying mechanism 10a carries the process solution pouring nozzles 10 between a home position on a nozzle bath 14 and a pouring position above the substrate held by the substrate holding device 41. An optical image of the tips of the process solution pouring nozzles 10 is obtained by an image pickup means, such as a camera 17. Predetermined measures are taken according to the level of a drippy or dripping state of a globule of the process solution.
US08236376B2	Production of nanoparticle-coated yarns A strand is coated with a powdered material by first applying a layer of hot polymer resin to the strand, and spraying the powdered material onto the resin-coated strand from at least three nozzles disposed along the processing path and spaced radially therearound. The spray apparatus is disposed within nested containers so as to limit the escape of overspray powder. The powder-coated strand may be heat-set to increase the adhesion of the powder.
US08236375B2	Selective deposition of carbon nanotubes on optical fibers The specification describes a method for selectively depositing carbon nanotubes on the end face of an optical fiber. The end face of the optical fiber is exposed to a dispersion of carbon nanotubes while light is propagated through the optical fiber. Carbon nanotubes deposit selectively on the light emitting core of the optical fiber.
US08236369B2	Stent coating method An apparatus and method for coating abluminal surface of a stent is described. A method for coating a stent can include stent mounting, stent movement, and droplet excitation. A method can include applying a coating to a stent, the applying including generating waves in a coating solution to eject droplets of the coating solution from a surface of the coating solution toward the stent, the generating performed by transducers submerged in the coating solution.
US08236368B2	Method for preparing a hollow microneedle The present invention relates to a method for preparing a hollow microneedle comprising preparing a solid microneedle by drawing lithography; plating the surface with a metal; removing the solid microneedle; and fabricating the hollow microneedle. The present invention ensures efficient preparation of a hollow microneedle with desired hardness, length, and diameter, and which may be effectively used for extracting internal analytical materials from the body and for drug injection.
US08236365B2	Edible mix and method of making the same An edible mix includes granulated lemon juice solids, granulated citric acid or granulated malic acid, and encapsulated natural lemon oil. In one embodiment, the edible mix also includes granulated maltodextrin, granulated ascorbic acid, and granulated lactose. In one embodiment, the components of the edible mix are mechanically mixed together to form a substantially homogeneous composition. In one embodiment, several of the components are blended by an agglomeration method.
US08236360B2	Supercritical CO2 liquorice extract and products made there from The present invention provides, in one aspect, to products made from a novel and non-obvious supercritical CO2 extract of the roots of Glycyrrhiza sp., effective as an anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-adherent agent, including, but not limited to, products for oral care and body care.
US08236359B2	Use of phytoecdysones in the preparation of a composition for acting on the metabolic syndrome For reducing the negative effects of the metabolic syndrome on mammal organisms, it is proposed to use phytoecdysones for diminishing the fat body mass in individuals, notably with a weight excess. Phytoecdysones are advantageously incorporated into a food composition. The phytoecdysones can come from food plants, such as quinoa.
US08236353B2	Self-precipitating pharmaceutical formulations for the modified release of an active principle The present invention relates to pharmaceutical formulations for the release of an active principle (AP) over a sustained period of time. The invention relates to a liquid formulation comprising at least one active principle (AP) and an aqueous suspension based on colloidal particles of a polymer (PO), wherein said formulation satisfies the following four conditions: (a) the PO is a polyamino acid comprising glutamic residues, wherein some glutamic residues each carry a pendant cationic group (CG), said CG being identical or different from one another, and other glutamic residues each carry a pendent hydrophobic group (GH), said GH being identical or different from one another, (b) the pHf value of the pH of said formulation is between 3.0 and 6.5; (c) at the pHf value, the PO forms a colloidal solution which associates spontaneously and noncovalently with the AP; (d) 1 ml of said formulation precipitates during mixing with a volume of 1 ml of a test buffer solution Tp.
US08236351B2	Tamper-resistant oral opioid agonist formulations Disclosed is an oral dosage form comprising (i) an opioid agonist in releasable form and (ii) a sequestered opioid antagonist which is not released when the dosage form is administered orally intact.
US08236350B2	Polymer for tissue engineering applications and drug delivery A biocompatible and biodegradable elastomeric polymer material, the polymer material comprising: glycerol and dodecanedioic acid, wherein the molar ratio of glycerol to dodecanedioic acid is from about 5:1 to about 1:5. Methods for using the biocompatible and biodegradable elastomeric polymer material comprises providing an PGD elastomeric polymer comprising glycerol and dodecanedioic acid, in a molar ratio of glycerol to dodecanedioic acid of about 1:1 and administering the PGD elastomeric polymer to a soft tissue defect site in needs thereof.
US08236342B2	Multi-polymer hydrogels The invention provides a multi-polymer hydrogel article having a first polymeric, water-swellable material and a second polymeric material, organized such that a first region substantially comprises the first polymeric, water-swellable material, a second region adjacent the first region comprises a mixture of the first polymeric, water-swellable material and the second polymeric material, and a third region adjacent the second region substantially comprises the second polymeric material. The article exhibits an increasing concentration gradient of the second polymeric material moving from the first region, through the second region, to the third region. The invention also provides methods for forming a multi-polymer hydrogel article by (a) forming a hydrogel structure using a first polymeric, water-swellable material, (b) creating an aerogel structure having a plurality of open pores by dehydrating the hydrogel structure, (c) contacting the aerogel structure with a second polymeric material to incorporate the second polymeric material into at least a portion of the plurality of open pores to form the multi-polymer hydrogel article, and (d) rehydrating the multi-polymer hydrogel article.
US08236339B2	Therapeutic delivery of carbon monoxide Metal carbonyls are used to deliver CO having biological activity, for example vasodilatation and inhibition of transplant rejection. The metal of the carbonyl is typically of groups 7 to 10, e.g. Fe and Ru. The carbonyl preferably has one or store ligands other than CO, such as amine acids, to modulate the CO release property and solubility.
US08236331B2	Cosmetic cooling composition The invention relates to a cosmetic composition having a cooling effect, particularly a clear gel or a spray. The composition has a long-lasting cooling effect of about 8 hours and comprises a cooling complex consisting of 0.05-0.15% Menthyl Lactate, 0.1-0.2% Menthyl PCA and 0.05-0.2% Ethyl Menthane Carboxamide.
US08236327B2	Modified flagellin improved toll-like receptor 5 stimulating activity Disclosed herein are flagellin mutants having an enhanced activity of stimulating the toll-like receptor-5 (hereinafter referred to as “TLR5”). More specifically, disclosed are flagellin mutants, prepared by point-mutating some of the amino acids of a TRL5 agonist flagellin so as to enhance the TRL-stimulating activity of the flagellin.
US08236324B2	Nucleotide sequences of HIV-1 group (or subgroup) O retroviral antigens An HIV-1 type (or subtype) O retrovirus protein, or a natural or synthetic polypeptide or peptide including at least a part of said protein, which is capable of being recognized by antibodies isolated from a serum resulting from infection by an HIV-1 type O VAU strain or an HIV-1 type (or subtype) O DUR strain.
US08236322B2	Method of accelerating the growth and development of trees and shrubs via enhanced root development A method of developing seedlings includes germinating the seeds and air pruning the seedlings to a depth of about 3 inches.
US08236321B2	Chemically programmable immunity The present invention is related to methods and compositions that are capable of immediately immunizing a human or animal against any molecule or compound. The present invention comprises an immunity linker molecule with at least two sites; (1) a first binding site that binds to an immune system molecule in a human or animal that has been preimmunized against the first binding site, and (2) one or more second binding sites that bind specifically to a desired compound or molecule. The first binding site and the second binding site(s) are linked by a linker portion of the molecule.
US08236320B2	Compositions and methods for using CA9 protein to stimulate an immune response Provided are methods for stimulating an immune response to an antigen by administering a composition to an individual in an amount effective to stimulate an immune response to the antigen. The stimulated immune response to the antigen is greater than the immune response stimulated by the antigen in the absence of CA9 protein. The compositions provided contain a complex that includes an antigen and an isolated CA9 protein.
US08236317B2	Methods of treating with anti-factor D antibodies The invention relates to factor D inhibitors, which bind to factor D and block the functional activity of factor D in complement activation. The inhibitors include antibody molecules, as well as homologues, analogues and modified or derived forms thereof, including immunoglobulin fragments like Fab, F(ab′)2 and Fv, small molecules, including peptides, oligonucleotides, peptidomimetics and organic compounds. A monoclonal antibody which bound to factor D and blocked its ability to activate complement was generated and designated 166-32. The hybridoma producing this antibody was deposited at the American Type Culture Collection, 10801 University Blvd., Manassas, Va. 20110-2209, under Accession Number HB-12476.
US08236313B2	Prevention of tissue ischemia, related methods and compositions Provided herein are compositions and methods for preventing, ameliorating, and/or reducing tissue ischemia and/or tissue damage due to ischemia, increasing blood vessel diameter, blood flow and tissue perfusion in the presence of vascular disease including peripheral vascular disease, atherosclerotic vascular disease, coronary artery disease, stroke and influencing other conditions, by suppressing CD47 and/or blocking TSP1 and/or CD47 activity or interaction. Influencing the interaction of CD47-TSP1 in blood vessels allows for control of blood vessel diameter and blood flow, and permits modification of blood pressure and cardiac function. Under conditions of decreased blood flow, for instance through injury or atherosclerosis, blocking TSP1-CD47 interaction allows blood vessels to dilate and increases blood flow, tissue perfusion and tissue survival. This in turn reduces or prevents tissue necrosis and death. The therapeutics identified herein allow for precise regulation of blood flow to tissues and organs which need it, while substantially avoiding systemic complications. Methods and compositions described herein can be used to increase tissue survival under conditions of trauma and surgery, as well as conditions of chronic vascular disease. Also disclosed are methods for the treatment of elderly subjects using agents that affect TSP1 and CD47 and thereby affect tissue perfusion. Additionally, provided herein are compositions and methods for influencing blood coagulation, allowing for controlled increased or decreased blood clotting. Additionally, provided herein are compositions and methods for decreasing blood flow, as in the case of cancer through mimicking the effects of TSP1 and CD47 on blood vessel diameter and blood flow.
US08236310B2	Antibodies and related molecules that bind to 161P2F10B proteins Antibodies and molecules derived therefrom that bind to 161P2F10B protein and variants thereof, are described wherein 161P2F10B exhibits tissue specific expression in normal adult tissue, and is aberrantly expressed in the cancers listed in Table I. Consequently, 161P2F10B provides a diagnostic, prognostic, prophylactic and/or therapeutic target for cancer. The 161P2F10B gene or fragment thereof, or its encoded protein, or variants thereof, or a fragment thereof, can be used to elicit a humoral or cellular immune response; antibodies or T cells reactive with 161P2F10B can be used in active or passive immunization.
US08236309B2	Use of bispecific antibodies to regulate immune responses The invention relates generally to the field of immunology, in particular, to bispecific antibodies. Methods for designing a bispecific antibody for use in treating diseases relating to the immune system are disclosed. Specific examples relate to bispecific antibodies which recognize an activating receptor and an inhibiting receptor.
US08236307B2	Humanized anti-FGF19 antagonists and methods using same The present invention concerns antagonists of the FGF19/FGFR4 pathways, and the uses of same.
US08236306B2	Methods to facilitate transmission of large molecules across the blood-brain, blood-eye, and blood-nerve barriers A method for delivering a biologic to a human, comprising administering said biologic parenterally into the perispinal space of said human without direct intrathecal injection and positioning said human in a Trendelenburg position.
US08236305B2	Antibodies that bind PAR-2 The present invention provides compositions and methods relating to or derived from anti-PAR-2 antibodies. In particular embodiments, the invention provides human antibodies that bind PAR-2, PAR-2-binding fragments and derivatives of such antibodies, and PAR-2-binding polypeptides comprising such fragments. Other embodiments provide nucleic acids encoding such antibodies, antibody fragments and derivatives and polypeptides, cells comprising such polynucleotides, methods of making such antibodies, antibody fragments and derivatives and polypeptides, and methods of using such antibodies, antibody fragments and derivatives and polypeptides, including methods of treating or diagnosing subjects having PAR-2-related disorders or conditions.
US08236303B2	Use of β-1,3 (4)-endoglucanohydrolase, β-1,3 (4) glucan, diatomaceous earth, mineral clay and glucomannan to augment immune function A method for the augmentation of immune function is described. The invention comprises a combination of β-1,3(4)-endoglucanohydrolase, β-1,3(4)glucan, diatomaceous earth, mineral clay and glucomannan, which is fed to or consumed by mammalian or avian species in amounts sufficient to augment immune function. The invention described may be admixed with feeds or foods, incorporated into pelleted feeds or foods or administered orally to mammalian and avian species.
US08236297B2	Method of treating lactose intolerance using genetically engineered bacteria The present invention relates to genetically engineered bacteria that are able to colonize the mammalian intestine and actively produce mammalian lactase (lactose-phlorizin hydrolase or LPH). This lactose-digesting enzyme is stable and active under the conditions normally found in the mammalian small intestine. Experimental subjects colonized with the genetically engineered bacteria show improved ability to digest lactose in dairy foods.
US08236294B2	Gene therapy using transposon-based vectors Methods and compositions are presented for the administration of transposon-based vectors to an animal or human to provide gene therapy to the animal or human.
US08236293B2	Means and methods for nucleic acid delivery vehicle design and nucleic acid transfer Cells capable of at least, in part, complementing adenovirus an adenovirus defective in E2A function. Such cells include a nucleic acid-encoding adenovirus E2A or a functional part, derivative, temperature-sensitive mutation and/or analogue thereof, integrated into the cell's genome. Methods for producing an adenovirus particle/vector with a functional deletion of E2A are also disclosed. Such methods involve providing a cell with the functionally deleted adenovirus vector, culturing the cell, and harvesting viral particles. The functional deletion may comprise a deletion in E2A. The nucleic acid-encoding E2A in the cell's genome may lack sequence overlap with the vector, preventing formation of a replication-competent adenovirus or restoration of E2A function. The adenovirus vector may further include a functional deletion in the E1-region. Methods are disclosed for providing cells of an individual with a nucleic acid of interest, without risk of administering simultaneously a replication-competent adenovirus vector, comprising administering the individual an adenovirus vector described herein.
US08236291B2	Antibacterial and deodorant fiber, fiber formed article, and fiber product There is provided an antibacterial and deodorant fiber that exhibits excellent inhibition of bacterial growth, is capable of responding to a wide variety of odorants, does not discolor easily, and can maintain stable performance. An antibacterial and deodorant fiber characterized in that a fiber treatment agent comprising at least a component (A), and a component (B) and/or a component (C) below are attached thereto at 0.2 to 5 wt % of the total weight of the fiber, the fiber treatment agent containing 20 to 80 wt % of the component (A), and 80 to 20 wt % of the component (B) and/or the component (C): (A) at least one plant extract, said plant being at least one selected from the group consisting of tea leaves, aloe, bamboo, bamboo grass, Japanese butterbur (Petasites japonica), loofa (Luffa cylindrica), horsetail (Equisetum arvense), Japanese mugwort (Artemisia princeps), geranium (Geranium nepalense var. thunbergii), persimmon, and grapefruit; (B) at least one nonionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of an alkylene oxide adduct type nonionic surfactant and a polyhydric alcohol type nonionic surfactant; (C) at least one anionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of a carboxylic acid salt, sulfonic acid salt, sulfuric acid ester salt, and phosphoric acid ester salt.
US08236288B2	Melanin modification compositions and methods of use A method for the modification of melanin distribution, and the composition thereof to modify melanin distribution are disclosed. A method for the reduction of melanin distribution, and the composition thereof to reduce melanin distribution are disclosed. A representative composition comprises 4-ethoxybenzaldehyde and one or more additional active agents as well as a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient. Carriers and excipients may be formulated for topical administration. Compositions may also be formulated for transdermal administration. The compositions may be used for the prevention and treatment of pigmentation disorders, by way of non-limited example, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and others. The compositions may be used for lightening skin.
US08236285B2	Buccal, polar and non-polar spray containing zolpidem Buccal aerosol sprays or capsules using polar and non-polar solvents have now been developed which provide zolpidem for rapid absorption through the oral mucosa, resulting in fast onset of effect. The buccal polar compositions of the invention comprise formulation I: aqueous polar solvent, zolpidem, and optional flavoring agent; formulation II: aqueous polar solvent, zolpidem, optionally flavoring agent, and propellant; formulation III: non-polar solvent, zolpidem, and optional flavoring agent; formulation IV: non-polar solvent, zolpidem, optional flavoring agent, and propellant; formulation V: a mixture of a polar solvent and a non-polar solvent, zolpidem, and optional flavoring agent; formulation VI: a mixture of a polar solvent and a non-polar solvent, zolpidem, optional flavoring agent, and propellant.
US08236284B1	Multimodal, multifunctional polymer coated nanoparticles Disclosed are nanoparticles having a metallic core consisting essentially of superparamagnetic iron oxide; a polymeric coat surrounding said core, the coat having a matrix of polyacrylic acid and forming an outer periphery of said nanoparticle; a plurality of hydrophobic pockets formed by the polymeric coat; a plurality of carboxylic groups along an outer periphery of the polymeric coat and effective to conjugate with a predetermined targeting ligand which functionalizes the nanoparticle; a lipophylic fluorescent dye encapsulated in the plurality of hydrophobic pockets; and a drug encapsulated in the plurality of hydrophobic pockets. Associated methods of making the nanoparticles and of treatments using the nanoparticles are also disclosed.
US08236283B2	Optical imaging This invention relates to a method for imaging of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) using a contrast agent comprising a vector attached to an optical imaging reporter, wherein the vector has affinity for receptors associated with angiogenesis. The invention further provides such methods for monitoring the effect of treatment of AMD.
US08236280B2	Polyamides for nucleic acid delivery A new class of non-viral transduction vectors that can be used for both in vivo and in vitro applications, including a gene transfer vector that has comparable efficiency to a viral vector without the potential for a life-threatening immune response is provided. Complexes including a cellular delivery molecule or agent that can facilitate the translocation of the complex or portion thereof into cells are also provided. The cellular delivery molecules may include one or more polymers, e.g., polyamides, dendritic macromolecules and carbohydrate-containing degradable polyesters.
US08236273B2	Method of producing pre-oxidation fiber and carbon fiber There is disclosed a method of producing a pre-oxidation fiber in the production of the pre-oxidation fiber by subjecting a polyacrylic precursor fiber to pre-oxidation processing in an oxidizing atmosphere, including shrinking the precursor fiber as a pretreatment of pre-oxidation at a load of 0.58 g/tex or less in the temperature range of 220 to 260° C. under conditions in which the degree of cyclization (I1620/I2240) of the precursor fiber measured by a Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FT-IR) does not exceed 7%, initially-drawing the precursor fiber at a load of 2.7 to 3.5 g/tex in an oxidizing atmosphere at 230 to 260° C. in the ranges of the degree of cyclization of not exceeding 27% and of the density of not exceeding 1.2 g/cm3, and then subjecting the pre-oxidation fiber to pre-oxidation treatment. A carbon fiber of high strength and high elasticity that is appropriate for composite materials that exhibit high composite performance is obtained by continuously subjecting this pre-oxidation fiber to carbonization treatment.
US08236269B2	Rigid random coils and composition comprising the same Disclosed are rigid random coils, having a contour length larger than a diameter thereof, an average bending ratio Db of 0.1˜0.8, and a weight average molecular weight of 1×108˜9×108 g/mole, and a resin composition or organic solvent composition including the same. The rigid random coils have the properties intermediate between those of polymers and rigid rod particles, and thus may be used as filler of various resins, aqueous solutions or organic solvents.
US08236267B2	High-pressure vessel for growing group III nitride crystals and method of growing group III nitride crystals using high-pressure vessel and group III nitride crystal The present invention discloses a high-pressure vessel of large size formed with a limited size of e.g. Ni—Cr based precipitation hardenable superalloy. The vessel may have multiple zones.For instance, the high-pressure vessel may be divided into at least three regions with flow-restricting devices and the crystallization region is set higher temperature than other regions. This structure helps to reliably seal both ends of the high-pressure vessel, and at the same time, may help to greatly reduce unfavorable precipitation of group III nitride at the bottom of the vessel.This invention also discloses novel procedures to grow crystals with improved purity, transparency and structural quality. Alkali metal-containing mineralizers are charged with minimum exposure to oxygen and moisture until the high-pressure vessel is filled with ammonia. Several methods to reduce oxygen contamination during the process steps are presented. Also, back etching of seed crystals and a new temperature ramping scheme to improve structural quality are disclosed.
US08236264B2	Adsorption composition and process for removing CO from material streams Carbon monoxide is removed from material streams by adsorption to an adsorption composition comprising oxides of copper, zinc and aluminum, the copper-comprising fraction of which has a degree of reduction, expressed as weight ratio of metallic copper to the sum of metallic copper and copper oxides, calculated as CuO, of at most 60%.
US08236261B2	Exhaust system having a gold-platinum group metal catalyst A method of providing an exhaust treatment device is disclosed. The method includes applying a catalyst including gold and a platinum group metal to a particulate filter. The concentration of the gold and the platinum group metal is sufficient to enable oxidation of carbon monoxide and nitric oxide.
US08236260B2	Fuel processor for fuel cell A fuel processor that extracts, from a fuel source, hydrogen gas used for an electricity generation reaction. The fuel processor includes a reformer that generates hydrogen gas by reacting a fuel source with water, a burner that heats the reformer to an appropriate temperature for a hydrogen generation reaction, a CO remover that removes CO generated during the hydrogen generation reaction in the reformer, and a heat exchanger for cooling the CO remover.
US08236258B2	Method and apparatus for collecting biological materials A method and apparatus can separate and concentrate a selected component from a multi-component material. The multi-component material may include a whole sample such as adipose tissue, whole blood, or the like. The apparatus generally includes a moveable piston positioned within a separation container and a withdrawal tube that is operable to interact with a distal end of the collection container past the piston. Material can be withdrawn through the withdrawal tube.
US08236256B2	Apparatus and method for efficient and precise transfer of liquids A device for automatically aspirating and/or dispensing liquids with precision, comprising a housing having an opening at a lower end with a fixed tip protruding out of the lower end; an interchangeable cartridge disposed inside the housing, the cartridge having a holding frame and a spool of tubing provided in the frame such that one end of the tubing is aligned with the tip; and an actuator enabled to automatically extrude part of the tubing so as to accommodate a preselected volume of liquid, aspirate and/or dispense the liquid through the extruded tubing, and disconnect the extruded tubing from the device.
US08236254B2	Cap-linked test strip carrier for vial augmentation The present disclosure provides test strip carriers for insertion into test strip vials and methods of making the same. Also provided are test strip vials including test strip carriers, and systems including test strip vials, test strip carriers and analytical test strips. The test strip carriers of the present disclosure are capable of engaging with the caps of test strip vials and thereby facilitating the retrieval of one or more test strips from the test strip vials upon opening of the test strip vials.
US08236246B2	Gas sensitive apparatus Disclosed herein is a gas sensitive apparatus that is useful in view of its applicability to the detection or quantitative determination of individual gases present in a gas mixture, and is advantageous in view of its compact size, and its low power consumption.
US08236244B2	Micro-pixelated fluid-assay structure with on-board addressable, pixel-specific functionalization A digitally-addressable, pixelated, DNA fluid-assay, active-matrix micro-structure formed, utilizing low-temperature TFT and Si technology, on a substrate preferably made of glass or plastic, and including at least one pixel which is defined by (a) an addressable pixel site, (b) a sensor home structure disposed within that site for receiving and hosting a functionalized assay site possessing a DNA oligonucleotide probe, and (c) an addressable, pixel-site-specific, energy-field-producing functionalizer (preferably optical) operable to functionalize such a probe on the assay site. Each pixel may also include a pixel-integrated optical detector. Further disclosed are related methodology facets involving (1) the making of such a micro-structure (a) in a precursor form (without a functionalized probe), and thereafter (b) in a finalized/functionalized form (with such a probe), and (2) the ultimate use of a completed micro-structure in the performance of a DNA assay.
US08236240B2	Method and system for conducting vapor phase decontamination of sealable entities and their contents The invention provides a method and system for conducting a continuous operation, flowing vapor phase decontamination in either an open loop or a closed loop. Using the method, a multi-component liquid decontaminant is vaporized and delivered into, through and out of a sealable enclosure by means of a carrier gas that is flowing into, through and out of said sealable enclosure. After leaving the enclosure, the vapor is captured in a cold-water bath and decomposed.The invention humidifies the carrier gas by passing it through a temperature controlled water bath to warm, or to cool, the carrier gas as necessary in order to bring the carrier gas to the desired temperature and humidity before it is combined with the vaporized sterilant and allowed to flow into the sealable enclosure. The concentration of the vapor sterilant and the percent saturation of the vapor sterilant are simultaneously controlled by controlling the rate at which the carrier gas flows and the rate at which the liquid sterilant is vaporized. A chilled mirror or other type of dew point sensor can be used to ensure that near saturation conditions are maintained during decontamination.
US08236235B2	Removable nozzle for use with air cannons and aerators and method for replacing same A nozzle for introducing pressurized fluids into an industrial vessel is releasably attachable to and detachable from a mounting member securedly attached to an exterior surface of the vessel. The mounting member is attached, via extension piping, to a source of pressurized gas, such as the exhaust valve of an air cannon. Both the nozzle and the mounting member include respective mating collars which engage each other in a twist lock manner. Additional securing members are provided to securely retain the nozzle and mounting member in twist lock engagement. Removal of the nozzle is performed by releasing the securing members, twisting the nozzle from inside of the vessel to unlock it from the mounting member, and uncoupling the nozzle from the mounting member. Installation of a replacement nozzle is performed by performing the foregoing steps in the reverse order. For high temperature applications, the removal of existing refractory material may be necessary prior to removal of a worn nozzle, and new refractory material may be applied to the interior surface of the vessel following attachment of the replacement nozzle.
US08236233B2	Taphole structure of melting furnace and repair method thereof A taphole structure of a melting furnace includes: a sleeve made of a fire-resistant brick, which is disposed inside a tapping hole provided in a furnace wall brick; and a ramming material which fills a gap between the sleeve and the tapping hole for fixing the sleeve. In addition, a repair method of the taphole which has expanded due to wear of a first ramming material during tapping, includes: forming a dismantled surface having a straight line shape by dismantling and removing a worn portion of the first ramming material in a straight line from an outer surface side toward an inner surface side of a furnace wall; and then filling a second ramming material into a gap between the dismantled surface having the straight line shape and a first sleeve for sealing.
US08236232B2	Methods for making reinforced refractory crucibles for melting titanium alloys Methods for making a reinforced refractory crucible for melting titanium alloys including providing a form, applying a facecoat to the form, the facecoat having at least one facecoat layer, applying a backing about the facecoat, the backing having at least one backing layer, applying at least one reinforcing element to at least a portion of the facecoat layer, the backing layer, or a combination thereof where the reinforcing element includes at least one composition selected from ceramic compositions, metallic compositions, and combinations thereof.
US08236231B2	Ultrasonic injection molding on a web Injection molding, parts onto a carrier web (34) located between mold halves (18,20). Flow of polymer melt into the mold is assisted by application of ultrasonic energy to the mold cavity. After the molding operation, mold halves are separated, and the carrier web is advanced, or indexed, to a next position for another molding sequence. Molding apparatus comprises a moving mold face (20), that can move toward and away from a first mold member (18) (which can be stationary) in which the mold cavity is located, a means (24,25,26,30,32) for moving and/or indexing carrier web between the first mold member and the moving mold face, means (16) to inject polymer melt into the mold cavity, and an ultrasonic system (42) providing ultrasonic energy to the mold cavity. The carrier web can transport molded parts to subsequent process steps, such as coating, drying, inspection, curing, assembly or packaging.
US08236226B2	Methods for changing the shape of a surface of a shape memory polymer article Methods for changing the shape of a surface of an article are disclosed. The methods may include providing a liquid polymer precursor, casting the precursor against a first tool assembly, curing the precursor to form a shape memory polymer substrate, deforming one or more surfaces of the substrate, and mobilizing the shape memory polymer to shift the deformed surface of the substrate from a deformed shape to a pre-set shape.
US08236224B2	Apparatus and method of fabricating flat plate display A fabricating apparatus and a method of a flat plate display are disclosed. A fabricating apparatus of a flat plate display includes a stage on which a substrate is seated, an imprinting mold bonded with the substrate to form a thin film pattern on the substrate, the imprinting mold comprises projections and grooves, a supporter configured to support the imprinting mold, and a horizontal compensating part configured to compensate downward-bending of the imprinting mold by pressing the imprinting mold.
US08236223B2	Checker balloon winding machine A device for winding a filament around a structure disposed concentrically around a distal end of a balloon catheter includes a rotatable holder for retaining a distal end of the balloon catheter, a translatable winding carriage for helically winding the tensioned filament around the balloon catheter distal end, a heater for applying a predetermined amount of heat to a section of the balloon catheter having the filament wound therearound, and a controller for controlling at least the rate of rotation of the holder, the tensioning force applied to the filaments the amount of heat applied by the heater, and the rate of travel of the translatable winding carriage along the longitudinal dimension of the balloon catheter. By use of the device, the balloon is heat set and a predetermined checkering pattern of surface indentations are provided in the structure exterior surface in a single pass.
US08236221B2	Non-compliant medical balloon A non-compliant fiber-reinforced medical balloon comprises a first fiber layer and a second fiber layer embedded in a continuous matrix of thermally-weldable polymer material defining a barrel wall, cone walls and neck walls. The fibers of the first fiber layer run substantially parallel to one another and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The fibers of the first fiber layer have a pattern of different lengths and are divisible into a first group and a second group based on length. Each fiber of the first group begins in the neck wall at one end of the balloon, extends continuously in the longitudinal direction and terminates in the neck wall at the opposite end of the balloon. Substantially all of the fibers of the first group have a generally uniform length. Each fiber of the second group begins in the cone wall at one end of the balloon, extends continuously in the longitudinal direction and terminates in the cone wall at the opposite end of the balloon. The length of the fibers of the second group varies progressively in accordance to their proximity to the fibers of the first group; the fibers of the second group closest to the fibers of the first group being longer than the fibers of the second group further from the fibers of the first group. The fiber of the second fiber layer winds circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the balloon substantially over the entire length of the balloon including the neck walls, the cone walls and the barrel wall.
US08236220B2	Method of making an embedded-object and composite-material product An embedded-object composite product including a solid-state mass of PET, an object embedded in the PET material mass, and a zone possessing a continuous material-density gradient in the PET material mass, with more-dense PET material residing closely adjacent the embedded object, and less-dense PET material residing more distant from that object. This product is produced effectively by non-destructively heating the PET mass from its solid state to allow it to flow as a liquid, by then pressing the object into the heated PET mass to perform object embedment and to create a declining PET-material density in the region adjacent, and progressing from adjacent, the embedded object, and by thereafter cooling the mass to re-solidify it.
US08236216B2	System and method for forming a custom medical mask using an orientation device According to one embodiment, forming a custom medical mask includes, while an oral appliance is positioned in a user's mouth to receive the user's teeth and is coupled to an orientation device, applying an impression material over the device and the user's face, such that the impression material conforms to the device and to the user's unique facial features. The impression material may be removed together with the device and a cast may be created using the impression material together with the device as a mold, such that the cast conforms to the impression material and the device. A deformable material may be applied to the cast to form a custom medical mask for the user, such that the deformable material conforms to the cast. The custom medical mask is custom-fitted to the user's unique facial features and custom-oriented to the user's teeth.
US08236212B2	Method of forming a hardened skin on a surface of a molded article A method of forming a hardened skin on one or more surfaces of a molded article. In an exemplary method, a formable material is mixed with a blowing agent to form a foam material. The foam material is placed in a flow molding apparatus such that a first surface of the foam material is in contact with a first mold section and a second surface of the foam material is in contact with a second mold section. In operation, an alternating dielectric field is applied across the foam material to form the molded article. At the end of the molding cycle, the first and/or second surfaces of the foam material remain under the decomposition temperature of the blowing agent and are not blown so as to form one or more thicknesses of hardened skin on the molded article.
US08236210B2	Corrugated fluid treatment packs and methods of making them Corrugated fluid treatment packs and methods of making corrugated fluid treatment packs are disclosed. The fluid treatment packs may comprise a non-woven fibrous structure and/or porous membrane having a tubular configuration and a longitudinal axis, the fibrous structure and/or porous membrane being corrugated to define at least one crest, at least one trough, and at least one corrugation, each corrugation including first and second webs, the first and second webs extending into one another along a crest or a trough. The crests, troughs, and corrugations may include webs may which extend circumferentially or helically.
US08236208B2	Optical cellulose ester film and manufacturing method thereof, and polarizing plate and liquid crystal display device An optical cellulose ester film comprising a cellulose ester (A); at least one ester based plasticizer (B) selected from ester based plasticizers composed of a polyhydric alcohol and a univalent carboxylic acid, or ester based plasticizers composed of a polyvalent carboxylic acid and a monohydric alcohol; at least one stabilizer (C) selected from the group consisting of a phenol based stabilizer, a hindered amine based stabilizer, or a phosphorous based stabilizer; and a hydrogen bonding solvent (D).
US08236206B2	Electrode catalyst layer The present invention provides an electrode catalyst layer comprising catalyst particles, an ion exchange resin and a water repellent agent. The water repellent agent contains (A) a fluorine-containing copolymer having a structure unit derived from a polyfluoroalkyl-containing (meth)acrylate and/or (B) a fluorine-containing copolymer having a structural unit represented by derived from a fluorine-containing olefin monomer and a structure unit represented derived from a vinyl ether monomer. The electrode catalyst layer contains 0.1 to 20% by weight of the water repellant agent. The electrode catalyst layer exhibits excellent balance between water retention and drainage in an electrode, good power generation performance under any of low humidity and high humidity conditions, and also excellent durability in power generation.
US08236205B1	Corrosion inhibitor compositions comprising tetrahydrobenzotriazoles and other triazoles and methods for using same A composition with a corrosion inhibitor component having one or more tetrahydrobenzotriazoles and one or more other triazoles; wherein the tetrahydrobenzotriazoles are in a weight ratio to the other triazoles such that the composition decreases the General Corrosion rate, as measured by copper electrodes in the presence of 10 ppm sodium hypochlorite, by at least about 0.05 mpy relative to a corrosion inhibitor component which is 100% of the other triazoles. Also, a method of using this composition to inhibit corrosion of a metal component which has a metal or metal alloy which is corrodible in the presence of copper or copper corroding agents.
US08236201B2	Blue phosphor, light-emitting device, and plasma display panel The present invention provides a phosphor having high luminance, a property of low luminance degradation during driving of a light-emitting device and manufacturing processes, and chromaticity y in PDP comparable to that of BAM:Eu. The present invention is the phosphor represented by the general formula xSrO.yEuO.MgO.zSiO2 where 2.970≦x≦3.500, 0.001 ≦y≦0.030, and 1.900≦z≦2.100 are satisfied, wherein a main peak is present in the range of diffraction angle 2θ=16.1 to 16.5 degree in the X-ray diffraction pattern obtained by measurement on the blue phosphor using an X-ray with a wavelength of 0.774 Å, and at least one condition of the following conditions (A1) and (A2) is satisfied: (A1) at least two peaks whose tops are located in the range of diffraction angle 2θ=15.3 to 16.1 degree are present; and (A2) at least two peaks whose tops are located in the range of diffraction angle 2θ=22.2 to 23.3 degree are present.
US08236198B2	Fluorescent nanoscale particles A nanoscale pigment particle composition includes a fluorescent compound, such as a benzothioxanthene pigment, including at least one functional moiety, and a stabilizer compound including at least one functional group, wherein the functional moiety associates non-covalently with the functional group; and the presence of the associated stabilizer limits the extent of particle growth and aggregation, to afford nanoscale-sized particles.
US08236195B2	Fluorine-containing curable composition A fluorine-containing curable composition containing (A) A fluorine-containing amino compound having primary or secondary amino groups at both ends, said compound being represented by the formula (1): Y-Q-Rf—(X—Rf)n-Q-Y (1) wherein Rf is a divalent perfluorooxyalkylene group, each Q is independently a divalent organic group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms and, optionally, containing an oxygen atom and/or a nitrogen atom, X is a divalent organic group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms and, optionally, containing an oxygen atom and/or a nitrogen atom, Y is an organic group having a primary or secondary amino group and 1 to 20 carbon atoms and, optionally, containing an oxygen atom, and n is an integer of from 1 to 20, (B) An epoxy compound having at least two epoxy groups in a molecule, in an amount such that the amount of the epoxy groups is 0.1 to 10 moles per mole of the amino groups of component (A), and (C) At least one alcohol containing fluorine atoms and represented by the following formula (2) in an amount such that the amount of the alcoholic hydroxyl group is 0.001 to 0.5 mole per mole of the amino groups of component (A): Rf′(CH2OH)m (2), wherein m is an integer of 1 or 2, Rf′ is a monovalent or divalent group containing 2 to 300 fluorine atoms, and at least one fluorine atom or at least one trifluoromethyl group is bonded to a carbon atom to which site the methylol group is bonded.
US08236188B2	Method for low-K dielectric etch with reduced damage A method for etching features in a low-k dielectric layer disposed below an organic mask is provided by an embodiment of the invention. Features are etched into the low-k dielectric layer through the organic mask. A fluorocarbon layer is deposited on the low-k dielectric layer. The fluorocarbon layer is cured. The organic mask is stripped.
US08236187B2	Ink-jet printhead manufacturing process A process for manufacturing an inkjet print head comprising the steps of providing a print head wafer comprising a plurality of print head dice coated with a barrier layer, each print head die comprising a plurality of actuators and interconnections, the barrier layer comprising a plurality of openings in correspondence with the plurality of actuators and interconnections, providing a debondable SOI wafer comprising a handle layer, a buried layer, and a device layer, forming a protective layer on the surface of the device layer, bonding the device layer to the barrier layer, debonding the handle layer from the SOI wafer, etching the device layer so as to realize a plurality of openings in correspondence with the plurality of actuators and interconnections, and removing the protective layer in correspondence of the plurality of openings.
US08236185B2	Methods for using sulfidized red mud Toxic substances such as heavy metals are extracted from a medium using a sorbent composition. The sorbent composition is derived by sulfidation of red mud, which contains hydrated ferric oxides derived from the Bayer processing of bauxite ores. Exemplary sulfidizing compounds are H2S, Na2S, K2S, (NH4)2S, and CaSx. The sulfur content typically is from about 0.2 to about 10% above the residual sulfur in the red mud. Sulfidized red mud is an improved sorbent compared to red mud for most of the heavy metals tested (Hg, Cr, Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, Se, Th, and U). Unlike red mud, sulfidized red mud does not leach naturally contained metals. Sulfidized red mud also prevents leaching of metals when mixed with red mud. Mixtures of sulfidized red mud and red mud are more effective for sorbing other ions, such as As, Co, Mn, and Sr, than sulfidized red mud alone.
US08236180B2	Boron removal method utilizing sugar amide derivative Disclosed is a boron adsorbent having an excellent adsorbing ability against boron contained in a solution, which is inexpensive and has high general versatility. Also disclosed is a boron removal method which can remove boron efficiently in a simple manner. An amide derivative represented by the general formula (1) is added to a boron-containing water under alkaline conditions to cause the adsorption of boron to the amide derivative. Then, a cation source having two or more valencies is added to the water to cause the aggregation of the amide body. The aggregated amide body is removed from the water. In the general formula (1), m represents 1 or 2; X represents —CH2OH, —CHO or —COOH; n represents an integer of 2 to 5; X are independent from each other and n are independent from each other when m represents 2; and Y represents a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 6 to 16 carbon atoms when m is 1, and represents a divalent hydrocarbon group having 8 to 18 carbon atoms when m is 2.
US08236178B2	Reverse osmosis water recover method A method for cleaning and maintaining reverse osmosis membrane filters by injecting sulfurous acid into water to form sulfurous acid (H2SO3), and then sequentially filtering the acidified water through membrane filters to reduce alkalinity and mineral scaling, add sufficient SO2 as a biocide to attack bacteria and other micro organisms to prevent membrane fouling, reduce iron to prevent iron deposit build-up, scavenge and remove dissolved oxygen prior to filtration to prevent membrane oxidation, and prevent concentrated salts within the retentate from precipitating out of solution during transport for land application.
US08236176B2	Replaceable filter cartridge A filter assembly wherein a housing seat (220) and a cartridge cap (330) are keyed to insure correct filter replacement procedures. The seat (220) can comprise a family of pedestals (270) and the end cap (330) can comprise a corresponding family of pedestal-insertion pockets (370). The correct filter cartridge can be easily installed (e.g., periodically replaced), by aligning the pockets (370) of the end cap (330) with the pedestals (270) in the housing seat (220), and inserting the pedestals (260) into the pockets (370).
US08236174B2	Wastewater treatment system Disclosed is a system for treating wastewater. The system includes a microorganism clad structure positioned in a body of wastewater such that the microorganism clad structure is at least partially submerged in the body of wastewater. The apparatus also includes an aeration device, such as a propeller-type, surface mounted aeration device, supplying a horizontal flow of oxygenated water to the microorganisms attached to the microorganism clad structure such that the microorganisms may carry out a biological process.
US08236172B2	Process to hydrodesulfurize FCC gasoline resulting in a low-mercaptan product A process for reducing the sulfur content of a hydrocarbon stream, including: feeding hydrogen and a hydrocarbon stream including sulfur compounds to a catalytic distillation reactor having one or more hydrodesulfurization reaction zones; concurrently in the catalytic distillation reactor: fractionating the hydrocarbon stream into a heavy fraction and a light fraction; contacting hydrogen and the light fraction to form H2S and a light fraction of reduced sulfur content; recovering the light fraction, H2S, and hydrogen as an overheads; recovering the heavy fraction; heating the overheads to a temperature from 500 to 700° F.; feeding the heated overheads and hydrogen to a high temperature low pressure reactor to form H2S and a reactor effluent of reduced mercaptan content; separating the reactor effluent, H2S, and unreacted hydrogen to form a light hydrocarbon fraction and a fraction including H2S and hydrogen; recycling a portion of the light hydrocarbon fraction to the catalytic distillation reactor.
US08236167B2	Lubricating oil A lubricating oil composition having a wide variety of uses consists of a dearomatized hydrocarbon distillate (petroleum), a post lubricant petroleum hydrocarbon, and white mineral oil. In one embodiment, the dearomatized hydrocarbon distillate is present in an amount from 15 to 25%, the post lubricant petroleum hydrocarbon is present in an amount from 5 to 15%, and the balance is the white mineral oil.
US08236164B2	Moisture sensor A moisture sensor, for measuring moisture in a building without leaving visible scars to the building surface, is provided. The moisture sensor includes a flexible carrier carrying an antenna for receiving EM-radiation between 9 kHz and 11 MHz and a resonant circuit including a moisture reactive element. The moisture reactive element includes a hygroscopic electrolyte arranged between a first and a second electrode, wherein the electrolyte in the presence of moisture forms mobile ions and provides a complex impedance at least in response to the alternating voltage, which complex impedance varies with the moisture content of the electrolyte.
US08236160B2	Plating methods for low aspect ratio cavities The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for plating a conductive material on a workpiece surface in a highly desirable manner. Using a workpiece-surface-influencing device, such as a mask or sweeper, that preferentially contacts the top surface of the workpiece, relative movement between the workpiece and the workpiece-surface-influencing device is established so that an additive in the electrolyte solution disposed on the workpiece and which is adsorbed onto the top surface is removed or otherwise its amount or concentration changed with respect to the additive on the cavity surface of the workpiece. Plating of the conductive material can place prior to, during and after usage of the workpiece-surface-influencing device, particularly after the workpiece surface influencing device no longer contacts any portion of the top surface of the workpiece, to achieve desirable semiconductor structures.
US08236159B2	Electrolytic process using cation permeable barrier Processes and systems for electrolytically processing a microfeature workpiece with a first processing fluid and an anode are described. Microfeature workpieces are electrolytically processed using a first processing fluid, an anode, a second processing fluid, and a cation permeable barrier layer. The cation permeable barrier layer separates the first processing fluid from the second processing fluid while allowing certain cationic species to transfer between the two fluids. The described processes produce deposits over repeated plating cycles that exhibit deposit properties (e.g., resistivity) within desired ranges.
US08236154B2	Composite modified electrode strip The present invention provides a surface-modified electrode strip for measuring an electrochemical signal that is synergistically amplified by means of a nano-scaled gold particle layer and a lipid-soluble electron mediator layer. A biosensor comprising the electrode strip is also provided.
US08236149B2	Electrolysis type electrolyzer for production of hydrogen and oxygen for the enhancement of ignition in a hydrocarbon fuel and/or gas combustion device A multi-cell or single-cell electrolysis type electrolyzer for the production of hydrogen gas and oxygen gas with a delivery system through tubes, bubbler and check valve to internal combustion engine, generator, turbine or similar combustion device for the enhancement of hydrocarbon fuels and/or gas combustion device is disclosed. This device comprises at least one or more chambers of sealed containers, distilled water, a variety of electrolytes, multi or single strand stainless steel, nickel or platinum wire, a plastic, glass, or ceramic insulator within a stainless steel, nickel, or platinum tube and an ultrasonic piezo crystal allowing water and or a weak electrolyte solution to decompose into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas.
US08236147B2	Tubular electrolysis cell and corresponding method An electrolysis cell is provided, which includes an inlet, an outlet, and coaxial, cylindrical inner and outer electrodes. A cylindrical ion-selective membrane is located between the inner and outer electrodes and forms respective first and second electrolysis reaction chambers on opposing sides of the membrane. Fluid flow paths along the first and second chambers join together as a combined inlet flow path through the inlet and a combined outlet flow path through the outlet.
US08236139B1	Apparatus for improving basis weight uniformity with deckle wave control An apparatus for preventing the creation of non-uniform profiles caused by deckle waves though the use of transforming the deckle boards into active drainage elements in the paper forming area of the paper machine, without the need for expensive rebuilds such as dilution control head boxes.
US08236138B2	Headbox for a machine for producing a fibrous web The invention relates to a headbox for a machine for producing a fibrous web, in particular a paper or cardboard web, from at least one fibrous stock suspension, having a feed apparatus which feeds the at least one fibrous stock suspension, having a distributor-pipe perforated plate which is adjacent downstream and has a multiplicity of channels which are arranged in rows and in columns, having an intermediate channel which lies downstream of the latter, extends over the width of the headbox and has a plurality of means which are spaced apart from one another in the width direction of the headbox for the preferably regulatable/controllable metering of a fluid in fluid part streams into the at least one fibrous stock suspension. The headbox according to the invention is characterized in that the means for the preferably regulatable/controllable metering of the fluid in fluid part streams into the at least one fibrous stock suspension is also configured for the preferably regulatable/controllable metering of at least one further fluid in fluid part streams into the at least one fibrous stock suspension, wherein the individual means comprises in each case a plurality of metering channels for the at least one further fluid, which metering channels have a respective metering-channel opening, open at different heights and are connected to a common supply channel.
US08236134B2	Gas distributor and apparatus using the same A gas distributor for a plasma apparatus includes: a body having a plurality of injection holes, the body being divided into a lower portion and an upper portion with respect to a center surface; and a body supporting unit connected to the lower portion.
US08236130B2	Sealing liquid The invention concerns a sealing liquid comprising water and a penetration agent for sealing of mail pieces, the use of said sealing liquid as well as sealing devices and franking machines containing such a sealing liquid.
US08236128B2	Adhesive materials, adhesive parts formed therewith and their uses Adhesive material and adhesive parts are formed according to the present invention along with used therefore. The adhesive parts typically include a handling layer.
US08236127B2	Method and apparatus for manufacturing continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin pellet A method and apparatus for manufacturing a continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin pellet are provided which can smoothly carry out a continuous drawing-out operation for a reinforcing fiber bundle (continuous fiber-reinforced resin strand).With respect to a terminal end of a reinforcing fiber bundle A of a roving package being exhausted and a front end of a reinforcing fiber bundle B of a new roving package, fiber quantity-halved end portions A1 and B1 each about half of the original fiber quantity are formed respectively, then reinforcing filaments in those fiber quantity-halved end portions are entangled by an air splicer to form an entangled portion C1, and reinforcing filaments in a portion downstream of the fiber quantity-halved end portion in the reinforcing fiber bundle B of the new roving package are entangled by an air splicer to form an entangled portion C2.
US08236126B2	Encapsulation method of environmentally sensitive electronic element An encapsulation method of an environmentally sensitive electronic element is provided. A first substrate is provided, wherein at least one first alignment mark and a plurality of environmentally sensitive electronic elements are formed on the first substrate. A second substrate is provided, wherein at least one second alignment mark and a plurality of limiting cavities are formed on the second substrate. A plurality of cover lids is respectively disposed in the limiting cavities. An adhesive is formed on the cover lids. The first substrate and the second substrate are laminated together with the first alignment mark and the second alignment mark as reference, so that the environmentally sensitive electronic elements are sealed in the adhesive and located between the first substrate and the second substrate. The second substrate and the cover lids are separated from each other.
US08236125B2	Method for manufacturing thin film multilayer device, method for manufacturing display device, and thin film multilayer device A method for manufacturing a thin film multilayer device includes bonding a plastic substrate to a support substrate using an adhesive so that an upper film and a lower film constituting a weak adhesive inorganic film are sandwiched between the plastic substrate and the support substrate, and the plastic substrate is supported by the support substrate with an adhesive force stronger than an adhesive force between the upper and lower films, stacking a plurality of thin films on the plastic substrate supported by the support substrate, and separating the upper film from the lower film to separate the plastic substrate on which the plurality of thin films are stacked, from the support substrate.
US08236119B2	High strength ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene tape articles Processes for the production of high strength polyethylene tape articles from high strength ultra-high molecular weight multi-filament yarns, and to the tape articles, fabrics, laminates and impact resistant materials made therefrom.
US08236118B2	Debonding and transfer techniques for hetero-epitaxially grown graphene, and products including the same Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to the use of graphene as a transparent conductive coating (TCC). In certain example embodiments, graphene thin films grown on large areas hetero-epitaxially, e.g., on a catalyst thin film, from a hydrocarbon gas (such as, for example, C2H2, CH4, or the like). The graphene thin films of certain example embodiments may be doped or undoped. In certain example embodiments, graphene thin films, once formed, may be lifted off of their carrier substrates and transferred to receiving substrates, e.g., for inclusion in an intermediate or final product. Graphene grown, lifted, and transferred in this way may exhibit low sheet resistances (e.g., less than 150 ohms/square and lower when doped) and high transmission values (e.g., at least in the visible and infrared spectra).
US08236116B2	Method of making coated glass article, and intermediate product used in same In certain example embodiments of this invention, there is provided a method of making a window, the method including: forming a multi-layered low-E and/or solar control coating on a glass substrate; providing at least two flexible protective sheets in non-liquid form to the glass substrate over at least part of the low-E and/or solar control coating; applying at least one protective coating in liquid form, before and/or after the flexible protective sheets are provided, so as to reduce one or more gaps formed between the low-E and/or solar control coating and the flexible protective sheet(s) and/or between the flexible protective sheets; and performing one or more of cutting, edge seaming, and/or washing the coated article with the protective coating and protective sheets thereon and peeling the protective sheets and at least part of the protective coating off of the top surface of the low-E and/or solar control coating. Heat treatment (e.g., thermal tempering) may then be performed, and the heat treated coated article may be used in a window unit or the like.
US08236115B2	Method for enshrouding an actuator A method for enshrouding an actuator for use in a fuel injector, comprising the steps of providing an actuator having a body section, a first end piece and a second end piece; providing a shroud having first and second ends; applying a sealant material to at least one portion of an exterior surface of the end pieces, and/or to at least one part of the shroud; and enshrouding the actuator with the shroud, such that the sealant material provides an intermediate layer between the end pieces and the shroud and forms a fluid-tight seal between them.
US08236112B2	Gas generator A gas generator includes, a tubular housing, an ignition device attached to one end and a diffuser having a gas discharge port, attached to the other end of the housing, a tubular member, having first and second ends, disposed inside the housing such that the first and second ends are oriented towards the ignition device side and the diffuser side, respectively, and forming a tubular gap leading to the gas discharge port, a combustion chamber provided inside the tubular member, first and second gas passage holes formed on the first and second end sides, respectively, and an opening portion formed between the first and second gas passage holes, such that the gas passage holes and the opening portion communicate the combustion chamber with the tubular gap, and a projecting portion projecting from the opening portion into at least one of the combustion chamber and the tubular gap.
US08236111B2	Product for enameling and enameled product The present invention provides a product for enameling and an enameled product that achieve adhesion, bubble/black spot defect resistance and fishscale resistance, even when preprocessing and ground coating are omitted, which product comprise a steel sheet having on the surface thereof an oxide film of 0.10 μm to 400 μm thickness comprising oxides of components of the steel sheet, which steel sheet comprises, in mass %, C: 0.0001% to 0.040%, Si: 0.0001% to 0.50%, Mn: 0.001% to 2.00%, P: 0.0001% to 0.10%, S: 0.0001% to 0.060%, Al: 0.0001% to 0.10%, N: 0.0001% to 0.015%, and O: 0.0001% to 0.070%, further comprises one or more of Ni: 0.01% to 2.00%, Co: 0.0005% to 2.00%, Cr: 0.001% to 2.00%, Cu: 0.01% to 2.00%, Mo: 0.0001% to 2.00%, and Ti: 0.0005% to 0.50%, where Ni+Co+Cr/2+Cu+Mo+Ti: 0.010% to 8.0%, the balance being Fe and unavoidable impurities.
US08236107B2	Rubbing apparatus of liquid crystal display device A system that forms an alignment layer of a liquid crystal device has an applicator that applies an alignment layer of material on a substrate, a magnetic field generator that applies a magnetic field to directionally align the alignment layer material, and a firing device to fire the directionally aligned material.
US08236104B2	Single-crystal manufacturing apparatus and single-crystal manufacturing method A single-crystal manufacturing apparatus comprising at least: a main chamber configured to accommodate a crucible; a pulling chamber continuously provided above the main chamber, the pulling chamber into which a grown single crystal is pulled and accommodated; a gas inlet provided in the pulling chamber; a gas flow-guide cylinder downwardly extending from a ceiling of the main chamber; and a heat-insulating ring upwardly extending from a lower end portion of the gas flow-guide cylinder with a diameter of the heat-insulating ring increased so as to surround an outside of the gas flow-guide cylinder, wherein at least one window is provided in a region between 50 and 200 mm from a lower end of the gas flow-guide cylinder, and an opening area of the window accounts for 50% or more of a surface area of the region between 50 and 200 mm from the lower end of the gas flow-guide cylinder.
US08236101B1	Swimming pool plaster enhancement A method for preparing swimming pool plaster includes the addition of titanium dioxide (TiO2) to white swimming pool plaster mixture to improve the appearance of the plaster and reduce or eliminate mottling. Approximately two pounds of TiO2 is added per sack of cement. For example, approximately ten pounds of TiO2 may be added to a 5/7 bag mix of cement and pool sand. The TiO2 is added to water in a mixer in a first step, and the TiO2 and water are mixed dissolving the TiO2 in the water before adding cement or pool sand, thereby providing better mixing of all of the ingredients.
US08236098B2	Settable building material composition including landfill leachate A composition capable of setting to produce a building material is disclosed. The composition can include from 1% to 30% by weight of an activator, from 1% to 55% by weight of a pozzolan, such as fly ash; from 40% to 90% by weight of an aggregate; and liquid landfill leachate in a sufficient amount such that the composition sets to a building material having a compressive strength of at least 2 MPa, wherein all weight percentages are percent by weight of the total composition. The liquid landfill leachate replaces all or part of the tap water in a conventional composition for forming a building material. The liquid landfill leachate can be recovered after a liquid (typically water) percolates through a landfill and contacts at least one landfilled coal combustion product selected from fly ash, bottom ash, boiler slag, and flue gas desulfurization material. The building material can be a concrete, or a masonry unit.
US08236093B2	Power plant emissions control using integrated organic rankine cycle A method of reducing the concentration of pollutants in a combustion flue gas having a first temperature is provided. The method includes the step of providing an organic Rankine cycle apparatus utilizing a working fluid and including at least one heat exchanger is arranged in thermal communication with the flue gas. The method further includes the step of reducing the temperature of the flue gas to a second temperature less than the first temperature by vaporizing the working fluid within the heat exchanger utilizing thermal energy derived from the flue gas. The method further includes the step of filtering the flue gas through at least one filter disposed downstream of the heat exchanger to remove pollutants from the flue gas. An associated system configured to reduce the concentration of pollutants in the combustion flue gas is also provided.
US08236089B2	Preparation method of copper particle composition A preparation method of a copper particle composition includes dissolving a copper carboxyl compound, or a carboxyl group-containing compound and a copper salt, in a solvent to prepare a copper(II) precursor solution; putting a weak reducing agent with a standard reduction potential of −0.2 to −0.05V to the prepared copper(II) precursor solution to assemble a plurality of Cu2O fine particles having an average diameter of 1 to 100 nm with a standard deviation of 0 to 10%, thereby forming spherical Cu2O assembly particles having an average diameter of 0.1 to 10 μm with a standard deviation of 0 to 40%; reducing the spherical Cu2O assembly particles into copper particles by using a reducing agent; and separating the copper particles from the result product. Thus, copper particles can be produced fast, economically, and the obtained copper particles have good crystallinity and good resistance against oxidation.
US08236087B2	Powder core and iron-base powder for powder core The present invention relates to an iron-base powder for a powder core, wherein when cross-sections of at least 50 iron-base powders are observed and a crystal grain size distribution containing at least a maximum crystal grain size is determined by measuring a crystal grain size of each iron-base powder, 70% or more of the measured crystal grains are a crystal grain having a crystal grain size of 50 μm or more. According to the iron-base powder of the invention, a coercivity of the powder core can be made small and a hysteresis loss can be reduced.
US08236084B2	Ceramic radial wall flow particulate filter The present disclosure relates to radial wall flow particulate filters comprised of ceramic material. The filters include a filter body that has a plurality of adjacent troughs circumferentially arranged around a longitudinal axis.
US08236082B2	Flutable fiber webs with high dust holding capacity The fiber webs described herein may be incorporated into filter media and filter elements. The fiber webs may exhibit a high dust holding capacity. The fiber webs may also exhibit a low thickness. The fiber webs may be sufficiently flexible and/or deformable so that they may be processed to include a series of waves (also known as flutes) that extend along the cross-machine direction.
US08236069B2	Acrylic polymer low temperature flow modifiers in bio-derived fuels The present invention relates to acrylic block polymers, either block copolymers or homopolymers, synthesized by a controlled free-radical process, and their use as low temperature flow modifiers in bio-derived fuel compositions. They are especially useful in modifying the low temperature flow behavior in bio-derived fuels. The acrylic polymers are especially useful as cold filter plugging control additives in bio-derived fuels.
US08236068B2	Separator for non-aqueous secondary battery, making method, and non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery A separator carries lithium particles on its surface. Using the separator, a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery having a high initial efficiency and improved cycle retentivity is available.
US08236067B2	Method and apparatus for fuel cell stack assembly A method and apparatus for assembling a fuel cell stack is disclosed, wherein the apparatus includes a plurality of dunnage cassettes adapted to cooperate with a plurality of containers, a fixture, and an assembly device to simultaneously assemble a plurality of membrane electrode assemblies together with a plurality of bipolar plates.
US08236061B2	Orthopaedic knee prosthesis having controlled condylar curvature An orthopaedic knee prosthesis includes a femoral component having a condyle surface. The condyle surface is defined by one or more radii of curvatures, which are controlled to reduce or delay the onset of anterior translation of the femoral component relative to a tibial bearing.
US08236059B2	Shoulder prothesis The present teachings are directed to a modular shoulder prosthesis having an adjustable radial offset and/or angular inclination provided by relative rotation of an adapter interdisposed between the stem and the head. In one example, a shoulder prosthesis comprises a stem having a first longitudinal axis. The shoulder prosthesis can also include an adaptor including a first taper. The first taper can have a first taper axis. The shoulder prosthesis can include a head rotatably supported by the adaptor. The head can have a semi-spherical articulating surface. The head can be coupled to the first taper and can be positionable relative to the stem through rotation of the adaptor about the first taper axis for adjusting an offset of the head relative to the longitudinal axis of the stem.
US08236058B2	Spine surgery method and implant An implant has a first contact surface to contact a first vertebral body endplate and a second contact surface to contact a second vertebral body endplate adjacent the first vertebral body. The implant is deployable, when positioned within an intradiscal space between the first and second vertebral bodies, from a first non-expanded condition where the first contact surface has a first effective footprint area A1 to a second expanded condition where the first contact surface has a second effective footprint area A2. The ratio A2/A1 is at least 1.05.
US08236052B2	Device and method for incremental correction of sight disorders and ocular diseases A device and method of use thereof for incrementally adjusting the size and/or shape of a particular body part is provided. The device comprises first and second layers each formed of a synthetic resin. The first layer is formed of a heat-shrinkable material having a low melting point while the second layer has a melting point much higher than the first layer. Upon being subjected to energy, the first layer will shrink or contract causing the second layer, and thus the overall device, to bend in the direction of contraction. In use, the device is inserted into the particular body part after which energy is applied to the device so as to cause the body to expand, move, reshape, etc. The invention is particularly useful for treatment of accommodative disorders of the eye by positioning one or more of the devices within the eye sclera or attached to the sclera around the limbus so that the sclera and ciliary body are expanded away from the crystalline lens upon being of the device.
US08236051B2	Apparatus for placement in the annulus of a tricuspid valve An apparatus for implantation in an annulus of a tricuspid valve. The apparatus has an anterior annulus aspect, a posterior annulus aspect, and an atrioventricular (AV) node located adjacent the anterior annulus aspect. The apparatus includes an ovoid main body portion. The main body portion has an anterior body segment adapted for placement adjacent the anterior annulus aspect, a posterior body segment located opposite the anterior body portion and adapted for placement adjacent the posterior annulus aspect, and oppositely disposed left and right side body segments extending between the anterior and posterior body segments. At least two valve leaflets are secured within the main body portion and are coaptable to permit unidirectional flow of blood. A cushioned section is attached to the main body portion, coextends with a portion of the main body portion, and is adapted for placement adjacent the AV node.
US08236050B2	Mitral annuloplasty ring having upward bows Methods of implanting an annuloplasty ring to correct maladies of the mitral annulus that not only reshapes the annulus but also reconfigures the adjacent left ventricular muscle wall. The ring may be continuous and is made of a relatively rigid material, such as Stellite. The ring has a generally oval shape that is three-dimensional at least on the posterior side. A posterior portion of the ring rises or bows upward from adjacent sides to pull the posterior aspect of the native annulus farther up than its original, healthy shape. In doing so, the ring also pulls the ventricular wall upward which helps mitigate some of the effects of congestive heart failure. Further, one or both of the posterior and anterior portions of the ring may also bow inward.
US08236049B2	Multipiece prosthetic mitral valve and method A method for replacing a deficient native mitral valve includes positioning a support band around the leaflets of a native mitral valve and expanding a prosthetic heart valve within the native mitral valve. After the prosthetic heart valve is expanded, the leaflets of the native mitral valve are captured between the prosthetic heart valve and the support band. The prosthetic heart valve and support band are delivered into the body as separate and independent components. The prosthetic heart valve and support band may be deliverable into the left ventricle via a transapical approach in a minimally invasive procedure.
US08236048B2	Drug/drug delivery systems for the prevention and treatment of vascular disease A drug and drug delivery system may be utilized in the treatment of vascular disease. A local delivery system is coated with rapamycin or other suitable drug, agent or compound and delivered intraluminally for the treatment and prevention of neointimal hyperplasia following percutaneous transluminal coronary angiography. The local delivery of the drugs or agents provides for increased effectiveness and lower systemic toxicity.
US08236039B2	Vena cava filter having wall contacts The present invention is a luminal filter having wall contacts. The filter is formed to include: a plurality of filter elements interconnected so as to form a filter body shaped in a free recovery form and having a plurality of apertures disposed between and defined by the interconnected filter elements. The apertures are dimensioned so as to inhibit a thrombus of a selected size from passing through the apertures and being dimensioned so as to allow blood components smaller than the selected size to pass through the apertures. The polymeric wall contact is coupled to the filter and disposed on an external surface thereof. Optionally, a fastener can be used to secure the wall contact to the filter.
US08236032B2	Spinal implant with a flexible extension element A spinal implant with at least one flexible elongated extension element is provided. The spinal implant has a profile that is lower than standard spinal implants. The spinal implant includes a bone anchor with a head portion and a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis of the bone anchor. A head plate is coupled to the bone anchor. The head plate includes a first elongated extension element and a second elongated extension element. The first elongated extension element and the second elongated extension element may be formed as a single monolithic element that is attached to the head plate by passing through a pair of openings provided on the head plate. At least one of the first elongated extension element and the second elongated extension element is flexible.
US08236029B2	Devices for introduction into a body via a substantially straight conduit to for a predefined curved configuration, and methods employing such devices A device for introduction into a body in a straight configuration and assuming within the body a predefined curved configuration, includes an elongated element formed from a number of segments interconnected so as to form effective hinges therebetween. When the elongated element is confined to a straight state, the effective hinges transfer compressive forces from each segment to the next so that the elongated element can be pushed to advance it through a conduit. When the elongated element is not confined to a straight state, the effective hinges allow deflection of each segment relative to adjacent segments until abutment surfaces of the segments come into abutment, thereby defining a fully flexed state of the elongated element with a predefined curved configuration. The device can be produced with a wide range of two-dimensional and three-dimensional curved forms, and has both medical and non-medical applications.
US08236027B2	Surgical thread A surgical thread for plastic surgery operations includes a clear section and multiple sharp projections on either side of the clear section. The clear section is devoid of projections while the projections on both sides of the clear section are inclined toward the clear section. There is also a method of performing plastic surgery operations using this surgical thread which includes threading the thread subcutaneously through tissue and/or muscle and in a manner such that the thread is folded back on itself as a loop or sling. The thread tension is then adjusted from both ends of the thread which extend out of two separate exit points to achieve a desired lift. The projections resist thread pull in the direction of the entry point and the clear section is located at the fold.
US08236024B2	Low profile emboli capture device A low profile emboli capture device is provided for use in angioplasty and other intravascular procedures. A standard guidewire is utilized having a reduced cross-sectional area formed near its distal end. A filter and self-expanding stent are packaged on the reduced cross-sectional area of the guidewire. A movable sleeve extends over the guidewire and holds the self-expanding stent and filter in their retracted positions while the device is being positioned in the artery. The sheath is moved relative to the self-expanding stent and filter, whereupon the self-expanding stent and filter become deployed.
US08236020B2	Cordless hand-held ultrasonic cautery cutting device An ultrasonic surgical assembly includes an ultrasonic transducer operable to convert a received motional current into a movement of a cutting blade of an ultrasonic waveguide, a measurement circuit connected in a parallel configuration with the ultrasonic transducer, a variable power source operable to supply current through a set of connection points to the parallel configuration and thereby create the motional current in the ultrasonic transducer, and a current controller operable to regulate the motional current by varying an output of the variable power source, thereby maintaining a substantially constant rate of movement of the cutting blade across a variety of cutting loads.
US08236019B2	Ultrasonic surgical instrument and cartilage and bone shaping blades therefor An ultrasonic surgical blade that includes a blade body that has a treatment region. At least one indentation can be formed in the treatment region of the blade body wherein each indentation forms a tissue cutting edge with an outer surface of the blade body. The indentation may comprise one or more holes, lumens, grooves or dimples or a combination of such structures. In various embodiments, one or more aspiration lumens are provided in the surgical blade which may ultimately communicate with an aspiration lumen or passage in an ultrasonic surgical instrument.
US08236013B2	Apparatus for placing medical implants An apparatus includes a carrier configured to be movably disposed within a channel defined by an elongate member. The carrier includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The proximal end portion is configured to be coupled to an actuator. The distal end portion includes a protrusion and an engagement surface. The protrusion has a tip configured to bodily pierce tissue. The protrusion is configured to be received within a lumen defined by a connecting portion of an implant, such as, for example, a pelvic floor implant, such that the tip extends through the lumen defined by the connecting portion of the implant. The engagement surface is configured to engage a portion of the connecting portion of the implant to limit movement of the connecting portion of the implant relative to the protrusion.
US08236007B2	Voice prosthesis, insertion tool and method An insertion tool for inserting a tracheostoma voice prosthesis member into a fistula between oesophagus and trachea. The insertion tool includes an engagement portion for engaging and retaining said tracheostoma voice prosthesis member to be inserted into the fistula, a gripping portion for gripping a safety strap of said member in a firm grip, a shaft portion adapted to be held by one hand of a user, and a release lever arrangement adjacent said shaft portion for operation by a finger of the same hand as is holding said shaft portion, whereby said release lever, after said member being positioned in place in said fistula by operation of said insertion tool by means of said shaft, is adapted to be operated for releasing said member by one-hand operation. A tracheostoma voice prosthesis member and a method for applying said tracheostoma voice prosthesis member are also provided.
US08236005B2	System and method for preventing intraoperative fracture in cementless hip arthroplasty A method and system for monitoring impaction of a femoral component of a hip prosthesis into a femur in which impaction data generated during the impaction of the femoral component into the femur is received from at least one measurement transducer attached to the femoral component and is normalized by a data acquisition and analysis device. An impaction monitoring metric is calculated based on the normalized impaction data, and femoral component fit and stability data is then generated and output to a user interface based on the impaction monitoring metric.
US08236002B2	Distraction and damping system which can be adjusted as the vertebral column grows The invention related to a distraction and damping system which combines two devices, namely a first distractor device and one or more other damping devices. The aforementioned distractor device is for children's bones and can support and lengthen said bones by means of rods which are mounted to an adjustment means. Moreover, said distraction and damping system is hooked to the bones at the ends of the rods which are connected to hooks. The above-mentioned damping devices consist of flexible and rigid means. The inventive system, which results from the combination of said two devices, comprises the implantation of novel means such as serrated rods, one of the ends of which takes the form of a piston head. Said system his intended to be used in order to straighten and support a child's torso and his/her vertebral column, by acting on the central means by tightening the screws; dampen dynamic loads; be adjustable according to growth, the system being re-adjusted as often as necessary; and prevent significant stresses from being created in the bones, in particular, at the hooks, without impeding growth.
US08235995B2	Bone staple with compressible deformation region A bone staple (10) for securing a first bone region (12A) to a second bone region (12B) includes a staple body (16) having a first leg section (18), a second leg section (20), and a connector section (22). The first leg section (18) is insertable into the first bone region (12A). The second leg section (20) is insertable into the second bone region (12B). The connector section (22) connects the first leg section (18) to the second leg section (20). The connector section (22) includes a deformable region (22A) that is movable from a first configuration (14A) in which the leg sections (18) (20) are spaced apart a first distance (24) and a second configuration (14B) in which the leg sections (18) (20) are spaced apart a second distance (26) that is less than the first distance (24). In one embodiment, compression of the deformable region (22A) causes the deformable region (22A) to move from the first configuration (14A) to the second configuration (14B). As a result of this design, the bone staple (10) can easily be moved from the first configuration (14A) to the second configuration (14B). The deformable region (22A) can be substantially square ring shaped and can define a region aperture (22D) that is substantially square in the first configuration (14A). Further, the deformable region (22A) can be substantially oval ring shaped and the region aperture (22D) can be generally rectangular shaped in the second configuration (14B).
US08235994B2	External fixator A fixator for use in the reconstruction of acute, chronic and traumatic injuries to the upper and lower extremities. The fixator has a unique clamping system that allows for the snapping in of pins and rails, and for multi-planar fixation of bones.
US08235990B2	Vacuum coagulation probes Methods for using a surgical device integrating a suction mechanism with a coagulation mechanism for improving lesion creation capabilities. The device comprises an elongate member having an insulative covering attached about means for coagulating soft tissue. Openings through the covering expose regions of the coagulation-causing elements and are coupled to lumens in the elongate member which are routed to a vacuum source and a fluid source to passively transport fluid along the contacted soft tissue surface in order to push the maximum temperature deeper into tissue.
US08235988B2	Systems and methods for reduction of atrial fibrillation Embodiments of the present invention are directed to ablation catheter systems configured, for example, to ablate tissue adjacent an ostium of the pulmonary vein in a left atria of a heart. In one embodiment, an ablation catheter system includes a handle including an actuator and a catheter coupled to the handle defining a lumen extending through a length of the catheter, the catheter including a tip portion at a distal end thereof. The ablation catheter system may also include an electrode coupled to the handle with lines extending through the lumen of the catheter, the electrode being configured to be constrained within the tip portion of the catheter and configured to be deployed from the tip portion and self expand to an expanded configuration. With this arrangement, the electrode is configured to self expand to a conical configuration with a tip portion configured to be disposed within the pulmonary vein.
US08235985B2	Visualization and ablation system variations Visualization and ablation system variations are described which utilize various tissue ablation arrangements. Such assemblies are configured to facilitate the application of bipolar energy delivery, such as RF ablation, to an underlying target tissue for treatment in a controlled manner while directly visualizing the tissue during the bipolar ablation process.
US08235979B2	Interfacing media manipulation with non-ablation radiofrequency energy system and method The effects produced by surgical devices that deploy an electrical circuit between electrodes are dependent on the nature of electrical work perform upon the conductive media in an around biologic tissues. Non-ablation radiofrequency surgical devices utilize a protective housing that provides, based upon procedure-specific needs, the ability to 1. move, manipulate, and segregate near-field effects both tangentially and perpendicularly to the tissue surface, 2. deliver far-field electromagnetic effects to tissue unencumbered by current deposition, and 3. serve as a 20 mechanical adjunct to and a selective throttling vent/plenum for energy delivery. Because the electrodes are non-tissue-contacting, this study characterizes the effects that non-ablation radiofrequency energy exerts upon interfacing media typically encountered during surgical applications. These devices create a Repetitive Molecular Energy Conversion Loop for surgical work; and, non-ionizing electromagnetic forces are deployed in strength levels that can produce thermal and non-thermal biologic tissue effects. A differential between current density dispersion and electromagnetic field strength is exploited to allow normal tissue healing responses to the near-field effects of tissue modification and preconditioning while permitting far-field effects, which are useful for inducing therapeutic biologic responses, to manifest in treated tissues that have been protected from electrical current generated collateral damage.
US08235978B2	Thermal capsulotomy tool and system A system and tool for performing a capsulotomy procedure. The system includes an air pressure unit, a capsulotomy and movement control unit providing electrical current and movement control, and a capsulotomy tool, and an extendable-retractable burning element coupled to the tool. A capsulotomy and movement control unit provides electrical current to the burning element and movement control for extending and retracting the burning element. When the burning element is in a flattened, retracted configuration, the tip of the tool can be inserted through a relatively small corneal incision. Then, the burning element is opened to a circular, extended configuration, allowing a capsulotomy by applying an electrical pulse to the burning element. Optionally, predefined points of weakness allow removal of the tool should breakage occur during surgery.
US08235975B2	Light transmission system for photoreactive therapy A light transmission system to provide photodynamic treatment to a patient includes a single use integrated control module and catheter assembly having a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) to transmit light toward target cells within a patient. The integrated light catheter and control module are used in combination with a light activated drug. Selected operating parameters may be programmed into the control module, or it may be wirelessly programmable in situ prior to use to allow user flexibility to tailor treatment for a particular patient or condition. Among the features that prevent reuse are that the control module lacks access to recharge the power source, and it may include a deactivation module that destroys circuitry or software when triggered. To prevent patient interference when in use, the control module may also be configured to selectively deactivate.
US08235973B2	Device for laser-optical eye surgery A device for laser-optical eye surgery includes a source (10) of pulsed femtosecond laser radiation and also optical components (12, 14, 16) for guiding the laser radiation and focusing the same onto a treatment location on or in the eye (28), the optical components including a plurality of lenses (18, 20) arranged in succession in the beam path of the laser radiation. In accordance with the invention, at least one (18) of the lenses is arranged so as to be adjustable relative to other lenses in the direction of the beam path. In particular, the adjustable lens is a first diverging lens of beam-expansion optics (12). An actuating arrangement (24) is assigned to the adjustable lens for its adjustment, for the control of which arrangement a control unit (26) is provided which is set up to access measured data concerning the topography of a surface of the eye and to control the actuating arrangement in a manner depending on the measured surface topography. The laser device enables the abandonment of a contact lens to be placed onto the eye.
US08235972B2	Suctioning system, method and kit A suction head in fluid communication with a pump head provides a sub-ambient working pressure to a target area, enabling drainage thereof to a waste container. The pump head is coupled non-mechanically to a pump drive. A control system for a suction system is also provided.
US08235969B2	Medical device shaft designs Devices and methods for transferring forces down a catheter shaft while also maintaining an open fluid pathway are disclosed. In some of the designs, inner and outer members of the catheter interact, allowing improved transfer of forces down the catheter shaft. These designs also allow for maintenance of a fluid pathway along the length of the shaft, including at locations where the inner and outer members are interacting with one another. Structures are disclosed which extend at least a portion of the length of the shaft, allowing improved force transfer and resistance to kinking. Structures are also disclosed which specifically allow for inner and outer members to engage one another at at least one point along the shaft, improving the transfer of forces down the shaft.
US08235968B2	Atraumatic ureteral access sheath A ureteral access sheath having nonuniform axial-stiffness adapted for proximal pushability needed for placement while also having distal flexibility to minimize trauma to the body lumen and ureter. Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a nonuniform axial-stiffness ureteral access sheath comprising a nonuniform axial-stiffness jacket encapsulating the reinforcement layer with the inner liner. Other embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a nonuniform axial-stiffness ureteral access sheath comprising a nonuniform axial-stiffness reinforcement layer encapsulated between a single axial-stiffness jacket and the inner liner. Other embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a nonuniform axial-stiffness ureteral access sheath comprising a nonuniform axial-stiffness jacket encapsulating a nonuniform axial-stiffness reinforcement layer with the inner liner.
US08235963B2	Disposable wearable absorbent articles with anchoring systems Embodiments of the present disclosure include disposable wearable absorbent articles with anchoring systems. In an embodiment, a disposable wearable absorbent article includes an absorbent core and an anchoring system configured to anchor the absorbent core to a wearer.
US08235959B2	Absorbent article with composite sheet comprising elastic material A process is claimed for making a composite sheet useful as topsheet with one or more openings to receive fecal material useful for an absorbent article, said composite sheet comprising a wrinkled, patterned elasticized region that comprises a patterned first sheet and an elastic material said first sheet being patterned with troughs, that are typically compacter, i.e. of higher density, prior to attachment to the elastic material. The troughs are attached to the elastic material. The resulting composite sheet has a uniform wrinkle pattern. Also claimed are specific absorbent articles. Also claimed are composite sheets with a specific residual strain and peel force value.
US08235955B2	Wound treatment apparatus and method An apparatus for cleansing wounds in which irrigant fluid from a reservoir connected to a conformable wound dressing and wound exudate from the dressing are moved by a device (which may be a single pump or two pumps) for moving fluid through a flow path which passes through the dressing and a means for providing simultaneous aspiration and irrigation of the wound, and means for stressing the wound bed and optionally tissue surrounding the wound. The former removes materials deleterious to wound healing, while distributing materials that are beneficial in promoting wound healing over the wound bed. The latter promotes wound healing. The dressing and a method of treatment using the apparatus.
US08235954B2	Device and method for treatment of eyelid diseases A container has an impermeable outer membrane sized to fit generally within the peri-orbital region and sufficiently flexible to mold to the structure of the closed eye. Heat which is generated by an exothermic reaction inside the container, which provides steady-state heat to the eyelids. A soft, non-abrasive, lint-free material is presoaked in a pH controlled (preferably antibacterial and hypoallergenic) detergent, with or without an ophthalmic antibiotic solution. The compress may also have a handle which makes holding and maneuvering the compress more feasible, while protecting the user's fingers from the heat, and preventing the contamination of the compress by the fingers. The compress may be packed in a watertight, sterile wrapper which will prevent drying of the detergent solution. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
US08235950B2	Safety needle A safety needle pack to prevent needle stick injuries includes a hollow needle, a needle hub, a slidable sleeve mounted on the needle hub and a pack surrounding the needle, hub and sleeve. The slidable sleeve is adapted to slide between an extended position in which the injection end of the needle is located inside the slidable sleeve and a retracted position in which the injection end of the needle projects from the slidable sleeve. The pack is releasably mounted on the needle hub and slidable sleeve such that the injection end of the pack covers the tip of needle.
US08235948B2	System for anchoring medical devices Some embodiments of a medical device anchor system include an anchor device that receives a catheter (or other medical instrument) and secures the catheter in place relative to a skin penetration point. In some embodiments, the anchor device can secure the catheter in an operative position relative to the skin without the use of sutures or skin tapes.
US08235947B2	Introducer seal assembly A unique surgical system and method of use includes a seal assembly which is initially mountable about a surgical instrument. The surgical instrument with mounted seal assembly is thereafter positioned within a cannula assembly. The seal assembly forms a fluid tight seal within the interior of the cannula assembly while also forming a fluid tight seal about the surgical instrument. The seal assembly and the cannula assembly cooperate to permit angulation of the surgical instrument. A magnetic coupling assists in retaining the seal assembly within the cannula assembly.
US08235946B2	Haemostatic valve There is disclosed a tri-leaflet valve (100) in which the leaflets (102) extend for substantially the entire length of the valve (100). The valve (100) is provide with a waist (106). An element (16) inserted in the tri-leaflet valve (100) can be sealed by closure of the valve (100), for example by pressurization or twisting. The seat is more effective then prior art seals.
US08235942B2	Rotate-to-advance catheterization system A method for visualizing the interior of a bodily passageway comprising providing a visualization system for deployment in the passageway, the visualization system comprising a tube having non-rotatable distal and proximal end portions and, a rotatable intermediate portion therebetween; visualization apparatus disposed within a lumen of the tube; and a helical thread on an exterior surface of the rotatable intermediate portion of the tube having structural integrity and a surface profile, such that when the tube is in the bodily passageway and the thread engages the interior side wall of the passageway, rotation of the rotatable portion of the tube induces a movement between the tube and the passageway; inserting the visualization system into the bodily passageway at a location remote from the site to be visualized; rotating the rotatable portion of the tube to bring together the site and the visualization apparatus; and using the visualization apparatus to visualize the interior of the bodily passageway.
US08235941B2	Occlusion catheter having compliant balloon for use with complex vasculature A catheter used for treatment of complex vasculature, such as a bifurcated aneurysm, is provided with an inflatable balloon at a distal portion thereof. The shape, location and material of the inflatable balloon are selected such that when inflated, the balloon conforms to the shape of the complex vasculature, or at least a portion thereof, without appreciably deforming the vessel walls. In this manner, the balloon can be used to control flow in the vasculature, for example occluding a selected branch of the vasculature during introduction of material in order concentrate the material and minimize its disbursement by blood flow.
US08235940B2	Trocar entry incorporating an airbag A safety trocar assembly incorporating an airbag is provided to prevent overpenetration of the safety trocar assembly through an abdominal wall and into a body cavity. The safety trocar assembly includes an airbag cannula having an expandable airbag proximal of the distal end of the cannula. A sensing device is located at a distal end of the cannula for detecting changes in conditions at the distal end of the cannula. A trigger mechanism is provided on the cannula and operates to inflate the airbag in response to a change in condition detected by the sensing device.
US08235938B2	Method of providing care to a patient The present invention is directed to a system and method for providing care to a patient, comprising a patient care device having a number of configuration databases stored in a memory in the device. Each configuration database preferably includes protocols, operating limits, rule sets and/or operating features that collectively define an operating environment, or personality, of the device. Selection of a specific configuration database preferably is based at least in part upon patient-specific information obtained from any location in a distributed hospital network. Examples of such patient-specific information include patient age or size, patient medical characteristics, a location of the patient or a location of the care device. In a preferred embodiment, programming a patient care device to deliver a drug to a patient entails activating a configuration database and scanning a machine-readable drug label identifying a particular protocol stored in the activated database. The selected protocol includes default parameters for delivering the drug, and the label optionally includes instructions for deviating from the default protocol.
US08235935B2	Device and method for producing therapeutic foam A device and a method for generating therapeutic foam from a sclerosing solution such as polidocanol and a gas which is absorbable or dissolvable in the body comprises a disposable cassette including a liquid container and a flexible chamber containing gas, chamber being formed as a loop. Located in the loop chamber is a foam generating mesh. In use, liquid is introduced into the chamber and then the cassette is inserted into a pumping machine where it is engaged by a peristaltic pump which circulates the contents of the loop chamber through the mesh, thus creating foam. When a steady state is reached, foam may be withdrawn using a syringe via either a port or septum.
US08235929B2	Method of treating pruritis The present invention relates to a method of treating dermatologic pruritis. The skin involved with purities is covered with an organic cloth in order to make it more difficult to scratch. The contact of the organic cloth not only makes it difficult to scratch but adds a soothing feel thus lessening the tendency to need to scratch.
US08235928B2	Functional low-profile dynamic extension splint and methods for its use and manufacture A low profile dynamic extension splint for biasing a person's fingers and/or a thumb in an open position.
US08235925B2	Back brace An application for a back brace for supporting both the abdomen and lower back of the user includes an abdominal support member and a lumbar support member having a convex dome facing inwardly towards the lumbar region of a wearer; the support members joined by two belts. The belts are positioned though a slot on each side of a member and are used to adjust the biasing force between the members. The device further includes sleeves over a central region of the members providing additional comfort.
US08235924B2	Orthotic brace An orthotic brace (30) for a joint includes a bracing device (40) having first and second portions (42, 44) movable relative to one another and a mechanism (100) for placing the bracing device (40) in a first condition in which the first portion (42) has a first resistance to movement relative to the second portion (44) and a second condition in which the first portion (42) has a second, different resistance to movement relative to the second portion (44). The mechanism (100) is capable of placing the bracing device (40) in a third condition in which the first portion (42) has a third resistance to movement relative to the second portion (44) that is between the first and second resistance.
US08235920B2	Vibrational support surface A vibration and modulation system is provided for an array of air cells. The vibration and modulation system includes an air source, a high-pressure reservoir in fluid communication with the air source, and at least one valve coupled between the high-pressure air source and the array of air cells. A control assembly is coupled with the at least one valve and selectively controls a position of the valve to effect a vibratory action in the array of air cells.
US08235917B2	Wireless electrosurgical controller The present disclosure relates to a wireless, bite activated switch for electrosurgery related electrosurgical systems, and methods of use thereof. During an electrosurgical procedure, a biocompatible switching device is gently held in the surgeon's mouth, typically between the teeth. The surgeon may activate an electrosurgical device by biting down on the switch. In embodiments, the wireless, bite activated switch includes a passive RFID tag that is powered by a radiofrequency signal transmitted by an interrogator included within an electrosurgical system unit. The wireless, bite activated may include a unique identifier which enables the electrosurgical system unit to respond only to a designated wireless device.
US08235913B2	Biopsy device with translating valve member A biopsy device includes a needle extending distally from a body. The needle includes a transverse aperture, a first lumen, and a second lumen. A cutter is movable within the first lumen to sever tissue protruding through the transverse aperture. A valve assembly is operable to change the pneumatic state of the second lumen. The valve assembly includes a valve body and a translating member slidably disposed in a bore of the valve body. The valve body includes a first port and a second port. The first port is in fluid communication with the second lumen of the needle. The second port is in fluid communication with atmospheric air. The translating member selectively couples the first port with the second port based on the longitudinal position of the translating member within the bore. The translating member translates relative to the valve body based on the position of the cutter.
US08235907B2	Ultrasonic medical device and associated method A medical system includes a carrier and a multiplicity of electromechanical transducers mounted to the carrier, the transducers being disposable in effective pressure-wave-transmitting contact with a patient. Energization componentry is operatively connected to a first plurality of the transducers for supplying the same with electrical signals of at least one pre-established ultrasonic frequency to produce first pressure waves in the patient. A control unit is operatively connected to the energization componentry and includes an electronic analyzer operatively connected to a second plurality of the transducers for performing electronic 3D volumetric data acquisition and imaging (which includes determining three-dimensional shapes) of internal tissue structures of the patient by analyzing signals generated by the second plurality of the transducers in response to second pressure waves produced at the internal tissue structures in response to the first pressure waves. The control unit includes phased-array signal processing circuitry for effectuating an electronic scanning of the internal tissue structures which facilitates one-dimensional (vector), 2D (planar), and 3D (volume) data acquisition. The control unit further includes circuitry for defining multiple data gathering apertures and for coherently combining structural data from the respective apertures to increase spatial resolution. When the data gathering apertures are contained in a flexible web or carrier so that the instantaneous positions of the data gathering apertures are unknown, a self-cohering algorithm is used to determine their positions so that coherent aperture combining can be performed.
US08235905B2	System and method for automatic ultrasound image optimization A method for automatic image optimization in ultrasound imaging of an object is provided. The method includes transmitting a first ultrasound signal into the object, wherein the signal has a plurality of first signal parameters. The method also includes receiving a first set of electrical signals representing reflections of the first ultrasound signals from the object and processing the first set of electrical signals into a first image. The method evaluates an image quality cost function for the first image to produce a first image quality metric and determines a second plurality of signal parameters based upon the first image quality metric. Similarly, the method includes transmitting a second ultrasound signal into the object, wherein the signal has the second plurality of signal parameters and receiving a second set of electrical signals representing reflections of the second ultrasound signal from the object and processing the second set of electrical signals into a second image. The method also includes evaluating an image quality cost function for the second image to produce a second image quality metric. The method further includes comparing the first image quality metric and the second image quality metric to determine whether a maximized image quality metric has been reached and assigning multiple signal parameters that produced the maximized image quality metric as optimum parameters. The method further includes imaging and displaying the object using an ultrasound signal having the optimum parameters.
US08235900B2	Method and apparatus for an automatic ultrasound imaging system An ultrasound imaging system that can automatically adjust the imaging parameters based on the original or processed received echoes from the target is presented in this disclosed technology. The adjustment is done through a closed loop negative feedback control system iteratively. Imaging performance evaluation parameters calculated from the received echoes, original or processed, are compared with preset thresholds that represent desired optimal imaging performances. The differences are used to calculate the adjustment for the imaging parameters. The system reaches to an optimal system image quality for the current target or stops when a maximum number of iterations is reached.
US08235895B2	Medical sensor kit for combination with a chair to enable measurement of diagnostic information A medical examination chair kit includes a group of sensors including electrodes in finger-tip sensors, various other types of sensors incorporated in covers attachable or placeable on a chair and load cells on an adjustable grid supporting the chair, all of which provide data which is partially processed in a transmission pocket mounted on the chair.
US08235893B2	Scleral depressor A scleral depressor designed to better control the globe of the eye is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the scleral depressor has a handle and a blade attached to the handle where the blade is a portion of an oblate spheroid. In one embodiment, the blade has an illuminating device. The handle is attached to the blade at an angle or straight in relation to the plane of the handle. In another embodiment, the blade is attached to a thimble. In another embodiment of the invention, the blade has an access hole for simultaneous use of other instruments during examination or surgery. The resulting apparatus has greatly improved control of the eye, effective visualization of the periphery, ease of use for the examiner, and increased comfort for the patient.
US08235879B2	Charging roll A charging roll includes a shaft and an ionically conductive elastic layer formed around the shaft. The ionically conductive elastic layer is formed of a rubber composition free of any electron-conductive agent and containing 0.7 to 1.0 parts by weight of a peroxide cross-linking agent per 100 parts by weight of an ion-conductive rubber. The ion-conductive rubber is formed of at least one of an epichlorohydrin rubber and a nitrile rubber, and a percentage of a rubber component in the ionically conductive elastic layer measured by thermogravimetric analysis is 90% or more by weight.
US08235878B2	Stability ball control device with radial control surfaces of increasing widths An exercise device includes a central hub, a plurality of rib structures radiating from the central hub, and a band. Each rib structure has a proximal end secured at the central hub and terminating at a distal, radiating end. The band is secured to the distal end of each rib structure such that the central hub, the plurality of rib structures, and the band form an enclosure operable to seat therein a bottom portion of an exercise ball.
US08235876B2	Abdominal training apparatus An abdominal training apparatus provides focused training on the abdominal muscles using a resistance provided by a resistance device. The user may be supported in an elevated position by a seat support. A cable may transfer the resistance from the resistance device to the user. One or more pulleys may guide the resistance such to the user such that a force vector below and away from the user is provided to the user. In use, the user may perform abdominal training by engaging or grasping the cable to engage the resistance. The user may also support or secure one or both legs using a leg support of the apparatus. The force vector of the resistance is highly beneficial in that it allows the resistance to target and strengthen the abdominal muscles.
US08235875B2	Kinetic dumbbell A kinetic dumbbell of the present invention includes a handle and two weight devices connected to opposite ends of the handle. Each of the weight devices has an annular channel and at least a ball received in the annular channel. The balls are running in the endless annular channels to provide an extra vibration effect while training with the kinetic dumbbell of the present invention.
US08235873B1	Exercise methods and apparatus with variable foot motion An exercise apparatus includes a frame configured to rest on a floor surface; left and right cranks rotatably mounted on the frame; left and right first rocker links pivotally mounted on the frame; left and right drawbar links pivotally interconnected between respective cranks and respective first rocker links; left and right second rocker links pivotally mounted on the frame; and left and right foot links supported by respective cranks and respective rocker links. On one embodiment, the second rocker links are selectively pinned to respective first rocker links to configure the apparatus for elliptical striding exercise, and the second rocker links are alternatively pinned to the frame to configure the apparatus for arcuate stepping exercise. On another embodiment, adjustable length members are interconnected between respective second rocker links and respective first rocker links to accommodate variable elliptical striding motion.
US08235872B2	Weightlifting grip The present invention relates to a handgrip for weightlifting purposes comprising: a first surface for contact with a bar; a second surface for direct contact with a user's hand; and four corners creating a substantially parallelogram shape, where one opposite pair of corners form an angle that is less than a 90° angle and a second opposite pair of corners form an angle that is greater than a 90°, angle. The handgrip according to the present invention securely fits around the bar where said bar is a part of a barbell or dumbbell. The handgrip conforms to a substantially cylindrical shape when the user places it around the bar.
US08235871B2	Fitness applications of a wireless device Methods and systems for use in connection with a fitness routine and/or an exercise apparatus. In one such method, fitness information is stored in a fitness analysis system and operative communication is established with an exercise apparatus and/or a wireless communication device. A fitness information request is received at the fitness analysis system, and the system sends a setting associated with the exercise apparatus to facilitate a workout using an exercise apparatus. The system receives exercise information corresponding to the workout, and updates fitness information during the workout. The updated fitness information is analyzed to generate associated with the exercise apparatus to facilitate a subsequent workout.
US08235867B2	Method for treatment of a driveline A method of operating a drivetrain of a motor vehicle. The drivetrain comprising a drive aggregate with at least one electric machine. During operation of the drivetrain according to the method, when an accelerator pedal and a brake pedal are not actuated, the drivetrain is operated in a speed-regulated crawling mode and during this mode a nominal speed value is compared with an actual speed value and, on the basis of the difference between these speed values, a crawling torque is produced as a control output. During a purely electrical speed-regulated crawling operation, if a positive crawling torque is produced as the control output, then the torque produced by the electric machine is regulated such that the actual speed value is approximately equal to the nominal speed value and, during such operation, an electrical energy accumulator of the drivetrain is discharged more intensively since the electric machine is operated as a motor.
US08235864B2	Method for operating an automatic or semi-automatic manual transmission of a heavy vehicle when in idle-driving mode A method for operating a semi-automatic or automatic manual transmission of a heavy truck when driving at idle speed. The method includes supplying fuel to the engine of the heavy truck at a rate that facilitates engine-idle operation. In another step, the method engages the automatic or semi-automatic transmission in a gear higher than the starting gear of the transmission and permits the truck to operate at a first substantially uniform driving velocity under engine-idle power. Depending upon traffic and environmental requirements which require a slower or higher speed, the driver downshifts or upshifts the semi-automatic or automatic transmission by depressing a control pedal of the truck and then drives the truck at a second substantially uniform driving velocity under engine-idle power. For a downshift, the second substantially uniform driving velocity is less than the first substantially uniform driving velocity. For an upshift, the second substantially uniform driving velocity is greater than the first substantially uniform driving velocity.
US08235858B1	Gear drive A compact gear drive assembly for powered equipment includes a housing having a first tubular extension, and an input shaft having a first end located in the housing and a second end extending from the housing through the first tubular extension. The gear drive assembly further includes a first stage gear reduction engaged to and driven by the first end of the input shaft, a second stage gear reduction engaged to and driven by the first stage gear reduction, and an axle engaged to and driven by the second stage gear reduction.
US08235857B2	Gear module A drive has a drive source connected with an automatic manual gearbox. A friction clutch is positioned between the drive source and the gearbox. The drive also has a differential, which with a gear wheel engages a first gear wheel on the gearbox output shaft, as well as a gear module to change the transmission in the gear without interrupting the drive. The gear module has a brake and a bypass transmission with three rotation bodies of which a first rotation body is connected to the first clutch part, a second rotation body is connected to a connecting gear wheel, which engages the first gear wheel, and the third rotation body is connected to the brake. The connections of the rotation bodies to the parts stated and respectively of the drive are made in this as splines.
US08235856B2	Gear device and turning portion structure of industrial robot using the gear device A gear device includes: an input gear fixed to an output shaft of a motor; an internal gear; an external gear which rotates while revolving around a central axis of the internal gear while meshing with the internal gear; a carrier supported rotatably within the internal gear and adapted to rotate about the central axis of the internal gear in conjunction with the rotation of the external gear; a plurality of crankshafts which are rotatably supported by the carrier and are adapted to cause the external gear to revolve around the central axis of the internal gear; transmission gears each provided on a central portion of each of the crankshafts; and a cylindrical gear which meshes with the transmission gears of the crankshafts and to which rotation is transmitted from the input gear, wherein the cylindrical gear is located on a radially inner side of an imaginary line passing through a center of rotation of each crankshaft and is rotatably supported by the carrier, and wherein the input gear and the cylindrical gear mesh with each other in an axially central portion of the carrier.
US08235846B2	Lacrosse stick pocket and related method of manufacture A lacrosse head pocket includes an elongated single layer runner with multiple cross pieces. The single layer runner can be constructed from a material, such as a polymeric material, molded over the cross pieces. The cross pieces and/or runner can include speed lace loops with which a net lace can be joined. A related method includes providing cross pieces, overmolding a polymeric material over the cross pieces to form a single layer runner, where the overmolded material is the only structure extending between and connecting the cross pieces, and where the cross pieces are transverse to the runners. Another method includes providing a pocket base overmolding the base with a polymeric material to cover portions of it, and forming connection elements between different portions independently of any other components of the pocket base.
US08235835B2	Interchangeable shaft system A golf club incorporating an interchangeable shaft system includes a shaft and a club head. The shaft is removably coupled to the club head. Hosel and shaft alignment features provide discreet orientations between the shaft and club head. The shaft alignment features and a fastening member are integrated into the construction of the shaft.
US08235830B2	Visual swing indicator golf club head A golf club head with a body and an asymmetrical visual swing indicator is provided. The asymmetrical visual swing indicator may be formed to represent an apparent backswing path outward of an actual backswing path. In certain configurations the asymmetrical visual swing indicator is positioned such that a portion of the asymmetrical visual swing indicator closest to the hitting surface of the golf club is closer to a heel end plane of the golf club head then a portion of the asymmetrical visual swing indicator closest to a rear surface of the golf club head. A method of fitting a golf club head by determining an initial swing plane using a measuring device, determining a desired swing plane, and applying an asymmetrically shaped visual indicator to a golf club head based upon the determined initial swing plane and the desired swing is also provided.
US08235829B2	Constant velocity joint A constant velocity joint is disclosed that includes a first rotatable shaft, the first shaft comprising an axle portion having on one end an enlarged pocket portion, the pocket portion having a plurality of circumferentially and radially spaced ball pockets and a distal end; a corresponding plurality of spherical balls disposed in the pockets; and a second rotatable shaft comprising a joint housing, the joint housing having a central bore with a corresponding plurality of axially extending, circumferentially and radially spaced ball grooves disposed about the second longitudinal axis and a base, the joint housing disposed over the pocket portion with the corresponding plurality of balls disposed in the grooves, the joint providing a range of angular and axial movement of the first shaft relative to the second shaft, the distal end of the pocket portion having a convex surface configured to provide a predetermined a range of angular movement.
US08235828B2	Diaphragm couplings A diaphragm coupling having first and second diaphragm plates that are joined together around their outer edges. Each diaphragm plate has a central, axially-extending hub. The hub of the first plate supports within it a pin member having an outwardly projecting shoulder at each end adapted to engage an internal shoulder on the hub of the first plate at one end and an internal shoulder on the hub of the second plate at the other end so as to limit axial separation of the two hubs—from one another.
US08235823B2	Game device, method of controlling a game device, and information storage medium A target output control section causes, after a game has started, a target which a user needs to achieve in the game to be output. A target output standby section holds the target output by the target output control section on standby based on an achievement status for the target.
US08235822B2	Transmitting content in wagering networks Systems, methods, and apparatus for transmitting content in wagering networks are described herein. In one embodiment, the method includes determining a first source for a first block of a wagering content file. The method can also include determining a second source for a second block of the wagering content file. The method can also include receiving the first block from the first source, receiving the second block from the second source, and using the first block and the second block to create a copy of the wagering content file.
US08235821B2	Progressive controller and TCP/IP in gaming system A casino gaming system is disclosed that provides game play in exchange for monetary input per game played. The gaming system includes a casino game unit in which the casino game unit stores one or more games in electronic form. The casino game unit includes: a display screen for displaying images to a player; a monetary input system for receiving monetary input from a player; one or more player control devices for receiving player input; and a processor, wherein the processor executes game software and processes input from the player. The gaming system further includes computer readable media that stores casino game software in the game unit, and wherein computer readable media includes optically readable media.
US08235819B2	Method and apparatus for using conditional parameters to alternate between wagering games A wagering method is provided that allows players or gaming establishments to specify conditions which when satisfied, reconfigure the gaming device to change game play from a first game to a second game. The condition may depend upon the value of a parameter—generally related to game play—to determine if the condition is valid and triggers the reconfiguration. The second game may be selected from a game on the same gaming device, from a game on a different gaming device, or a game played by a specific player.
US08235818B2	Ubiquitous unified player identity tracking system Systems and method for providing a single sign in a gaming console that associates online activity that is out-of-game/cross game, and/or online activity that is in-game, and/or activity that is offline and in-game with that account. While online, a service tracks activity of gamers and provides usage statistics in a profile. While offline, the game console tracks the player's activity via a mechanism to collect detailed information about a specific player's in-game statistics and accomplishments. The offline activity is cached and uploaded when the console connects to the online service. Players can accumulate achievements offline that are credited towards online activities.
US08235814B2	Impression normalization An impression normalization function can be established and applied against recorded values for impressions occurring in two or more games. A normalized impression record is created to provide advertisers independent and realistic measurements by which they can compare impressions to enable agreement on the degree of exposure offered by a given advertisement.
US08235810B2	Regulated gaming trusted energy saving Trusted Energy Saving (TES) methods applied to server based distributed downloadable gaming for allowing casino operators to significantly reduce their energy bills by placing the main controller of selected unused gaining machines into low-power mode while retaining total control and trust. Trusted Energy Saving is accomplished by: (1) establishing a secure “out-of-band” communication (or equivalent) between gaming machines and the casino's management system such that full network security is maintained while the main controller is in low power standby mode, (2) employing intelligent strategies to wake-up and turn-off the main controller of selected gaming machines by anticipating player use, (3) waiving the lengthy security verification required by regulation upon every gaming machine start-up and optionally (4) by displaying video promotional content on each turned-off gaming machine to continue to attract prospective players and to use the timing of each player approach to intelligently structure game menus based on the promotional content that has successfully attracted the player. The mapping of the TES gaming machines that are turned-on and in low-power mode may be periodically forwarded to the air-conditioning management system and/or to the lighting management system for energy optimization.
US08235804B2	Wagering game A method of conducting a community-based wagering game event includes the acts of displaying images associated with a community-based wagering game on a surface, sensing a player's movement using a sensing device, the player's movement comprising a game input, and outputting to a controller a signal bearing data relating to the player's movement. The method also includes the acts of determining, using the controller, a relation between the player's movement and the displayed images on the surface and adapting the displayed images responsive to the player's movement.
US08235799B2	Gaming machine and method including re-triggering a feature game to a next feature game In the gaming machine according to the present invention, when symbols are displayed within display regions of a display means, a determination means determines, from a combination of symbols displayed, establishment/non-establishment of the shift condition. More specifically, the determination means determines that the shift condition is established when a predetermined number or more first symbols are displayed within the at least one display regions. Further, a condition control means for controlling, when the first symbols displayed within the at least one display regions are less than the predetermined number and when a second symbols are displayed within the display regions, to establish the shift condition by the first symbols and the second symbols. Accordingly, even when the first symbols displayed within the display regions are less than predetermined number, the player can look forward to the shift to the bonus game and therefore feel interest more than in a conventional gaming machine.
US08235798B2	Gaming system having configurable mechanical reels A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a wager input device, a display for displaying a randomly selected outcome of a wagering game, and a controller operatively coupled to the display and the wager input device to operate in a plurality of selectable game modes of which a selected one is a current game mode. The display has an array of reel strips. Each of the selectable game modes is respectively associated with a subset of the reel strips of the array. A first game mode of the plurality of selectable game modes has at least one reel strip that differs from at least one reel strip of a second game mode of the plurality of selectable game modes. The second game mode has at least one reel strip that differs from at least one reel strip of the first game mode. The controller is operative to cause the display to selectively conceal all of the reel strips other than that subset of the reel strips associated with the current game mode, for example, by causing movement of a reel window or reel strips with respect to the other, or by adjusting the opacity of one or more controllable-opacity segments.
US08235797B2	Jackpot awards on a gaming machine A method for use with a gaming system that provides a game in which a plurality of symbols are selected and presented on a display to form one or more combinations includes: providing a base game, providing a feature game on the occurrence of a first event during play of the base game, awarding a jackpot on the occurrence of a second event during play of the feature game, and varying the probability of both the first and the second events dependent on at least an aspect of a wager placed by a player to play the base game, wherein said variation maintains at least an approximately constant probability of the jackpot being won despite variations in said aspect of the wager.
US08235795B2	Gaming method having gaming machines with projected or polarized image reel symbols A system for providing a multi-game gaming machine having mechanical reel strips is displayed. A mechanical-reel gaming machine may include light responsive polymer material layers on its reel strips having multiple symbol images visible in polarized light and methods for displaying such symbol images is disclosed. The multi-game gaming machine has access to changing reel strips, and as such a number of sets of symbols can be displayed based on a game selection and corresponding image polarizer orientation. The uniform light sources per reel work with the image polarizer associated per reel, with polarizer location between preferably the reel and the game patron or the light sources and the reel. The polarizer orientation changes based on a game selection, with different game symbols displayed according to that selected game.
US08235794B2	Gaming system having gaming machines with projected or polarized image reel symbols A system for providing a multi-game gaming machine having mechanical reel strips is displayed. A mechanical-reel gaming machine may include light responsive polymer material layers on its reel strips having multiple symbol images visible in polarized light and methods for displaying such symbol images is disclosed. The multi-game gaming machine has access to changing reel strips, and as such a number of sets of symbols can be displayed based on a game selection and corresponding image polarizer orientation. The uniform light sources per reel work with the image polarizer associated per reel, with polarizer location between preferably the reel and the game patron or the light sources and the reel. The polarizer orientation changes based on a game selection, with different game symbols displayed according to that selected game.
US08235791B2	Community lines game apparatus The claimed embodiments contemplate methods, systems and apparatuses directed to gaming machines that provide a common reel display for multiple players. Various combinations of reel lines, utilized to determine possible wins from symbols across multiple reels, of the reel display, may be available to the players. For example, a first player may be permitted to bet on one set of reel lines and a second player may bet on another set of reel lines. Also, for example, both players may bet on some reel lines and other reel lines may only be available to certain players. A community reel line may also be made available to both players or perhaps just one player upon satisfaction of certain conditions. The ability to have multiple players bet on a common reel display advantageously adds to the excitement and enjoyment of a gaming session.
US08235786B2	Lottery system and method incorporating random credit allocation to a plurality of games A gaming system and associated methodology include means for a player to place a wager to participate in play of a plurality of base games, the wager entitling the player to a block of credits. A central lottery computer system is configured to randomly divide the block of credits between the plurality of base games and to conduct the plurality of base games. Means are provided for the player to interact with the central lottery computer system for simulated play of each of the plurality of base games. A prize is awarded for a winning play of any one of the base games and is a function of the number of credits that were randomly assigned to the respective base game by the central lottery computer system.
US08235785B2	Wagering game with outcome based on community and individual random events A method of conducting a wagering game on a gaming machine comprises selecting a plurality of playable elements from a set of playable elements. The method further comprises displaying an individual outcome having first elements randomly selected from a set of individual elements. The set of individual elements correspond to the set of playable elements. The method further includes displaying a community outcome having second elements randomly selected from a set of community elements. The set of community elements correspond to the set of playable elements. An award is achieved in response to the plurality of playable elements matching the randomly selected first and second elements.
US08235784B2	Method for initiating a group play feature on a plurality of casino games The present invention is directed to a method for presenting a game having a bonus feature. The method includes initiating a game on at least one of a plurality of gaming machines associated with one another and arranged in a circular bank. The gaming machines are monitored to determine whether a triggering event has occurred on any of the plurality of gaming machines. A bonus feature is initiated on all of the plurality of gaming machines in response to the triggering event. The bonus feature play includes activating indicators associated with each gaming machine located around the circular bank, in a sequential order, for a specific amount of time. At the end of the sequence only one gaming machine indicator remains activated, designating a winner of the bonus feature. The winner is awarded a bonus.
US08235782B2	Method and apparatus for team play of slot machines A method of operating slot machines permits a machine to be identified as available for team play. Upon being identified for team play, the machine is grouped with other slot machines and subject to bonus conditions dependent on the team play. Bonus conditions typically including selected bonus outcomes and a bonus time period, during which bonus time period all outcomes of the grouped machines are monitored to determine the total bonus outcomes. If the total bonus outcomes of the team meet the bonus conditions within the bonus time period, then a bonus payout is awarded to all of the players. Players are thus encouraged to participate in a social, team environment with others of the team to win the group bonus. The invention is applicable to all slot machines, including video poker machines wherein the bonus outcomes include selected video poker hand ranks, and reeled slot machines wherein the bonus outcomes include selected reel outcomes.
US08235781B2	Electronic video poker games A video poker machine configured to allow a player to play a card game is provided. The video poker machine includes at least one display device, at least one input device, and at least one computer configured to display at least a first hand and a second hand of at least five cards all face up, each hand including the same five cards. A player can be provided an option to play a hand by selecting none, one or more than one of the face up cards from the first hand and the second hand and any additional hands as cards to be held. Each of the cards not selected to be held are discarded from each hand and replaced with a face up card. The player can be provided a pre-established amount based on the amount of a wager made on the hand if the resulting cards of the hand comprise a predetermined poker hand ranking.
US08235776B2	Fully articulated and comprehensive air and fluid distribution, metering, and control method and apparatus for primary movers, heat exchangers, and terminal flow devices The described method and apparatus pertains namely to the HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning) industry, though its many functions extend into any and all forms of air-fluid movement, metering, distribution, and containment. Essentially, the scope of operation of the method and apparatus encompasses all forms of scientific and engineering measurement dealing with fluid dynamics, fluid statics, fluid mechanics, thermal dynamics, and mechanical engineering as they pertain to precise, articulated control of air-fluid distribution and delivery. The described method and apparatus offers complete, comprehensive, and correct utilization of air-fluid movers and terminal devices under unique sensor logic control, from initial lab testing stages through to equipment cataloguing, selection, design and construction of any and all air-fluid distribution systems in entirety, whereas previously there was no such cohesive, total and terminal method of control for these systems or their components.
US08235775B1	Bone splitting and breaking tool A bone breaking or crushing tool for use by a hunter is designed to break the pelvic bone of a game animal. The bone breaking tool includes a U-shaped body having first and second arms joined by a front end. A handle projects at an angle from an outer side of a first arm of the U-shaped main body. A projection is formed on an inner side of the first arm of the U-shaped main body. The bone breaking tool is configured so that the first and second arms of the U-shaped main body can be slid around either side of a portion of the pelvic bone of a game animal. A hunter can then apply a force to an end of the handle to drive the projection on the inner side of the first arm into the pelvic bone to break or crush the pelvic bone.
US08235773B2	Dust-disposal assembly for machine tool A dust-disposal assembly for a machine tool comprises a dust-collection chamber settled in a cutting area of the machine tool and a dust-block board settled on the dust-collection chamber for covering an opening of the dust-collection chamber, wherein the dust-block board serves to retain cutting dust in the dust-collection chamber.
US08235770B2	Eyeglass lens processing apparatus An eyeglass lens processing apparatus includes: a processing tool which processes a peripheral edge of the lens and includes a roughing tool, a beveling tool and a bevel-modifying tool; a selection unit which is used to select a high curve beveling mode for forming a bevel in the lens fitted into a high curve frame having a protrusion portion; a modifying portion data input unit inputs data of a portion to be modified so as to prevent an interference between the lens and the protrusion portion; a calculation unit which obtains bevel-modifying data on the basis of a bevel path and data of the modifying portion; and a processing control portion which performs the beveling to the lens by the beveling tool in accordance with the beveling data, and removes a part of the bevel shoulder and/or the bevel slope by the bevel-modifying tool in accordance with the bevel-modifying data.
US08235767B2	Cryogenic treatment processes for diamond abrasive tools Embodiments of the invention can provide cryogenic treatment processes for diamond abrasive tools. One process in accordance with an embodiment of this invention can include introducing an abrasive tool into a cycling chamber, wherein the tool has a temperature of about ambient temperature; and introducing at least one cryogenic material into the chamber, wherein the internal temperature of the chamber or tool can be controlled by adjusting the flow rate of the at least one cryogenic material. The process can result in a strengthened and toughened abrasive tool. The process can be repeated multiple times.
US08235764B2	Brassiere construction using multiple layers of fabric A body-shaping garment and fabric is provided. The garment includes an inner fabric layer and an outer fabric layer. The inner fabric layer is placed in an angular orientation relative to the outer fabric layer. Further, the inner fabric layer and the outer fabric layer have sufficiently isotropic hysteresis.
US08235762B2	Mounting arrangement for squeaker A method of making a noise producing toy includes the steps of providing a noise producing assembly; providing or molding a first body portion having a first material and having an aperture, the first material having a material that is conducive mounting of the noise producing assembly into the aperture; mounting the first body portion on a mandrel of a mold core, the mold core for forming at least part of a body of the noise producing toy; molding a second body portion to engage the first body portion on a mold core to form at least part of the body, separating the mandrel and mold core and the at least part toy body; mounting the noise producing assembly into the aperture.
US08235759B1	Engine cooling system drain A liquid cooled internal combustion engine has a cooling system with a coolant liquid flow passage having a drain port and a clog-preventing drain plug having an anti-clog protrusion finger extending through the drain port and into the coolant liquid flow passage when the clog-preventing drain plug is in its closed position. The anti-clog protrusion finger leaves a hole in a clog layer of debris and/or engine combustion products upon removal of the anti-clog protrusion finger from the coolant liquid flow passage upon moving the clog-preventing drain plug to its open position.
US08235758B2	Rotatable plug A rotatable plug includes a plug portion and a base portion rotatably connected to the plug portion, an angle is formed by a rotational axis of the base portion and a center axis of the plug portion, and when the base portion rotates about rotational axis, the plug portion is folded to the base portion.
US08235755B2	Modular outlet In conjunction with a wiring in a house carrying data network signal, a modular outlet (100) includes a base module (100a) and interface module (100b). The base module connects to the wiring and is attached to the surface of a building. The interface module provides a data unit connection. The interface module is mechanically attached to the base module and electrically connected thereto. The wiring may also carry basic service signal such as telephone, electrical power and cable television (CATV). In such a case, the outlet provides the relevant connectivity either as part of the base module or as part of the interface module. Both proprietary and industry standard interfaces can be used to interconnect the module. Furthermore, a standard computer expansion card (such as PCI, PCMCIA and alike) may be used as interface module.
US08235749B2	Electrical connector for photovoltaic modules An electrical connector is provided for electrically connecting a junction box of a photovoltaic (PV) module to an electrical cable of a power distribution system. The electrical connector includes a housing extending along a central longitudinal axis from a cable segment to a mating segment. The housing has an intermediate segment that extends between the cable and mating segments. The intermediate segment includes a flange. The housing is configured to be mounted to a frame for the PV module. An electrical contact is held by the housing and is configured to establish an electrical connection between the junction box and the electrical cable. A biasing mechanism extends over the intermediate segment of the housing. The biasing mechanism extends from a flange end to a frame end. The flange end is engaged with the flange of the housing. The frame end is configured to engage the frame such that, when the housing is mounted to the frame, the biasing mechanism extends between and exerts a biasing force on the flange and the frame. The housing is movable relative to the frame and along the central longitudinal axis with and against the biasing force of the biasing mechanism.
US08235741B2	Electric plug connector having a sealing element The invention relates to an electric plug-in connector having a contact carrier (1) and a threaded part (2), which can be screwed together with a counter-threaded part (4) of a counter plug connector in a configuration as a cap nut or cap screw, wherein an elastic sealing element (5) is pressed together, wherein an actuation sleeve (6) is associated with the threaded part (2), to which a torque can be applied, and which is pivot-coupled to the threaded part (2). In order to avoid damage to the sealing element, the invention provides an elastic active element (7, 30, 34) that deforms during the pressing together of the sealing element (5) such that the pivot coupling is released between the actuation sleeve (6) and the threaded part (2) upon exceeding a threshold deformation
US08235738B2	Card edge connector with an improved retainer A card edge connector for mating with an electronic card includes an elongated housing (1), a number of contacts retained to the housing (1), and a retainer (2) at one end of the housing (1). The housing (1) has a pair of opposed side walls (11), a central slot (12) between the side walls and a fitting section at one end thereof. The fitting section defines a pair of axes holes (145). The retainer (2) has a base portion (21) with a pair of pivots (211) engaging with the axes holes (145), a latch projection (22) inwardly extending from the base portion for locking the electronic card, a flexible arm (23) unitarily extending from the base portion (21) to resist an inner wall of the fitting section for fastening the retainer (2) to the housing (1).
US08235735B2	Terminal joining structure and terminal joining method A terminal joining structure includes a terminal having a tubular barrel portion and a flange portion that is integrally formed at the axis-direction end of the barrel portion, a conductor substrate on which is opened a through-hole for inserting the barrel portion, and a ring that fits on the barrel portion on the opposite side of the conductor substrate. On the barrel portion is formed a taper that increases in diameter toward the flange portion. The diameter of the larger-diameter portion of the taper is larger than the inner diameter of the through-hole. The terminal is caulked to cause radially outward expansion of an end part of the barrel portion, which passes through the ring, on the opposite side of the conductor substrate and is fixed to the conductor substrate together with the ring.
US08235727B2	Dental articulator with endodontic module A dental articulator for use in dental education simulates the human mouth and has an adjustable hinge that interconnects upper and lower carrier trays for movement to and from a closed position. Modules of imitation gums and teeth are secured in the carrier trays by neodymium magnets. The hinge structure in the articulator is selectively movable to shift the jaw axis to a position to provide the desired alignment of the upper and lower teeth when the jaw is closed or demonstrate a misaligned condition. A dental training module may be installed which, upon removal from the articulator, has a pair of separable sections encasing a tooth to permit release of the tooth and removal from the module so that a completed treatment may be evaluated.
US08235720B2	Prophylactic systems for dental instruments and methods for using the same A prophylactic system 100 for a dental hand piece 101 of a selected shape and having an outlet 112 for providing a fluid to an operating field is disclosed. A cover 102 has a shape substantially similar to the hand piece 101 for enclosing the dental hand piece 101 and includes an aperture 118 for communicating with the operating field. An s-shaped valve 600 includes a path 605 for coupling the fluid from outlet 118 of the hand piece 101 to the aperture 118 of the cover.
US08235719B2	Apparatus for cleaning a root canal system An endodontic tool is provided to facilitate the removal of the smear layer and to enhance deep lateral cleaning of a root canal system. The tool includes a sonic driven activator which is made from a strong, flexible, non-metallic, and non-cutting material. The activator can be smooth. A snap-on coupler is adapted to attach the tool to a driver via a snap on action and without the use of tools. The driver will vibrate, sonically or ultrasonically, the flexible activator within a root canal of a tooth. The tool can be provided with fluid passages which allow for irrigating reagents to be delivered through the activator and into the root canal space during endodontic procedures.
US08235718B2	Dental composite The shade system contains a set of dentin/body shades, and a set of enamel and opaque shades that correspond to the dentin/body shades. The system may also include tints and specialty incisals to provide special effects, if necessary.
US08235717B2	Method and apparatus for indirect bonding of orthodontic appliances to teeth A method of indirect bonding and a physical model that allows for optimal positional alignment of orthodontic appliances on a patient's teeth is disclosed. The physical model of the patient's teeth has pods and ridges on the facial surface of the teeth. Adhesive is applied to an orthodontic appliance and the appliance is placed on a tooth of the physical model against the ridge and on top of the pods. The adhesive fills the space in between the appliance and the facial surface of the tooth and adheres to the model, resulting in a dimensionally correct custom base that is properly aligned with the tooth to account for all five positional elements of a tooth. Once all the orthodontic appliances are applied to the model, the appliances can then be removed from the model and bonded to the patient's teeth in the optimal position using a transfer template.
US08235713B2	Systems and methods for varying elastic modulus appliances The present invention provides improved devices, systems and methods for repositioning teeth from an initial tooth arrangement to a final tooth arrangement. Repositioning is accomplished with a system comprising a series of polymeric shell appliances configured to receive the teeth and incrementally reposition individual teeth in a series of successive steps. The individual appliances may be formed from layers having different stiffnesses (elastic moduluses), and the stiffnesses of successive appliances may be different, or both.
US08235711B2	Method and device for removing volatile organic components from waste gases of a clinker installation Method and device for removing volatile organic components (VOC) from waste gases of a cement clinker kiln installation. Cooled waste gases are subjected to post-combustion carried out to an extent ensuring a concentration reduction of the VOC below admissible values. Post-combustion is carried out for production of vapor, dimensioned for a gas volume to be post-combusted, ensuring that a partial quantity of the waste gas corresponding to the gas volume allows for the reduction of emitted VOC per unit time in the waste gas below admissible concentration values by rarefaction. The partial quantity of the waste gas is simultaneously dimensioned for production of an amount of vapor sufficient for economical operation of a steam turbine. The device includes a branch line connected to a waste gas line between a pre-calciner and a waste gas suction fan, and a combustion chamber and a turbine connected to the branch line.
US08235707B2	Multi-boiler and control method thereof for preventing back flow of exhaust gas The present invention relates to a control method of preventing backflow of exhaust gas into combustion chambers of boilers or water heaters that are not in operation for a multiboiler comprising a plurality of boilers or water heaters connected in line, each of which including a wind pressure sensor measuring wind pressure of air flowing into a combustion chamber and a controller controlling a fan supplying air into the combustion chamber on the basis of the wind pressure measured by the wind pressure sensor. The control method includes measuring wind pressures using the wind pressure sensors in the operating boilers and calculating an average wind pressure, using any controller as a master controller to determine a control amount of wind of the fans of non-operational boilers based on the average wind pressure, and operating the fans of the non-operational boilers on the basis of the control amount of wind.
US08235706B2	Methods and apparatus for atomization of a liquid Representative embodiments provide for corresponding fluid atomizer bodies, each generally defining a fluidicly communicative interior cavity. The interior cavity is typically defined by an entry passageway portion, a chamber portion, a plurality of feeder passageways that are tangentially disposed to and fluidly coupled with the chamber portion, and an exit passageway portion fluidly coupled to the chamber portion. In one embodiment, an upper body portion and a lower body portion are bonded together to define a complete fluid atomizer body. Another embodiment provides for producing one or more fluid atomizer bodies by a way of injection molding.
US08235704B2	Method and apparatus for manufacturing blow molded containers A method for forming a container includes receiving a parison, enclosing the parison with a mold that includes a cavity, and inflating the parison in said mold to form a blow molded container with a moveable region at the cavity. The method further includes repositioning the moveable region before filling the blow molded container.
US08235701B2	Adjustment mechanism for extrusion die A device is constructed for adjusting the concentricity of a die within an extrusion die assembly. The adjustment mechanism involves a series of compound screws having multiple operating threads that employ different pitches to generate a fine adjustment motion. The compound screws are coupled to opposing spring loaded plungers that move against a bias spring in reaction to movement of the compound screws.
US08235698B2	Blowing machine and automatic changer A blowing machine for containers, in particular bottles, with a preform heating module, to which a blow wheel is assigned and which contains a conveyor chain with exchangeable heating mandrels and optionally exchangeable shielding plates, with a service area provided on the conveyor chain in the heating module, in which an automatic changer for the automatic changeover of at least the heating mandrels is arranged. The automatic changer includes a magazine holder, a turret, which is adjustable and rotatable between the magazine holder and the conveyor chain, with grippers, and movably drivable unlocking components for engaging locks.
US08235697B2	Injection mold with inductive heating An injection-molding device includes at least first and second mould parts, defining a mould cavity, wherein at least one of the mould parts includes a heating device, for heating the mould part in the vicinity of a mould cavity surface, the heating device includes an inductive coil having a plurality of windings and being powered by an oscillator. The heating device further comprises a thin top member, which functions as a susceptor for electromagnetic energy emitted by the inductive coil, which is placed in grooves in a carrier member. An intermediate member is placed between the top member and the carrier member. The intermediate member does not function as a susceptor to any grater extent, but provides mechanical stability while allowing the heat generation to be concentrated to the top member.
US08235692B2	Nozzle structure A nozzle structure is mounted in a compression molding machine that compresses using a punch a powder material filled in a die to manufacture a compressively molded product, and sprays a lubricant at least toward a tip of the punch prior to filling the powder material and includes a guide path that guides the lubricant, and a spraying portion that is provided at an end of the guide path so as to communicate therewith and that sprays the lubricant guided along the guide path so as to be substantially aligned with a predetermined straight line intersecting at least in a direction of relative displacement of the punch.
US08235689B2	Piston pump with rotating pump actuator A reciprocating piston liquid pump and piston driver mechanism includes a reciprocating piston liquid pump having a piston chamber and a piston reciprocating in the piston chamber from an unactuated position to an actuated position, with movement of the piston from the unactuated position to the actuated position causing the advancement of product. The piston driver mechanism includes a first driver member having an axis and a sloped circumferential surface extending along its axis, and a second driver member having an axis and a sloped circumferential surface extending along its axis. The first and second driver members are aligned along their axes and mate at an unactuated position along at least a portion of their sloped circumferential surfaces. Rotation of one of the driver members about its axis relative to the other of the driver members causes the second driver member to advance away from the first driver member toward an actuated position. This movement also causes movement of the piston to its actuated position, thus advancing product.
US08235688B2	Fan A fan includes a bracket, a stator, and a rotor. The bracket includes a tray, and a frame circling the tray. The stator is mounted to the tray and circled by the frame. The rotor includes a shaft, and a shell covering the stator. The rotor shell includes a top board, and a cylindrical hollow sleeve extending down perpendicularly from the top board. The shaft extends down perpendicularly from a center of the top board, and is rotatably mounted to the stator. A lower portion of the sleeve bounds a circumference of the tray. An assembly clearance is formed between the lower portion of the sleeve and the tray.
US08235685B2	Turbocharger mount with integrated exhaust and exhaust gas recirculation connections Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed towards an apparatus and method for fluidly coupling a turbocharger to an internal combustion engine. In one embodiment, a turbocharger mount for fluidly coupling a turbocharger to an exhaust system of an engine is provided. The turbocharger mount includes a housing portion and a mounting flange extending from the housing portion. The housing portion defines a cavity therein and a first inlet opening in fluid communication with the cavity, a first outlet opening in fluid communication with the cavity, and a second outlet opening in fluid communication with the cavity.
US08235683B2	Hermetic compressor A Inlet pipe (151) communicating the space inside the hermetic enclosure with sound absorbing space (147) of inlet muffler (145) is provided so as to be inclined downward from inlet-pipe inlet (155) toward inlet-pipe outlet (157). Outlet pipe (153) communicating sound absorbing space (147) with an inlet valve includes outlet-pipe inlet (161) and outlet-pipe outlet (163). Inlet-pipe inlet (155) and outlet-pipe inlet (161) are formed at substantially same height. Herewith, introducing a refrigerant gas to outlet-pipe inlet (161) making efficient use of potential energy of the refrigerant improves the compression efficiency and stabilizes the performance of the compressor.
US08235680B2	Hydraulic motor having radial cylinders and continuous variable displacement A radial cylinder hydraulic motor having continuously variable displacement capabilities includes: oscillating hydraulic cylinders which are driven to oscillate through an eccentric crankpin formed on the motor shaft and carrying a radially movable ring adapted to be shifted along the radial direction of the crankpin by actuation of opposed counteracting hydraulic cylinders housed within the crankpin; a hydraulic control circuit for controlling and adjusting the positions of said counteracting hydraulic cylinders in a continuous manner; an electronic control circuit adapted to control the hydraulic control circuit and process signals from at least one position sensor arranged to detect the positions of said oscillating cylinders; a rotary joint for hydraulic conduits through which said counteracting hydraulic cylinders are controlled and adjusted.
US08235678B2	Multi-stage vacuum pumping arrangement A differentially pumped vacuum system includes first, second and third chambers, and a pumping arrangement for evacuating the chambers. The pumping arrangement includes a compound pump having a first inlet connected to an outlet from the first chamber, a second inlet connected to an outlet from the second chamber, a first pumping section and a second pumping section downstream from the first pumping section, the sections being arranged such that fluid entering the compound pump from the first inlet passes through the first and second pumping sections and fluid entering the compound pump from the second inlet passes through, of said sections, only the second section. The pumping arrangement further includes a booster pump having an inlet connected to an outlet from the third chamber, and a backing pump having an inlet connected to the exhaust from the booster pump. Fluid exhaust from the compound pump can be conveyed to either a second booster pump inlet or the backing pump inlet as required.
US08235673B2	Control method of inverter compressor and inverter compressor The present invention provides a control method and a control apparatus of an inverter compressor in which when a trip occurs immediately after the inverter is started, retry can be performed in a short period of time with restart being performed in accordance with the detected conditions after the retry waiting times which are different from each other elapse. There are provided two or more kinds of retry waiting times, and the retry waiting time immediately after starting is made shorter than the others.
US08235670B2	Interlocked CMC airfoil A ceramic matrix composite (CMC) airfoil assembled from a pressure side wall (42) and a suction side wall (52) joined by interlocking joints (18, 19) at the leading and trailing edges (22, 24) of the airfoil to produce a tapered thin trailing edge. The trailing edge (24) is thinner than a combined thicknesses of the airfoil walls (42, 52). One or both of the interlocking joints (18, 19) may be formed to allow only a single direction of assembly, as exemplified by a dovetail joint. Each joint (18, 19) includes keys (44F, 54F, 56F, 46F) on one side and respective keyways (44K, 54K, 56K, 46K) on the other side. Each keyway may have a ramp (45) that eliminates indents in the airfoil outer surface that would otherwise result from the joint.
US08235666B2	Propeller for a marine propulsion system A propeller for a marine propulsion system is disclosed which comprises a propeller hub having a casing formed from three segments (16a, 16b, 16c), each of which has a part of an opening (28) for mounting a propeller blade (34). A locking and unlocking mechanism (51, 54, 95, 100) is provided for disengaging the propeller blades to enable pitch adjustment of the blades. A push rod (50) is connected to the mechanism (100) to cause disengagement and adjustment of the pitch of the blades. The mechanism (100) includes a claw (101) having pivotally connected fingers (95). The hub also has a slide ring (51) having a load surface (61) is provided for receiving load when the propeller blades are unlocked to enable pitch adjustment to take place.
US08235660B2	Fan, especially a ceiling fan with a balanced single blade Described is a fan with a blade suitable for use as a ceiling fan. The blade may be regarded as a single blade, although shaft is not attached to blade at one end thereof; rather, shaft is attached to blade at a point between first end and second end. Blade is balanced by counterweights located in blade. In one embodiment, blade is connected to shaft by means that permit angular movement, such as a teeter hinge.
US08235658B2	Fluid flow machine including rotors with small rotor exit angles A fluid flow machine includes at least one rotor blade row designed for high work coefficients, which—in its center section and/or averaged over the blade height—provides for an essentially swirl-free relative outflow. The respective rotor, in its trailing edge area, is essentially orientated in meridional direction, which essentially corresponds to the meridional flow direction.
US08235655B1	Variable inlet guide vane assembly A variable inlet guide vane assembly for a gas turbine engine, where the guide vanes are pivotably connected to a sync ring that is contained within an annular groove within the casing so that leakage through holes in the casing is minimized. The guide vanes include a slider mechanism on one of the ends that will allow for both an axial and a rotational movement of the guide vane pin when the guide vanes pivot about a fixed pin on an opposite end of the guide vanes. A round rotary vane actuator with a height much less than a diameter is mounted outside of the casing and connects to the sync ring through a driving linkage.
US08235653B2	Variable coolant pump for the cooling circuit of an internal combustion engine A variable coolant pump for a cooling circuit of an internal combustion engine. The variable coolant pump includes a pump head having an inlet, an annular channel and an outlet; a pump housing rotatably supporting a pump shaft having an axial end; a pump blade wheel mounted on the axial end of the pump shaft and disposed in the pump head; and a plurality of adjustable guide blades arranged concentrically about the pump blade wheel between the annular channel and the pump blade wheel. Each adjustable guide blade has two longitudinal sides and outer edge and includes a first pivot, a second pivot and a third pivot. The first and second pivots extend at right angles to a respective one of the two longitudinal sides in a vicinity of the outer edge. The first and second pivots define an axis of rotation and rotatably support the respective guideblade in the pump head about the axis of rotation. The third pivot is disposed in parallel with the first and second pivots in an area in the adjustable guide blade remote from the axis of rotation and protrude into an oblong recess in an adjustment ring rotatably arranged in the pump head. The oblong recess has a radial and a tangential component.
US08235651B2	Horizontal axis wind turbine including a rotating exhaust duct The purpose of the invention is to protect, in a horizontal axis wind turbine with an exhaust aperture for exhausting air from within the nacelle, the exhaust aperture and the internal structures from storm winds through facing the exhaust aperture away from the storm wind, even when storm winds are received from all directions relative to the nacelle. A rotary duct is attached to the nacelle so as to be able to rotate freely in the yaw direction, and is rotated in the yaw direction in accordance with changes in the wind direction. The exhaust aperture is provided at a position that changes direction depending on the rotation of the rotary duct in the yaw direction. By rotating the rotary duct in the yaw direction so that the exhaust aperture will face the downwind side in accordance with changes in the wind direction, the exhaust aperture can be faced away from storm winds, even when storm winds are received from all directions in relation to the nacelle.
US08235650B2	Cooling fan with balance structure A cooling fan includes a fan housing (30) having a central tube (34) extending upwardly therefrom, a bearing (60) being received in the central tube, a stator (20) being mounted around the central tube, and a rotor (10) having a shaft (18) extending through the bearing. At least one notch (180, 184) is defined in an end of the shaft. A balance structure (62) is mounted around the shaft, and has a portion facing and surrounding an upper portion of the at least one notch of the shaft. The balance structure is made of magnetic material, which can attract the shaft downward to thereby counter the upward force generated by the rotor when it is driven to rotate. Accordingly, the noise problem incurred by the floating of the rotating rotor can be resolved by the present invention.
US08235649B2	Blower for vehicles The present invention relates to a blower for vehicles, which includes guide walls formed on a bypass passageway formed between a scroll case and an outer case to send the indoor air and the outdoor air to a lower suction opening of the scroll case, thereby reducing suction noise by guiding a uniform flow of air introduced into the lower suction opening, preventing deformation of the outer case, and preventing a droop of the air filter by supporting a lower portion of an air filter when an intake duct injection-molded in a vertically parted mold is applied thereto.
US08235648B2	Diffuser with enhanced surge margin A diffuser for a centrifugal impeller assembly of a gas turbine engine includes a diffuser case having a plurality of vanes extending therein defining a plurality of circumferentially distributed angled passages in communication with an inlet space. Each vane includes a bleed port defined in a suction surface thereof, in proximity of the leading edge. The diffuser case includes a passive fluid communication defined at least partially through each one of the vanes between each bleed port and the inlet space upstream of the leading edge, such that air bled through the bleed ports is recirculated upstream of the leading edges to the inlet space to increase a surge margin of the diffuser.
US08235647B2	Bearing-chamber pressure system A gas turbine has a rear bearing chamber 2 including a bearing arrangement 1. A vent valve 14 vents the bearing chamber 2 as a function of relative pressure of the bearing chamber.
US08235646B2	Aeroengine nozzle A gas turbine engine includes a fan, a bypass duct having a nozzle, through which fluid from the fan flows, and a variable area nozzle device located in the nozzle. The variable area nozzle device has an arcuate fairing having one end in slidable cooperation with the bypass duct. In a deployed position the area of the nozzle is reduced from that when stowed, thereby improving engine operability and efficiency.
US08235641B2	Hinged and bifurcated cart document handling apparatus utilized with a lazy-portrait document printing system For use with lazy-portrait narrow-end to narrow-end (LPEE) formatted document pages printed on a continuous web of material, an apparatus and method of use for assembling correctly page-sequenced document sets that utilizes a slitter for separating the LPEE formatted document pages into two separate streams of continuous sheets that are loaded onto a document transfer cart that has two side-by-side and hinged-together document receiving trays, for each tray a removable bottom support plate assembly having casters on the lower portion of one of the bottom support plates, a top document delivery roller for each tray, a central hinge connecting the two trays to each another, support rack pivot rods, a handle secured to each tray, and cart transfer wheels.
US08235639B2	Method for producing adhesive-bound book blocks from gathered signatures A method for producing adhesive-bound book blocks from gathered signatures for which the individual signatures forming a non-bound book block are supplied while positioned on the spine on a transfer section to an opened conveying clamp on a perfect binder and are subsequently held while clamped in by the closed conveying clamp along the flat outer surfaces. The gathered signatures of a book block are released in an additional conveying section from the conveying clamp in order to be aligned while guided. Prior to leaving the conveying section for aligning the signatures, the signatures are clamped in once more by the conveying clamps along the flat outer surfaces, so that they can be conveyed to further processing locations.
US08235638B2	Auxiliary constructional component A auxiliary constructional component includes a base member (11), a guide section (12) for a fastening element (30) and projecting from the base member (11), and a feeler element (20) displaceably supported on the base member (11) for displacement along an attachment axis (A) defined by a through-opening (13) formed in the guide section (12), having at least one, radially spaced from the through-opening (13), placement surface (21) for a press-on feeler (42) of a setting tool, and projecting in an initial position of the feeler element (20) beyond a side of the base member (11) remote from the guide section (12).
US08235632B2	Cargo bag valve deflector A deflector is configured for use with a cargo bag filling valve. The filling valve has an upstanding portion that extends a distance beyond a surface of the cargo bag. The valve has a diameter and has a compressed gas inlet configured for engagement with a compressed gas inflation nozzle. The deflector has an inclined wall defining a base and an upper portion. The base is defined by an outer periphery of the inclined wall. The inclined wall defines a height. A well is defined at an inner portion, radially inward of the base. The well has a depth that is less than or equal to the height defined by the inclined wall. The well has a bore therein about equal to or slightly less than the diameter of the valve. A flange is formed at an inner periphery of the well.
US08235630B2	Method for producing a sheet pile wall and sheet pile plank therefor A method for driving a number of sheet pile planks which have jaw slots into the ground, having the steps of: providing a previous sheet pile plank provided with at least one discontinuity, driving this previous sheet pile plank into the ground, causing the jaw slots of a previous sheet pile plank driven into the ground and a next sheet pile plank to interlock, driving the next sheet pile plank into the ground while maintaining the interlocking of said jaw slots, causing the next sheet pile plank to interact with the discontinuity of the previous sheet pile plank, and stopping the process of driving the next sheet pile plank into the ground after this mechanical event has been detected at the top end of this sheet pile plank.
US08235629B2	Submerged floating foundation with blocked vertical thrust as support base for wind turbine, electrolyser and other equipment, combined with fish farming A submerged buoyant floating platform with blocked vertical thrust. Above the platform an electrolyser may be placed inside a hollow container. Under the platform may be a hollow container filled with ballast, connected by pipes or chains to the outer ring of the platform which provide rigidity to the entire structure. A storage tank for the hydrogen produced by the electrolyser may be attached to the hollow container. The entire structure may be anchored with chains attached to bottom weights sitting on the ocean floor. The structure may be used as a support for a tower including a wind turbine. Additional chains attached to the structure bottom weights on the sea floor may link the structure to an aquaculture facility and to floats which hold the cages used in aquaculture. The floats may be linked to additional bottom weights placed on the sea floor.
US08235628B2	Continuously pressurized pipeline A pipeline segment 5, used for the manufacture of a thin-walled underwater pipeline 50. Terminal pipe sections 20 are at either end of main pipe section 10. Terminal pipe sections 20 are thick-walled or otherwise resistant to collapse due to external pressure. A pressure isolation device 30 maintains an internal pressure in main pipe section 10 above a shut off pressure. A pressure compensation system 35 can protect main pipe section 10 from collapse due to external pressure. Pipeline segments 5 can be manufactured by connecting and winding stalks 100 onto storage device 110 forming main pipe section 10. Terminal pipe section 20 can be connected to the lead end of main pipe section 10, and main pipe section 10 can be unwound from storage device 110 while towing.
US08235625B1	Water-ballasted protection barrier A water-ballasted barrier system incorporates a concave reflective design, wherein outer walls of the barrier segment are configured in a concave manner. The concave section is designed to prevent the tire of a vehicle, impacting the barrier, from climbing up the side of the barrier segment, by pocketing the tire in the curved center portion of the barrier wall. Adjacent barrier segments are attached together using an interlocking knuckle design, having a lug pin connection system. In some embodiments, wire rope cable is internally molded into each barrier segment to strengthen the barrier system.
US08235623B2	Pipe and tubing connector A connector for pipe or tubing. The connector includes a unitary expansion member, formed from a body, a first expansion leg extending from the body, an optional second expansion leg extending from the body, and at least one opening extending through the body. In use, the connector is fastened in place by a fastener that is inserted through the at least one opening to contact at least one of the first and second expansion legs and force at least one of them to deform and contact the inside of the pipe or tubing, thereby securing the connector within the pipe or tubing.
US08235617B2	Unit comprising a packaging containing an applicator and the product to be applied The unit (1) includes a packaging (2), an applicator (3), and a product P to be applied. The applicator (3) includes an application element (12) that is housed with the product P in a reservoir (8), an internal handling part (13) that is placed in a holding housing (11) which substantial relative rotation cannot occur. A part in the shape of a rod (14) is housed in a pipe (10) that the rod is rigid enough not to break when the packaging (2) is folded crosswise for the purpose of opening break. The unit (1) also includes two holding zones for the purpose of the break fold in a fragile transverse zone (16) with lower strength.
US08235615B2	Personal care product dispensers and methods of packaging a personal care product Personal care product dispensers include a housing, a platform, a personal care product, a hydraulic mechanism, and a tab. The housing has a main opening and an interior compartment. The platform is disposed within the interior compartment of the housing. The personal care product is disposed on the platform. The hydraulic mechanism is in operable communication with the platform. The tab is operatively coupled to the hydraulic mechanism. The hydraulic mechanism is configured to exert a force against the platform to advance the platform and the personal care product through the interior compartment of the housing in response to user manipulation of the tab.
US08235614B2	Image processing devices and sheet feeding devices An image forming apparatus including an image forming portion that forms an image on a surface of a sheet, a feeding device that feeds the sheet in a sheet feeding direction, a sheet receiving portion, and an engagement portion selectively moves between a first position and a second position. When the engagement portion is in the first position, the engagement portion engages the leading end of the sheet. When the engagement portion is in the second position, the engagement portion does not engage the sheet. When the engagement portion is in the first position, the engagement portion engages a leading end of the sheet before a trailing end of the sheet passes the feeding device. The sheet receiving portion receives the sheet after the engagement portion engages the leading end of the sheet.
US08235610B2	Printing apparatus and conveyance control method This invention relates to a printing apparatus and a conveyance control method capable of allowing even an arrangement having a plurality of conveyance rollers in a printing medium conveyance path to accurately control conveyance of a printing medium. According to this invention, a first encoder detects a conveyance amount by a first conveyance roller, provided in a conveyance path, for conveying a printing medium. A second encoder detects a conveyance amount by a second conveyance roller provided in the conveyance path in the conveyance direction of the printing medium at the downstream side of the first conveyance roller for conveying the printing medium. On the other hand, a signal output from the first or second encoder is selected on the basis of the position of the printing medium on the conveyance path. Conveyance of the printing medium is controlled on the basis of the selected output signal.
US08235605B2	Self-standing parallel plate beam splitter, method for manufacturing the same, and laser diode package structure using the same Disclosed herein are a self-standing parallel plate beam splitter, a method for manufacturing the same, and a laser diode package structure using the same. The self-standing parallel plate beam splitter according to the present invention is easy to manufacture and is applicable to various laser diode packages, thereby enabling easy implementation of a laser diode package that is capable of performing bidirectional communication, a laser diode package having a triplexer function, a laser diode package having a wavelength locking function, and a laser diode package having a front side monitoring function to monitor the operation state of a laser diode chip using some of laser light emitted from the front side of the laser diode chip.
US08235601B2	Optical fiber connector configured with separated seat member and lens member An optical fiber connector includes a lens member integrally forming pairs of lens at a front face thereof, a seat member assembly retained on a rear face of the lens member and fiber cables. The seat member defines slim grooves aligned with the lens and the fiber cables are received and retained in the slim grooves.
US08235596B2	Sliding bearing A halved sliding bearing is provided, two of which are paired into a cylindrical shape. The halved sliding bearing includes a steel back metal, and a bearing alloy layer, which serves as a sliding surface, on the inside of the steel back metal. A coat layer of Bi or a Bi-based alloy is formed on the outside back surface of the steel back metal. Preferably, the coat layer consists of 1 to 30 mass % of one or more of Sn, Pb, In, Ag and Cu and the balance being Bi and inevitable impurities.
US08235593B2	Method and system for real-time estimation and prediction of the thermal state of a microprocessor unit A method judging a temperature of a chip including using a limited set of temperature sensors and using a knowledge of a power dissipation, estimating a temperature on a surface of a chip and predicting a future temperature of the chip knowing the instruction stream characteristics to be processed by the chip.
US08235591B2	Corkscrew with integral intelligent thermometer An intelligent corkscrew device which determines the temperature of the bottle and informs the consumer as to what type of wine is suitable for that temperature. In a preferred embodiment, the corkscrew provides a temperature readout. Alternative embodiments provide entertainment features such as voice or other audio indications related to the temperature. Still other embodiments include visual indication such as lamps which indicate what type of wine would be proper for the temperature of the bottle being measured. The corkscrew uses thermal measurement of the exterior of the wine bottle to measure the temperature. The measurement is made by a temperature sensing device, such as a thermistor or infrared detector on the end of the lever arm or other suitable location.
US08235589B1	Specific heat measurement probe The specific heat of a working fluid flowing along a channel is measured without having to provide an explicit flow rate correction. A specific heat sensing probe is configured with a stagnation enclosure surrounding a thermal transfer sensor. The stagnation enclosure is designed to provide a stagnation chamber in throttled communication with an outside of the enclosure so that the working fluid can flow into and out of the stagnation chamber at a seepage rate substantially less than the fluid flow rate. The thermal transfer sensor is operable to exchange heat with adjacent fluid and to provide a signal representative of the quantity of heat exchanged.
US08235582B2	Method for alternately sifting and blending powders in the same operation A tumbler is mounted for rotation around a trunnion with a screen fixedly mounted to a portion of the trunnion residing within the tumbler. A multiple blade paddle is mounted to a shaft that is rotatably supported through the trunnion. The paddle blades are formed with angular edges. As the tumbler rotates and the paddle rotates, powder is repeatedly dropped onto the screen to be sifted with the aid of the paddle. Rotating the tumbler further drops unsifted portions of the powder from the screen to mix with additional powder in the tumbler body. Thus, sifting and blending of powders is accomplished in one single operation.
US08235574B2	Light-emitting device, illuminating device comprising same, and liquid crystal display In a light emitting device, LEDs are arranged in a line on a film which is provided with a conductor. The conductor connects the LEDs to a connector. The film is bent at a division line between a region where the LEDs are arranged and a region where the conductor is formed, and disposed on the inner surface of a reflector. A reflective material is arranged on a surface of the conductor region which faces to the LEDs.
US08235571B2	Backlight unit of liquid crystal display device and liquid crystal display device using the same A direct-type backlight unit having a plurality of light emitting diodes and a liquid crystal display device having the same are disclosed. The backlight unit includes a printed circuit board (PCB); a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) formed on the PCB for emitting light; and a light diffusion unit included in each of the LEDs for diffusing light.
US08235570B2	Vehicle headlamp A vehicle headlamp is provided with: a main reflector having a convergent reflecting surface; a semiconductor-type light source; a projecting lens; an auxiliary reflector having a parabolic reflecting surface; a shade and a light shading member that are structured integrally with each other; and a switching device. By means of the switching device, the shade and light shading member, which are structured integrally with each other, are switched and positioned in a first location and a second location, thereby allowing light distribution patterns for high and low beams to be switched and illuminated toward a forward direction of a vehicle. As a result, the vehicle headlamp becomes capable of achieving downsizing, weight reduction, power saving, and cost reduction.
US08235568B2	Security lighting for a vehicle Disclosed herein is a security vehicle lighting system. The system includes a rocker panel trim member arranged to conceal at least a portion of a vehicle rocker panel, the trim member having a lower wall portion having at least one aperture formed therein, the lower wall portion defining an interior surface and an opposing ground-facing surface and extending inboard toward the rocker panel, and at least one light member disposed between the rocker panel and the interior surface and adjacent the at least one aperture, wherein the at least one light member is mounted on the interior surface of the trim member and operable to illuminate a portion of the ground proximate the trim member.
US08235562B2	Light-emitting diode illumination apparatus The invention provides a light-emitting diode illumination apparatus. The light-emitting diode illumination apparatus includes a tube, a chamber, a porous capillary diversion layer, at least one heat-dissipating fin, and a diode light-emitting module. The tube has a first opening. The chamber has a second opening and a flat end. The second opening is engaged to the first opening. The porous capillary diversion layer is formed in the tube and the chamber. The tube and the chamber form a sealed space. The sealed space accommodates a working fluid. A section area of the chamber is larger than a section area of the tube. The at least one heat-dissipating fin is disposed on a circumference of the tube. The diode light-emitting module is disposed on the flat end.
US08235560B2	Backlight module A backlight module includes a panel, a base, at least a light-emitting element, a heat-dissipating board and at least a circuit board. The base is connected to the panel to form an accommodating space. The light-emitting element is disposed in the accommodating space. The heat-dissipating board is disposed on the base and connected to the base. The heat-dissipating board includes at least two connecting portions and a top portion. The connecting portions are respectively connected to two ends of the top portion and the base to separate the top portion from the base for forming a heat-dissipating space therebetween. The circuit board is disposed on an outer surface of the top portion far away from the base.
US08235556B2	Condensing element, array, and methods thereof A condensing element, array, and methods thereof include a bowl-shaped outer section and a lens-shaped inner section. The outer section provides substantially total internal reflection of light entering at an input surface of the outer section. The inner section is recessed within the outer section at a distance from the entering light that is within the focal position of the inner section. The outer and inner sections are configured in a preferred embodiment so that substantially all the light exiting the condensing element is substantially parallel to the optical axis of the entering light. In an alternate embodiment, the configuration of the condensing element can be modified to selectively adjust the desired degree of collimation of the exiting light.
US08235549B2	Solid state lighting assembly A solid state lighting assembly includes a socket having a base wall having a first side and a second side, and a first cavity outward of the first side and a second cavity outward of the second side. Contacts are held by the base wall. The contacts have mating fingers extending into the first and second cavities. A lighting printed circuit board (PCB) is removably positioned within the first cavity with at least one lighting component configured to be powered when electrically connected to corresponding mating fingers of the contacts. The lighting PCB is initially loaded into the first cavity in an unmated position and moved in the first cavity to a mated position. A driver PCB is positioned within the second cavity and is electrically connected to corresponding mating fingers of the contacts. The driver PCB has a power circuit configured to supply power to the lighting PCB when electrically connected to the contacts.
US08235547B2	LED lamp with diffuser A lamp is provided. The lamp may include one or a plurality of LED elements; and a housing with electrical and mechanical connection elements, wherein the housing has a light exit region with a light-transmissive terminating element, wherein the terminating element is an optical diffuser element, wherein the terminating element is of a form in which the wall of the terminating element has in cross section two opposite, straight sections running towards one another.
US08235540B2	Backlight unit and display apparatus using the same A backlight unit and a display apparatus using the same are disclosed. The backlight unit includes a first reflector, a second reflector, and at least one light source disposed between the first reflector and the second reflector. The second reflector include at least two inclined surface adjacent to each other about at least one inflection point, the first and second inclined surfaces having different radii of curvature.
US08235528B2	Fundus photographing apparatus A fundus photographing apparatus includes a first photographing unit arranged to obtain a first fundus image and including a first illumination optical system including a first light source and a scanning unit, a first photographing optical system and a wavefront compensating unit including a wavefront sensor and a wavefront compensating device, a second photographing unit arranged to obtain a second fundus image of a wide area including a scanning area by the scanning unit and including a second illumination optical system and a second photographing optical system arranged to obtain the second fundus image with a wider view angle under lower magnification than the first fundus image, a monitor, and a control unit arranged to display on the monitor the first and second fundus images, and display an indicator on the second fundus image displayed on the monitor, the indicator indicating a photographed portion of the first fundus image.
US08235525B2	Method for making an aspheric intraocular lens The invention relates to a novel artificial intraocular lens (IOL) and a method for improving such a lens in the field of ophthalmology, with surface shape modifications that differ from perfect spherical geometries. The intraocular lens takes into account the natural optical configuration of the human vision apparatus, for example, visual axis tilt and pupil decentration. In addition, the method accounts for potential positioning errors caused by implantation and surgery effects.
US08235518B2	UV-curable coatings and methods for applying UV-curable coatings using thermal micro-fluid ejection heads An aqueous-based UV-curable fluid composition for use in a micro-fluid ejection device. The fluid composition includes a mixture of poly-functional compounds, a colorant compound, a photo-initiator and less than about 50 weight percent water based on a total weight of the fluid composition, wherein the fluid composition is substantially devoid of volatile organic carrier fluids.
US08235511B2	Liquid ejecting apparatus The present invention is a liquid ejecting apparatus including: a carriage that reciprocates in a main scanning direction; a liquid ejecting head mounted on the carriage, having a plurality of head-liquid-supplying ports and a plurality of nozzles; and a sub-tank member mounted on the carriage, having a plurality of liquid-storing-room openings that are respectively communicated with the plurality of head-liquid-supplying ports of the liquid ejecting head. The sub-tank member is formed as a single integral member. Each of the plurality of liquid-storing-room openings is closed by an elastic partition having a predetermined area in order to form a liquid storing room. The plurality of liquid-storing-room openings are respectively communicated with a plurality of liquid-communication ways provided in the sub-tank member. The plurality of liquid-communication ways are respectively communicated with a plurality of sub-tank-liquid-supplying ports provided at an outside of the sub-tank member.
US08235509B2	Liquid-droplet ejecting apparatus A liquid-droplet ejecting apparatus including: (a) a liquid ejecting head; (b) a liquid supply passage; (c) a suction passage; (d) a sucking device sucking a gas in the liquid supply passage via the suction passage; (e) a gas-permeable film; (f) an opening-and-closing device; (g) a pressure detecting device detecting an internal pressure of the suction passage; (h) a sucking-device control device controlling the sucking device; the sucking-device control device having the sucking device suck the gas in the liquid supply passage when the pressure detecting device detects that the internal pressure is equal to or above a predetermined threshold.
US08235508B2	Installing fluid container in fluid ejection device A fluid ejection device ejecting a fluid, the fluid ejection device includes: a fluid ejection unit, a main chassis case, a fluid-containing pack, and a container case. The fluid ejection unit ejects a fluid onto an ejection target. The main chassis case houses the fluid ejection unit. The fluid-containing pack contains a fluid for ejection. The container case houses the fluid-containing pack. The container case is pivotably attached to the main chassis case and openable by rotation about a rotation shaft.
US08235505B2	Flow through drop dispenser including porous member A liquid dispenser includes a liquid supply channel, a liquid dispensing channel that includes an outlet opening, and a liquid return channel that includes a porous member located therein. A liquid supply provides liquid under pressure from the liquid supply channel through the liquid dispensing channel to the liquid return channel. A diverter member is selectively actuatable to divert a portion of the liquid toward outlet opening of the liquid dispensing channel.
US08235496B2	Printing apparatus The printing apparatus has: a recording medium holding device which holds a recording medium; a recording information acquisition device which acquires data relating to recording information recorded on the recording medium; a storage device which stores data relating to character images; an automatic determination device which automatically selects the character image corresponding to the data relating to the recording information recorded on the recording medium, from the character images stored in the storage device; and a printing device which prints the character image selected by the automatic determination device, onto a surface of the recording medium.
US08235495B2	Printer A print head includes an ink propelling mechanism, an ink tank supplies ink to the print head, an ink circulation route includes the print head and the ink tank therein, a pump circulates ink through the ink circulation route, a temperature sensor measures a temperature of ink flowing in a route between the print head and the ink tank in the ink circulation route, a heater is disposed in a vicinity of the ink tank to heat ink, and a controller works with a received print job, operating for temperatures of ink as measures at the temperature sensor lower than a first prescribed reference, to heat ink by the heater without starting printing, and for temperatures of ink as measures at the temperature sensor kept equal to or higher than the first reference for a prescribed time interval, to start printing.
US08235493B2	Image recording apparatus An image recording apparatus including: a sheet-feed mechanism; a sheet-detect portion; an image recording portion having a nozzle face; a cap for covering the nozzle face; a sucking mechanism; a drive source which generates a drive force; a drive-force transmitting mechanism which transmits one of a forward-direction drive force and a reverse-direction drive force to the sheet-feed mechanism and the sucking mechanism respectively for feeding of the sheet in one direction by the sheet-feed mechanism and an operation of the sucking mechanism, and which transmits the other thereof to the sheet-feed mechanism for feeding of the sheet in another direction by the sheet-feed mechanism; and a controller which controls the drive source such that the sheet is fed in the one direction and discharged without the feeding in said other direction by the sheet-feed mechanism after the sheet-detect portion has detected the sheet during the operation of the sucking mechanism.
US08235492B2	Apparatus and method for recording A recording apparatus has a controller that controls a conveying roller and a discharge roller for conveying a recording medium. The controller controls the rotation phases of the conveying roller and the discharge roller when the recording medium leaves the conveying roller before the recording medium enters the conveying roller.
US08235490B2	High speed dual pass ink jet printer A method is disclosed. The method includes performing a first print pass to print a first data point on a medium using a first set of ink jet nozzles and performing a second print pass to print the first data point on the medium with a second set of ink jet nozzles.
US08235489B2	Ink jetting Among other things, for jetting ink droplets on a substrate during relative motion of an apparatus and the substrate along a process direction, a first and second jetting assemblies at least partially overlap in a direction perpendicular to the process direction so that some jets in the first jetting assembly align with some jets in the second jetting assembly along the process direction to form one or more pairs of aligned jets. A mechanism enables, in at least one pair of the aligned jets, one jet to jet a first ink drop that has a size smaller than a size of an ink drop the jet would otherwise be required to jet to form a desired pixel and the other jet to jet a second ink drop that has a size sufficient to form the desired pixel in combination with the first ink drop.
US08235483B2	Droplet jetting device A droplet jetting device that includes a recording head section, a pressure sensor and a regulation pump is provided. The recording head section includes a recording head that jets droplets from nozzles and records an image at a recording medium. The pressure sensor is provided at the recording head section and senses a pressure of liquid supplied to the recording head by a main pump from a main tank. The main tank is disposed at a position away from the recording head section. The regulation pump is provided at the recording head section that is smaller in scale than the main pump and regulates pressure of the liquid such that the pressure of the liquid sensed by the pressure sensor is constant.
US08235481B2	Inkjet recording head and recording apparatus An inkjet recording head includes a connection-state output circuit provided on the recording element substrate of a recording head, where the connection-state output circuit externally transmits data of the connection state of each of input signal ends. An output from the connection-state output circuit is activated when the same logic as that used when signals are pulled up and/or pulled down is used.
US08235480B2	Door hinge assembly for refrigerator and method of assembling the same A door hinge assembly for a refrigerator includes a refrigerator door pivotally coupled to a main body of the refrigerator and provided with at least one groove and a hinge unit enabling the refrigerator door to pivot. The hinge unit includes a hinge pin providing a pivot axis of the refrigerator door and a hook member provided at a side of the hinge pin and inserted and hooked in the groove.
US08235477B2	Controlled insertion and retraction of an electronic module in a cabinet A controlled insertion device is provided for securing an electronic module in a cabinet, the device comprising a strike fixable to the cabinet and a latch engageable with the strike for imparting a longitudinal insertion force on the module for making an electrical connection while simultaneously imparting a lateral retention force on the cabinet defining a preselected clearance between the module and the cabinet.
US08235476B2	Closet top access box In a closet with an upper shelf and a door opening defined laterally by two vertical door frame posts which extend to the ceiling, a box frame having a box frame opening and a box frame door system is installed between these posts and above the location of the door opening. The box frame is fastened either to the door frame posts or to the ceiling to provide an opening by which articles may be more readily placed on the upper shelf. The upper shelf within the closet may extend only for a portion of the depth of the closet leaving a gap between such shelf and the box frame thereby providing access to objects present on the shelf through such gap.
US08235473B2	Motorcycle brake system A hydraulic motorcycle brake system whose brake circuits are provided with a valve circuit which prevents the pressure which can be generated by the pump from reacting on the manually activated or foot-activated master brake cylinder.
US08235469B2	Adjustable belt guide for the upper hold point of a three-point seat belt and vehicle seat with integrated three-point seat belt The invention relates to an adjustable belt guide for the upper hold point of a three-point seat belt with a directing element, via which the belt band of the three-point seat belt can be guided, with a connecting element to fix the belt guide 4 to a backrest of a vehicle seat and with an adjustment element arranged between connecting element and directing element. It is provided according to the invention that the adjustment element is developed such that the distance between the backrest, i.e. the connecting element, and the directing element is variable perpendicular to the backrest and the directing element can be fixed in various positions vis-á-vis the backrest.In addition, the invention relates to a vehicle seat with integrated three-point seat belt in which the belt band of the three-point seat belt is guided by an adjustable belt guide connected to the backrest.
US08235468B2	Arm assembly for a chair An office chair is provided with includes a chair arm assembly on each opposite side thereof for supporting the arms of a user. The arm assemblies each include a latching assembly to permit adjustment of the height of an arm cap thereof while maintaining the arm cap at a selected elevation. The latch assembly is engageable with an inner liner provided within a support post. Further, the armrest assembly has a plurality of interconnected and relatively movable plates which permit adjustment of the angular orientation of the arm cap along with adjustment of the arm cap in the front-to-back direction and the side-to-side direction.
US08235467B2	Vehicle seat A vehicle seat comprises a cushion plate mounted on upper and lower seat springs, a seat cushion provided on a front side of the cushion plate, an auxiliary plate provided between the seat cushion and the cushion plate for pushing out the seat cushion forward. The cushion plate includes an upper plate located higher than the lower seat spring and a lower plate located lower than the lower seat spring. The lower plate has such elastic force that when the lower plate receives, through the seat back cushion, pressure from a person properly seated on the seat, the lower plate can move backward by a greater distance than the distance of rearward movement of the lower seat spring.
US08235466B2	Seat structure and vehicle In a seat (10), in a state in which tilting of a back main frame (16) around a tilting center (16A) is locked by a reclining mechanism (18), a lower end of a back joint link (26) is turnably joined to a vehicle side. Thus, turning of a first link (22), a back sub frame (24) and the back joint link (26) is locked, and operation of a back link mechanism (14) is locked. Therefore, a supporting rigidity from rear side of a back side portion (12B) can be enhanced by the back link mechanism (14) (the back sub frame (24)), and a crew sitting in the seat (10) can be thoroughly retained.
US08235465B2	Modular child restraint system A modular child restraint system for use in vehicles comprises a base and interchangeable attachable seats where the seats are for different stages of childhood development. The system can further comprise additional bases adapted to other uses such as strollers and infant swings. A common engagement mechanism allows the various seats to be moved from one base to another. One such system comprises a base and a seat configured to rotate relative to one another when engaged. The seat can also lock in a position relative to the base. The base includes a visual indicator to show that the seat is secured to the base.
US08235460B2	Vehicle window assembly A vehicle window assembly includes a vehicle structure, a window panel and a proximity switch. The vehicle structure defines a passenger compartment of a vehicle and a viewing aperture. The window panel is mounted to the vehicle structure and covers the viewing aperture such that a first surface of the window panel faces the passenger compartment of the vehicle structure. The proximity switch overlays a portion of the first surface of the window panel.
US08235459B2	Seat support assembly A seat support assembly for supporting a vehicle seat on a floor panel member includes a cross member extending laterally across the floor panel member. Ends of the cross member are spaced laterally inward relative to side edges of the floor panel for providing ingress/egress areas between the ends and the side edges. A foam spacer member is complementarily received inside each of the ends of the cross member. Each of the foam spacer members is secured to the floor panel for transferring load forces from the cross member to the floor panel.
US08235458B2	Skeleton structure of vehicle Provided is a side part structure of a vehicle capable of efficiently suppressing deformation of a rocker using a center pillar when the rocker begins to buckle due to a load transmitted from the center pillar to the rocker in the event of a side collision or the like, so that the deformation amount of the rocker may be decreased.The side part structure of the vehicle includes a center pillar 2 that extends in the vertical direction, and the lower end of the center pillar 2 is connected to a rocker 1 that extends in the longitudinal direction. A portion bonded to the rocker 1 in the center pillar 2 is provided with a front ridge line 24 and a rear ridge line 25 respectively located at the front and rear sides of the vehicle, and the front ridge line 24 and the rear ridge line 25 are both formed toward the center portion of the width direction of the center pillar 2 and become close to each other as they go downward.
US08235457B2	Cabin and traveling construction machine with the same A rear beam has a first beam with right and left ends welded to right and left rear supports and a second beam welded to a front surface of the first beam along the right and left direction. The second beam is welded to the first beam so that an upper end portion of the second beam is above an upper end portion of the first beam and a lower end portion of the second beam is above a lower end portion of the first beam.
US08235450B2	Vehicle cover restraint system A cover system for a vehicle comprising a vehicle cover and a first retaining cord. The vehicle cover is configurable to cover a vehicle to the extent desired. The first retaining cord comprises a cord member, a first clip and a second clip. The first clip is coupled to the vehicle cover in a spaced apart orientation relative to the second clip. The cord member extends between the first clip and the second clip to maintain the vehicle cover in the desired orientation.
US08235449B2	Roof opening structure for vehicle A roof is split into plural parts, a front roof and a rear roof. A roof-storage space is formed between a passenger's seat and a rear bulkhead which forms a rear end of a vehicle compartment, in which the roof is stored when the roof is open. There is provided a support mechanism which substantially horizontally supports the roof which is stored in the roof-storage space so that an upper space of the roof-storage space between the passenger's seat and the bulkhead is covered with only one of the plural parts of the roof.
US08235443B2	Pick-up style utility vehicle with expandable cargo bed A pick-up style utility vehicle has a front seat and a rear seat surrounded by a cabin frame, and a cargo bed in this order from the vehicle front, a screen shield partitioning the cargo bed and a riding space in front of the cargo bed. The cargo bed is changeable between an expanded state in which the cargo bed is expanded into the riding space of the rear seat and a non-expanded state not occupying the riding space of the rear seat. The screen shield is supported by the upper portion of the cabin frame and is changeable between an expanded position in which the cargo bed and the riding space in front of the cargo bed are partitioned and a non-expanded position in which the cargo bed and the riding space in front of the cargo bed are partitioned without the necessity of detaching the screen shield from the cabin frame.
US08235441B2	Portable work machine for pumping concrete or thick liquids and having a carrying framework and a covering hood A transportable thick matter pump includes a carrying framework for machine assemblies. A covering hood reaches at least partly over and is fixed in place on the carrying framework and includes a frame skeleton having a rectangular roof frame and two rectangular side frames connected with the roof frame at their upper edge and releasably attached to the carrying framework with their lower edge. A basin-shaped roof cover is inserted into the roof frame, with its opening facing upward, while the side frames carry at least one side paneling element configured as a self-supporting plastic molded hinged door articulated on at the upper edge of the related side frame. The frame skeleton openings formed by the roof frame and the two side frames, on the face-side hood ends, are covered by a removable end cap configured as a self-supporting plastic molded part.
US08235440B2	Studying chopstick for developing children's intellectual powers A pair of training chopsticks for developing intellectual faculties is described. The training chopsticks include a first stick and a second stick. The first stick has a thumb-inserting hole for inserting the thumb and a first pad for picking up solids. The thumb-inserting hole is formed on the upper side of the first stick and the first pad is formed on the lower end of the first stick. The second stick has a holding unit for inserting the forefinger and the second finger. The holding unit has a forefinger-inserting hole for inserting the forefinger and a second finger-inserting hole for inserting the second finger.
US08235437B2	Electric gripper drive with a torsional compliance device An electric gripper has a housing with a motor. A gearhead is coupled with the motor. A controller is electrically coupled with the motor to control the gripper via the motor. A compliance device is coupled with the motor. The compliance device absorbs impact energy created by the device. A drive mechanism is coupled with the compliance device and with a jaw movable on the housing. Fingers are coupled with the jaw that opens and closes to grip a part.
US08235436B2	Bundle gripper for a palletizing machine and method for the palletizing of bundles A bundle gripper for a palletizing machine for picking up respectively at least one bundle and depositing the bundle on a pallet. The bundle gripper including a frame, an adjustable end stop, and at least one gripper finger such that the gripper finger has a front end and is adjustable on the frame. The gripper finger being movable between a first position and a second position. The bundle gripper also including a hold-down clamp coupled to the frame and positioned against the end stop for clamping the bundle against the gripper finger such that a distance between the end stop and the front end of the gripper finger in the second position is changeable to adapt to different lengths of the bundles. The end stop and the gripper finger are each movable to change the distance and the hold-down clamp is correspondingly adjustable to accommodate different lengths of the bundles.
US08235435B2	Utensil handle A handle for a kitchen utensil or the like includes a hand gripping section having a rearward push/pull valley with a varying, substantially elliptical cross-section that forms a floor, a push slope tapering up and forward from the floor, and a pull slope tapering up and back from the floor. The radial cross-sectional area of an end of the pull slope and a radial cross-sectional area of an end of the push slope each are substantially larger than a radial cross-sectional area of the floor. The handle section further includes a ring stop section disposed forward of the push/pull valley with one or more concentric rings extending above a surface of the handle member. The kitchen utensil includes a blade mating section disposed forward of the handle section and configured to receive a blade.
US08235429B2	Fixing base A fixing base is suitable to fix an electronic device having a locking hole. The fixing base includes a housing, a driving structure and a cam. The electronic device is suitable to be held in the housing. The driving structure is provided through the housing, and the cam is disposed in the housing. The cam has a hook, and the driving structure is fixedly connected to the cam. When the driving structure drives the cam to rotate, the hook is locked to the locking hole.
US08235427B2	Self restrained ductile iron fitting A combination sealing and restraint system for an as-cast ductile iron fitting is shown for both sealing and preventing separation of an iron pipe fitting and a mating male pipe. A ring-shaped body is installed within a mating groove provided in a mouth region of the as-cast fitting after the fitting has been cast at the manufacturing plant. The ring-shaped body is formed of an injection molded elastomeric material and carries a series of gripping segments which have teeth on an inner surface thereof which are designed to engage an outer surface of a mating male pipe. The teeth are oriented to allow movement of the male pipe in a first direction relative to an end opening of the fitting during assembly, but to resist movement in a opposite direction after the fitting joint has been assembled. The gripping segments have shelf regions which are mechanically secured to the elastomeric body of the gasket. The ring-shaped body also includes a relatively flexible portion formed of an elastomer which forms a lip seal region with the mating male pipe.

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