最新美国发明专利第2012-08-14期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

Document	Document Title
US08242425B2	Projector having first and second lamps with an illumination control device for turning on lamp having higher contrast with respect to a light modulation device and method of controlling lighting thereof A projector includes: first and second lamps; a combining member configured to combine the light from the first and second lamps; a light modulation device arranged on the downstream side of an optical path of the combining member configured to provide higher modulation contrast with respect to the light emitted from the first lamp and entering in a state of being inclined in a first direction with respect to a system optical axis than modulation contrast with respect to the light emitted from the second lamp and entering in a state of being inclined in a second direction; and an illumination control device configured to turn ON the first lamp having the higher contrast with respect to the light modulation device on a priority basis for illumination of the light modulation device in a one-lamp mode in which only one of the first and second lamps is turned ON.
US08242423B2	Missile navigation method A missile has a pair of systems to provide acceleration information during flight. The primary system is a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) inertial measurement unit (IMU) that provides accurate rate sensor output, such as providing pitch and yaw rates, at low cost, over a wide range of conditions. However MEMS IMUs are susceptible to temporary incorrect responses when subjected to shocks, such as acoustic-range shocks, for instance in the range of 10-20 kHz. The missile includes a secondary system to temporarily provide acceleration data during the periods following shocks, when the MEMS IMU does not provide valid (reliable or usable) rate sensor output, for use in estimating pseudo pitch and yaw rates. The secondary system may be an accelerometer that does not provide navigation-quality acceleration data, but does provide a sufficiently accurate response in order to maintain stable flight during the post-shock period.
US08242421B2	Dual heating system using microwave energy The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method thereof for a dual heating system using microwave energy. The heating system comprises both heating a fluid heating media, and heating domestic hot water. The system includes an enclosure, a heating tank, a magnetron chamber, at least one heating rod with a hollow interior. At least one heat absorbing mixture or media is located within the hollow interior of each heating rod, and a microwave guide is associated with each heating rod to direct heat energy to the heat absorbing media. A magnetron is associated with each microwave wave guide. At least one inlet and at least one outlet for conveying the fluid heating media into and out of the heating tank. At least one inlet and at least one outlet for conveying the domestic hot water into and out of the heating tank.
US08242418B2	Golf ball bag with temperature controlling device A golf ball bag includes a main housing for receiving one or more golf balls in the receiving cavity, and a temperature controlling device. The temperature controlling device includes a heating plate disposed within the receiving cavity to substantially align with the hitting surface of the golf balls, and a power source supported by the main housing to electrically connect with the heating plate. When the power source is activated, the heating plate is arranged to generate heat and to transfer to the hitting surfaces of the golf balls so as to heat up and maintain the hitting surfaces of the golf balls at an elevated temperature for achieving an optimal performance.
US08242417B2	Temperature control method of heat processing plate, computer storage medium, and temperature control apparatus of heat processing plate In the present invention, temperature drop amounts of heating plate regions when the substrate is mounted on a heating plate are detected to detect a warped state of the substrate. From the temperature drop amounts of the heating plate regions, correction values for set temperatures of the heating plate regions are calculated. The calculation of the correction values for the set temperatures of the heating plate regions is performed by estimating steady temperatures within the substrate to be heat-processed on the heating plate from the temperature drop amounts of the heating plate regions using a correlation obtained in advance. From the estimated steady temperatures within the substrate and the temperature drop amounts of the heating regions, the correction values for the set temperatures of the heating plate regions are calculated. Based on the correction values for the set temperatures, the set temperatures of the heating plate regions are changed.
US08242411B2	Method and device for holding together an electronically non-conductive stack of objects A method for holding together an electrically non-conductive stack of objects, such as a stack of magazines or foil strips includes forming the stack of objects; and applying to one side of the stack a static polarity with a planar, semi-conductive electrode.
US08242409B2	Method of making a hybrid stent A stent is formed by encasing or encapsulating metallic rings in an inner polymeric layer and an outer polymeric layer. At least one polymer link connects adjacent metallic rings. The stent is drug loaded with one or more therapeutic agent or drug, for example, to reduce the likelihood of the development of restenosis in the coronary arteries. The inner and outer polymeric materials can be of the same polymer or different polymer to achieve different results, such as enhancing flexibility and providing a stent that is visible under MRI, computer tomography and x-ray fluoroscopy.
US08242407B2	Annealing apparatus using two wavelengths of continuous wave laser radiation A thermal processing apparatus and method in which a first laser source, for example, a CO2 emitting at 10.6 μm is focused onto a silicon wafer as a line beam and a second laser source, for example, a GaAs laser bar emitting at 808 nm is focused onto the wafer as a larger beam surrounding the line beam. The two beams are scanned in synchronism in the direction of the narrow dimension of the line beam to create a narrow heating pulse from the line beam when activated by the larger beam. The energy of GaAs radiation is greater than the silicon bandgap energy and creates free carriers. The energy of the CO2 radiation is less than the silicon bandgap energy so silicon is otherwise transparent to it, but the long wavelength radiation is absorbed by the free carriers.
US08242397B2	Illuminated push switch A switch apparatus includes a Light Emitting Diode (LED) housing and a light guide pole. The LED housing includes at least one LED light source and a switch. The switch is capable of being actuated to light the at least one LED light source. The light guide pole is capable of transmitting light. The light guide pole is removably embedded in the LED housing to contact with the switch. The light guide pole presses the switch to drive the at least one LED light source to light.
US08242396B2	Keypad assembly and method for making the same A keypad assembly, comprising: a main body made of metal, the main body defining a plurality of slots and the slots enclosing a plurality of pressing buttons thereon, each pressing button defining at least one symbol slot, the main body having a contact surface and a operating surface; and a light-transmissive filling member, the filling member defining a plurality of protruding strips and the protruding strips enclosing a plurality of button areas thereon, each button area having at least one symbol block protruding therefrom, the filling member bonding to the contact surface with the protruding strips and the symbol blocks respectively engaging in the corresponding slots and the symbol slots. A method for making the present keypad assembly is also described.
US08242395B2	Circuit breaker compartment arc flash venting system The present invention relates generally to a switchgear apparatus. More particularly, the invention encompasses a circuit breaker compartment arc flash venting system for a switchgear apparatus. The present invention also relates to enclosures for switchgear, panel boards, circuit breakers, and more particularly to an enclosure for low voltage switchgear and switchboard assemblies. The enclosure can be a walk-in type enclosure or a non-walk-in type enclosure. This invention further provides a method and apparatus for channeling plasma (hot arc gasses) that are generated from an arc. The circuit breaker compartment arc flash venting system is an integral part of an arc resistant switchgear assembly. The arc flash venting system works in conjunction with the bus insulation and ventilation systems in the switchgear apparatus to channel hot arc gasses (plasma) from a breaker compartment in the event of an internal arcing fault in the breaker compartment. The gasses are channeled to exit the upper rear of the breaker compartment and into the insulated section bus compartment. The hot arc gasses and other particulates then travel upward through the section bus compartment where they are routed to and safely discharged from the vent structure on the roof of the switchgear apparatus.
US08242389B2	Portable electronic device and method for operating the same A portable electronic device includes a main body, a stylus and a switch. The main body has a containing slot and the stylus is suitable for being inserted into the containing slot. The switch is disposed at a side of the containing slot and electrically connected to the main body. When the stylus is inserted into the containing slot, the switch is pressed by the stylus. When the stylus is taken out from the containing slot, the switch is released to enable the main body to execute a presetting function.
US08242388B2	Scale A scale includes a stationary bracket, a movable bracket, a linear displacement sensor and a plurality of the resilient mechanisms. The movable bracket is disposed opposite to the stationary bracket. The linear displacement sensor is disposed between the stationary bracket and the movable bracket. The resilient mechanisms are disposed between the stationary bracket and the movable bracket. Each resilient mechanism includes a limiting shaft, a sleeve movably sleeved on the limiting shaft and a resilient member received in the sleeve. The limiting shaft is fixed to one of the stationary bracket or the movable bracket, and the sleeve is fixed to the other. The resilient member is elastically deformed by resisting a free end of the limiting shaft. The linear displacement sensor registers a displacement of the movable bracket.
US08242387B2	Electronic component storing package and electronic apparatus An electronic component storing package which generates a large quantity of heat during operation and an electronic apparatus storing such an electronic component are provided. In the electronic component storing package and the electronic apparatus, a heat dissipating member (1) is used which comprising at least five layers including first metal layers (11) having good thermal conductivity and second metal layers (12) having a smaller coefficient of thermal expansion and less thickness compared with the first metal layers (11), the first metal layers (11) and second metal layers (12) being alternately stacked, the first metal layers uppermost and lowermost layers of the layers, a thickness of at least one internally-arranged first metal layer (11a) being thicker than that of the lowermost and uppermost layers. Accordingly, heat generated from the electronic component (5) can be dissipated well to the outside, and a coefficient of thermal expansion of a mounting portion (1a) can be brought close to that of the electronic component (5) or the like.
US08242386B1	Universal conduit body assembly In an aspect, a universal conduit body assembly comprises a universal conduit body having a first port attached thereto. The first port is sized and shaped to connect the conduit body with one or more conduits or plugs. A cavity is at least partially defined by the conduit body, and the cavity comprises at least two open sides and sufficient space for containment of one or more spliced wires within the conduit body. Two or more removable panels each sized and shaped to cover a portion of the universal conduit body and selectively attach to each of the at least two open sides of the cavity are provided. At least one of the two or more panels includes a second port sized and shaped to connect the panel with the one or more conduits or plugs.
US08242383B2	Packaging substrate with embedded semiconductor component and method for fabricating the same A packaging substrate with an embedded semiconductor component and a method of fabricating the same are provided, including: fixing a semiconductor chip with electrode pads to an assisting layer with apertures through an adhesive member, wherein each of the electrode pads has a bump formed thereon, each of the apertures is filled with a filling material, and the bumps correspond to the apertures, respectively; forming a first dielectric layer on the assisting layer to encapsulate the semiconductor chip; removing the bumps and the filling material to form vias; and forming a first wiring layer on the first dielectric layer and forming first conductive vias in the vias to provide electrical connections between the electrode pads and the first wiring layer, wherein the first wiring layer comprises a plurality of conductive lands formed right on the first conductive vias, respectively.
US08242382B2	Method and apparatus for manufacture of via disk Aluminum filled via disks are manufactured utilizing a plurality of drilled substrates placed into a metal can in a stacked, interdisposed assembly with a corresponding number of graphite molds. Aluminum infiltration ingots are added and the can is heated to a temperature to melt the ingots. The molten aluminum is pressurized so that it flows into the vias. The substrates are then cooled, removed from the can, separated from between the graphite molds, and the flat surface faces are ground and polished to expose the filled vias.
US08242377B2	Printed circuit board having electromagnetic bandgap structure Disclosed is a printed circuit board into which an electromagnetic bandgap structure for blocking a noise is inserted. The electromagnetic bandgap structure can include a first conductor and a second conductor arranged on different planar surfaces, a third conductor arranged on a same planar surface that is different from a planar surface where the second conductor is arranged, and a first stitching via unit configured to connect the first conductor to the third connector through the planar surface where the second conductor is arranged and being electrically separated from the second conductor. The first conductor can include a first plate, a second plate spaced from the first plate, and a second stitching unit configured to electrically connect the first plate to the second plate through a planar surface that is different from a planar surface where the first plate and the second plate are arranged.
US08242376B2	Circuitized substrates utilizing smooth-sided conductive layers as part thereof A circuitized substrate in which two conductive layers (e.g., electroplated copper foil) are bonded (e.g., laminated) to an interim dielectric layer. Each of the two foil surfaces which physically bond to the dielectric are smooth (e.g., preferably by chemical processing) and include a thin, organic layer thereon, while the outer surfaces of both foils are also smooth (e.g., preferably also using a chemical processing step). One of these resulting conductive layers may function as a ground or voltage plane while the other may function as a signal plane with a plurality of individual signal lines as part thereof. An electrical assembly and an information handling system utilizing such a circuitized substrate are also provided.
US08242374B2	Flexible-circuit-board cable with positioning structure for insertion Provided is a flexible-circuit-board cable having a positioning structure. A connection zone is defined in a free end of the flexible-circuit-board cable and is provided with a plurality of conductive contacts. The connection zone has a first surface on which at least one projection section is formed and a second surface. A shielding layer overlaps the projection section and a portion of the first surface. The second surface of the connection zone is also bonded to a shielding layer. When the connection zone of the flexible-circuit-board cable is inserted into an insertion space defined in a connector, the first and second local zones of the connection zone formed by the shielding layers and the projection section are put into engagement with and thus positioned and retained by walls on opposite sides of the insertion space of the connector to thereby fix within the connector.
US08242372B2	Thermally conductive, electrically insulating composite film and stack chip package structure utilizing the same Disclosed is a thermally conductive, electrically insulating composite film, including interface layers disposed on the top and bottom surface of a metal substrate, and an insulation layer. Because the film has thermal conductivity and electric insulation properties, it can be disposed between the chips of a stack chip package structure, thereby dissipating the heat in horizontal and vertical directions simultaneously.
US08242371B2	Heat dissipating circuit board and method of manufacturing the same Disclosed is a heat dissipating circuit board, which includes a metal core including an insulating layer formed on the surface thereof, a circuit layer formed on the insulating layer and including a seed layer and a first circuit pattern, and a heat dissipating frame layer bonded onto the circuit layer using solder and having a second circuit pattern, and in which the heat dissipating frame layer is bonded onto the circuit layer not by a plating process but by using solder, thus reducing the cost and time of the plating process and relieving stress applied to the heat dissipating circuit board due to the plating process. A method of manufacturing the heat dissipating circuit board is also provided.
US08242368B2	Cable protection device A cable protection device includes a protective conduit and a fixing mechanism fixing the protective conduit on a cable. The fixing mechanism includes a clamping member and a latching member. The clamping member includes a first threading portion sleeved on the cable and multiple clamping claws extending from one end of the first threading portion. The latching member includes a main body having a first end surface and a second end surface, the main portion defining a mounting hole in the first end surface, the mounting hole having many inner threads adjacent to the first end surface, and an inner resisting surface adjoining the inner threads. The protective conduit is fixed to the first end surface. The clamping claws are pressed by the resisting surface to fixedly clamp the cable when the first threading portion is received in the latching member with the inner threads.
US08242364B1	Electrical cover plate Implementations of an electrical cover plate assemblies feature a frame having at least one adapter plate recess in a finished surface, the adapter plate recess comprising an electrical device aperture and at least one adapter coupling aperture through the frame such that the electrical device aperture is recessed with respect to the finished surface, at least one adapter plate configured to couple directly to the frame, and a door hingedly coupled to the adapter plate.
US08242363B2	Power supply A power supply consists of a main body including a base and a cover. The base defines a cavity and a through hole communicating the cavity with the exterior. The cover covers the cavity. The circuit board is received in the base. The connector includes a connector body, a conductive pad, and a conductive fastener. The connector body is disposed within the cavity. The conductive pad is fixed to the connector body, connected to the circuit board, and defines a threaded hole. The conductive fastener is received in the threaded hole. The cable goes through and is connected to the conductive fastener.
US08242361B2	Tuner housing A tuner housing according to the invention comprises a support for carrying electronic equipment and at least one cover part which is attached to the support. The support comprises at least one ground lug which extends through a hole of the cover part. The cover part is provided with a projection which projects into the hole and contacts the ground lug.
US08242358B2	Micro coaxial cable for high bending performance A micro coaxial cable with a high bending performance, having an inner conductor; an insulating layer configured to surround the inner conductor, and a helical winding conductor configured to surround the insulating layer and having an elongation of 1.5 to 4% and a pitch of 3.0 to 5.0 mm.
US08242356B2	Organic photovoltaic cells Organic photovoltaic cells, as well as related components, photovoltaic systems, and methods, are disclosed.
US08242351B2	Solar cell structure including a plurality of concentrator elements with a notch design and predetermined radii and method A solar cell concentrator structure includes a first concentrator element having a first aperture region and a first exit region including a first back surface region and a first corner region. The structure also includes a second concentrator element integrally formed with the first concentrator element. The second concentrator element includes a second aperture region and a second exit region-including a second back surface region and a second corner region. Additionally, the structure includes a first radius of curvature of 0.10 mm and less characterizing the first corner structure and the second corner structure, a first coupling region between the first exit region and a first surface region of a first photovoltaic device. The structure further includes a second radius of curvature of 0.10 mm and less characterizing a region between the first concentrator element and the second concentrator element.
US08242350B2	Concentrating photovoltaic solar panel The present invention relates to photovoltaic power systems, photovoltaic concentrator modules, and related methods. In particular, the present invention features concentrator modules having interior points of attachment for an articulating mechanism and/or an articulating mechanism that has a unique arrangement of chassis members so as to isolate bending, etc. from being transferred among the chassis members. The present invention also features adjustable solar panel mounting features and/or mounting features with two or more degrees of freedom. The present invention also features a mechanical fastener for secondary optics in a concentrator module.
US08242347B2	Pedal output conversion apparatus and method Detection outputs value based on outputs of a sensor for detecting a depressed position of a pedal are input via the input section; meanwhile, a detection output value corresponding to a non-depressed state of the pedal is set as an offset value. The detection output value, input via the input section, is adjusted with the offset value, so as to provide an adjusted detection output value corresponding to an actual depressed amount of the pedal. The adjusted detection output value is converted into a control value corresponding to the depressed amount of the pedal. Thus, the offset value is variably set in accordance with an individual difference, aging, etc. of the pedal, so that the detection output value adjusted with such an offset value can be a value having unevenness in the sensor outputs, which may have occurred due to an individual difference, aging, etc. of the pedal, automatically compensated.
US08242334B1	Soybean cultivar 07194277 A soybean cultivar designated 07194277 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 07194277, to the plants of soybean cultivar 07194277, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 07194277, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 07194277. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 07194277. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 07194277, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar 07194277 with another soybean cultivar.
US08242332B1	Soybean variety XBP21004 A novel soybean variety, designated XBP21004 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XBP21004, cells from soybean variety XBP21004, plants of soybean XBP21004, and plant parts of soybean variety XBP21004. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XBP21004 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic, mutant trait, and/or native trait into soybean variety XBP21004, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XBP21004. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XBP21004 are further provided.
US08242323B2	Detoxification of chemical agents This invention provides a process for the detoxification of chemical agents including chemical warfare agents such as sulfur mustards, nitrogen mustards, nerve agents of G and V type, lewisite and adamsite by reacting the chemical agents with hydroxyl radicals at a pH greater than 7.0 to detoxify the agents and to render them suitable for disposal. The process can be used on-site and can be easily scaled to fairly large sizes.
US08242318B2	Catalytic hydrogenation Catalytic hydrogenation of a double bond, notably a C═C or C═N double bond, is carried out using a homogenous catalyst which is a complex of rhodium or other transition metal containing at least one ligand which is a nitrogenous organic base. Preferably the complex is phosphorus-free and the ligand is a bicyclic base having formula where R1 and R4 are hydrocarbon chains. R1 preferably is a saturated chain of two carbon atoms and R4 preferably is a saturated chain of three to five carbon atoms.
US08242305B2	Process to prepare treprostinil, the active ingredient in remodulin This present invention relates to an improved process to prepare prostacyclin derivatives. One embodiment provides for an improved process to convert benzindene triol to treprostinil via salts of treprostinil and to purify treprostinil.
US08242303B2	Method of producing optically active N-(halopropyl) amino acid derivative The present invention provides a method for producing an optically active N-(halopropyl)amino acid derivative, wherein the method comprises the steps of obtaining a compound represented by formula (III) by reacting an optically active alanine ester represented by formula (I) or a salt thereof (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as an “alanine ester”) with a halogenated propane represented by formula (II); and obtaining an optically active N-(halopropyl)amino acid derivative represented by formula (IV) by introducing a protecting group onto the nitrogen atom of the compound represented by formula (III). The present invention provides a method for efficiently producing an optically active N-(halopropyl)amino acid derivative.
US08242300B2	Process for selective, partial, substantially solvent-free, oxidation of methane to methanol and/or a methanol derivative with a heterogeneous catalyst and sulfur trioxide The present invention relates to selective partial oxidation of methane in the absence of a solvent such as sulfuric acid or oleum.
US08242294B2	Synthetic bile acid compositions and methods Bile acids and related compositions and methods of synthesis and use. More specifically, deoxycholic acid and related compositions, said compositions being free of all moieties of animal origin and free of pyrogenic moieties.
US08242293B2	Method for the synthesis of organic acid esters of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and their use Method for the manufacture of organic acid esters of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural by reacting a fructose or glucose-containing starting material with an organic acid or its anhydride in the presence of a catalytic or sub-stoechiometric amount of solid acid catalyst. The catalysts are heterogeneous and may be employed in a continuous flow fixed bed reactor. The esters can be applied as a fuel or fuel additive.
US08242291B2	Process for the preparation of ramelteon A process is described for the preparation on an industrial scale of N-[2-(8S)-1,6,7,8-tetrahydro-2H-indeno[5,4-b]furan-8-yl]ethyl]propionamide, ramelteon, having the structure illustrated below:
US08242288B2	Method of preparing (6R)-3-hexyl-4-hydroxy-6-undecyl-5, 6-dihydropyran-2-one, and intermediate used in the method Provided is a method of preparing a (6R)-3-hexyl-4-hydroxy-6-undecyl-5,6-dihydropyran-2-one, and a (5R)-2-hexyl-5-hydroxy-3-iminohexadecanoate derivative used in said method as an intermediate.
US08242287B2	Process for reacting an α, β-unsaturated dicarboxylic acid compound with an ethylenically unsaturated hydrocarbon The invention provides an improved method of synthesizing chemicals according to the ene reaction. The method addresses two problems that previously could not be addressed simultaneously, preventing charring of the reaction, and preventing gaseous degradation of the reagents. The method involves adding a boron bearing compound and an aromatic/antioxidant compound to the ene reaction. Combining these two compounds together inhibits charring and also causes an effect that neither compound can accomplish alone. The addition of these two compounds together also more effectively prevents either of the reagents from degrading than when either reagent is added alone. As a result the method reduces costs by reducing the amount of reagents needed for a synthesis and further reduces costs by eliminating the need to filter out char from the end products of the ene reaction. The method is particularly useful in the ene reaction synthesis of ASA from olefins and maleic anhydride.
US08242286B2	Phenoxy-pyrrolidine derivative and its use and compositions The present invention is directed to the compound 2-(4-(hydroxymethyl)phenoxy)-1-(3-(2-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethanone, its use as an inhibitor of stearoyl CoA desaturase and to pharmaceutical compositions containing this compound.
US08242284B1	Anti-cancer agents based on 6-trifluoromethoxybenzimidazole derivatives and method of making The present disclosure relates to novel compounds having the structural Formulas (1a,1b), stereoisomers, tautomers, racemics, prodrugs, metabolites thereof, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as chemotherapy agents for treating of cancer, particularly androgen-independent prostate cancer. The disclosure also relates to methods for preparing said compounds, and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds.
US08242283B2	Isoxazoline compound and pesticide A pesticide, particularly an insecticide or an acaricide, including a substituted isoxazoline compound of formula (1) or a salt thereof: wherein A1, A2 and A3 independently of one another are carbon atom or nitrogen atom, G is benzene ring, etc., L is —N(R2c)—, or —CH(R2a)N(R2c)—, etc., X is halogen atom, C1-C6 haloalkyl, etc., Y is halogen atom, C1-C6alkyl, etc., R1 is —C(O)R1a, —C(O)OR1a, —C(O)NHR1a, etc., R2 is hydrogen atom, C1-C6haloalkyl, —C1-C4alkoxy C1-C4alkyl, cyano C1-C6alkyl, C3-C6alkenyl, C3-C6alkynyl, —C(O)R15, —C(O)OR15, etc., R3 is C1-C6haloalkyl, etc., m is an integer of 0 to 5, n is an integer of 0 to 4. The pesticide containing these compounds.
US08242280B2	Fused ring heterocycle kinase modulators The present invention provides fused ring heterocycles as kinase modulators, pharmaceutical compositions containing these modulators, and methods of using these modulators to treat diseases mediated by kinase activity.
US08242272B2	Process for preparing 5-fluoro-1H-pyrazolo [3,4-B] pyridin-3-amine and derivatives thereof The present invention relates to a process for the synthesis of 5-fluoro-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-3-amine in high yield and purity. The present invention also relates to processes for the synthesis of 5-fluoro-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-3-amine derivatives. These processes are useful for preparing biologically active compounds, particularly certain GSK-3 inhibitors, or derivatives thereof.
US08242271B2	Heterocyclic compounds and uses thereof The present invention provides compounds, pharmaceutically acceptable compositions thereof, and methods of using the same.
US08242270B2	Process for preparing 2-aminothiazole-5-aromatic carboxamides as kinase inhibitors The invention relates to processes for preparing compounds having the formula, and crystalline forms thereof, wherein Ar is aryl or heteroaryl, L is an optional alkylene linker, and R2, R3, R4, and R5, are as defined in the specification herein, which compounds are useful as kinase inhibitors, in particular, inhibitors of protein tyrosine kinase and p38 kinase.
US08242267B2	Polymorphs of efavirenz The present invention relates to novel amorphous and crystalline forms of efavirenz, processes for their preparation and pharmaceutical compositions containing them. In accordance with the present invention efavirenz crude is dissolved in acetone at 25° C.-30° C., the solution is slowly added to water for 30 minutes at 0° C.-5° C., stirred for 1 hour at the same temperature, the separated solid is filtered, washed with water and dried at 55° C.-60° C. for 5 hours to give amorphous efavirenz.
US08242265B2	Purification process comprising dissolving an organic compound in carbonated water and freeze-drying A process for the purification of a crude organic compound comprising dissolving said compound in carbonated water to form a solution and freeze drying said solution.
US08242263B2	Composition for photon-energy up-conversion The present invention relates to a composition for photon energy up-conversion, a system comprising said composition and to uses of said composition and said system.
US08242260B2	Compounds and compositions as protein kinase inhibitors The present invention provides compounds of Formula I or II: wherein R1, R1b, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 and R7 are defined herein. The compounds of Formula (I) or (II) and pharmaceutical compositions thereof are useful for the treatment of B-Raf-associated diseases.
US08242259B2	Cellulose production by facultatively anaerobic microorganisms A method for producing bacterial cellulose, said method comprising culturing a biologically pure culture of a cellulose-producing Proteus strain in a liquid medium suitable for culturing facultatively anaerobic microorganisms, separating bacterial cellulose produced in said liquid medium from said liquid medium, washing said separated bacterial cellulose and drying said bacterial cellulose. The cellulose-producing Proteus strain is preferably a Proteus myxofaciens strain, preferably strain IDAC 071005-01 or strain ATCC 19692. The liquid medium is provided with a carbohydrate substrate containing at least one sugar selected from the group consisting of glucose, sucrose, fructose, lactose, xylose, and rhamnose. A bacterial cellulose product produced by culturing a biologically pure culture of a cellulose-producing Proteus strain in a liquid medium suitable for culturing facultatively anaerobic microorganisms.
US08242257B2	RNA interference mediated inhibition of gene expression using chemically modified short interfering nucleic acid (siNA) The present invention concerns methods and reagents useful in modulating gene expression in a variety of applications, including use in therapeutic, diagnostic, target validation, and genomic discovery applications. Specifically, the invention relates to synthetic chemically modified small nucleic acid molecules, such as short interfering nucleic acid (siNA), short interfering RNA (siRNA), double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), micro-RNA (miRNA), and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) molecules capable of mediating RNA interference (RNAi) against target nucleic acid sequences. The small nucleic acid molecules are useful in the treatment of any disease or condition that responds to modulation of gene expression or activity in a cell, tissue, or organism.
US08242256B2	siRNA useful to supress expression of EIF-5A1 The present invention relates to apoptosis specific eucaryotic initiation factor 5A (eIF-5A), referred to as apoptosis factor 5A1 or simply factor 5A1, apoptosis factor 5A1 nucleic acids and polypeptides and methods for inhibiting or suppressing apoptosis in cells using antisense nucleotides or siRNAs to inhibit expression of factor 5A1. The invention also relates to suppressing or inhibiting expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting expression of apoptosis factor 5A.
US08242254B2	Compositions for use in identification of bacteria The present invention provides compositions, kits and methods for rapid identification and quantification of bacteria by molecular mass and base composition analysis.
US08242253B2	Nucleotide sequence of shrimp actin promoter and its use in genetic transformation biotechnology The present invention relates to an isolated β-actin nucleic acid promoter molecule from shrimp; nucleic acid constructs including the β-actin promoter molecule; and expression vectors, host cells, and transgenic animals transduced with the isolated β-actin nucleic acid promoter. Also disclosed are methods for imparting to an animal resistance against a pathogen, regulating growth of an animal, increasing stress tolerance in an animal, and increasing cold tolerance in an animal that involves transforming an animal with a nucleic acid construct including the isolated β-actin nucleic acid promoter molecule of the present invention.
US08242251B2	Unsymmetrical cyanine dimer compounds and their application Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and nucleic acid reporter molecules for the detection of nucleic acid in a sample. The nucleic acid reporter molecule comprises two unsymmetrical cyanine monomer moieties, which may be the same or different, that are covalently attached by a linker comprising at least one aromatic, heteroaromatic, cyclic or heterocyclic moiety comprising 3-20 non-hydrogen atoms selected from the group consisting of O, N, S, P and C. The linker may be rigid, relatively flexible or some degree thereof. The unsymmetrical cyanine monomer moieties comprise a substituted or unsubstituted benzazolium moiety and a substituted or unsubstituted pyridinium or quinolinium moiety that is connected by a methine bridge that is monomethine, trimethine or pentamethine. The linkers form the cyanine dimer compounds by attaching to the pyridinium or quinolinium moiety of the monomer moieties. The present nucleic acid reporter molecules find utility in forming a nucleic acid-reporter molecule complex and detecting the nucleic acid. In particular, present nucleic acid reporter molecules with a rigid linker and monomer moieties with a monomethine bridge find utility in detecting RNA in the presence of DNA.
US08242250B2	Nucleic acid molecule encoding a cystine knot polypeptide The present invention relates to a novel nucleic acid molecule encoding an amino acid sequence, which is capable of forming a cyclic structure. Cyclization may occur within a cell or cell membrane, or linear forms of the molecules may be circularised or partially circularised, in vitro using isolated enzyme systems or chemical means. The cyclised amino acid sequence is generally in the form of a stabilized folded structure such as acyclic knotted peptide, polypeptide or protein or functional equivalent. The nucleic acid molecules and cyclic and linear peptides are useful inter alia in the generation of molecules having animal or plant therapeutic properties, as well as in a range of diagnostic, industrial and agricultural, including horticultural, applications. Of particular importance is the use of these molecules in the protection of plants, such as crop plants, from pest and/or pathogen infestation.
US08242245B2	Fetal polypeptides from human liver Novel fetal genes (fls353 and fls485) have been successfully isolated from human fetal liver-derived cDNAs. These genes were specifically expressed in tissues including fetal tissues which are thought to contain a large number of undifferentiated cells and actively differentiating/proliferating cells. High levels of expression of these genes were observed also in a variety of cancer cells. The proteins and genes encoding the proteins can be used as the tool for developing drugs for the treatment of tumors.
US08242243B2	Methods and reagents for detecting CpG methylation with a methyl CpG binding protein (MBP) The present invention provides a simple and sensitive technology for the detection of CpG methylation in DNA without chemical modification of sample DNA by bisulfite treatment or PCR amplification. Signal generation is based on an Abscription (Abortive Transcription) technology in which DNA signal generators called Abortive Promoter Cassettes (APCs) are bound to target mCpG sites via mCpG target specific probes based on methyl binding polypeptides or methyl binding domains thereof. RNA polymerase produces uniform, short RNA molecules from synthetic promoters in APCs as signals of the presence of methylated CpGs. Detection of CpG methylation and hypermethylation of DNA targets such as CpG islands provides a convenient means for detecting and monitoring cancer in a subject.
US08242241B2	Computationally designed inhibitors of amyloidosis Embodiments of the present invention include methods and systems for designing inhibitors of amyloidosis in humans, domesticated animals, and wild animals as well as inhibitors of amyloidosis designed by the methods and systems. Methods and systems for designing inhibitors of amyloidosis are largely computational, in nature, and are directed to designing various types of polymers, small-molecule organic compounds, organometallic compounds, or non-chemical physical processes that can target the extended-α-strand and α-sheet regions of amyloidogenic protein and polypeptide intermediates in order to prevent aggregation of those intermediates into protofibrils and fibrils that, in turn, recruit additional native-conformation proteins and polypeptides into amyloidogenic intermediates and that additionally aggregate to form higher-order structures, such as plaques observed in the brains of patients suffering from the various spongiform encephalopathies.
US08242230B2	Macromolecular antioxidants based on sterically hindered phenols and phosphites Sterically hindered phenol and phosphite based compounds, represented by formula I: and their use as antioxidants in a wide range of materials including, but not limited to, food, plastics, elastomers, composites and petroleum based products is disclosed herein.
US08242229B2	Polyurethanes cured with amines and their preparation Polyurethane prepolymers are described which are prepared from 2,4′-diiso-cyanate diphenylmethane (2,4′-MDI), a polyol component and an aliphatic diisocyanate. These prepolymers can be cured with aliphatic, cycloaliphatic and/or aromatic amines to form a cured urethane elastomer. In comparison to cured urethane elastomers based on monomeric 2,4′-MDI, these prepolymers provide elastomers with extended pour life, i.e. they exhibit a slower rate of viscosity buildup after curative and prepolymer are mixed which results in a reduced propensity to crack during the curing process and gives the opportunity to cast larger parts. In comparison to polyurea/urethanes prepared from cured TDI-prepolymers and which optionally include H12-MDI, the prepolymers of the invention have better health and safety aspects.
US08242227B2	Doped polysilanes, compositions containing the same, methods for making the same, and films formed therefrom Doped polysilanes, inks containing the same, and methods for their preparation and use are disclosed. The doped polysilane generally has the formula H-[AaHb(DRx)m]q-[(AcHdR1e)n]p—H, where each instance of A is independently Si or Ge, and D is B, P, As or Sb. In preferred embodiments, R is H, -AfHf+1R2f, alkyl, aryl or substituted aryl, and R1 is independently H, halogen, aryl or substituted aryl. In one aspect, the method of making a doped poly(aryl)silane generally includes the steps of combining a doped silane of the formula AaHb+2(DRx)m (optionally further including a silane of the formula AcHd+2R1e) with a catalyst of the formula R4wR5yMXz (or an immobilized derivative thereof) to form a doped poly(aryl)silane, then removing the metal M. In another aspect, the method of making a doped polysilane includes the steps of halogenating a doped polyarylsilane, and reducing the doped halopolysilane with a metal hydride to form the doped polysilane. The synthesis of semiconductor inks via dehydrocoupling of doped silanes and/or germanes allows for tuning of the ink properties (e.g., viscosity, boiling point, surface tension and dopant level or concentration) and for deposition of doped silicon films or islands by spincoating, inkjetting, dropcasting, etc., with or without the use of UV irradiation.
US08242225B2	Optical film, protection film polarizer film, polarizer plate fabricated thereform, and display device employing therof The present invention provides an optical film including a copolymer that includes (a) an alkene monomer, (b) an acrylate monomer, and (c) at least one of an unsaturated organic acid monomer and an unsaturated acid anhydride monomer having one or more double bonds, a protective film for a polarizer film, and a polarizer plate and an image display device using the same.
US08242223B2	Hole transport polymers There is provided a polymer made from a monomer having Formula I: where: R and Y are independently selected from the group consisting of H, D, alkyl, fluoroalkyl, aryl, fluoroaryl, alkoxy, aryloxy, NR″2, R′, R′ is a crosslinkable group; R″ is independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, fluoroalkyl, aryl, fluoroaryl, and R′; X is a leaving group; Z is C, Si, or N; Q is (ZR″n)b; a is an integer from 0 to 5; b is an integer from 0 to 20; c is an integer from 0 to 4; q is an integer from 0 to 7; and n is an integer from 1 to 2.
US08242221B2	Half-metallocene catalyst compositions and their polymer products The present invention provides polymerization catalyst compositions employing half-metallocene compounds with a heteroatom-containing ligand bound to the transition metal. Methods for making these hybrid metallocene compounds and for using such compounds in catalyst compositions for the polymerization and copolymerization of olefins are also provided.
US08242218B2	Copolymer synthesis process Preparing a non-ionic copolymer having a hydrolysable monomer residue and a polyether macromonomer residue in a semicontinuous mode in a polymerization reactor associated with a metering device, including introducing polyether macromonomer and water into the reactor, wherein hydrolysable monomer which is added thereto forms a polymerization reaction mixture; introducing hydrolysable monomer into the metering device; adding hydrolysable monomer into the reactor from the metering device; passing a free radical polymerization initiator into the reactor before and/or during the addition of the hydrolysable monomer, the hydrolysable monomer and the polyether macromonomer reacting by free radical polymerization to form the non-ionic copolymer; and, subjecting the reaction mixture to polymerization while an addition rate of the hydrolysable monomer and/or at least a component of the polymerization initiator is varied stepwise or continuously. No monomer is introduced to incorporate ionic cement binding sites into the non-ionic copolymer.
US08242217B2	Epoxy resin curing agent, process for preparing the same, and epoxy resin composition It is an object of the present invention to provide an epoxy resin curing agent which has a favorable pot life and good storage stability as a curing agent for epoxy resins and from which an epoxy resin cured product having good water resistance and hardness is obtained through curing. The present invention is an epoxy resin curing agent containing a secondary or tertiary branched thiol compound having a substituent on a carbon atom at the α-position to a thiol group, and is also an epoxy resin composition comprising a polyvalent epoxy compound and the epoxy resin curing agent.
US08242214B2	Polymeric sorbents for removing low level contaminants The present invention relates to functionalized polymeric sorbents and processes of employing them to remove low level contaminants from fluid streams. Poly(glycidyl methacrylate-co-trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate) functionalized with a compound having the structure NH2—R1OH wherein R1 is a substituted or unsubstituted phenylene may be particularly useful to remove low levels of phenol compounds from, for example, an aqueous fluid stream comprising one or more sugars such as results from a hydrolysis of lignocellulosic materials.
US08242212B2	Polystyrene blends A method of preparing a polystyrene blend that includes combining a first polystyrene composition having a first melt flow index with a second polystyrene composition having a second melt flow index and forming a polystyrene blend, the second melt flow index being at least 2 dg/min higher that the first melt flow index. The polystyrene blend has an observed tensile strength value greater than 3% above the expected tensile strength value. The second polystyrene composition can include a recycled polystyrene material, which can include expanded polystyrene. An alternate method of preparing the polystyrene blend includes combining a polystyrene composition with a styrene monomer to form a reaction mixture, polymerizing the reaction mixture and obtaining a polystyrene blend, where the polystyrene containing composition has a melt flow index at least 2 dg/min higher than the melt flow index of the styrene monomer after it has been polymerized.
US08242206B2	Low VOC universal paint colorant system A universal colorant system for both solvent- and water-based paints and coatings is contained in a closed sealed pouch or cartridge-style container, and includes a colorant component, a surfactant package including at least one alkyd-compatible surfactant and at least one latex-compatible surfactant, and a carrier. When the colorant system is added to a base paint it desirably provides a mixture having a drop in viscosity of less than about 50%.
US08242202B2	Curable liquid resin composition The invention relates to a curable liquid resin composition comprising the following components (A), (B), and (C): (A) a urethane (meth)acrylate oligomer, (B) a monomer shown by the following formula (1), CH2═CR1COOR2 (1) wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group and R2 represents a monovalent organic group, 40 wt % or more of the total amount of the component (B) being a monomer in which the R2 group in the formula (1) is a nonpolar organic group, and the monomer in the component (B) in which the R2 group in the formula (1) is a nonpolar organic group being hereinafter referred to as “nonpolar (meth)acrylate-containing monomer”, and (C) a polymerization initiator.
US08242199B2	Rubber composition for tire tread and pneumatic tire using the same The invention relates to a rubber composition for a tire tread simultaneously establishing a high wear resistance and a low heat buildup, and more particularly to a rubber composition for a tire tread comprising 10-250 parts by weight of a carbon black per 100 parts by weight of a rubber component, in which said carbon black is produced in a carbon black production step satisfying the following relational equations (1) and (2): 2.00≦α≦9.00 (1) −2.5xα+85.0≦β≦90.0 (2) when a residence time from the introduction of the starting hydrocarbon into the high-temperature combustion gas flow to the introduction of the quenching medium is t1 (sec), an average reaction temperature for such a time is T1 (° C.), a residence time from the introduction of the quenching medium to the enter of a reaction gas flow into the reaction stop zone is t2 (sec), an average reaction temperature for such a time is T2 (° C.), α=t1×T1 and β=t2×T2.
US08242192B2	Ultraviolet (UV) radiation stability and service life of woven films of polypropylene (PP) tapes for the production of jumbo bags This invention relates woven jumbo polypropylene bags manufactured from a polypropylene resin that includes a low molecular weight hindered amine light stabilizer, a high molecular weight hindered amine light stabilizer, a first antioxidant, and a second antioxidant. Also provided are methods for the preparation of woven jumbo polypropylene bags.
US08242189B2	Silicone-urethane copolymers The invention relates to silicone-urethane copolymers and methods for making the copolymers. The silicone-urethane copolymers can have many physical properties usually associated with polyurethanes but also the feel and characteristics of silicones.
US08242188B2	Dental self-etching primer composition A dental self-etching primer composition and a dental self-etching primer kit comprising a mixture of (A) a polymerizable monomer, (B) a reducing inorganic compound containing sulfur, (C) a ketone-based solvent and (D) water and having a storage stability of 2 hours or longer at 65° C.
US08242187B2	Silicone polymer, ocular lenses, and contact lens A silicone polymer having sufficient antibacterial properties and high transparency; and Ophthalmic lenses made of the polymer, such as a contact lens, and artificial cornea. The silicone polymer is characterized by being obtained by and a monomer having an ammonium salt in the molecule.
US08242185B2	Adhesive compositions for easy application and improved durability The present invention is directed to an adhesive composition comprising a crosslinkable acrylic copolymer, a multi-functionalized crosslinkable oligomer and a photoinitiator wherein the composition exhibits excellent wet out characteristics as reflected in a tan delta value of at least 0.5, preferably greater than 0.5, more preferable greater than 0.8 as measured at 20° C. resulting from a first curing stage, and improved stiffness and temperature resistance as reflected in a storage elastic modulus of at least 300,000 Pa at 20° C. and a shear adhesion failure temperature of at least 425° F. (218.3° C.) at 1 Kg/in2 (0.155 Kg/cm2), respectively, which result from a second sequential curing stage.
US08242184B2	Process for producing flexible polyurethane foam To provide a process for producing a flexible polyurethane foam, which comprises reacting a polyol compound and a polyisocyanate compound in an open system substantially without using a silicone foam stabilizer.A process for producing a flexible polyurethane foam, which comprises reacting a polyol composition (I) containing at least a polyol compound and containing at least one of a polyol compound (A) and a monool compound (X) obtained by ring-opening polymerization of an alkylene oxide with an initiator by using a double metal cyanide complex catalyst, and a polyisocyanate composition (II) in the presence of a urethane-forming catalyst made of a metal catalyst and an amine catalyst, and a blowing agent, in an open system substantially without using a silicone foam stabilizer.
US08242175B2	Class of histone deacetylase inhibitors New histone deacetylase inhibitors according to the general formula (I) wherein: Q is a bond, CH2, CH—NR3R4, NR5 or oxygen, X is CH or nitrogen, Y is a bond, CH2, oxygen or NR6, Z is CH or nitrogen, R1, R2 are, independently, hydrogen, halogen, C1-C6 alkyl or C1-C6 haloalkyl, R11, R12 are, independently, hydrogen or C1-C6 alkyl, and R3, R4, R5 and R6 are as further defined in the specification.
US08242174B2	Hydroxamic acid derivatives of aniline useful as therapeutic agents for treating anthrax poisoning Compounds having the formula wherein the symbols have the meaning described in the specification are hydroxamic acid derivatives of aniline and capable of inhibiting the lethal effects of infection by anthrax bacteria and are useful in the treatment of poisoning by anthrax.
US08242170B2	Use of cis-epoxyeicosatrienoic acids and inhibitors of soluble epoxide hydrolase to reduce cardiomyopathy The invention provides methods for inhibiting cardiomyopathy and for inhibiting cardiac arrhythmia, by administering to an individual in need thereof a cis-epoxyeicosantrienoic acid, an inhibitor of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH), or both. In some embodiments, the method comprises administering to the individual a nucleic acid encoding an inhibitor of sEH. Cardiomyopathies treatable by the methods of the invention include cardiac hypertrophy and dilated cardiomyopathy.
US08242156B2	Linked dibenzimidazole derivatives The present invention discloses compounds of Formula (I), or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, or prodrugs thereof: which inhibit RNA-containing virus, particularly the hepatitis C virus (HCV). 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.
US08242154B2	Compounds, compositions and methods of using same for modulating uric acid levels Described herein are compounds useful in the modulation of blood uric acid levels, formulations containing them and methods of making and using them. In some embodiments, the compounds described herein are used in the treatment or prevention of disorders related to aberrant levels of uric acid.
US08242147B2	Aryl ureas with angiogenisis inhibiting activity This invention relates to methods of using aryl ureas to treat diseases mediated by the VEGF induced signal transduction pathway characterized by abnormal angiogenesis or hyperpermeability processes.
US08242143B2	Thiazolyl mGluR5 antagonists and methods for their use The identification of a unique series of compounds which possesses special advantages in terms of drug-like properties due to their possessing advantageous properties in terms of potency and/or pharmacokinetic and/or selectivity and/or in vivo receptor occupancy properties. Specifically, the selection of a 1,3-thiazol-2-yl ring member linked by an ethynylene to the 3 position of a pyridyl ring or the 5 position of a pyrimidinyl ring, wherein the ring is substituted with selected substituents, results in a compound having superior drug-like properties. The invention includes pharmaceutically acceptable salt forms of these heterocyclic compounds, in particular chloride salts and trifluoroacetate salts.
US08242142B2	Cyclohexylamines, phenylamines and uses thereof Compounds having the formula I, their methods of synthesis, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of certain of them are provided in which the variables have the definitions described herein. Compositions including the compounds having the formula I-A in which the variables have the definitions described herein, and methods of using the compositions for the treatment of certain diseases mediated by the up-regulation of Smo are also disclosed.
US08242139B2	Inhibitors of diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase type 1 enzyme The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I): wherein Q, G1, G2, and G3, are defined herein. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating DGAT-1 related diseases or conditions are also disclosed.
US08242137B2	Crystalline forms of a biphenyl compound The invention provides crystalline forms of biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-(2-{[4-(4-carbamoylpiperidin-1-ylmethyl)benzoyl]methylamino}ethyl)piperidin-4-yl ester, and pharmaceutically acceptable solvates thereof. The crystalline form can be a freebase, or a salt such as a diphosphate, monosulfate or dioxalate salt. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising these crystalline compounds or prepared using these compounds; processes and intermediates for preparing the crystalline compounds; and methods of using these compounds to treat a pulmonary disorder.
US08242136B2	Use of glucosidase inhibitors for therapy of mucovisidosis A treatment of cystic fibrosis by administration of a pharmaceutically acceptable amount of the glucosidase inhibitor NB-DMJ (N-butyldeoxy-mannojirimycin).
US08242131B2	Methods of treating middle-of-the-night insomnia The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating middle-of-the-night insomnia without residual sedative effects upon awakening by administering low doses (about 5 mg or less) of zolpidem or a salt thereof.
US08242128B2	1,3-benzoxazolyl derivatives as kinase inhibitors The invention relates to compounds of formula 1, the production and use thereof as a medicament for the treatment of diseases, particularly tumours and/or diseases caused, mediated or propagated by angiogenesis. The compounds of formula 1 are effective inhibitors of tyrosin kinases, particularly TIE-2 and VEGFR, and Raf-kinases. (I)
US08242127B2	Derivatives of pyrimido[6,1-A]isoquinolin-4-one The present invention relates to derivatives of pyrimido[6,1-a]isoquinolin-4-one and their application as inhibitors of phosphodiesterase (PDE) isoenzymes. More particularly the invention relates to derivatives of pyrimido[6,1-a]isoquinolin-4-one and their use in medicine for example as bronchodilators with anti-inflammatory properties.
US08242126B2	Quinazolinedione derivatives, preparation thereof and therapeutic uses thereof The invention relates to quinazolinedione derivatives of the general formula (I): wherein A, R1, R2, R3, R4, m, n, p, p′, and r are as defined herein, processes for the preparation thereof and their therapeutic applications.
US08242124B2	Diketopiperidine derivatives as HIV attachment inhibitors Compounds having drug and bio-affecting properties, their pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use are set forth. In particular, diketopiperidine derivatives that possess unique antiviral activity are provided. These compounds are useful for the treatment of HIV and AIDS.
US08242116B2	Fused thiazole derivatives as kinase inhibitors A series of 6,7-dihydro[1,3]thiazolo[5,4-c]pyridin-4(5H)-one derivatives, and analogues thereof, which are substituted in the 2-position by an optionally substituted morpholin-4-yl moiety, being selective inhibitors of PI3 kinase enzymes, are accordingly of benefit in medicine, for example in the treatment of inflammatory, autoimmune, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, metabolic, oncological, nociceptive or ophthalmic conditions.
US08242114B2	Bonding tissues and cross-linking proteins with naphthalimide compounds Naphthalimide compounds are used in tissue bonding and protein cross-linking applications. When activated by an activating agent, such as light in the 400-500 nm absorption range, the naphthalimide compounds form chemically-reactive species that cross-link proteins, bond connective tissues together, and bond tissues and other biomaterials together. A naphthalimide-labeled biomolecule, such as a naphthalimide-labeled chitosan, is also capable of bonding tissues without subsequent direct illumination of the contacted tissue area. The naphthalimide compounds may be used in tissue or arterial repair, stabilization of an expanded arterial wall after angioplasty, tethering pharmaceutical agents to tissue surfaces to provide local drug delivery, and for chemically bonding skin care products, sunscreens, and cosmetics to the skin.
US08242113B2	Oxazolidinone derivatives with cyclic amidoxime or cyclic amidrazone pharmaceutical compositions thereof Disclosed is a novel oxazolidinone derivative, particularly a novel oxazolidinone compound with a cyclic amidoxime or cyclic amidrazone group. Also disclosed is a pharmaceutical antibiotic composition including a novel oxazolidinone derivative, in vivo hydrolysable ester thereof, in vivo hydrolysable phosphate ester thereof, an isomer thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as an effective ingredient. Because the novel oxazolidinone derivative, in vivo hydrolysable ester thereof, in vivo hydrolysable phosphate ester thereof, an isomer thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof exhibits a wide antibacterial spectrum against resistant bacteria, a low toxicity, and a strong antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, it can be usefully used as an antibiotic.
US08242107B2	Diazepane-acetamide derivatives as selective 11β-HSD1 inhibitors The present invention relates to diazepane-acetamide derivatives of formula I as selective inhibitors of the enzyme 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD-1) and the use of such compounds for the treatment and prevention of metabolic syndrome, diabetes, insulin resistance, obesity, lipid disorders, glaucoma, osteoporosis, cognitive disorders, anxiety, depression, immune disorders, hypertension and other diseases and conditions.
US08242105B2	Structural mimetics of proline-rich peptides and the pharmaceutical use thereof The invention relates to compounds of general formula (I), which can be used particularly as structural mimetics of proline-rich peptides and are therefore capable of binding PRM binding domains (proline-rich motif binding domains) of proteins. The invention also relates to the use of said compounds as pharmaceutical active agents and the use of these pharmaceutical active agents for treating bacterial diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and tumors.
US08242104B2	Benzoxazepin P13K inhibitor compounds and methods of use Benzoxazepin compounds of Formula I, including stereoisomers, geometric isomers, tautomers, solvates, metabolites and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein: Z1 is CR1 or N; Z2 is CR2 or N; Z3 is CR3 or N; Z4 is CR4 or N; and B is a pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, or triazolyl ring fused to the benzoxepin ring, are useful for inhibiting lipid kinases including p110 alpha and other isoforms of PI3K, and for treating disorders such as cancer mediated by lipid kinases. Methods of using compounds of Formula I for in vitro, in situ, and in vivo diagnosis, prevention or treatment of such disorders in mammalian cells, or associated pathological conditions, are disclosed.
US08242103B2	Sulphamides for treatment of cancer Bridged bicyclic sulphamides of formula (I) are disclosed for treatment of cancer.
US08242102B2	Quinoline compounds suitable for treating disorders that respond to modulation of the serotonin 5-HT6 receptor The present invention relates to novel quinoline compounds. The compounds possess valuable therapeutic properties and are particularly suitable, for treating diseases that respond to modulation of the serotonin 5-HT6 receptor. wherein R is a moiety of the formula wherein A, R1 to R4 are as defined in the claims and the specification, n is 0, 1 or 2; m is 0, 1, 2 or 3; Ra, Rb are independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, CN, C1-C4-alkyl, C1-C4-haloalkyl, C1-C4-alkoxy, C1-C4-haloalkoxy, C(O)Raa, C(O)NRccRbb and NRccRbb; X is CH2, C(O), S, S(O) or S(O)2; which is located in the 3- or 4-position of the quinoline ring; Ar is a radical Ar1, Ar2—Ar3 or Ar2—O—Ar3, wherein Ar1, Ar2 and Ar3 are each independently selected from the group consisting of aryl or hetaryl wherein aryl or hetaryl moieties may be unsubstituted or may carry 1, 2, 3 substituents Rx, wherein and physiologically tolerated acid addition salts and the N-oxides thereof.
US08242099B2	Implants and methods for treating inflammation-mediated conditions of the eye Methods for treating inflammation-mediated conditions of the eye are described, comprising: implanting into the vitreous of the eye of an individual a bioerodible implant comprising a steroidal anti-inflammatory agent and a bioerodible polymer, wherein the implant delivers the agent to the vitreous in an amount sufficient to reach a concentration equivalent to at least about 0.05 μg/ml dexamethasone within about 48 hours and maintains a concentration equivalent to at least about 0.03 μg/ml dexamethasone for at least about three weeks.
US08242095B2	In vivo and ex vivo gene transfer into renal tissue using gutless adenovirus vectors A method for treating a renal disease in a subject is disclosed. The method includes administering into a kidney of the subject with an effective amount of a gutless adenoviral vector containing a polynucleotide encoding a therapeutic agent. The gutless adenoviral vector contains the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:13 or SEQ ID NO:15 and expresses the therapeutic agent in a kidney tissue of the subject.
US08242085B2	Tetrahydrofuro [3,4-D] dioxolane compounds for use in the treatment of viral infections and cancer The invention provides compounds of formula (I), as described herein, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, and synthetic methods and intermediates that are useful for preparing the compounds. The compounds of formula (I) are useful as anti-viral agents and/or as anti-cancer agents.
US08242083B2	Kinase substrates Tyrosine kinase substrates are described herein that are phosphorylated by many and diverse tyrosine kinases, and are chemically stable relative to co-polymers of poly-EY or poly-EAY having random molecular weights in the range of 20-50 kDa. Tyrosine kinase substrate peptides are provided according to embodiments described herein which include an isolated tyrosine kinase substrate peptide having molecular weight in the range of about 0.5 kD-10 kD. Tyrosine kinase substrate peptides are provided according to embodiments described herein having no more than 50 amino acids. The peptides include 2-25 phosphorylation modules and each phosphorylation module has 2-3 amino acid residues.
US08242081B2	Cell penetrating peptides for intracellular delivery of molecules The present invention concerns cell-penetrating peptides which comprise an amino acid sequence consisting of GLX9RALX9RX1LX2RSLX9X3X4X5X6X7X8 (SEQ ID No: 1), wherein X1 is A, L or G, X2 is W or none, X3 is R or K, X4 is K, L or S, X5 is L or K, X6 is R or W, X7 is K or S, and X8 is A, V or Q, and X9 is W, F or Y. These CPPs can be used as vectors for delivering nucleic acids and/or proteins and/or peptides to cells, in vitro or in vivo.
US08242079B2	Lactoferrin in the treatment of malignant neoplasms and other hyperproliferative diseases The present invention relates to methods of treating a hyperproliferative disease by administering a composition of lactoferrin alone or in combination with standard anti-cancer therapies.
US08242077B2	Biosensor The invention provides a product comprising: a membrane-spanning protein; a lipid membrane formed from amphiphilic molecules and membrane-spanning protein molecules; and a substrate, wherein the membrane protein is directly coupled to the substrate. The invention also provides a method for producing such a product which i) comprises treating a substrate with a hydrophilic coating agent; ii) providing at least one membrane-spanning protein; iii) bringing the protein into contact with the treated substrate under conditions for the coupling of the protein directly to the treated substrate; and iv) adding amphiphilic molecules to the protein-coupled substrate to form a lipid membrane. The product is useful for biosensors, protein arrays and the like.
US08242073B2	Biodegradable and bioabsorbable biomaterials and keratin fibrous articles for medical applications The present invention relates to a process of making biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable biomaterials and keratin nonwoven fibrous articles by electrospinning fibers from a blend of biomaterials and keratin dissolved in organic solvents includes generating a high voltage electric field between oppositely charged biomaterials and keratin fluid in a syringe with a capillary tip and a metallic collection roller and causing a jet to flow to the roller as solvent evaporates and collecting fibrous membranes or scaffolds on the roller. Keratin increased the cell affinity of biomaterial scaffolds which have potential medical applications.
US08242072B2	Methods of treating inflammation using soluble IL-17RA/RC fusion proteins Disclosed are antagonists of IL-17A and IL-17F. The antagonists are based on soluble IL-17RA and IL-17RC fusion proteins, including hybrid soluble receptors comprising portions of both IL-17RC and IL-17RA (“IL-17RC/IL-17RA”). Such antagonists serve to block, inhibit, reduce, antagonize or neutralize the activity of IL-17F, IL-17A, or both IL-17A and IL-17F. Also disclosed are methods of using such antagonists for treating disease, particularly inflammatory diseases mediated at least in part by IL-17A and/or IL-17F.
US08242068B2	Cleaning agents Phosphate-free automatic dishwashing agents are disclosed that comprise (a) builder; (b) bleaching agent; (c) hydrophobically modified copolymer comprising at least one of mono- and polyunsaturated sulfonic acid monomers; (d) non-hydrophobically modified copolymer comprising at least one of mono- and polyunsaturated sulfonic acids; and (e) nonionic surfactant. The agents in accordance with the present invention are distinguished by excellent film deposition inhibition along with good washing and rinsing performance.
US08242067B2	Two-phase substrate cleaning material A cleaning compound is disclosed for removing particulate contaminants from a semiconductor substrate surface. The cleaning compound includes a liquid and carboxylic acid solid components dispersed in a substantially uniform manner in the liquid. A concentration of the carboxylic acid solid components in the liquid exceeds a solubility limit of the carboxylic acid solid components in the liquid. In one embodiment, a concentration of the carboxylic acid solid components in the liquid is within a range extending from about 3 percent by weight to about 5 percent by weight. In one embodiment, the carboxylic acid solid components are defined by a carbon number of at least four. The carboxylic acid solid components are defined to interact with the particulate contaminants on the semiconductor substrate surface to remove the particulate contaminants from the semiconductor substrate surface. The cleaning compound is viscous and may be formed as a gel.
US08242065B2	Grease composition A grease composition, which comprises a base oil selected from at least one of synthetic hydrocarbon oil, ester-based synthetic oil, and ether-based synthetic oil; a thickening agent selected from at least one of lithium-based soap, lithium-based complex soap, and a urea-based compound; polytetrafluoroethylene resin powders having a number average molecular weight Mn of 20,000-100,000; and zinc dialkyldithiophosphate having straight or branched alkyl groups of at least 3 carbon atoms, preferably 5-13 carbon atoms, and more preferably 8-12 carbon atoms, has not only a distinguished lubricability, when applied to plastic members, but also a distinguished durability as given by change in friction coefficient and wear loss, after the sliding test.
US08242062B2	IMS detection of chemical markers in petroleum products A method and composition for identifying chemically tagged petroleum products can be achieved by adding one or more chemicals to a selected petroleum product wherein the chemical is immune to extraction from the petroleum product by conventional inexpensive absorbents, cannot be removed by extraction with acids, bases, or immiscible solvents, cannot be easily oxidized, reduced or reacted with common agents, is difficult to disguise by masking with other agents, has a low polarity, and has a boiling point in the range of the petroleum products the chemical is being added to. The presence of the chemical is determined by using ion mobility spectroscopy.
US08242061B2	Lubricity maintaining image forming apparatus and process cartridge An image forming apparatus includes an image bearer that carries a toner image, and a lubricant supplying device that supplies lubricant to the surface of the image bearer. A lubricant supplying device is provided in the image forming apparatus and includes a lubricant block and a brush roller. The brush roller shaves and supplies the lubricant from the lubricant block to the image bearer via the brush roller. The lubricant is made by molding under pressure.
US08242059B2	Wellbore fluid Oil-based wellbore fluid in the form of an emulsion having a continuous phase containing an oil and, dispersed therein, a first dispersed liquid phase and a second separate dispersed liquid phase. The first dispersed liquid phase is a brine phase containing at least 5% by weight of a dissolved salt or a mixture of salts, and the second dispersed liquid phase is a polar organic liquid which is insoluble or sparingly soluble in the brine and contains the first dispersed liquid phase, but is soluble in pure water. The second dispersed liquid phase is in the form of droplets having an average diameter of not less than 5 microns.
US08242055B2	Herbicidally and insecticidally active phenyl-substituted pyridazinones The invention describes phenyl-substituted pyridazinones of the formula (I) as herbicides and insecticides. In this formula (I), A, B, G, X, Y and Z are radicals such as hydrogen, organic radicals such as alkyl, and other radicals such as halogen, nitro and cyano.
US08242054B2	Plant growth regulator composition Provided is a plant growth regulator composition.The plant growth regulator composition contains phenyllactic acid or a salt thereof and tryptophan or a salt thereof.
US08242052B2	Method for controlling noxious organisms A method for controlling noxious organisms in a field of soybean or corn, comprising the steps of: treating soybean or corn seeds with at least one neonicotinoid compound selected from the group consisting of clothianidin, thiamethoxam, imidacloprid, dinotefuran, nitenpyram, acetamiprid, and thiacloprid, and treating the field with at least one PPO inhibitor compound selected from the group consisting of flumioxazin, sulfentrazone, saflufenacil, oxyfluorfen, and 3-(4-chloro-6-fluoro-2-trifluoromethylbenzimidazol-7-yl)-1-methyl-6-trifluoromethyl-2,4-(1H,3H)pyrimidinedione before or after the soybean or corn seeds treated with the neonicotinoid compound are sown in the field.
US08242051B2	Carbon supported activated alumina absorbent useful for the removal of fluoride ions from water and a process for the preparation thereof The present invention provides a novel adsorbent carbon supported activated alumina (CSAA) which posses both the advantageous characteristics of carbon and alumina viz., the high specific surface area associated with activated carbon and high sorption capacity of alumina towards F− Carbon supported activated alumina has an added advantage of its usage in the neutral pH unlike alumina and alumina impregnated carbon which are found to be efficient only in acidic pH. It is more efficient compared to carbon in terms of its sorption capacity towards F− and is therefore useful for the efficient removal of fluoride ions from water.
US08242050B2	Composite filter aids having novel pore size characteristics Filter-aid materials are disclosed herein, as well as processes, systems, and methods using such filter-aid materials for filtering and removing particles and/or constituents from a fluid. Further disclosed herein are filter-aid materials and processes, systems, and methods using such filter-aid materials for filtering and removing particles and/or constituents from a fluid, wherein the filter-aid material comprises at least one composite filter-aid having novel pore size distribution and comprising at least one adsorbent component formed in-situ on at least one filtration component.
US08242043B2	Process for production of supported catalyst for acetic acid production A process for production of a supported catalyst that, when used for production of lower aliphatic carboxylic acids from oxygen and lower olefins, improves yields of the lower aliphatic carboxylic acids and minimizes production of carbon dioxide gas (CO2) by-product compared to the prior art. A compound comprising at least one element selected from elements of Groups 8, 9 and 10 of the Periodic Table, at least one chloride of an element selected from copper, silver and zinc, and a chloroauric acid salt, are loaded on a carrier, after which there are further loaded a compound comprising at least one element selected from gallium, indium, thallium, germanium, tin, lead, phosphorus, arsenic, antimony, bismuth, sulfur, selenium, tellurium and polonium, and a heteropoly acid.
US08242039B2	Cordierite-based sintered body The present invention is intended to drastically improve a precision polishing characteristic of a cordierite-based sintered body which has low thermal expansibility, high dimensional long-term stability and high rigidity (high elastic modulus). The cordierite-based sintered body comprises cordierite as primary components, and one or more selected from the group consisting of La, Ce, Sm, Gd, Dy, Er, Yb and Y in an oxide-equivalent amount of 1 to 8 mass %, without any crystal phase other than a cordierite crystal phase. A mass ratio of primary components of the cordierite satisfies the following relations: 3.85≦SiO2/MgO≦4.60, and 2.50≦Al2O3/MgO≦2.70, and the cordierite-based sintered body after being subjected to precision polishing has a precisely polished surface with an average surface roughness (Ra) of 1 nm or less.
US08242037B2	Method of pressureless sintering production of densified ceramic composites Methods of making and compositions of dense sintered ceramic nano- and micro-composite materials that are highly stable in a variety of conditions and exhibit superior toughness and strength. Liquid feed flame spray pyrolysis techniques form a plurality of nanoparticles (e.g., powder), each having a core region including a first metal oxide composition comprising Ce and/or Zr or other metals and a shell region including a second metal oxide composition comprising Al or other metals. In certain aspects, the core region comprises a partially stabilized tetragonal ZrO2 and the shell region comprises an α-Al2O3 phase. The average actual density of the ceramic after sintering is greater than 50% and up to or exceeding 90% of a theoretical density of the ceramic.
US08242035B2	Flame-resistant, low-temperature curing cyanate-based prepreg resins for honeycomb sandwich components with excellent surfaces A textile web material impregnated with a mixture that contains at least a prepolymer prepolymerized from a starting material of one or more bifunctional or polyfunctional organic cyanates and from a starting material of one or more bifunctional or polyfunctional aromatic alcohols, wherein the one or more bifunctional or polyfunctional organic cyanates and the one or more bifunctional or polyfunctional aromatic alcohols are present in weight ratios ensuring a molar ratio of the OCN groups to the OH groups between 95:5 and 70:30 prior to prepolymerization. The mixture further contains one or more fillers.
US08242030B2	Activation of graphene buffer layers on silicon carbide by ultra low temperature oxidation A method of electrically activating a structure having one or more graphene layers formed on a silicon carbide layer includes subjecting the structure to an oxidation process so as to form a silicon oxide layer disposed between the silicon carbide layer and a bottommost of the one or more graphene layers, thereby electrically activating the bottommost graphene layer.
US08242029B2	Method for forming a silicon dioxide/metal oxide-nanolaminate with a desired wet etch rate An atomic layer deposition-deposited silicon dioxide/metal oxide-nanolaminate, comprising at least one layer of silicon dioxide and at least one layer of a metal oxide, and having a wet etch rate in an etchant, said wet etch rate being either greater or smaller than both a wet etch rate of a film of silicon dioxide and a wet etch rate of a film of said metal oxide in said etchant. Also provided is a method for manufacturing the same.
US08242026B2	Semiconductor device manufacturing method, semiconductor manufacturing apparatus and storage medium Provided is a method for performing etching process or film forming process to a substrate W whereupon a prescribed pattern is formed with an opening. The method is provided with a step of mixing a liquid and a gas, at least one of which contains a component that contributes to the etching process or the film forming process, and generating charged nano-bubbles 85 having a diameter smaller than that of the opening formed on the semiconductor substrate W; a step of forming an electric field to attract the nano-bubbles onto the surface of the substrate W; and a step of performing the process by supplying the substrate with the liquid containing the nano-bubbles 85 while forming the electric field.
US08242023B2	Method of producing a semiconductor device having a trench filled with an epitaxially grown semiconductor layer A method of producing a device includes embedding trenches with an epitaxial layer having high crystallinity while a mask oxide film remains unremoved. An n-type semiconductor is formed on the surface of a silicon substrate, and a mask oxide film and a mask nitride film are formed on the surface of the n-type semiconductor. The mask laminated film is opened by photolithography and etching, and trenches are formed in the silicon substrate. The width of the remaining mask laminated film is narrowed and portions of the n-type semiconductor close to the opening ends of the trenches are exposed. The trenches are embedded with a p-type semiconductor and the surface of the mask laminated film is prevented from being covered with the p-type semiconductor. The p-type semiconductor is grown from the second exposed portions of the n-type semiconductor. V-shaped grooves are prevented from forming on the surface of the p-type semiconductor.
US08242022B2	Method for forming fine pattern using quadruple patterning in semiconductor device A method for forming a fine pattern in a semiconductor device using a quadruple patterning includes forming a first partition layer over a first material layer which is formed over a substrate, performing a photo etch process on the first partition layer to form a first partition pattern, performing an oxidation process to form a first spacer sacrificial layer over a surface of the first partition pattern, forming a second spacer sacrificial layer over the substrate structure, forming a second partition layer filling gaps between the first partition pattern, removing the second spacer sacrificial layer, performing an oxidation process to form a third spacer sacrificial layer over a surface of the second partition layer and define a second partition pattern, forming a third partition pattern filling gaps between the first partition pattern and the second partition pattern, and removing the first and third spacer sacrificial layers.
US08242019B2	Selective deposition of metal-containing cap layers for semiconductor devices A method for integrating metal-containing cap layers into copper (Cu) metallization of semiconductor devices. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a patterned substrate containing metal surfaces and dielectric layer surfaces, and modifying the dielectric layer surfaces by exposure to a reactant gas containing a hydrophobic functional group, where the modifying substitutes a hydrophilic functional group in the dielectric layer surfaces with a hydrophobic functional group. The method further includes depositing metal-containing cap layers selectively on the metal surfaces by exposing the modified dielectric layer surfaces and the metal surfaces to a deposition gas containing metal-containing precursor vapor.
US08242016B2	Approach for reducing copper line resistivity A method for fabricating an integrated circuit structure and the resulting integrated circuit structure are provided. The method includes forming a low-k dielectric layer; form an opening in the low-k dielectric layer; forming a barrier layer covering a bottom and sidewalls of the low-k dielectric layer; performing a treatment to the barrier layer in an environment comprising a treatment gas; and filling the opening with a conductive material, wherein the conductive material is on the barrier layer.
US08242012B2	Integrated circuit structure incorporating a conductor layer with both top surface and sidewall passivation and a method of forming the integrated circuit structure Disclosed are embodiments of a structure having a metal layer with top surface and sidewall passivation and a method of forming the structure. In one embodiment, a metal layer is electroplated onto a portion of a seed layer at the bottom of a trench. Then, the sidewalls of the metal layer are exposed and, for passivation, a second metal layer is electroplated onto the top surface and sidewalls of the metal layer. In another embodiment, a trench is formed in a dielectric layer. A seed layer is formed over the dielectric layer, lining the trench. A metal layer is electroplated onto the portion of the seed layer within the trench and a second metal layer is electroplated onto the top surface of the metal layer. Thus, in this case, passivation of the top surface and sidewalls of the metal layer is provided by the second metal layer and the dielectric layer, respectively.
US08242011B2	Method of forming metal pillar The disclosure relates to fabrication of to a metal pillar. An exemplary method of fabricating a semiconductor device comprises the steps of providing a substrate having a contact pad; forming a passivation layer extending over the substrate having an opening over the contact pad; forming a metal pillar over the contact pad and a portion of the passivation layer; forming a solder layer over the metal pillar; and causing sidewalls of the metal pillar to react with an organic compound to form a self-assembled monolayer or self-assembled multi-layers of the organic compound on the sidewalls of the metal pillar.
US08242009B2	Nanophotovoltaic devices The present invention provides nanophotovoltaic devices having sizes in a range of about 50 nm to about 5 microns, and method of their fabrication. In some embodiments, the nanophotovoltaic device includes a semiconductor core, e.g., formed of silicon, sandwiched between two metallic layers, one of which forms a Schottky barrier junction with the semiconductor core and the other forms an ohmic contact therewith. In other embodiment, the nanophotovoltaic device includes a semiconductor core comprising a p-n junction that is sandwiched between two metallic layers forming ohmic contacts with the core.
US08242007B2	Semiconductor device formed using single polysilicon process and method of fabricating the same Provided are a semiconductor device including a source/drain and a gate formed using a doped polysilicon process, and a method of fabricating the semiconductor device. The method comprises: forming a gate insulating layer on a part of an active region on a first conductivity type epitaxial layer; forming a conductive layer on the epitaxial layer; implanting high concentration impurities of a second conductivity type a first portion of the conductive layer on the gate insulating layer and second portions of the conductive layer on both sides of the first insulating layer; patterning the conductive layer; forming a second insulating layer on the epitaxial layer and high concentration impurity regions of the second conductivity type below the second conductive pattern; and implanting low-concentration impurities of the second conductivity type into the epitaxial layer between a gate structure and the high concentration impurity regions.
US08242006B2	Smooth electrode and method of fabricating same A smooth electrode is provided. The smooth electrode includes at least one metal layer having thickness greater than about 1 micron; wherein an average surface roughness of the smooth electrode is less than about 10 nm.
US08242005B1	Using multiple masks to form independent features on a workpiece A first species is directed through a first mask with a first aperture and a second mask with a second aperture. The first aperture and second aperture may be different shapes or have different spacing. The first species may be implanted in pattern defining non-implanted regions surrounded by implanted regions. These implanted regions are a sum of said first ion species implanted through said first aperture and said second aperture. Thus, the non-implanted regions are surrounded by the implanted regions formed using the first mask and second mask. The first species also may deposit on or etch the workpiece.
US08241999B2	Semiconductor device having a protection pattern with two element separation regions A semiconductor device has a circuit element region formed on a semiconductor substrate, and a protective pattern formed so as to surround the circuit element region. The protective pattern comprises a first element separation region formed on the semiconductor substrate, a second element separation region formed on the semiconductor substrate and having a width smaller than that of the first element separation region, a first element region formed between the first element separation region and the second element separation region, a first gate layer formed on the first element separation region, a wiring layer formed on the first gate layer, a passivation layer formed above the wiring layer, a second element region, an insulation film formed on the second element region, and a second gate layer formed on the insulation film, the first element separation region, the first element region, the second element separation region and the second element region being located in this order from the nearer side of the circuit element region.
US08241998B2	Method of producing an SOI structure with an insulating layer of controlled thickness The invention relates to semiconductor-on-insulator structure and its method of manufacture. This structure includes a substrate, a thin, useful surface layer and an insulating layer positioned between the substrate and surface layer. The insulating layer is at least one dielectric layer of a high k material having a permittivity that is higher than that of silicon dioxide and a capacitance that is substantially equivalent to that of a layer of silicon dioxide having a thickness of less than or equal to 30 nm.
US08241996B2	Substrate stiffness method and resulting devices for layer transfer process A method and structures for manufacturing multi-layered substrates. The method includes providing a donor substrate, which has a first deflection characteristic. The donor substrate has a backside, a face, a cleave region, and a thickness of material defined between the cleave region and the face. The method includes bonding the face of the donor substrate to a face of the handle substrate. The method includes coupling a backing substrate to the backside of the donor substrate to form a multilayered structure. The backing substrate is adequate to cause the first deflection characteristic of the donor substrate to be reduced to a predetermined level. The predetermined level is a suitable deflection characteristic for the thickness of material to be transferred onto the face of a handle substrate. The method includes initiating a controlled cleaving process within a portion of the cleave region of the donor substrate to begin removal of the thickness of material from the donor substrate at a portion of the cleave region, while the backing substrate remains attached to the donor substrate to maintain at least the suitable deflection characteristic.
US08241995B2	Bonding of substrates including metal-dielectric patterns with metal raised above dielectric Bonding of substrates including metal-dielectric patterns on a surface with the metal raised above the dielectric is disclosed. One method includes providing a first substrate having a metal-dielectric pattern on a surface thereof; providing a second substrate having a metal-dielectric pattern on a surface thereof; performing a process resulting in the metal being raised above the dielectric; cleaning the metal; and bonding the first substrate to the second substrate. A related structure is also disclosed. The bonding of raised metal provides a strong bonding medium, and good electrical and thermal connections enabling creation of three dimensional integrated structures with enhanced functionality.
US08241988B2	Photo key and method of fabricating semiconductor device using the photo key A photo key has a plurality of first regions spaced apart from one another on a semiconductor substrate, and a second region surrounding the first regions, and one of the first regions and the second region constitutes a plurality of photo key regions spaced apart from one another. Each of the photo key regions includes a plurality of first conductive patterns spaced apart from one another; and a plurality of second conductive patterns interposed between the first conductive patterns.
US08241987B2	Methods of forming capacitors A method of forming a capacitor includes providing material having an opening therein over a node location on a substrate. A shield is provided within and across the opening, with a void being received within the opening above the shield and a void being received within the opening below the shield. The shield is etched through within the opening. After the etching, a first capacitor electrode is formed within the opening in electrical connection with the node location. A capacitor dielectric and a second capacitor electrode are formed operatively adjacent the first capacitor electrode.
US08241985B2	Semiconductor device having gate electrode with lower impurity concentration at edge portions than above channel and method of manufacturing the same A high breakdown voltage MOS transistor capable of reducing a leakage current while reducing an element size as compared with conventional ones is realized. On a P type well, with a channel area ch in between, an N type first impurity diffusion area including a drain area and drain side drift area, and an N type second impurity diffusion area including a source area and a source side drift area are formed. Moreover, a gate electrode is formed, via a gate oxide film, above a part of the first impurity diffusion area, above the channel area and above a part of the second impurity diffusion area. The gate electrode is doped with an N type, and an impurity concentration of portions located above the first and the second impurity diffusion areas is lower than an impurity concentration of a portion located above the channel area.
US08241984B2	Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same A semiconductor device including a semiconductor substrate, and a memory cell and a peripheral circuit provided on the semiconductor substrate, the memory cell having a first insulating film, a first electrode layer, a second insulating film, and a second electrode layer provided on the semiconductor substrate in order, and the peripheral circuit having the first insulating film, the first electrode layer, the second insulating film having an opening for the peripheral circuit, and the second electrode layer electrically connected to the first electrode layer through the opening for the peripheral circuit, wherein a thickness of the first electrode layer under the second insulating film of the peripheral circuit is thicker than a thickness of the first electrode layer of the memory cell.
US08241983B2	Method of making a hetero tunnel field effect transistor Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method to fabricate a hetero-junction in a Tunnel Field Effect Transistor (TFET) device configuration (e.g. in a segmented nanowire TFET). Since in prior art devices the highly doped source is in direct contact with the lowly doped or undoped channel, some amount of dopants will diffuse from the source to the channel which cannot be avoided due to the source deposition thermal budget. This out-diffusion reduces the steepness of the doping profile and hence deteriorates the device operation. Particular embodiments comprise the insertion of a thin transition layer in between the source region and channel region such that the out-diffusion is within a very limited region of a few nm, guaranteeing extremely good doping abruptness thanks to the lower diffusion of the dopants in the transition layer. The transition layer avoids the direct contact between the highly doped (e.g. Ge or SiGe) source region and the lowly doped or undoped (e.g. Si) channel and allows to contain the whole doping (e.g. B atoms) entirely within the source region and transition layer. The thickness of the transition layer can be engineered such that the transition layer coincides with the steep transition step from the highly doped source region to the intrinsic region (channel), and hence maximizing the tunneling current.
US08241982B2	Semiconductor device manufacturing method A plasma nitriding process is followed by a selective etching process which removes a silicon oxynitride film formed on surfaces of both an element separation film and an insulation film while leaving a silicon nitride film formed on an electrode layer. The selective etching process removes the silicon oxynitride film formed on the surfaces of the element separation film and the insulation film.
US08241975B2	System and method for providing low voltage high density multi-bit storage flash memory A system and method is disclosed for providing a low voltage high density multi-bit storage flash memory. A dual bit memory cell of the invention comprises a substrate having a common source, a first drain and first channel, and a second drain and a second channel. A common control gate is located above the source. A first floating gate and a second floating gate are located on opposite sides of the control gate. Each floating gate is formed with a sharp tip adjacent to the control gate and an upper curved surface that follows a contour of the surface of the control gate. The sharp tips of the floating gates efficiently discharge electrons into the control gate when the memory cell is erased. The curved surfaces increase capacitor coupling between the control gate and the floating gates.
US08241971B2	MOSFET with a nanowire channel and fully silicided (FUSI) wrapped around gate Nanowire-channel metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs) and techniques for the fabrication thereof are provided. In one aspect, a MOSFET includes a nanowire channel; a fully silicided gate surrounding the nanowire channel; and a raised source and drain connected by the nanowire channel. A method of fabricating a MOSFET is also provided.
US08241970B2	CMOS with channel P-FinFET and channel N-FinFET having different crystalline orientations and parallel fins An integrated circuit is fabricated with at least one p-FinFET device and at least one n-FinFET device situated parallel to each other. A first silicon layer having a first crystalline orientation is bonded to a second silicon layer having a second crystalline orientation. The first and second orientations are different from each other. A volume of material is formed that extends through the first layer from the second layer up to the surface of the first layer. The material has a crystalline orientation that substantially matches the orientation of the second layer. Areas of the surface of the first layer that are outside of the region are selectively etched to create a first plurality of fins and areas inside the region to create a second plurality of fins. The etching leaves the first and second pluralities of fins parallel to each other with different surface crystal orientations.
US08241969B2	Patterning method for high density pillar structures A method of making a device includes forming a first photoresist layer over a sacrificial layer, patterning the first photoresist layer to form first photoresist features, rendering the first photoresist features insoluble to a solvent, forming a second photoresist layer over the first photoresist features, patterning the second photoresist layer to form second photoresist features, forming a spacer layer over the first and second photoresist features, etching the spacer layer to form spacer features and to expose the first and second photoresist features, forming third photoresist features between the spacer features, removing the spacer features, and patterning the sacrificial layer using the first, second and third photoresist features as a mask to form sacrificial features.
US08241968B2	Printed circuit board (PCB) including a wire pattern, semiconductor package including the PCB, electrical and electronic apparatus including the semiconductor package, method of fabricating the PCB, and method of fabricating the semiconductor package A printed circuit board (PCB) includes a wire pattern that has a low processing cost and a high yield by simplifying the structure of the PCB and can increase the joining characteristics and reliability of minute bumps when a flip-chip bonding process is performed. The PCB includes a body resin layer having lower and upper surfaces, a wire pattern on or in one of the upper and lower surfaces of the body resin layer, at least one through-hole contact extending from the wire pattern through the body resin layer, and a solder resist on the upper and lower surfaces of the body resin layer, openings of the solder resist corresponding to at least one of a solder ball land and a bump land, the solder ball land and the bump land being configured to couple the PCB to a semiconductor chip. If the solder ball land is on the one-layer wire pattern, the bump land is on the through-hole contact, and if the bump land is on the wire pattern, the solder ball land is on the through-hole contact.
US08241967B2	Semiconductor package with a support structure and fabrication method thereof A semiconductor package with a support structure and a fabrication method thereof are provided. With a chip being electrically connected to electrical contacts formed on a carrier, a molding process is performed. A plurality of recessed portions formed on the carrier are filled with an encapsulant for encapsulating the chip during the molding process. After the carrier is removed, the part of the encapsulant filling the recessed portions forms outwardly protruded portions on a surface of the encapsulant, such that the semiconductor package can be attached to an external device via the protruded portions.
US08241963B2	Recessed pillar structure A bump structure that may be used to interconnect one substrate to another substrate is provided. A recessed conductive pillar is formed on a first substrate such that the recessed conductive pillar has a recess formed therein. The recess may be filled with a solder material. A conductive pillar on a second substrate may be formed having a contact surface with a width less than or equal to a width of the recess. The first substrate may be attached to the second substrate such that the conductive pillar on the second substrate is positioned over or in the recess of the first substrate. The substrates may each be an integrated circuit die, an interposer, a printed circuit board, a high-density interconnect, or the like.
US08241960B2	Semiconductor device manufacturing equipment and semiconductor device manufacturing method Semiconductor device manufacturing equipment in which in the process of dividing a substrate into individual semiconductor devices using a dicing blade, the possibility of an odd piece flying off a supporting member is prevented. A supporting member supports a substrate for semiconductor devices on one surface thereof. A dicing blade dices the substrate supported by the supporting member along dicing lines provided on the substrate to divide the substrate into a plurality of semiconductor devices. In a plan view, the edge of the supporting member's surface supporting the substrate overlaps a semiconductor device located at an outermost position of the substrate and lies inside a dicing line at an outermost position of the substrate.
US08241958B2	Semiconductor device, semiconductor module, method for manufacturing semiconductor device, and lead frame To provide a semiconductor device and a semiconductor module in which breakage of a semiconductor element due to a pressing force given from the outside is prevented. A semiconductor device according to the present invention has a configuration mainly including an island, a semiconductor element mounted on a front surface of the island, a lead that functions as an external connection terminal, and a sealing resin that covers these components in an integrated manner and mechanically supports them. Further, a through-hole is provided so as to penetrate the sealing resin. A front surface of the sealing resin around the through-hole forms a flat part. The front surface of the sealing resin that overlaps the semiconductor element is depressed inward with respect to the flat part to form a depressed part.
US08241957B2	Negative thermal expansion system (NTES) device for TCE compensation in elastomer composites and conductive elastomer interconnects in microelectronic packaging A method for fabricating a negative thermal expanding system device includes coating a wafer with a thermally decomposable polymer, patterning the decomposable polymer into repeating disk patterns, releasing the decomposable polymer from the wafer and forming a sheet of repeating patterned disks, suspending the sheet into a first solution with seeding compounds for electroless decomposition, removing the sheet from the first solution, suspending the sheet into a second solution to electrolessly deposit a first layer material onto the sheet, removing the sheet from the second solution, suspending the sheet into a third solution to deposit a second layer of material having a lower TCE value than the first layer of material, separating the patterned disks from one another, and annealing thermally the patterned disks to decompose the decomposable polymer and creating a cavity in place of the decomposable polymer.
US08241956B2	Semiconductor device and method of forming wafer level multi-row etched lead package A semiconductor device has a base carrier having first and second opposing surfaces. The first surface of the base carrier is etched to form a plurality of cavities and multiple rows of base leads between the cavities extending between the first and second surfaces. A second conductive layer is formed over the second surface of the base carrier. A semiconductor die is mounted within a cavity of the base carrier. A first insulating layer is formed over the die and first surface of the base carrier and into the cavities. A first conductive layer is formed over the first insulating layer and first surface of the base carrier. A second insulating layer is formed over the first insulating layer and first conductive layer. A portion of the second surface of the base carrier is removed to expose the first insulating layer and electrically isolate the base leads.
US08241946B2	Method of forming an organic semiconducting device by a melt technique The present invention provides a method of forming a semiconducting device comprising an organic semiconducting material, which method comprises: heating a composition comprising the organic semiconducting material to a temperature at or above the melting point or glass transition temperature of the composition to form a melt; cooling the melt to a temperature below the melting point or glass transition temperature of the composition; and wherein a first substance or object capable of inhibiting and/or preventing dewetting is adjacent the composition before or during heating, or the composition further comprises an agent capable of inhibiting and/or preventing dewetting.
US08241944B2	Resistive RAM devices and methods The present disclosure includes a high density resistive random access memory (RRAM) device, as well as methods of fabricating a high density RRAM device. One method of forming an RRAM device includes forming a resistive element having a metal-metal oxide interface. Forming the resistive element includes forming an insulative material over the first electrode, and forming a via in the insulative material. The via is conformally filled with a metal material, and the metal material is planarized to within the via. A portion of the metal material within the via is selectively treated to create a metal-metal oxide interface within the via. A second electrode is formed over the resistive element.
US08241943B1	Sodium doping method and system for shaped CIGS/CIS based thin film solar cells A method of sodium doping in fabricating CIGS/CIS based thin film solar cells includes providing a shaped substrate member. The method includes forming a barrier layer over the surface region followed by a first electrode layer, and then a sodium bearing layer. A precursor layer of copper, indium, and/or gallium materials having an atomic ratio of copper/group III species no greater than 1.0 is deposited over the sodium bearing layer. The method further includes transferring the shaped substrate member to a second chamber and subjecting it to a thermal treatment process within an environment comprising gas-phase selenium species, followed by an environment comprising gas-phase sulfur species with the selenium species being substantially removed to form an absorber layer.
US08241938B2	Methods of forming a conductive transparent oxide film layer for use in a cadmium telluride based thin film photovoltaic device Methods for forming a conductive oxide layer on a substrate are provided. The method can include sputtering a transparent conductive oxide layer (“TCO layer”) on a substrate from a target (e.g., including cadmium stannate) at a sputtering temperature of about 10° C. to about 100° C. The TCO layer can then be annealed in an anneal temperature comprising cadmium at an annealing temperature of about 500° C. to about 700° C. The method of forming the TCO layer can be used in a method for manufacturing a cadmium telluride based thin film photovoltaic device, further including forming a cadmium sulfide layer over the transparent conductive oxide layer and forming a cadmium telluride layer over the cadmium sulfide layer.
US08241933B2	Organic light emitting diode display and method of manufacturing the same An organic light emitting diode display and a method of manufacturing the display, the organic light emitting diode display including: a substrate; a semiconductor layer formed on the substrate, having a channel region, a source region, and a drain region; a gate insulating layer covering the semiconductor layer; a gate electrode formed on the channel region; and an interlayer insulating layer covering the gate electrode. Source and drain electrodes are formed on the interlayer insulating layer, and are connected to the source and drain regions, respectively. A pixel electrode extends from the drain electrode, in the same plane as the source and drain electrodes. The source and drain electrodes each have a first conductive layer formed of a transparent conductive material, and a metallic second conductive layer formed on the first conductive layer. The pixel electrode is formed from the first conductive layer.
US08241931B1	Method of forming MEMS device with weakened substrate A method of producing a MEMS device provides a first substrate having a first interior surface and thickness, and a second substrate having a second interior surface. The method also forms at least one closed wall on at least one of the first and second substrates, weakens the first substrate in a plane generally parallel to the first interior surface, and secures the first substrate to the second substrate. The at least one closed wall extends between the first interior surface and the second interior surface. The method further separates a portion of the first substrate along the plane generally parallel to the first interior surface after securing the first and second substrates, and removes an excess portion of the first substrate to produce a reduced thickness first substrate of no greater than about 20 microns.
US08241928B2	Test structure and method for detecting charge effects during semiconductor processing A semiconductor process test structure comprises an electrode, a charge-trapping layer, and a diffusion region. The test structure is a capacitor-like structure in which the charge-trapping layer will trap charges during various processing steps. Gate-induced drain leakage (GIDL) measurement techniques can then be used to characterize the charging status of the test structure.
US08241927B2	Methods relating to capacitive monitoring of layer characteristics during back end-of the-line processing Methods are provided that relate to the capacitive monitoring of characteristic pertaining to layer formed during the back end-of-the-line (BEOL) processing of a semiconductor device. In one embodiment, a method includes the steps of forming a first capacitor array including first and second overlying contacts each formed in a different one of the plurality of BEOL layers, measuring the interlayer capacitance between the first and second overlying contacts, and converting the measured interlayer capacitance to a distance between the first and second overlying contacts.
US08241926B2	Semiconductor integrated circuit test method A wafer of semiconductor integrated circuits with wafer-level chip-scale packages is tested in two stages. The chip-scale packages include conductive posts extending through a sealing layer and capped by terminals. Measurements strongly affected by contact resistance are carried out before the terminals are formed, using a first probe card having probe pins that contact the ends of the conductive posts. Other measurements are carried out after the terminals are formed, using a second probe card having probe pins that contact the terminals. Accurate measurements can be made in this way even if the terminals are lead-free solder bumps with variable contact resistance. Fabrication yields are improved accordingly.
US08241925B2	Calibration of temperature sensitive circuits with heater elements One or more heating elements are disposed on a semiconductor substrate proximate a temperature sensitive circuit disposed on the substrate (e.g., bandgap circuit, oscillator). The heater element(s) can be controlled to heat the substrate and elevate the temperature of the circuit to one or more temperature points. One or more temperature measurements can be made at each of the one or more temperature points for calibrating one or more reference values of the circuit (e.g., bandgap voltage).
US08241924B2	Method and system for controlling an implantation process A method for implant uniformity is provided that includes determining a variation of critical dimensions (CD) of a semiconductor wafer, moving the semiconductor wafer in a two-dimensional mode during an implantation process, and controlling a velocity of the movement of the semiconductor wafer so that an implant dose to the semiconductor wafer is varied based on the variation of CD.
US08241923B2	Method for correcting mask pattern and method for manufacturing acceleration sensor and angular velocity sensor by using the method for correcting the mask pattern A method for correcting a mask pattern used for dry-etching an object with higher accuracy, and for manufacturing an acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor. The object is first etched by a dry-etching process using an uncorrected reference mask pattern. Then, distribution of the size of expansion of a tapered portion formed in a surface of the object is measured. Thereafter, the measured distribution is approximated by using a quadratic curve (Y=AX2+B) so as to determine A and B. Consequently, an amount t of correction for the tapered portion, which is expressed by the following equation (1) and related to a width of an opening of the mask pattern in a position at a distance r from a center of the object to be etched, can be set. In this way, the correction for the tapered portion can be carried out. t=(Ar2+B)/2 (1)
US08241918B2	Beverage dispensing device with freshness indicator A beverage dispensing device including a housing, a tapping device for dispensing a beverage, a beverage container connectable with the tapping device, a freshness indicator device, a data input unit for recording replacement of the beverage container, a temperature sensor for measuring the storage temperature of the beverage, a temperature controller for adjusting the cooling temperature of a chiller, a storage unit for storing the freshness criteria, and a processing unit. The temperature sensor transmits the current beverage storage temperature to the processing unit and the processing unit calculates, depending on a recorded storage temperature period and based on stored freshness criteria, the actual freshness of the beverage, the time left until expiry of the freshness of the beverage and/or the date of expiry of the freshness of the beverage. The processing unit transmits the calculated data to the display.
US08241912B2	Gaming machine having multi-touch sensing device A gaming system and method for conducting a wagering game includes a primary display that displays a randomly selected outcome. The gaming system includes a multi-touch input system having a multi-touch sensing device, a memory, and a local controller. The multi-touch sensing device includes an array of input sensors that detect a multi-point gesture. Each sensor detects a touch input made by a player of the wagering game. The memory includes gesture classification codes each representing a distinct combination of characteristics relating to the gesture. The local controller receives data indicative of at least two of the characteristics related to the multi-point gesture and determines whether the data corresponds to any of the gesture classification codes. A main controller is coupled to the local controller to receive the gesture classification code responsive to the local controller determining that the data corresponds to a gesture classification code.
US08241906B2	Magnetic manipulation of biological samples The invention relates to a cell carrier (10) for receiving a biological sample. The carrier comprises a magnetic element (20) and a floor element (30) that forms a stable support (31) that can be displaced on a solid base surface in at least one direction. The invention also relates to a manipulation device for biological samples and to a method for manipulating biological samples.
US08241896B2	Compositions for use in recombinational cloning of nucelic acids The present invention relates generally to compositions and methods for use in recombinational cloning of nucleic acid molecules. In particular, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding one or more recombination sites or portions thereof, to nucleic acid molecules comprising one or more of these recombination site nucleotide sequences and optionally comprising one or more additional physical or functional nucleotide sequences. The invention also relates to vectors comprising the nucleic acid molecules of the invention, to host cells comprising the vectors or nucleic acid molecules of the invention, to methods of producing polypeptides using the nucleic acid molecules of the invention, and to polypeptides encoded by these nucleic acid molecules or produced by the methods of the invention. The invention also relates to antibodies that bind to one or more polypeptides of the invention or epitopes thereof. The invention also relates to the use of these compositions in methods for recombinational cloning of nucleic acids, in vitro and in vivo, to provide chimeric DNA molecules that have particular characteristics and/or DNA segments.
US08241894B2	Method for analyzing proteins A method for analyzing proteins makes use of an array of first capture molecules which are specific for peptide epitopes. The proteins to be analyzed or a protein mixture containing the proteins to be analyzed is degraded to peptide fragments corresponding to the peptide epitopes, after which the array of capture molecules is incubated with the peptide fragments. The peptide fragments bound to the capture molecules are then detected.
US08241893B2	Method and device for separating molecular targets in a complex mixture The invention relates to a method of analysing molecular targets contained in a complex mixture, comprising the following steps consisting in: a) bringing the mixture of molecular targets to be analysed into contact with an array of different types of primary probes, whereby each type of primary probe forming the array can bind specifically to a type of target selected from among the molecular targets, under conditions that enable specific binding between the molecular targets and the primary probes; b) optionally eliminating the primary probes that are not bound specifically to a molecular target; c) separating the molecular targets and the primary probes which are bound specifically in a probe/target complex, such as to recover the array of primary probes representing a fingerprint of the molecular targets to be analysed; and d) quantitatively analysing the primary probes eluted in step c.
US08241890B2	Industrial production device comprising continuous conveyor belt for producing immobilized biocatalysts A method and device are disclosed for industrial production of immobilized biocatalysts such as enzymes or microorganisms. In the method, a polyvinyl alcohol gel is produced containing the biocatalysts, and the gel is shaped in a stream of drying air. The device includes a continuous conveyor belt. A casting mechanism is positioned above the belt for applying a mixture containing a biocatalyst to the belt. Positioned for the belt to pass through following the casting mechanism, is a drying channel, a reswelling tank, a wiping and collecting device, a rinse box, and a drying channel.
US08241889B2	Prothioconazole tolerant Cryptococcus flavescens strains for biological control of fusarium head blight Strains of Cryptococcus flavescens which are superior antagonists of F. graminearum for suppression and control of FHB in cereals, particularly in wheat and barley, are described. The strains are prothioconazole tolerant variants of previously described C. flavescens OH 182.9 (NRRL Y-30216). Moreover, these prothioconazole tolerant variants exhibit significantly increased efficacy against F. graminearum in comparison to the parent strain OH 182.9.
US08241884B2	Δ17 desaturase and its use in making polyunsaturated fatty acids The present invention relates to Δ17 desaturases, which have the ability to convert ω-6 fatty acids into their ω-3 counterparts (i.e., conversion of arachidonic acid [20:4, ARA] to eicosapentaenoic acid [20:5, EPA]). Isolated nucleic acid fragments and recombinant constructs comprising such fragments encoding Δ17 desaturases along with a method of making long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) using these Δ17 desaturases in oleaginous yeast are disclosed.
US08241882B2	Hydrogen-producing bacterium, Clostridium perfringens The present invention aims to provide a hydrogen-producing bacterium, which excels in hydrogen yield and hydrogen production rate, and is usable for industrial hydrogen production from biomass as a production source. That is, it is intended to provide a bacterium belonging to the genus Clostridium which has a property of producing hydrogen at a rate of 60 mmol or more per hour per liter of a culture liquid which contains glucose as a substrate, by batch cultivation in a YNU anaerobic culture medium at 47° C. and pH 6.0, and a hydrogen production method comprising the use of the bacterium belonging to the genus Clostridium.
US08241880B2	Organic solvent pretreatment of biomass to enhance enzymatic saccharification Biomass is pretreated using an organic solvent solution under alkaline conditions in the presence of one or more alkylamine and optionally one or more additional nucleophile to fragment and extract lignin. Pretreated biomass is further hydrolyzed with a saccharification enzyme consortium. Fermentable sugars released by saccharification may be utilized for the production of target chemicals by fermentation.
US08241878B2	Recombinant yeast host cell with Fe-S cluster proteins and methods of using thereof Yeast strains were engineered that have increased activity of heterologous proteins that require binding of an Fe—S cluster for their activity. The yeast strains have reduced activity of an endogenous Fe—S protein. Activities of heterologous fungal or plant 2Fe-2S dihydroxy-acid dehydratases and Fe—S propanediol dehydratase reactivase were increased for increased production of products made using biosynthetic pathways including these enzymes, such as valine, isoleucine, leucine, pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), isobutanol, 2-butanone and 2-butanol.
US08241877B2	Microorganisms for the production of methacrylic acid The invention provides a non-naturally occurring microbial organism having a 2-hydroxyisobutyric acid, 3-hydroxyisobutyric acid or methacrylic acid pathway. The microbial organism contains at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding an enzyme in a 2-hydroxyisobutyric acid, 3-hydroxyisobutyric acid or methacrylic acid pathway. The invention additionally provides a method for producing 2-hydroxyisobutyric acid, 3-hydroxyisobutyric acid or methacrylic acid. The method can include culturing a 2-hydroxyisobutyric acid, 3-hydroxyisobutyric acid or methacrylic acid producing microbial organism expressing at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding a 2-hydroxyisobutyric acid, 3-hydroxyisobutyric acid or methacrylic acid pathway enzyme in a sufficient amount and culturing under conditions and for a sufficient period of time to produce 2-hydroxyisobutyric acid, 3-hydroxyisobutyric acid or methacrylic acid.
US08241874B2	Rolling circle amplification A method to detect a messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) sequence is provided including annealing a first probe and a second probe to at least a portion of the mRNA, wherein the first and second probes do not comprise the same nucleotide sequence, wherein each probe sequence is complimentary to at least a portion of the mRNA and the second probe is a T-shaped probe having 1) a probe sequence complementary to at least a portion of the mRNA sequence and 2) a rolling circle amplification primer that is linked to an internal reactive group of the probe sequence of the second probe so as to provide physical separation of probe ligation and rolling circle amplification, said probe-connected rolling circle primer comprising a circle recognition sequence.
US08241867B2	Integrated filtration and detection device An integrated filtration and detection device for collecting and detecting the growth of microorganisms in a specimen includes a container defining a chamber therein. The container has an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with the chamber. A filter is mounted in the chamber between the inlet and the outlet. A sensor is mounted in the chamber. The sensor is operative to exhibit a change in a measurable property thereof upon exposure to changes in the chamber due to microbial growth.
US08241866B2	Method for detection of microorganism and kit for detection of microorganism A kit is disclosed for preparing a measurement sample for detecting live cells, injured cells, VNC cells and dead microorganism cells in a test sample by the following steps: a) the step of treating the test sample with an enzyme having an activity of decomposing cells other than those of the microorganism, colloidal particles of proteins or lipids existing in the test sample, b) the step of treating the test sample with a topoisomerase poison and/or a DNA gyrase poison. c) the step of treating the test sample treated in the steps a) and b) with a nuclear stain agent, and d) the step of detecting the microorganism in the test sample treated with the nuclear stain agent by flow cytometry.
US08241859B2	Use of protein SATB2 as a marker for colorectal cancer The invention provides new methods, means and uses in connection with detection, characterization and prognosis of colo-rectal cancer, via the identification of the SATB2 protein as a marker for this cancer type.
US08241854B2	Triggered RNAi The present application relates to methods and compositions for triggering RNAi. Triggered RNAi is highly versatile because the silencing targets are independent of the detection targets. In some embodiments, methods of silencing or modulating the expression of a marker gene are provided. The methods generally comprise providing an initiator to a cell comprising a detection target and a silencing target gene, wherein the detection target is different from the silencing target gene, wherein binding of the detection target to the initiator initiates formation of an inactivator double-stranded RNA (inactivator dsRNA). The inactivator dsRNA can silence the silencing target gene to modulate the expression of a marker gene.
US08241852B2	Unsymmetrical cyanine dimer compounds and their application Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and nucleic acid reporter molecules for the detection of nucleic acid in a sample. The nucleic acid reporter molecule comprises two unsymmetrical cyanine monomer moieties, which may be the same or different, that are covalently attached by a linker comprising at least one aromatic, heteroaromatic, cyclic or heterocyclic moiety comprising 3-20 non-hydrogen atoms selected from the group consisting of O, N, S, P and C. The linker may be rigid, relatively flexible or some degree thereof. The unsymmetrical cyanine monomer moieties comprise a substituted or unsubstituted benzazolium moiety and a substituted or unsubstituted pyridinium or quinolinium moiety that is connected by a methine bridge that is monomethine, trimethine or pentamethine. The linkers form the cyanine dimer compounds by attaching to the pyridinium or quinolinium moiety of the monomer moieties. The present nucleic acid reporter molecules find utility in forming a nucleic acid-reporter molecule complex and detecting the nucleic acid. In particular, present nucleic acid reporter molecules with a rigid linker and monomer moieties with a monomethine bridge find utility in detecting RNA in the presence of DNA.
US08241851B2	Methods for nucleic acid manipulation A method for replicating and amplifying a target nucleic acid sequence is described. A method of the invention involves the formation of a recombination intermediate without the prior denaturing of a nucleic acid duplex through the use of a recombination factor. The recombination intermediate is treated with a high fidelity polymerase to permit the replication and amplification of the target nucleic acid sequence. In preferred embodiments, the polymerase comprises a polymerase holoenzyme. In further preferred embodiments, the recombination factor is bacteriophage T4 UvsX protein or homologs from other species, and the polymerase holoenzyme comprises a polymerase enzyme, a clamp protein and a clamp loader protein, derived from viral, bacteriophage, prokaryotic, archaebacterial, or eukaryotic systems.
US08241849B1	Isolated genomic polynucleotide fragments that encode human lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 The invention is directed to isolated genomic polynucleotide fragments that encode human lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2, vectors and hosts containing the fragment and fragments hybridizing to noncoding regions as well as antisense oligonucleotides to these fragments. The invention is further directed to methods of using these fragments to obtain human lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 and to diagnose, treat, prevent and/or ameliorate a pathological disorder.
US08241844B2	Methods and compositions for modulating an immune response with immunogenic oligonucleotides This document relates to compositions and methods for modulating an immune response. For example, compositions of immunostimulatory CpG oligonucleotides derived from retroviral genomes are provided.
US08241843B2	Methods for regulating complement cascade proteins using astrovirus coat protein and derivatives thereof The present invention provides a method for modulating the complement cascade by depleting the plasma of the functional activity of complement proteins and thereby reducing or eliminating complement-mediated cell lysis. The invention provides a method for the therapeutic use of coat proteins and derivatives thereof from the Astroviradae family of viruses in the treatment of complement-mediated cell lysis and peptide mediators of inflammation. The invention provides a method for the therapeutic use of coat proteins and derivatives thereof from the Astroviradae family of viruses in the treatment of complement-mediated diseases. Methods are described herein where complement cascade, triggered by either the classical or alternative complement pathways, is prevented from effecting cell lysis and inflammation due to inhibition or depletion of one or more complement components in the serum following administration of astrovirus coat proteins or derivatives.
US08241842B2	Methods and devices for measuring diffusion by magnetic resonance imaging The present invention relates generally to the field of magnetic resonance imaging and, more particularly, to devices and methods used in the observation of the diffusion of molecules across a permeable membrane using magnetic resonance techniques. A typical embodiment of the invention is a method of observing the diffusion of a molecule in a container having a permeable membrane that is disposed between a first solution and a second solution in the container, by using magnetic resonance imaging to obtain an image of the diffusion of the molecule in the first solution across the membrane in to the second solution.
US08241835B2	Device and method for preparing relief printing form A relief printing form is prepared from a photosensitive element in an environment having controlled oxygen concentration during exposure to actinic radiation. An in situ mask is formed on a photosensitive element, the element is exposed to actinic radiation through the in-situ mask in an environment having an inert gas and a concentration of oxygen between 190,000 and 100 ppm, and the exposed element is treated to form the relief printing form having a pattern of raised surface areas.
US08241834B2	Optical recording medium and production method therefor, and sputtering target and production method therefor An optical recording medium includes a substrate having features that define track regions, an optical recording layer disposed on the substrate, and a light-transmitting layer disposed on the optical recording layer. The optical recording layer has a composition of (Sb2Se3)wTexOyPdz, where w, x, y, and z each represent a molar percent and satisfy 10 (mol %)≦w≦60 (mol %), 0 (mol %)
US08241832B2	Compositions and processes for photolithography Topcoat layer compositions are provided that are applied above a photoresist composition. The compositions find particular applicability to immersion lithography processing.
US08241821B2	Reflective mask blank for EUV lithography, process for producing the same and mask for EUV lithography Provision of an EUV mask whereby influence of EUV reflected light from an absorber film surface in the peripheral portion of a mask pattern region is suppressed at a time of carrying out EUV lithography; an EUV mask blank to be employed for producing the above EUV mask; and a process for producing the EUV mask blank. A process for producing a reflective mask blank for EUV lithography (EUVL), comprising alternately laminating a high refractive index film and a low refractive index film on a substrate to form a multilayer reflective film for reflecting EUV light and forming an absorber layer for absorbing EUV light on the multilayer reflective film, wherein the process further comprises after formation of the above multilayer reflective film, heating a portion of a surface of the multilayer reflective film outside a portion to be a mask pattern region in a reflective mask for EUV lithography produced by employing the reflective mask blank for EUV, to reduce the reflectivity of the heated portion of the surface of the multilayer reflective film for EUV light.
US08241820B2	Photomask used in fabrication of semiconductor device Provided is a photomask used in fabrication of a semiconductor device. The photomask includes first and second regions to be transferred onto a semiconductor substrate having a step difference. The first and second regions have mask patterns. The mask patterns of the first region have a different shape from the mask patterns of the second region. The mask patterns of the second region have concave and convex portions disposed in opposite lateral portions thereof.
US08241819B2	Method for forming a volume holographic sensor in a porous medium A sensor for the detection of an analyte, comprising a holographic element comprising a medium and a hologram disposed throughout the volume of the medium, wherein an optical characteristic of the hologram changes as a result of a variation of a physical property occurring throughout the volume of the medium, wherein the medium is obtainable by formation in situ in the presence of a pore-forming agent, wherein the agent is not present in the sensor or does not react with the analyte and the sensor.
US08241815B2	Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) device having gradient interconnect A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) device having a gradient interconnect is provided, including a first gradient interconnect having opposing first and second surfaces, a first trench formed over the first surface of the first gradient interconnect, a second trench formed over the second surface of the first gradient interconnect, and an interconnecting tunnel formed in the first gradient interconnect for connecting the first and second trenches. A first porous conducting disc is placed in the first trench and partially protrudes over the first surface of the first gradient interconnect. A first sealing layer is placed over the first surface of the first gradient interconnect and surrounds the first trench. A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is placed over the first surface of the first gradient interconnect and contacted with the first porous conducting disc and the first sealing layer.
US08241813B2	Fuel cell arrangement A fuel cell arrangement comprises at least one fuel cell module, each fuel cell module comprises a plurality of fuel cells. Each fuel cell module is hollow and defines a chamber. Each fuel cell module is arranged within an inner vessel and the inner vessel is arranged within an outer pressure vessel. Means to supply oxidant is arranged to supply oxidant to the space within the inner vessel so as to supply oxidant to the cathode electrodes. Means to supply fuel is arranged to supply fuel to the chamber in each fuel cell module so to supply fuel to the anode electrodes. The outer pressure vessel is protected from the high temperature environment of the fuel cells by the inner vessel. The outer pressure vessel forms the main pressure containment of the arrangement and operates at a lower temperature and operates with a greater safety margin than a single pressure vessel arrangement.
US08241812B2	Solid oxide fuel cell and manufacturing method thereof A solid oxide fuel cell including a metal frame, a pre-treated porous metal substrate, an anode layer, an electrolyte layer, a cathode interlayer and a cathode current collecting layer is provided. The pre-treated porous metal substrate is disposed inside the metal frame. The anode layer is disposed on the porous metal substrate. The electrolyte layer is disposed on the anode layer. The cathode interlayer is disposed on the electrolyte layer. The cathode current collecting layer is disposed on the cathode interlayer. The anode layer is porous and nano-structured. Moreover, a manufacturing method of the solid oxide fuel cell mentioned above is also provided.
US08241811B2	Flow channel plate A flow channel plate adapted to a fuel cell apparatus is provided. The flow channel plate includes a separating film and a plurality of bar supporting members. The separating film is disposed between two components of the fuel cell apparatus, and the bar supporting members lean against the separating film and the two components to maintain a distance between the two components. The flow channel plate has low flow resistance.
US08241810B2	Racked power supply ventilation A system includes power modules received within a frame of a ventilation enclosure. Each of the power modules has a fuel cell stack. A ventilation shaft is arranged along a rear side of the ventilation enclosure and sealingly receives the power modules so that exhaust outlets of the power modules discharge into the ventilation shaft. Each of the power modules is removably attachable to the ventilation shaft through the front side of the ventilation enclosure. A fuel supply pipe in the ventilation shaft supplies fuel to fuel inlets of the power modules. An exhaust pump draws exhaust fluid out of the ventilation shaft.
US08241809B2	Fuel cell system A fuel cell system comprises a fuel gas supply conduit which supplies fuel gas to a fuel cell, a circulation conduit which returns discharged fuel gas discharged from the fuel cell to the fuel gas supply conduit, and a control device. When the control device determines that freezing may occur, the control device releases the discharged fuel gas from a water discharge valve of a gas-liquid separator provided in the circulation conduit to the outside, and reduces the flow volume of the discharged fuel gas returned to the fuel gas supply conduit in order to reduce moisture contained in the gas. Consequently, freezing can be prevented using a simple structure.
US08241808B2	Fuel cell system for supplying gas in accordance with load of the fuel cell An object is to provide a fuel cell system having a simple structure, which is capable of supplying gas appropriately through an ejector in accordance with the load of a fuel cell. The fuel cell system (1) uses an ejector (24) disposed in a gas supply system (4) to combine a new gas to be supplied to the fuel cell (2) with an off-gas discharged from the fuel cell (2) and supply the fuel cell (2) with the resulting combined gas. The ejector (24) includes a nozzle (46) for ejecting the new gas and generating a negative pressure for aspirating the off-gas, and a flow rate control mechanism (47) for controlling the flow rate of the new gas which passes through the nozzle (46). A first flow path (81) for leading the off-gas to the flow rate control mechanism (47) is provided in the gas supply system (4), and the flow rate control mechanism (47) controls the flow rate of the new gas in accordance with the pressure of the off-gas led from the first flow path (81).
US08241804B1	Method for controlling fuel cell system A method includes determining, if an instruction to stop a operation of a fuel cell is detected, whether an in-stop-mode power generating process has been executed, a fuel gas being to be stopped and an oxide gas being to be supplied to the fuel cell to generate power from the oxide-gas supply apparatus in the in-stop-mode power generating process, and shortening a time for a diluting process to be executed by a scavenging apparatus when it is determined that the in-stop-mode power generating process has been executed, as compared with a case where it is determined that the in-stop-mode power generating process has not been executed.
US08241803B2	Method of actuating fuel cell system and fuel cell system A method of actuating a fuel cell system equipped with a fuel cell is disclosed. The fuel cell system is supplied with reaction gases for generating electricity. The method includes the steps of: a first step for actuating the fuel cell in a low-temperature actuation mode to thereby warm up the fuel cell, if a low-temperature actuation condition is satisfied at a start-up of the fuel cell; and a second step for drying a membrane electrode assembly of the fuel cell, if a power generation capacity of the fuel cell is lower than a predetermined power generation capacity.
US08241798B1	Methods and apparatus for increasing biofilm formation and power output in microbial fuel cells A method and an apparatus is provided for increasing biofilm formation and power output in microbial fuel cells. An anode material in a microbial fuel cell has a three-dimensional and ordered structure. The anode material fills an entire anode compartment, and it is arranged to allow fluid flow within the anode compartment. The power output of microbial fuel cells is enhanced, primarily by increasing the formation and viability of electrogenic biofilms on the anodes of the microbial fuel cells. The anode material in a microbial fuel cell allows for the growth of a microbial biofilm to its natural thickness. In the instance of members of the Geobacteraceae family, the biofilm is able grow to a depth of about 40 microns.
US08241796B2	Electrodes of a fuel cell An electrode for use in a fuel cell consists of a porous plastic substrate, a conductive layer and a catalyst layer, in which the substrate is hydrophilic. Preferably the substrate has a water wicking rate no less than 40 mm per 600 s. Such an electrode may be used in a fuel cell, with an electrolyte chamber (8) defined between two opposed electrodes (11, 12), the electrodes having the catalyst layers (5) facing away from the electrolyte in contact with respective gas chambers (7, 9). Preferably the electrolyte is maintained at a negative pressure during operation.
US08241795B2	Electrolytic solutions and battery A battery capable of improving the storage characteristics and the cycle characteristics is provided. The battery includes a cathode, an anode, and an electrolytic solution. The electrolytic solution is impregnated in a separator provided between the cathode and the anode. A solvent of the electrolytic solution contains a given sulfone compound such as bis(trimethylsilyl)-2,2-difluorosulfoacetate. Compared to a case that a solvent does not contain the foregoing sulfone compound, the chemical stability of the electrolytic solution is improved, and the decomposition reaction of the electrolytic solution is suppressed.
US08241793B2	Secondary lithium ion battery containing a prelithiated anode A lithium ion battery that exhibits a significantly improved specific capacity and much longer charge-discharge cycle life. The battery comprises an anode active material that has been prelithiated and pre-pulverized. This anode may be prepared with a method that comprises (a) providing an anode active material; (b) intercalating or absorbing a desired amount of lithium into the anode active material to produce a prelithiated anode active material; (c) comminuting the prelithiated anode active material into fine particles with an average size less than 10 μm (preferably <1 μm and most preferably <200 nm); and (d) combining multiple fine particles of the prelithiated anode active material with a conductive additive and/or a binder material to form the anode. Preferably, the prelithiated particles are protected by a lithium ion-conducting matrix or coating material. Further preferably, the matrix material is reinforced with nano graphene platelets.
US08241787B2	Liquid electrolyte for electrochemical device The principal object of the present invention is to provide a liquid electrolyte for electrochemical device having a wide potential window. The invention solves the problem by providing a liquid electrolyte for electrochemical device, which comprises an electrolyte dissolved in an MFx complex being liquid at ordinary temperatures wherein “M” represents B, Si, P, As or Sb and “X” represents the valence of “M”.
US08241784B2	Cover mechanism A cover mechanism for an electronic device is provided including a base member, a cover member, and two connecting members. The cover member is movably and permanently attached to the base member, including a limiting assembly, and defining a sliding groove. The connecting members connect the cover member and the base member. Each connecting member includes a connecting portion, a positioning end portion securely positioned on the base member, and a limiting end portion. The positioning end portion and the limiting end portion connect two opposite ends of the connecting portion. The connecting portions are slidably received in the sliding grooves, and the limiting end portions are slidable to resist the limiting assembly.
US08241780B2	Alkaline battery A positive electrode 2 and a negative electrode 3 are placed in a battery case 1 with a separator 4 interposed therebetween and the negative electrode 3 is smaller in height than the positive electrode 2 in the battery case 1. The positive electrode 2 contains electrolytic manganese dioxide and graphite and a potential of electrolytic manganese dioxide is in a range of 220 to 290 mV with respect to a reference electrode made of mercury oxide (Hg/HgO).
US08241778B2	Battery of portable electronic device A mobile phone battery includes a battery body and a protecting structure. The battery body includes positive and negative electric poles formed on a side wall of the battery body. The protecting structure is movably set on the battery body. The protecting structure includes a protecting piece. The protecting piece is operable to cover or expose one of the electric poles.
US08241776B2	Battery cover Described is a battery cover having upper and lower shells that can be coupled to each other to protect the battery's core and internal circuit board. The shells can be ultrasonically welded to provide at least one loop of continuous weld. Once welded together, the cover reduces battery's exposure to moisture and other external element leading to reduced electrical shorts and improved safety and efficiency.
US08241775B2	Fixing mechanism and electronic device using same A fixing mechanism for fixing a battery in a sleeve with a battery cover includes a fixing member fixed to the battery cover and two fixing positions positioned on opposite inner surfaces of the sleeve. Each fixing position includes two latch grooves. The fixing member forms two elastic latch portions, each latch portion forms two latch protrusion corresponding to the latch grooves. The latch protrusions and the latch grooves both include a sliding surface and two abutting surfaces. The latch protrusions engage in or disengage from the latch grooves, thus the fixing member can be fixed in or detached from the sleeve. An electronic device using the fixing mechanism is also provided.
US08241772B2	Integrated battery pressure relief and terminal isolation system A system for integrating the venting feature of a battery with a means for simultaneously disconnecting the cell from the battery pack, thereby isolating the cell, is provided. The provided battery interconnect system is comprised of a battery, a connector plate for electrically coupling the battery to a battery pack, and an interruptible electrical connector for electrically coupling the connector plate to a battery terminal vent. The vent, defined by scoring on the battery terminal, ruptures when the internal battery pressure exceeds the predefined battery operating range, causing the interruptible electrical connector to break and disrupt electrical continuity between the connector plate and the battery terminal.
US08241768B2	Magnetic disk substrate, magnetic disk, and magnetic disk device It is an object to provide a magnetic disk substrate highly reliable to prevent the occurrence of crash failure even if a magnetic disk is rotated at high speed, and suitable for a hard disk that starts and stops by the load/unload method, and a magnetic disk using such a substrate.The representative structure of a magnetic disk substrate according to this invention is a disk-shaped glass substrate 10 having a generally flat main surface 11, an end face 12, a chamfered face 13 formed between the main surface 11 and the end face 12, and an offset portion, at the periphery of the main surface 11, raised or lowered with respect to a flat surface, other than the periphery, of the main surface 11, and characterized in that the magnitude of the offset portion is approximately uniform over the entire circumference of the glass substrate 10.
US08241764B2	OLED display with extended lifetime The present invention relates to an organic light-emitting diode which has a light-emitting layer C which comprises at least one hole-conducting material CA and at least one phosphorescence emitter CB, to mixtures comprising at least one carbene complex in combination with at least one hole-conducting material or in combination with at least one phosphorescence emitter, and to the use of mixtures comprising at least one hole-conducting material and at least one phosphorescence emitter as a light-emitting layer in OLEDs for prolonging the lifetime of the light-emitting layer. The inventive organic light-emitting diode may have, in at least one of the layers of the organic light emitting diode, preferably in the hole-blocking layer and/or the electron-blocking layer and/or the light-emitting layer C, in addition to the hole-conducting material CA and the emitter CB, at least one compound selected from disilylcarbazoles, disilyldibenzofurans, disilyldibenzothiophenes, disilyldibenzophospholes, disilyldibenzothiophene S-oxides and disilyldibenzothiophene S,S-dioxides.
US08241763B2	Materials for organic electroluminescent devices The present invention relates to the compounds of the formulae (1) to (6) and to organic electroluminescent devices, in particular blue-emitting devices, in which these compounds are used as host material or dopant in the emitting layer and/or as hole-transport material and/or as electron-transport material.
US08241762B2	Charge transport materials for luminescent applications There is provided a charge transport compound having the formula T-LG-T, where T is a charge transport moiety having the formula —Ar1-An-Ar2 and LG is a linking group. In the compound, An is a divalent anthracene moiety; Ar1 is a single bond or an aromatic group which can be naphthyl, binaphthyl, naphthylphenylene, naphthylbiphenylene, or naphthylbinaphthylene; Ar2 is an aromatic group which can be naphthyl, binaphthyl, naphthylphenylene, naphthylbiphenylene, or naphthylbinaphthylene; and LG can be biphenylene, binaphthylene, or Formula I In Formula I, Q1 and Q2 are the same or different can be alkyl and aryl, or Q1 and Q2 taken together can be alkylene; and Ar3 and Ar4 are the same or different and can be phenylene or naphthylene.
US08241760B2	Joint structure, joining method, wiring board and method for producing the same A joint structure of the present invention includes a conductive member containing copper as a major component thereof, an electrode member containing copper as a major component thereof, and a joint portion formed by fusion welding the conductive member and the electrode member with a brazing material containing tin as a major component thereof and containing substantially no copper, wherein the amount of copper atoms contained in the alloy in the central part of the joint portion is higher than that in the outer circumference part.
US08241758B2	Plain bearing composite material, use thereof and production methods therefor The invention relates to a plain bearing composite material with a supporting layer made of a copper alloy, and with a lining applied to the bearing metal layer. The copper alloy can contain 0.5-5% by weight of nickel, 0.2 to 2.5% by weight of silicon and=0.1% by weight of lead. The lining can be a sputtered layer that is applied without an intermediate layer. The invention also relates to methods for producing this composite material.
US08241755B2	Polymerizable composition comprising low molecular weight organic component Polymerizable compositions comprising particularly useful for brightness enhancing films.
US08241751B2	Glass roll and process for producing glass roll Provided is a glass roll formed by winding a glass film into a roll, in which a minimum winding radius of the glass film is optimized. Thus, the glass film is reliably prevented from breaking due to static fatigue, and is able to be stored for long periods. A glass roll (1), which is formed by winding a glass film (2) into a roll, has a configuration in which the glass film has a minimum winding radius (R) satisfying the following relation: R≧(T/2)[(2.3/σ)×E−1], where σ represents flexural strength of the glass film (2) obtained by a 3-point bending test, T represents a thickness of the glass film, and E represents a Young's modulus of the glass film.
US08241738B2	Polymeric structures comprising a sulfosuccinate Hydroxyl polymer-containing compositions, especially hydroxyl polymer-containing compositions that can be processed into polymeric structures, especially polymeric structures in the form of fibers are provided.
US08241736B2	Multilayer, heat-shrinkable film comprising a plurality of microlayers A multilayer, heat-shrinkable film generally includes at least one bulk layer and a microlayer section comprising a plurality of microlayers. The ratio of the thickness of any of the microlayers to the thickness of the bulk layer ranges from about 1:2 to about 1:40.
US08241729B2	Breathable garment having a fluid drainage layer A garment includes a breathable composite fabric between outer and inner fabric layers. The breathable composite fabric comprises two nanofiber web layers and a porous fluid drainage layer disposed therebetween.
US08241728B2	Stone, metal and tar laminate for exterior cladding An exterior cladding that combines the benefits of stone, metal and tar in a laminate form that makes the most with the least expensive forms of each of these three base materials. A construction laminate having an asphaltic core body covered with a metallic facing on a top side and part of a bottom side. A granular coating is applied to the metallic facing on the top side and front edge. The laminate is useful as exterior cladding such as a roofing shingle, siding etc. . . . and is durable and easy to install.
US08241726B2	Impact absorbing safety matting system with elastomeric sub-surface structure A resilient mat system where a mat has overall mat thickness T, and the mat has an upper layer with an upper layer thickness t, and a plurality of supporting resilient substructure columns, each column having a relatively uniform height h, such that T=t+h, wherein the ratio of h:t>3.5 for values of T>about 0.9 inch (about 2.3 cm). Each column has a frusto-conical column wall, a central void, and a column bottom. The frusto-conical column has its smaller diameter end at the column bottom, a plurality of the columns optionally further have a vertical stiffening rib along a portion of the upper zone of the column wall.
US08241725B2	Honeycomb segment, honeycomb structure and process for producing the same A honeycomb structure whose shape is composed of plural honeycomb segments being bonded integrally by means of a bonding material; the honeycomb structure having inner partition walls with plural first pores and defining respective cells serving as flow channels for exhaust gas, outer circumferential wall having second pores, and surrounding the inner partition walls, and inner partition walls having third pores and contacting with a processed outer circumferential surface becoming an outermost circumference through processing of an outer circumferential portion. A filling composition for the second pores and a filling composition for the third pores having the specified functions respectively are also provided.
US08241723B2	Apparatus for providing a flexible external surface shield on a recreational board An invention is provided for a flexible external surface shield for use while operating a recreational board. An embodiment of the invention includes a shaped material having an outer edge, an upper surface, and a lower surface. Also included is a casting, which is formed along the outer edge and includes a stretchable material capable of creating an inward force on the casting such that the casting forms an edge of an underside opening partially enclosing the lower surface of the shaped material. Further included is a plurality of fasteners disposed across the underside opening. The fasteners prevent the underside opening from enlarging beyond a predetermined size when the fasteners are engaged.
US08241716B2	Ventilated system for the collection of organic waste Ventilated system for the collection and temporary storage of organic waste which comprises a rigid container provided with a plurality of holes and a removable bag inserted in and supported by said container. The bag is supported by the container in a spaced relationship with respect to the ground or the surface on which said container is placed, so that air can flow from the bottom into the bag. The bag is obtained from a breathable biodegradable plastic.
US08241715B2	Gas vessel packing structure having a crystalline phase The present invention relates to a container packing structure, characterized in that it comprises a crystalline phase containing 55 to 97% by weight of xonotlite crystallites and 3 to 45% by weight of tobermorite crystallites. It also relates to a method for fabricating such a packing structure, and the container containing same, and its use for storing fluids such as gases.
US08241712B2	Method for fabricating fine conductive patterns using surface modified mask template Disclosed is a method for fabricating fine conductive patterns using a surface modified mask template, the method including: depositing a high molecular substance on a substrate; applying a hydrophobic material onto the high molecular substance so that the hydrophobic material can infiltrate into the high molecular substance; forming a mask template by removing a part of the high molecular substance to form a recess where a region of the substrate is exposed to an outside; depositing conductive ink on the mask template; and performing annealing to abstract metal particles from a metallic compound dissolved in the conductive ink so that an insulating pattern can be formed in a region on which the high molecular substance is deposited, but a conductive pattern can be formed as the metal particles are abstracted from the conductive ink in the recess and cohere with each other.
US08241705B2	Process for producing polyurethane coated gloves A process for producing a polyurethane coated glove includes steps of: coating a knitted glove with a solvent, wherein the solvent is prepared by a polyurethane resin and a component selected from the group consisting of N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP), dimethylacetamide (DMAC), and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), wherein the component participates in synthesizing the polyurethane resin; treating the knitted glove with water bath; drying the knitted glove under 100˜110° C., for 50˜60 minutes; and recycling the component in the solvent from the water after treating with water bath by vacuum decompression.
US08241704B2	Chemical vapor deposition of high conductivity, adherent thin films of ruthenium A multi-step method for depositing ruthenium thin films having high conductivity and superior adherence to the substrate is described. The method includes the deposition of a ruthenium nucleation layer followed by the deposition of a highly conductive ruthenium upper layer. Both layers are deposited using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) employing low deposition rates.
US08241697B2	Formation of immobilized biological layers for sensing The invention is directed to enzyme immobilization compositions comprising: one or more enzymes, a humectant, an acrylic-based monomer, a water-soluble organic photo-initiator and a water-soluble acrylic-based cross-linker in a substantially homogeneous aqueous mixture. The invention is also directed to methods for forming sensors comprising such compositions and to apparati for forming arrays of immobilized layers on an array of sensors by dispensing such compositions onto a substrate.
US08241692B2	Preparation of canola protein isolate involving isoelectric precipitation Canola protein isolates consisting predominantly of 7S canola proteins are formed by isoelectric precipitation from aqueous salt solution extracts of canola oil seed meal. Canola protein isolates consisting predominantly of 2S canola protein are recovered from supernatant from the isoelectric precipitation step.
US08241690B2	Method of making fresh cheese with enhanced microbiological safety Described herein is a high moisture, preserved cheese product having enhanced microbial food safety and methods of making the high moisture, preserved cheese product. Enhanced microbial food safety is achieved by using a combination of organic food preserving acids, a nisin component and an enzyme.
US08241688B2	Tripe cutting board and method for making menudo A tripe cutting board and method of making menudo is provided. The tripe cutting board includes a base plate and opposed sidewalls so as to form an elongate structure having a central trough. These sidewalls have opposed slots formed equal distance along the length of the sidewalls for introduction of a knife blade.The method of cutting tripe includes rolling a flat sheet of tripe into a tripe roll. The rolled tripe is then cut by slicing a knife downward between each of the opposed slots. The rolled tripe is cut into smaller rolls of tripe which are removed to form tripe strips. The tripe strips are positioned longitudinally into the cutting board trough and then cut once again to form substantially square pieces of tripe suitable for introduction into menudo soup.
US08241686B2	Method and apparatus for production of elongated meat products without casings A system (50) is provided for the production of elongated comestible products such as hot dogs, without the use of traditional casings. The system (50) includes a circular pattern of arrays (92) of elongated, open-ended, extruded synthetic resin cooking tubes (94, 96) within a rotatable cylindrical heating drum or housing (70). The tube housing (70) and arrays (92) are incrementally rotated and at each stop position certain of the tubes (94, 96) are filled with portions of meat emulsion (590) and alternating plugs (208), while previously filled tubes (94, 96) containing cooked product are unloaded, and other unfilled tubes are internally coated with a lubricant (e.g., a mixture of lecithin and vegetable oil). Energy exchange media such as hot water and/ or steam are used within the housing to continuously cook the emulsion portions within the tubes (94, 96) to the desired extent.
US08241680B2	Nutraceutical product containing anatabine and yerba maté Nutraceutical compositions containing anatabine and Yerba maté extract are efficacious for temporarily reducing the desire to smoke, reducing nicotine cravings, the treatment of smoking cessation, tobacco withdrawal symptoms, tobacco dependence, weight loss, and/or related disorders.
US08241679B2	Composition comprising the extract of crude drug complex having neuroprotective activity for preventing and treating stroke and neurodegenerative diseases The present invention relates to a composition comprising an extract of crude drug complex comprising Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer, Acanthopanax senticosus HARMS, Angelica sinensis DIELS, Scutellaria baicalensis GEORGI, prevention and treatment of stroke and neurodegenerative diseases such apoplexy, Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Pick's disease, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and senile dementia.
US08241675B2	Elemental indium and indium compounds suitable for human, mammal, fowl and reptilian nutrition Use of safe forms of elemental indium and associated compounds at approximately ¼ to 1 mg per 50 pounds of body weight in water-soluble liquid solution taken away from other foods orally into the mouth and stomach to enhance human, mammal, fowl and reptile nutrition and metabolism.
US08241674B2	Methods and compositions for heavy metal detoxification Compositions and methods for enhancing heavy metal detoxification are described. The compositions and methods described provide enhanced activity of key detoxification systems including that the induction of phase II detoxification enzymes, such as glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), and NADPH quinone reductase (NQO1) activity.
US08241671B2	Biocompatible material and process for manufacturing the same In order to provide a biocompatible material consisting mainly of a fish scale-derived hydroxyapatite and a fish scale-derived collagen, which is adjusted so that easily digested and absorbed in a human body, the material contains a composite consisting mainly of a fish scale-derived hydroxyapatite and a fish scale-derived collagen.
US08241670B2	Compositions capable of facilitating penetration across a biological barrier This invention relates to novel penetrating compositions including one or more effectors included within a water soluble composition, immersed in a hydrophobic medium The invention also relates to methods of treating or preventing diseases by administering such penetrating compositions to affected subjects.
US08241669B2	Endoparasiticidal gel composition A homogenous, clear, veterinary gel composition which has a broad spectrum of efficacy against endoparasites over a prolonged period of time and which allows for higher concentrations of a mixture of parasiticidal agents in a single application. This composition is useful for treating and controlling endoparasiticidal infection and infestation in a homeothermic animal.
US08241665B2	Chewable soft capsule A matrix formulation for a soft chewable capsule is provided which includes a gel-forming composition, a plasticizer, a polymer modifier, and water. The polymer modifier may be a carboxylic acid or other organic compound that alters the physical and/or chemical properties of the capsule formulation. A chewable soft capsule is also provided, having enhanced organo-leptic and processing properties. An active material may be delivered to a user using this dosage form. A method of forming the chewable soft capsule is also provided.
US08241664B2	Pharmaceutical delivery systems for hydrophobic drugs and compositions comprising same A drug delivery system for oral administration of hydrophobic drugs with enhanced and extended absorption and improved pharmacokinetics is provided. In one embodiment, formulations comprising testosterone and testosterone esters, e.g., testosterone palmitate, are disclosed. Methods of treating a hormone deficiency or effecting male contraception with the inventive formulations are also provided.
US08241661B1	Biocompatible film with variable cross-sectional properties A biocompatible film includes a single layer having a plurality of components, at least one of the plurality of components having a predetermined non-uniform distribution in the thickness direction of the single layer. The at least one of the plurality of components that has a non-uniform distribution in the thickness direction of the single layer may have a substantially uniform distribution in the longitudinal and lateral directions of the single layer. The biocompatible film can be made by depositing a fluid composition including a film forming material and at least one other component immiscible with the film forming material and having a density different than the film forming material into a single layer, and drying the single layer such that the at least one other component has a predetermined non-uniform distribution in the thickness direction of the single layer after drying.
US08241660B2	Patch for the expulsion of insect poison from the skin after stings from membranous insects (hymenoptera) This invention relates to a patch for the expulsion of insect poison from the skin after stings from membranous insects (Hymenoptera). The patch is characterized in comprising a poison-aspirating matrix comprising an expulsion agent as well as a swell layer, which swells after the addition of a liquid through a hole on the top of the patch and thus adds a light pressure to the poison-aspirating matrix towards the skin, whereby a local and relieving effect is achieved. In one embodiment, the matrix further comprises a local anesthetic. The expulsion agent is e.g. a carbohydrate. The swell layer consists e.g. of a silica gel.
US08241659B2	Nutrition with lipids and non-digestible saccharides The invention relates to a liquid nutrition comprising short chain fatty acyl chains and a non-digestible, fermentable saccharide. The composition is particular suitable for use as an infant nutrition. The composition is also suitable for treatment and/or prevention of gut barrier related disorders.
US08241657B2	Biodisintegrable medical devices According to an aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides medical devices which contain one or more polymeric regions that are at least partially biodisintegrable in bodily fluid. These devices may be implanted or inserted into a subject for treatment of various diseases, disorders and conditions.
US08241654B2	Reactive surgical implant Biocompatible implants including a polymer substrate and a reactive component for implant fixation in situ. The reactive component in combination with the substrate creates a reactive implant which bonds to a tissue surface in situ.
US08241653B1	Piezoelectricity modulated release rate of drug from a coating Provided herein is a method of controlling release rate of a bioactive agent from an implantable medical device comprising a coating, a coating on the implantable device and a method of making the coating.
US08241646B2	Method for generating active antibodies against a resistance antigen, antibodies obtained by said method and their uses The present invention relates to the use of a milled homogenate and/or a suspension and/or a cell lysate, stemming from a tumor resistant to at least one anti-tumoral compound in order to immunize and generate in vitro an antibody, or one of its functional fragments, directed against a tumoral antigen specifically expressed at the surface of said resistant tumor and being possibly involved in the resistance of said resistant tumor. More particularly, the present invention is directed to such antibodies obtained by applying the method, such as the antibodies 1A6, 1A9, 2E11, 3C11 and 3G7, as well as to their use for treating cancer.
US08241643B2	Peptides protective against S. pneumoniae and compositions, methods and uses relating thereto The present invention relates to a protective peptide of Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) or a functionally active variant thereof; a composition comprising at least two of such peptides or variants; one or more nucleic acid(s) encoding such peptide or variant; a pharmaceutical composition comprising such peptide or variant, composition, or nucleic acid(s); a method of producing an antibody using such peptide or variant or composition; the use of such peptide or variant and/or composition and/or nucleic acid(s) for the manufacture of a medicament; a method of diagnosing a S. pneumoniae infection using such peptide or variant, composition or a primer and/or probe specific for the nucleic acid(s); a method for identifying a ligand capable of binding to such peptide or variant; and the use of such peptide or variant for the isolation, purification and/or identification of an interaction partner of the peptide.
US08241642B2	Streptococcus pneumoniae open reading frames encoding polypeptide antigens and uses thereof The present invention relates to newly identified open reading frames comprised within the genomic nucleotide sequence of Streptococcus pneumoniae, wherein the open reading frames encode polypeptides that are surface localized on Streptococcus pneumoniae. Thus, the invention relates to Streptococcus pneumoniae open reading frames that encode polypeptide antigens, polypeptides, preferably antigenic polypeptides, encoded by the Streptococcus pneumoniae open reading frames, vectors comprising open reading frame sequences and cells or animals transformed with these vectors. The invention relates also to methods of detecting these nucleic acids or polypeptides and kits for diagnosing Streptococcus pneumoniae infection. The invention finally relates to pharmaceutical compositions, in particular immunogenic compositions, for the prevention and/or treatment of bacterial infection, in particular infections with Streptococcus pneumoniae. In particular embodiments, the immunogenic compositions are used for the treatment or prevention of systemic diseases which are induced or exacerbated by Streptococcus pneumoniae. In other embodiments, the immunogenic compositions are used for the treatment or prevention of non-systemic diseases, particularly of the otitis media, which are induced or exacerbated by Streptococcus pneumoniae.
US08241639B2	Extracellular domains of Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) tumor-associated latent membrane proteins Described are a method for the identification of extracellular epitopes of Epstein Barr virus (EBV) encoded membrane proteins, expressed on the cuter cell surface of EBV-transformed mammalian cells, methods for the selection and preparation of antibody reagents specific for the said epitopes, as well as peptides, including extracellular domains of Epstein Barr Virus encoded tumour cell associated membrane proteins, the use of said peptide for immunization and therapeutic vaccination to induce antibodies and T-cells reactive with said domains, the use of said antibody reagents for the production of targeting cells, tumour cell purging and as diagnostic for and medicament against EBV-mediated malignant cell growth.
US08241638B2	Induction of an immune response against dengue virus using the prime-boost approach The invention relates to methods for the induction of an immune response to dengue virus. The method of inducing an immune response against dengue virus comprises administration of a non-replicating immunogen followed by a boost with a tetravalent live attenuated viral vaccine. Another aspect of the inventive subject matter is a method of inducing an immune response against dengue virus using a heterologous prime-boost regimen with the priming immunogen comprising a DNA expression system, an adenovirus expression vector or a Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus replicon system and the boosting immunogen comprising the same without the DNA expression system. Each expression system contains DNA sequences encoding dengue viral proteins.
US08241635B2	Silver ionized plant extraction liquid and use thereof The present invention relates to silver-ionized plant extraction liquid and the use thereof. Particularly, there are provided herein a silver-ionized liquid extraction liquid prepared by ionizing silver in a plant extraction liquid used as an electrolyte and an antimicrobial composition comprising the same.
US08241634B2	Carbon supply device for cultivating micro-algae in large scale and its application method and use Disclosed herein is a carbon supply device for supplying carbon dioxide during large scale cultivation of micro-algae in open pond, and its application method and use. The device comprises a trap container in which a partition plate is installed vertically and has a 10-50 cm gap from the container bottom, and the partition plate is higher than the wall of the trap container; and a gas distributor is positioned at the bottom of the container. In use, the trap carbon supply device is embedded in bottom of an open pond, wherein the partition plate is above the liquid level of the culture solution in the open pond such that the culture solution driven by a stirrer flows into the trap carbon supply device from one side thereof, and flows out of the device from the other side thereof, wherein the culture solution is mixed with carbon dioxide at the bottom of the container.
US08241631B2	Human binding molecules having killing activity against enterococci and uses thereof Described are human binding molecules specifically binding to enterococci and having killing activity against enterococci, nucleic acid molecules encoding the human binding molecules, compositions comprising the human binding molecules and methods of identifying or producing the human binding molecules. The human binding molecules can be used in the diagnosis, prophylaxis, and/or treatment of a condition resulting from Enterococcus.
US08241629B2	Anti-human IL-21 monoclonal antibodies Human anti-human IL-21 monoclonal antibodies and the hybridomas that produce them are presented. Certain of these antibodies have the ability to bind native human IL-21, a mutant recombinat IL-21 protein and/or peptide regions of human IL-21. These human anti-IL-21 antibodies are useful in therapeutic treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, particularly diseases mediated by T follicular helper cells, B cells TH cells or TH17 cells.
US08241627B2	Modified polypeptides stabilized in a desired conformation and methods for producing same The present invention provides a method for stabilizing a protein in a desired conformation by introducing at least one disulfide bond into the polypeptide. Computational design is used to identify positions where crysteine residues can be introduced to form a disulfide bond in only one protein conformation, and therefore lock the protein in a given conformation. Accordingly, antibody and small molecule therapeutics are selected that are specific for the desired protein conformation.The invention also provides modified integrin I-domain polypeptides that are stabilized in a desired conformation. The invention further provides screening assays and therapeutic methods utilizing the modified integrin I-domains of the invention.
US08241623B1	Protease sensitivity expression system The present invention uses co-expression of protease inhibitors and protease sensitive therapeutic agents that results in their localized production within the target tissue and inactivation outside of the target tissue, thereby increasing therapeutic activity and reducing the systemic toxicity. Inactivation is also accomplished by engineering protease degradation sites within the therapeutic construct for proteases, preferably those that are under-expressed within the target tissue yet present in non-target tissues within the body, resulting in therapeutic activity within the target tissue and inactivation outside of the target tissue. Novel chimeric proteins secreted by bacteria are also described. The chimeric proteins include chimeric toxins targeted to neoplastic cells and cells of the immune system. Novel combination therapies of these protease inhibitor:chimeric toxin-expressing bacteria together with small-molecule and biologic agents are also described. Non-conjugative bacteria capable of delivering phage/phagemids expression cassettes for DNA and RNA-based therapeutics are also described.
US08241618B2	Process for producing a hydrophobically modified polymer for use with personal care compositions A the process of producing a hydrophobically modified polymer that can be used as a cosmetically acceptable composition prepared by incorporating hydrophobic moieties into a polymer composed acrylamide, one or more cationic monomers and optionally one or more anionic monomers. The composition may be incorporated into products for treating hair, skin and nails and also into household products such as household cleaners and laundry detergents.
US08241616B2	Hair styling composition There is provided a hair styling composition comprising (a) one or more fully soluble polymer, (b) solvent-propellant mixture or solvent mixture, and optional other ingredients. Also provided is a method of making polymer.
US08241613B2	Sun protection compositions comprising semi-crystalline polymers and hollow latex particles Topically applicable cosmetic/dermatological UV protection compositions having enhanced SPF contain at least one organic UV screening agent and/or at least one inorganic screening agent, such compositions also containing at least the following constituents (A) and (B): A) a semi-crystalline polymer which is solid at ambient temperature and has a melting point of greater than or equal to 30° C., containing a) a polymeric backbone and b) at least one crystallizable organic side chain and/or one crystallizable organic block forming part of the backbone of this said polymer, said polymer having a number-average molecular mass Mn of greater than or equal to 1,000, and B) hollow latex particles having a particle size ranging from 150 to 380 nm, formulated into a topically applicable, physiologically acceptable medium therefor.
US08241611B2	Biofilm treatment The invention provides a method of preventing, inhibiting or reducing a P. gingivalis biofilm in a subject comprising administering to the subject a pharmaceutical composition comprising an inhibiting agent of a polypeptide that reduces or inhibits biofilm formation and/or biofilm development. Also provided are compositions useful in the prevention, inhibition or treatment of periodontal disease or P. gingivalis infection.
US08241610B2	Adjuvant combinations of liposomes and mycobacterial lipids for immunization compositions and vaccines The present invention provides a vaccine adjuvant consisting of a combination of a surfactant i.e. dimethyldeoctadecylammonium-bromide/chloride (DDA) and a lipid extract from Mycobacterium bovis BCG. The total lipid extract contains both apolar lipids, polar lipids, and lipids of intermediate polarity of which the apolar lipids were found to induce the most powerful immune responses. The total lipids may be extracted with chloroform/methanol and re-dissolved in water before the addition of surfactant. This preparation may be used to induce prominent cell-mediated immune responses in a mammal in order to combat pathogens, or as a treatment for cancer.
US08241608B2	Treating allergy with detoxified E. coli heat-labile enterotoxin A method for treating allergy with a pharmaceutical composition containing a detoxified E. coli heat-labile enterotoxin, and, optionally, an allergen.
US08241605B2	Methods and apparatus for catalytic hydrothermal gasification of biomass Continuous processing of wet biomass feedstock by catalytic hydrothermal gasification must address catalyst fouling and poisoning. One solution can involve heating the wet biomass with a heating unit to a temperature sufficient for organic constituents in the feedstock to decompose, for precipitates of inorganic wastes to form, for preheating the wet feedstock in preparation for subsequent separation of sulfur contaminants, or combinations thereof. Treatment further includes separating the precipitates out of the wet feedstock, removing sulfur contaminants, or both using a solids separation unit and a sulfur separation unit, respectively. Having removed much of the inorganic wastes and the sulfur that can cause poisoning and fouling, the wet biomass feedstock can be exposed to the heterogeneous catalyst for gasification.
US08241603B1	Process and system for removing sulfur from sulfur-containing gaseous streams A multi-stage UCSRP process and system for removal of sulfur from a gaseous stream in which the gaseous stream, which contains a first amount of H2S, is provided to a first stage UCSRP reactor vessel operating in an excess SO2 mode at a first amount of SO2, producing an effluent gas having a reduced amount of SO2, and in which the effluent gas is provided to a second stage UCSRP reactor vessel operating in an excess H2S mode, producing a product gas having an amount of H2S less than said first amount of H2S.
US08241600B1	Pyrochlore catalysts for hydrocarbon fuel reforming A method of catalytically reforming a reactant gas mixture using a pyrochlore catalyst material comprised of one or more pyrochlores having the composition A2B2-y-zB′yB″zO7-Δ, where y>0 and z≧0. Distribution of catalytically active metals throughout the structure at the B site creates an active and well dispersed metal locked into place in the crystal structure. This greatly reduces the metal sintering that typically occurs on supported catalysts used in reforming reactions, and reduces deactivation by sulfur and carbon. Further, oxygen mobility may also be enhanced by elemental exchange of promoters at sites in the pyrochlore. The pyrochlore catalyst material may be utilized in catalytic reforming reactions for the conversion of hydrocarbon fuels into synthesis gas (H2+CO) for fuel cells, among other uses.
US08241598B2	Temperature control circuit for SCR urea system A system may include a urea injection device, first, second and third conduits and a valve. The first conduit may contain a fluid and may be in heat transfer relation with the urea injection device. The second conduit may be in selective fluid communication with the first conduit. The third conduit may be in selective fluid communication with the first conduit and in heat transfer relation with a heat source. The valve may be connected to the first, second and third conduits and may be movable between first and second positions. The first position may allow fluid communication between the first and third conduits and restrict communication between the first and second conduits. The second position may allow fluid communication between the first and second conduits and restrict fluid communication between the first and third conduits.
US08241597B2	Method and system for removing pollutants and greenhouse gases from a flue gas A system and method for removing pollutants and greenhouse gases SO2, NO2, and CO2 from a flue gas stream, includes: a) contacting natural seawater with a flue gas for a given period of time to remove SO2 from the flue gas; b) contacting treated alkaline water to the flue gas to remove CO2 and NOx from the flue gas and generate oxygen and carbon particles; and c) collecting or emitting the flue gas after step b). The method and the system of the invention are significantly more economical and convenient and do not cause harm to the environments. The invention also exhibits a novel and unique feature that elemental carbon and oxygen are generated as final products and can be recovered as an energy source.
US08241593B2	Specimen tray A holder for a plurality of biological specimen collection devices having collection absorbents extending therefrom is provided, the holder operating to organize and identify the collection devices and operating to position the collection devices for extraction of sample portions from each of the collection absorbents of the multiple collection devices while positioning a sample punch absorbent cleaning strip adjacent the collection absorbent of each device to allow cleaning of the sample punch between each use.
US08241591B2	Unit and method for preparing a sample for the microbiological analysis of a liquid A method comprising obtaining a preparation unit comprising a filter module and a collection for each liquid coming from the filter module, with the filter module comprising an inlet compartment as well as an evacuation compartment for the liquids, the filter and collection modules being rotatably mounted relative to each other; disposing the filter and collection modules in a first position; passing a liquid from the filter module to attain the collection module; disposing the filter and collection modules relative to each other in a second position, and passing another liquid from the filter module to attain the collection module.
US08241590B2	Discharge volume control method, discharge pressure control method, and microbody forming method A second valve is opened to combine an injection-pressure generating pressure with a maintaining pressure into an injection pressure. After the injection pressure is applied to a capillary to cause discharge of an object therefrom, an output pressure of a regulator is set to the injection pressure. Then, a first valve is opened to reapply the injection pressure to the capillary. The second valve is opened to combine a maintaining-pressure generating pressure with the injection pressure into the maintaining pressure. After the maintaining pressure is applied to the capillary to terminate the discharge of the object, the output pressure of the regulator is set to the maintaining pressure. Then, the first valve is opened to reapply the maintaining pressure to the capillary.
US08241586B2	Operatory water disinfection system This ozone appliance for the professional dental office and other medical applications introduces dissolved ozone into dental and surgical operatory water lines. This dissolved ozone can not only disinfect water and water lines; it can also reduce gum bleeding, gingivitis, bad breath, teeth stains and oral bacteria. Additionally, it can aid in wound disinfection in surgery and attack microbial contamination of water from dental and surgical operatory water lines and attached hand pieces and dispensing devices by automatically killing waterborne germs and destroying biofilms where germs can hide and grow. It can, therefore, be used to disinfect water lines in dental operations and for other medical applications such as providing liquid containing ozone for cleaning and disinfecting skin prior to surgery (and tissue exposed during surgery). Further, a unit connected to operatory water lines can give an audible or other alarm if the water becomes unsafe.
US08241585B2	Refractory wall and method for fabricating the same A refractory wall is provided. The refractory wall includes a plurality of wall bricks coupled together to define an inner surface of the refractory wall, and a sensor port coupled to the plurality of wall bricks. The sensor port includes an outer wall defining a radial cross-sectional shape of the sensor port and defining a top ridge of the sensor port, an inner wall defining an opening extending through the sensor port, and an end wall extending between the outer wall and the inner wall. The end wall is positioned radially inward a distance from the inner surface. A method for fabricating the refractory wall is also provided.
US08241584B2	Catalyst circulating waste plastic/organic matter decomposition apparatus and decomposition system A decomposition apparatus and a decomposition system for high-efficiency decomposition of waste plastic and organic matter, in particular medical waste formed of varieties of plastic, are provided by introduction of a catalyst circulating means using a rotary wheel and/or introduction of a mixing vessel.
US08241576B2	Microbial inactivation by multiple pressure spikes delivered with regulated frequency A process and apparatus wherein multiple instantaneous pressure pulsations with a regulated frequency and amplitude are applied to various biological substances in order to eliminate the undesired microorganisms in these substances with minimal negative effect on the quality of these substances, and, further, to use these in mass production of foodstuffs pharmaceuticals for treatment of human blood or plasma, and for research to establish a specific frequency of pressure pulsations at which a particular type of bacteria could be selectively destroyed while other components of the substance remain intact.
US08241574B2	Ophthalmic device comprising a holographic sensor An ophthalmic device which comprises a holographic element comprising a medium comprising a phenylboronic acid group and, disposed therein, a hologram, wherein an optical characteristic of the element changes as a result of a variation of a physical property of the medium, and wherein the variation arises as a result of interaction between the medium and an analyte present in an ocular fluid.
US08241573B2	Systems and devices for sequence by synthesis analysis The present invention comprises systems and devices for sequencing of nucleic acid, such as short DNA sequences from clonally amplified single-molecule arrays.
US08241572B2	Disposable chamber for analyzing biologic fluids An apparatus for analyzing biologic fluid is provided that includes first and second planar members, and at least three separators. At least one of the first planar member and second planar member is transparent. The separators are disposed between the planar members, and each individually has a height. The separators collectively having a mean height, and separate the planar members to form a chamber having a height extending between the planar members. At least one of the first planar member, second planar member, or separators is sufficiently deformable when the first planar member and second planar member are drawn toward each other by capillary force from a biologic fluid quiescently residing within the chamber to cause the mean chamber height to be substantially equal to the mean height of the separators.
US08241571B2	Particle or cell analyzer and method A particle analyzer in which tagged particles to be analyzed are drawn through a suspended capillary tube where a predetermined volume in the capillary tube is illuminated. The illumination scattered by said particles is detected by a detector to count all particles. The fluorescent illumination emitted by tagged particles is detected and the output signals from the fluorescent detectors and scatter detector are processed to provide an analysis of the particles.
US08241568B2	Reaction tank A reaction tank for causing a reaction for analyzing a specimen in a humidity-applied atmosphere in a storage vessel, includes a humidifying unit that includes a water reservoir reserving water and a humidifier releasing moisture of the water reservoir to an inside of the storage vessel, the humidifying unit humidifying the inside of the storage vessel, and a humidity detector that detects humidity inside the storage vessel. An operation of the humidifier of the humidifying unit is turned ON when the humidity inside the storage vessel becomes lower than a predetermined suitable humidity whereas the operation of the humidifier of the humidifying unit is turned OFF when the humidity inside the storage vessel exceeds the predetermined suitable humidity.
US08241564B1	Polyethylene cross-linked with an anthocyanin A method for manufacturing of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) for implants, where the implants have been machined out of UHMWPE blocks or extruded rods, has anthocyanin dispersely imbedded in the polyethylene. The implant is then exposed to γ ray or electron beam irradiation in an amount of at least 2.5 Mrad followed by a heat treatment to prevent the implant from becoming brittle in the long term as well as to improve strength and wear. The method includes mixing a powder or granulate resin of UHMWPE with an aqueous liquid that contains anthocyanin in a predetermined amount. The water is evaporated in order to deposit the anthocyanin in a predetermined concentration on the polyethylene particles. The doped UHMWPE particles are compressed into blocks at temperatures in a range of approximately 135° C.-250° C. and pressures in a range of approximately 2-70 MPa. Medical implants are made from the blocks.
US08241562B1	Enhanced toxic cloud knockdown spray system for decontamination applications Methods and systems for knockdown and neutralization of toxic clouds of aerosolized chemical or biological warfare (CBW) agents and toxic industrial chemicals using a non-toxic, non-corrosive aqueous decontamination formulation.
US08241558B2	High-Cr, high-Ni, heat-resistant, austenitic cast steel and exhaust equipment members formed thereby A high-Cr, high-Ni, heat-resistant, austenitic cast steel comprises as main components C, Si, Mn, Cr, Ni, W and/or Mo, and Nb, the balance being substantially Fe and inevitable impurities, N being 0.01-0.5%, Al being 0.23% or less, and O being 0.07% or less by weight. Exhaust equipment members are produced by using this high-Cr, high-Ni, heat-resistant, austenitic cast steel.
US08241557B2	Method for producing dust core An object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a dust core wherein generation of iron oxide at grain boundaries in the dust core is unlikely to take place upon annealing of the dust core subjected to compaction, thus allowing excellent electromagnetic characteristics to be realized. Also, the following is provided: a method for producing a dust core, which comprises: a step of molding a magnetic powder comprising a powder for a dust core formed with an iron-based magnetic powder coated with a silicone resin into a dust core via compaction; and a step of annealing the dust core via heating so as to cause the silicone resin contained in the dust core to be partially formed into a silicate compound, wherein annealing of the dust core is carried out at a dew point of an inert gas of −40° C. or lower in an inert gas atmosphere in the annealing step.
US08241553B2	Spice grinders An injection moulded preform is disclosed which is then blown to form a bottle (16) for containing spices and other material which is ground before use. The preform is moulded with teeth (18, 20) which are on the inside of the part of the preform which constitutes the neck. A rotatable structure which fits onto the bottle has a core which fits into the neck. The core has external teeth which co-operate with the teeth (18, 20) of the preform to define a grinding gap.
US08241545B2	Method of making polylactic acid and its products The present disclosure provides a method for preparing polylactic acid and its products using a twin-screw extruder, comprising the step of mixing carbon dioxide adducts of carbene and lactide, and obtaining polylactic acid and its products via reactive extrusion using a twin-screw extruder. Some of the carbon dioxide adducts or carbene have the following general formula:
US08241544B2	Syringes and methods of syringe manufacturing A syringe for holding fluids susceptible to void formation when frozen and thawed before use. The interior surface of the syringe sidewall may be roughened, which serves to prevent or significantly reduce the incidence of void formation in the fluid. The required level of surface roughening for counteracting void formation may be reduced by increasing the sidewall flexibility. Alternatively, the flexibility of the syringe sidewall may operate over certain thickness ranges to prevent or significantly reduce void formation in the fluid without intentionally roughening the interior surface.
US08241541B2	Cathode material for polymer batteries and method of preparing same The invention provides a pre-mix of positive electrode material in transportable solid form comprising polymer and solid particles of electrochemically active material and/or electronically conductive additives and a process for preparing a pre-mix positive electrode in transportable solid form. The pre-mix positive electrode material may also comprise an alkali metal salt either dissolved or dispersed in the mixture. The invention also provides making a cathode film from the transportable solid pre-mix of positive electrode material.
US08241534B2	Spectacle lens manufacturing method and spectacle lens manufacturing system To reduce the types of blanks such as a semi-finished lens blank, materials, and processing time, a spectacle lens design device disposed at a factory on a manufacturing side and a lens processing device connected thereto block an applicable semi-finished lens blank or lens blank. The semi-finished lens blank or lens blank are blocked so that a reference surface thereof tilts at a predetermined angle using a numerical-control curve generator. The reference surface tilts based on order information sent from an order terminal disposed at a spectacle store on a order-placement side. Both surfaces of a plastic material are formed so that a geometric center of an edge shape positions at a center of a circle of a circular lens thereby satisfy an optical specification of the spectacle lens-related to the order. Next, the circular lens is processed to have the edge shape of the spectacle lens-related to the order to thereby obtain the spectacle lens-related to the order.
US08241532B2	Actinide/beryllium neutron sources with reduced dispersion characteristics Neutron source comprising a composite, said composite comprising crystals comprising BeO and AmBe13, and an excess of beryllium, wherein the crystals have an average size of less than 2 microns; the size distribution of the crystals is less than 2 microns; and the beryllium is present in a 7-fold to a 75-fold excess by weight of the amount of AmBe13; and methods of making thereof.
US08241531B2	Zinc oxide-based conductor A zinc oxide-based conductor includes ZnO co-doped with gallium and manganese. Preferably, the doping concentration of the gallium ranges from 0.01 at % to 10 at % and the doping concentration of the manganese ranges from 0.01 at % to 5 at %. More preferably, the doping concentration of the gallium ranges from 2 at % to 8 at % and the doping concentration of the manganese ranges from 0.1 at % to 2 at %. Still more preferably, the doping concentration of the gallium ranges from 4 at % to 6 at % and the doping concentration of the manganese ranges from 0.2 at % to 1.5 at %. The zinc oxide-based conductor is a transparent conductor that is used as an electrode of a solar cell or a liquid crystal display.
US08241529B2	Fluororesin composite material, coating film made from the composite material and coated body with the coating film (Problems)To provide a coating film which excels in corrosion resistance and processability as well as high durability and little suffers from electrification.(Means for Solving Problems)A fluororesin composite material including: a fluororesin microencapsulating silicon carbide, an amount of the silicon carbide being 5 to 9% by weight with respect to a total of the fluororesin composite material; and at least one of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyether sulphone (PES) and polyether ether ketone (PEEK).
US08241528B2	Conductive ink for letterpress reverse printing The present invention provides a conductive ink for forming a fine conductive pattern on a substrate by letterpress reverse printing. In particular, the conductive ink enables the pattern to be formed stably without the occurrence of transfer failures and is able to impart superior conductivity by low-temperature baking. The conductive ink, which contains substantially no binder component, comprises as essential components thereof conductive particles having a volume average particle diameter (Mv) of 10 to 700 nm, a release agent, a surface energy regulator and a solvent component, the solvent component being a mixture of a solvent having a surface energy at 25° C. of 27 mN/m or more (high surface energy solvent) and a volatile solvent having a boiling point at atmospheric pressure of 120° C. or lower (low boiling point solvent), and the surface energy of the ink at 25° C. is 10 to 21 mN/m.
US08241526B2	Aqueous dispersions of electrically conducting polymers containing high boiling solvent and additives The present invention relates to electrically conductive polymer compositions, and their use in electronic devices. The compositions are an aqueous dispersion of at least one electrically conductive polymer doped with a non-fluorinated polymeric acid, at least one high-boiling polar organic solvent, and an additive selected from the group consisting of fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, and combinations thereof.
US08241524B2	Release on demand corrosion inhibitor composition Disclosed is a release on demand type corrosion inhibitor composition for a metal substrate formed from only non-electrically conductive film forming copolymer(s); a nitrogen containing functional group X, where the group X comprises a pyridine, a dihydropyridine, a pyrrole, an imidazole, or a mixtures thereof; and a metallate anion. The metallate anion binds to a nitrogen in the functional group X by ion pairing. A localized rise in pH is believed to cause release of the anion via a protonation/deprotonation reaction and the released anion suppresses the corrosion formation. The coating composition includes no electrically conductive polymers.
US08241521B2	Lithium iron phosphate having oxygen vacancy and doped in the position of Fe and method of quick solid phase sintering for the same The present invention relates to a lithium ion cathode material lithium iron phosphate having oxygen vacancy and doped in the position of Fe and a preparation method of quick micro-wave sintering for the same. The molecular formula of the product in present invention is expressed as LiFe1-x-aMeaMxPO4-yNz, wherein Me is one or more elements selected from Mg, Mn or Nd, and M is one or more elements selected from Li, Na, K, Ag or Cu; 0≦x≦0.1, 0
US08241518B2	Soft magnetic material and dust core A soft magnetic material includes a plurality of composite magnetic particles including a metal magnetic particle and an insulating film surrounding a surface of the metal magnetic particle. The insulating film also contains a phosphate. The soft magnetic material further includes an aromatic polyetherketone resin and a metallic soap and/or an inorganic lubricant having a hexagonal crystal structure. The metallic soap and the inorganic lubricant are particles with an average particle size of not more than 2.0 μm.
US08241517B2	Nanostructured magnetorheological polymer fluids and gels Magnetorheological materials having a supramolecular polymer gel as a component of the carrier are disclosed. Useful supramolecular polymers for gels include those having bipyridine or terpyridine ligands which can participate in metal coordination bonding. The magnetizable particles of magnetorheological materials can have supramolecular surfactant-polymer coatings.
US08241510B2	Inkjet recording head, method for producing same, and semiconductor device A method for producing an inkjet recording head includes preparing the substrate having a through hole to be formed into a supply port, the through hole having openings on the first surface and the second surface, the substrate having a first protective layer disposed on the second surface, the first protective layer having an overhang extending into the region of the opening on the second surface. The method also includes forming a second protective layer so as to continuously cover at least the overhang of the first protective layer and the inner wall of the through hole, and removing a portion of the second protective layer corresponding to the opening on the first surface.
US08241504B2	Filter units and filtering method A filter unit includes a flexible bag having permeable material on a first side and a second side that allows fluid to pass through the container. Granularized rubber is enclosed within the flexible bag. The granularized rubber filters hydrocarbon products from the fluid.
US08241498B2	Process for remediating biofouling in water systems with virulent bacteriophage Bacterial contamination of industrial water systems lead to biofouling by biofilms and corrosion from bacterial induced corrosion. This invention provides a method for control of fouling and contamination of industrial water systems caused by bacteria. Prevention or reduction of process interruptions and general contamination, fouling and corrosion is achieved by the destruction of targeted problematic bacteria with naturally occurring, non-engineered bacteriophage virulent for targeted bacteria. The invention also provides for in-situ confirmation of the proper identification of target bacteria and a mobile laboratory adapted to implement the method.
US08241497B2	Method for stirring and/or aerating fluids, particularly sewage, particularly using a floodable aerator The invention relates to a method for stirring and/or aerating fluids, particularly sewage, having the following cyclically repeated steps: aerating the fluid by means of an immersed aerator for a predetermined first period of time (t1) using an aeration device (1) disposed on a carrier (3, 43) designed as a floodable hollow body (2, 42), the hollow body (2, 42) being flooded and air being brought into the fluid by the aeration device, whereby the potential for nitrification is created in the fluid; stirring the fluid by means of the immersed aerator for a predetermined second period of time (t2), the air infeed by the aeration device (1) being throttled or turned off, and previously flooded hollow body being evacuated in order to fill the hollow body (2, 42) with gar or air, the immersed aerator assuming the function of mixing device in which fluid rises upward, thus mixing the fluid, where in the potential for denitrification is created in the fluid; and an immersed aerator.
US08241490B2	Methods for upgrading of contaminated hydrocarbon streams A method of upgrading a heteroatom-containing hydrocarbon feed by removing heteroatom contaminants is disclosed. The method includes contacting the heteroatom-containing hydrocarbon feed with an oxidant to oxidize the heteroatoms, contacting the oxidized-heteroatom-containing hydrocarbon feed with caustic and a selectivity promoter, and removing the heteroatom contaminants from the heteroatom-containing hydrocarbon feed. The oxidant may be used in the presence of a catalyst.
US08241486B2	Biosensors and methods of preparing same A biosensor strip having a low profile for reducing the volume of liquid sample needed to perform an assay. In one embodiment, the biosensor strip includes an electrode support; an electrode arrangement on the electrode support; a cover; a sample chamber; and an incompressible element placed between the cover and the electrode support, the incompressible element providing an opening in at least one side or in the distal end of the sample chamber to provide at least one vent in the sample chamber. In another embodiment, the biosensor strip has an electrode support; an electrode arrangement on the electrode support; a cover; and a sample chamber, the cover having a plurality of openings formed therein, at least one of the openings in register with the sample chamber. The invention further includes methods for preparing such a biosensor strips in a continuous manner.
US08241484B2	Membrane treatment method and membrane treatment apparatus for ballast water using membrane module [Problem] To provide a membrane treatment method and a membrane treatment apparatus for ballast water using a membrane module, which are capable of inhibiting the formation of scale on the membrane surface to reduce fouling, using a simple installation.[Means for Solving the Problem] The membrane treatment method and the membrane treatment apparatus for ballast water using a membrane module according to the invention, having a membrane treatment tank 2 and a membrane module 1 provided in the tank for continuously performing filtration while ballast water is being passed thereto as raw water; wherein a positive electrode and a negative electrode are provided in the membrane treatment tank 2 so as to come into contact with raw water in the tank, and a current passing means is provided in the tank for applying a voltage between the electrodes.
US08241481B2	Manufacturing method of 3D shape structure having hydrophobic inner surface The present invention relates to a manufacturing method of a three dimensional structure having a hydrophobic inner surface. The manufacturing method includes anodizing a three dimensional metal member and forming fine holes on an external surface of the metal member, forming a replica by coating a non-wetting polymer material on the outer surface of the metal member and forming the non-wetting polymer material to be a replication structure corresponding to the fine holes of the metal member, forming an exterior by surrounding the replication structure with an exterior forming material, and etching the metal member and eliminating the metal member from the replication structure and the exterior forming material.
US08241480B2	Housing for electronic device and method of making the housing A method of making a housing, comprising the steps of: providing a transparent plastic substrate, the substrate having an outer surface and an inner surface; coating at least portions of the outer surface with a photosensitizer; activating the substrate by using an energy ray to irradiate areas of the outer surface covered with the photosensitizer to form a conductive medium layer thereon; electroplating the activated substrate, an electroplated coating formed on the irradiated area in a predetermined pattern; forming an electrophoretic coating on the surface of the electroplated coating by an electrophoresis process; and forming a paint coating on the inner surface of the substrate. A housing made by the present method is provided.
US08241475B2	Two-dimensional strandness-and length-dependent separation of nucleic acid fragments A method is provided for separating single- and double-stranded nucleic acid molecules based on their strandness and length. The method is based on novel two-dimensional gel electrophoresis techniques comprises loading a sample of nucleic acid molecules in a gel electrophoresis apparatus and electrophoresing in a first dimension said sample through a gel matrix under a first set of pre-determined electrophoresis conditions; electrophoresing said gel matrix in a second dimension under a second set of electrophoresis conditions, such that populations of single- and double-stranded nucleic acids are separated, said first and second electrophoresis conditions being different, such that in one dimension electrophoresis allows separation of the sample molecules based on strandness and length, and in the other dimension electrophoresis allows separation based substantially on length, wherein said difference is established with a chemical agent and/or physical parameter affecting the strandness-dependent electrophoresis migration rate of nucleic acids.
US08241471B2	Hydrogen production systems utilizing electrodes formed from nano-particles suspended in an electrolyte An electrolytic system for generating hydrogen gas includes a pair of electrodes and an electrolyte. The electrolyte includes colloidal silver, colloidal magnesium, and a nano-metal comprising nano-nickel, nano-iron or a nano-nickel-iron alloy. The electrodes include a first electrode of a non-magnetic material. A second electrode includes an electrode precursor of a magnetic material or an electro-magnet. When in its magnetic state, the electrode precursor exerts a magnetic force of sufficient strength to pull the nano-metal of the electrolyte onto at least a portion of its surfaces, to form the second electrode.
US08241465B2	Non mark seam felt A press felt for use in a paper, cardboard or tissue machine, with an open, load-carrying base structure which, viewed in longitudinal direction of the press felt, includes seam loops on one end, as well as seam loops at the other end, whereby the seam loops on the one end and the ones on the other end can be brought together for the purpose of producing the endless press felt and can be intermeshed with each other, so that a pass through opening is created through which a pintle can be guided, and comprising a machine side fibrous nonwoven structure which is located on the base structure and which provides the machine side of the press felt and which, viewed in longitudinal direction of the press felt, has one end section and one other end section, whereby when viewed in longitudinal direction of the press felt, the seam loops respectively extend at least partially over the end sections of the machine side fibrous nonwoven structure. In at least one end section of the machine side fibrous nonwoven structure an elastomeric polymer material is provided which is formed from a polymer or pre-polymer which was added in liquid form into the press felt and subsequently solidified or cured and which extends in the at least one end section from the machine side fibrous nonwoven structure into the base structure.
US08241460B2	Method and apparatus for manufacturing cigarette wrapping paper Web to be formed into wrapping paper is applied with combustion inhibitor and then dried. Water is applied onto the entire surface of the opposite side to the combustion-inhibitor applied side of the web. The web applied with water is dried while pinched between drying and pressing rollers and stretched in a width direction. In this way, unwrinkled high-quality cigarette wrapping paper having a low ignition propensity can be stably and inexpensively manufactured. As the pressing roller, a heat-resistant rubber roller provided in its surface with a soft portion in a helical way is utilized.
US08241457B2	Plasma processing system, plasma measurement system, plasma measurement method, and plasma control system A microwave plasma processing system 10 includes: a processing chamber 100 in which a desired process is applied to a target object using a plasma; a susceptor 106 (stage) in the processing chamber 100 to support the target object; a high-frequency power supply 112 supplying high-frequency electric power to the susceptor 106; a capacitor 108a provided to the susceptor 106; and a measurement device 20 measuring voltages at the pair of plates of the capacitor 108a when high-frequency electric power is supplied from the high-frequency power supply 112 to the susceptor 106.
US08241455B2	Method for packing electric components on a substrate A compression bonding device capable of packaging electric components on both sides of a substrate is provided. A compression bonding device includes first and second pressing rubbers. Electric components can be simultaneously packaged on the front face and the rear face of a substrate by sandwiching the substrate between the first and second pressing rubbers. The electric components are not subjected to a force for horizontally moving them because the first and second pressing rubbers are prevented from horizontal extension by a first dam member. Thus, the electric components are connected to the substrate without misalignment, thereby obtaining a highly reliable electric device.
US08241447B2	Method for manufacturing tubes by welding Method of welding a strip for the production of flexible tubular bodies made of plastic, comprising the following steps: shaping of a strip (1) around a welding rod; contacting of the ends (3, 4) of the strip; formation of a welded zone (5) by heating and compressing said ends (3, 4) and then by cooling them, said method being characterized in that the strip (1) is also heated outside the welded zone (5).
US08241444B1	Gas generant composition Gas generating compositions include a primary fuel selected from fumaric acid, succinic acid, cyanuric acid, barbituric acid, and mixtures thereof; an oxidizer selected from phase stabilized ammonium nitrate, potassium perchlorate, and mixtures thereof; a secondary fuel selected from tetrazoles, bitetrazoles, salts of bitetrazoles, derivatives of bitetrazoles, and mixtures thereof; and an oxide selected from molybdenum trioxide, ferric (III) oxide, and mixtures thereof. Gas generators and vehicle occupant protection systems incorporating the present compositions are also described.
US08241442B2	Method of making a hypereutectoid, head-hardened steel rail A method of making a hypereutectoid, head-hardened steel rail is provided that includes a step of head hardening a steel rail having a composition containing 0.86-1.00 wt % carbon, 0.40-0.75 wt % manganese, 0.40-1.00 wt % silicon, 0.05-0.15 wt % vanadium, 0.015-0.030 wt % titanium, and sufficient nitrogen to react with the titanium to form titanium nitride. Head hardening is conducted at a cooling rate that, if plotted on a graph with xy-coordinates with the x-axis representing cooling time in seconds, and the y-axis representing temperature in Celsius of the surface of the head of the steel rail, is maintained in a region between an upper cooling rate boundary plot defined by an upper line connecting xy-coordinates (0 s, 775° C.), (20 s, 670° C.), and (110 s, 550° C.) and a lower cooling rate boundary plot defined by a lower line connecting xy-coordinates (0 s, 750° C.), (20 s, 610° C.), and (110 s, 500° C.).
US08241435B2	Apparatus and method for washing electrode plate core for alkaline battery A washing apparatus that easily washes off metal impurities from a porous metal substrate used as an electrode plate core for an alkaline battery. The washing apparatus includes a liquid bath container which holds a solution for washing off the metal impurities. A guide guides movement of the porous metal substrate in the solution held in the liquid bath container. The porous metal substrate is wound into a hoop in a coil-shaped manner, and the guide guides the movement of a sheet portion of the porous metal substrate unwound from the hoop. A winding mechanism winds the sheet portion after being fed through the liquid bath container.
US08241433B2	Method for metering a first and a second treatment agent to a rinse container of a dish washer A method for dispensing a first treating agent and a second treating agent into the washing tub of a dishwasher includes providing each of first and second reservoirs with a sensor for monitoring its fill level. After a first dispensing operation, a controller compares the sensor signals and determines whether a ratio of the fill levels deviates from a ratio of the capacities of the reservoirs. The controller elects either a standard or an alternative subsequent dispensing operation based on whether the fill level ratio deviates from the capacity ratio. The controller chooses the standard subsequent dispensing operation if the fill level ratio does not deviate from the capacity ratio and chooses the alternative subsequent dispensing operation if it does. The alternative subsequent dispensing operation includes changing at least one amount dispensed by dispensing devices compared to a corresponding amount dispensed in the first dispensing operation.
US08241431B2	Method for distributing a fluid in an automatic cleaning machine The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for applying a fluid (32) to items (14) to be cleaned, which items are continuously or intermittently transported in the conveying direction (12) in an automatic cleaning machine, preferably an automatic pass-through dishwasher. At least two, preferably tubular, spray bodies (26.1, 26.2, 26.3, . . . 26.n) which are spaced apart from one another are arranged in at least one spray plane (22, 24) which is oriented parallel to the conveying direction (12) of the items (14) to be cleaned.
US08241429B2	Removal of aromatic hydrocarbons from coke-oven gas by absorption The invention relates to a method of removing aromatic hydrocarbons from coke-oven gas. The coke-oven gas is contacted with a wash liquid in a gas scrubber, and aromatic hydrocarbons are separated by absorption from the coke-oven gas. Subsequently the wash liquid enriched with aromatic hydrocarbons is heated, and the aromatic hydrocarbons are stripped from the wash liquid using water vapor. After cooling the wash liquid is finally returned to the gas scrubber. According to the invention biodiesel is used as the wash liquid.
US08241428B2	Liquid acidic hard surface cleaning composition The present invention relates to a liquid acidic hard surface cleaning composition having a pH of from 2 to 2.9 and comprising formic acid and an alkaline material.
US08241426B2	CMP polishing method, CMP polishing apparatus, and process for producing semiconductor device When the remaining slurry and polishing residue are removed by cleaning with a cleaning liquid (preferably a cleaning liquid containing a surfactant), organic matter in the cleaning liquid containing a surfactant seeps into the interlayer insulating film 3. Therefore, the substrate is subsequently washed with an organic solvent or a solution containing an organic solvent, thus washing away the organic matter that has seeped into the interlayer insulating film 3. Although the interlayer insulating film 3 is subjected to a hydrophobic treatment, since the solvent used is an organic solvent, this solvent is able to seep into the interlayer insulating film 3, dissolve the organic matter, and wash the organic matter away without being affected by this hydrophobic treatment. Afterward, the substrate 1 is dried, and the organic solvent or solution containing an organic solvent that is adhering to the surface is removed.
US08241425B2	Non-condensing thermos chuck The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method of forming a thermos layer surrounding a chuck for holding a wafer during ion implantation. The thermos layer is located below a clamping surface, and comprises a vacuum gap and an outer casing encapsulating the vacuum gap. The thermos layer provides a barrier blocking condensation to the outside of the chuck within a process chamber by substantially preventing heat transfer between the chuck when it is cooled and the warmer environment within the process chamber.
US08241424B2	Single crystal semiconductor manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method An upper side heater 10 is configured so that a current passage width becomes larger at a heater lower part than at a heater upper part. Thus, the upper side heater 10 has a current-carrying cross-sectional area which becomes larger at the heater lower part than at the heater upper part, a resistance value becomes accordingly smaller at the heater lower part than at the heater upper part, and a heat generation amount becomes relatively smaller at the heater lower part than at the heater upper part. Meanwhile, a lower side heater 20 is configured so that the current passage width becomes larger at the heater upper part than at the heater lower part. Thus, the current-carrying cross-sectional area of the lower side heater 20 becomes larger at the heater upper part than at the heater lower part, a resistance value becomes accordingly smaller at the heater upper part than at the heater lower part, and a heat generation amount becomes relatively smaller at the heater upper part than at the heater lower part.
US08241423B2	Silicon single crystal substrate and manufacture thereof A semiconductor wafer for an epitaxial growth is disclosed comprising: a main face on which a vapor phase epitaxial layer grows; a back face provided on an opposite side of the wafer; a main chamfered part along a circumferential edge where the main face and a side face of the wafer meet; and a back chamfered part along a circumferential edge where the back face and the side face meet is provided. After a CVD layer formation process is conducted to form a layer at least on the back face and the back chamfered part, a machining process is conducted on the main face to remove a CVD layer at least partially formed thereon so as to polish the main face to a mirror finished surface with a maximum height of profile (Rz) not exceeding 0.3 μm.
US08241422B2	Gallium nitride single crystal growing method and gallium nitride single crystal It is provided a method of growing gallium nitride single crystal of good quality with a high productivity, in the growth of gallium nitride single crystal by Na-flux method. Gallium nitride single crystal is grown using flux 8 containing at least sodium metal. Gallium nitride single crystal is grown in atmosphere composed of gases mixture “B” containing nitrogen gas at a pressure of 300 atms or higher and 2000 atms or lower. Preferably, the nitrogen partial pressure in the atmosphere is 100 atms or higher and 2000 atms or lower. Preferably, the growth temperature is 1000° C. or higher and 1500° C. or lower.
US08241420B2	Single crystal material and process for producing the same The invention intends to provide a single crystal material that can be used as a dielectric material for use in electronic devices, which has a high Qf value; and a process for producing the same. According to the invention, a single crystal of a composite oxide is obtained from a composition in which a slight amount of SrTiO3 is added to LaAlO3, and the (1-X)LaAlO3—XSrTiO3 single crystal material having the specific composition has such dielectric characteristics for electronic devices that the dielectric constant is 24 or more and the Qf value is 300,000 GHz or more, is considerably improved in the Qf value as a dielectric material, and can be applied to a high-temperature superconducting filter.
US08241411B2	Multistage variable impactor An inertial gas-liquid separator and method is provided, including variable orifice jet nozzle structure having a variable orifice area dependent upon axial movement of a plunger relative to a housing sleeve, and in another embodiment having first and second flow branches, with the first flow branch being continuously open, and the second flow branch having a variable flow controller controlling flow therethrough.
US08241410B1	Ancillary embodiments and modifications to a polyphasic pressurized homogenizer Ancillary embodiments and modifications to a homogenizer unit that increases its applicability to a wide spectrum of chemical or physical-chemical reactions and properties. Methods of introducing reactants and devices that present a tortuous pathway to reactants are placed at a strategic locus (or loci) that delay or modify flow pathways to gases, liquids, aerosols, particulates, or any combination thereof. Reactions of a chemical, physical-chemical, and thermo-chemical nature between a wide variety of matter are possible and readily achieved with the correct solvent(s), reactant(s), or pressure under controlled conditions of pressure, temperature, chemical concentrations, and other impingements. Various well-recognized or established principles are used to expedite reactions. These include ‘Boyle's Gas Law’, surface-to-volume relationships, anion and cation substitutions, heat absorption by water, gas solubility factors, stoichiometric chemistries, surface tension reactions, dissolution constants, and others.
US08241408B2	Carbon dioxide capturing device including water vapor pretreatment apparatus Disclosed is a CO capturing device for improving CO removal efficiency and use of a dry solid absorbent. The device comprises a CO recovery reactor 1 to permit CO containing gas externally supplied to be in contact with a dry solid absorbent to capture CO; a recovery cyclone 4 connected to the recovery reactor 1 to exhaust CO-free gas while separating a solid portion containing CO; a fluidized bed type regeneration reactor 2 which receives the solid portion through a solid feeding pipe 5 connected to the recovery cyclone 4 and divides the solid portion into CO and the other part containing the dry solid absorbent by using a fluidizing gas fed through a fluidizing gas supply pipe 8; a regeneration cyclone 6 to exhaust the separated CO outside in order to use CO in the regeneration reactor 2; and a water vapor pretreatment device 3 connected to the regeneration reactor 2 to absorb H O in the dry solid absorbent and feedback the H O containing absorbent to the recovery reactor 1.
US08241407B2	Electrostatically atomizing kit for use in a vehicle An electrostatically atomizing kit for use in a vehicle has an atomizing unit in combination with a plurality of differently shaped deflector guides. The atomizing unit is supplied with water and electrostatically atomizing the water into charged minute water particles in the form of a mist to be carried on a conditioned air blowing into a passenger's room through a blow port. The deflector ducts are selectively detachable to the blow port, and are differently shaped to each other to deflect the conditioned air carrying the mist in different directions in order to effectively concentrate the mist carried air to a particular object or item in the passenger's room.
US08241402B2	Method of separation of hydrogen from gas mixtures A method of separation of hydrogen from gas mixtures consisting in that a gas mixture (3) with any hydrogen content is introduced into a closed space (4), in which a polymer foam (1) containing non-communicating pores (2) is placed. Due to the fact that the hydrogen partial pressure in pores (2) of the polymer foam (1) is lower, hydrogen penetrates into the pores. Hence, the gas mixture (3) leaving the closed space (4) is deficient in the hydrogen. The inlet of the gas mixture (3) into the closed space (4) can be interrupted at the time when the leaving mixture has the same composition as the introduced gas mixture (3) or earlier. Then the pressure in the closed space (4) is decreased and, due to the leveling of its partial pressure, hydrogen is released from the polymer foam (1) and can be received for further use. Its concentration is higher than in the starting gas mixture (3).
US08241400B2	Process for the production of carbon dioxide utilizing a co-purge pressure swing adsorption unit The present invention provides a process for recovering gaseous hydrogen and gaseous carbon dioxide from a mixture of hydrocarbons by utilizing a system that includes a reformer unit, an optional water gas shift reactor, and a pressure swing adsorption unit in conjunction with a carbon dioxide purification unit such as a cryogenic purification unit or a catalytic oxidizer. In this process, purified CO2 from the CO2 purification unit is used as a co-feed/co-purge in the pressure swing adsorption unit in order to produce a CO2 tail gas that includes a higher concentration of CO2.
US08241399B2	Thermo-chemical heat pump and methods of generating heat from a gas stream A method of generating heat from a gas stream includes providing a first gas stream having a first temperature and a moisture content approximately saturating the gas stream, removing the moisture content from the first gas stream to form a second gas stream having a second temperature greater than the first temperature of the first gas stream, and heat exchanging the second gas stream having the second temperature greater than the first temperature of the first gas stream.
US08241397B2	Adsorptive gas sampler using ionic nano-droplets An air scrubber, system, and method of use are provided. The air scrubber includes an electrospray nozzle for creating an ionic fluid electrospray plume; an air sample intake positioned to provide an air sample interacting with the ionic fluid electrospray plume; and a counter electrode positioned to collect the electrospray plume. The selected chemicals in the air sample are captured by ionic fluid electrospray plume and accumulate on the counter electrode.
US08241394B2	Supercritical fluid enrichment of isotopes A system and method for supercritical fluid enrichment of radioactive isotope/s are disclosed. The method involves pressurizing an outer chamber and an inner centrifugal chamber of a stage to supercritical pressure; supplying material including target isotope/s at supercritical pressure to the inner chamber; spinning the inner chamber to centrifuge the material including target isotope/s; providing a differential pressure between the inner chamber and the outer chamber; wherein windows in the inner chamber enable passage of the target isotope from the inner chamber to the outer chamber in response to the differential pressure.
US08241390B2	Semi-liquid metal processing and sensing device and method of using same A semi-liquid metal processing and sensing device comprising a crucible that is at least partially encircled by at least one induction coil. The one or more induction coils can be water cooled. The one or more induction coils can be designed to generate a variable power and/or variable frequency magnetic field which can be modulated to control the cooling of a molten metal charge in the crucible from the liquidus temperature to a selected heat content, resistivity and/or viscosity. The magnetic field can be designed to induce toroidal agitation of the metal charge in the crucible. The semi-liquid condition is sensed and can be actively controlled by the induction power supply via real time or non-real time analysis of electrical feedback signals that are obtained from the induction coil.
US08241385B2	Air cleaner unit for internal combustion engine An air cleaner unit includes a casing and a filter element disposed in the casing for filtering air to be introduced into an internal combustion engine of a vehicle. The casing includes a first case member and a second case member that are coupled to each other such that the filter element is housed in an element housing portion of the casing. The first case member has a hinge receiving portion, and the second case member has a hinge inserting portion. The hinge receiving portion and the hinge inserting portion are disposed under the element housing portion. The hinge receiving portion includes an engagement opening in which the hinge inserting portion is received such that the hinge receiving portion and the hinge inserting portion are connected in a hinge manner. The hinge receiving portion further includes a hinge receiving surface that extends from a vicinity of the engagement opening.
US08241384B2	Seal, arrangement for filter element; filter element assembly; and, methods A filter element arrangement is provided which includes a media pack comprising Z-filter media, a preform and an overmold sealing a portion of the interface between the preform and the media pack, and also forming an air cleaner seal for the filter element. The overmold preferably comprises molded, foamed, polyurethane. A variety of media pack shapes can be used.
US08241383B2	Z-filter media pack arrangement; and, methods Z-filter media pack arrangements and methods for providing them are described. The preferred arrangements have a cured-in-place jacket around an outside of a coiled z-filter media combination. The preferred cured-in-place jacket is a mold-in-place overmold which includes, integral therein, a housing seal arrangement. Preferably a cured-in-place center core is used, most preferably one that has opposite concave ends with seal arrangements configured to seal a lead end portion of the coiled z-filter media combination.
US08241381B2	Air filter with integral inter-filter gap filler A disposable air filter that includes: (a) air filtration media; (b) a substantially planar air filter frame providing three-dimensional support for the air filtration media; and (c) an inter-filter gap filler disposed along substantially the entire length of at least one side of an opposed pair of the first or second sides and integrated into the air filter frame is disclosed. The integral inter-filter gap filler reduces gaps between adjacent air filters disposed in a filter track of an air filter bank.
US08241379B2	Natural gas reclaimer device A natural gas reclaimer device includes a pressure vessel with an inlet port and an outlet port. A conditioner is disposed in the pressure vessel to remove contaminants and stabilize the flow of natural gas received by the inlet port and prior to releasing the natural gas from the outlet port for subsequent use.
US08241378B2	Cyclonic air cleaner assembly An apparatus and method utilize a fan to direct air through a screen to cool an engine. A cyclonic air cleaner assembly receives air from the blower fan and directs the air towards an air-fuel mixing device of the engine.
US08241377B2	Filter element with percussion band A filter element has a reinforcement band or ring along at least a portion of the perimeter thereof and performing a support function thereat preventing or minimizing damage upon attempted percussive cleaning of the filter element by service personnel striking the perimeter against an impact surface. Alternatively, a failure band or ring is provided along at least a portion of the perimeter and performs a designated failure function to a failure condition thereat upon attempted percussive cleaning, with the failure condition providing at least one of: a) an indication to service personnel that the filter element has been damaged and should not be re-installed; and b) a deformed condition preventing re-installation.
US08241367B2	Modular bone implant, tool, and method Modular bone implants, modes of assembly, and their method of use are presented.
US08241364B2	Method of installation of intervertebral spacers Disclosed are methods for implant installation and assembly between adjacent vertebral bodies of a patient. The implant has a support body and a rotatable insert therein and the support body is curved for installation between adjacent vertebral bodies transforaminally. An installation instrument is also disclosed for removable attachment to implant and engagement with the rotatable insert to selectively permit rotation between the insert and the support body. The installation instrument extends along a longitudinal tool axis and when the installation instrument is in a first position the insert is rotationally fixed with respect to the support body and when the installation instrument is in a second position the support body may rotate with respect to the insert. Methods of installing multiple implants are also disclosed.
US08241363B2	Expandable corpectomy spinal fusion cage An intervertebral expandable spacer having a pair of co-axial annuluses locked together by an engagement member having i) a set screw and ii) a pressure plate having an outer face contacting the set screw and an inner face having teeth adapted to mate with the ratchet notches of the second member.
US08241360B2	Artificial disc device An artificial disc device for replacing a damaged nucleus is disclosed. In one form, the device may be inserted in components such that the device may be assembled within and retained by the natural annulus therein. In another form, the device may be inserted into the natural annulus in a collapsed or compressed state or arrangement and then be expanded within and retained by the annulus therein. In a further form, the device may be provided with a releasable connection so that the device may be connected in an insertion configuration and may be released in an operable configuration. Insertion tools and methods are also disclosed.
US08241358B2	Radially expandable spinal interbody device and implantation tool A radially expandable spinal interbody device for implantation between adjacent vertebrae of a spine is deliverable to an implant area in a radially collapsed state having minimum radial dimensions and once positioned is then radially expandable through and up to maximum radial dimensions. The expanded radially expandable spinal interbody device is configured to closely mimic the anatomical configuration of a vertebral face. The radially expandable spinal interbody device is formed of arced, pivoting linkages that allow transfiguration from the radially collapsed minimum radial dimensions through and up to the radially expanded maximum radial dimensions once deployed at the implant site (i.e. between adjacent vertebrae). The pivoting linkages have ends with locking features that inhibit or prevent overextension of the linkages. In one form of the locking features, one end of the linkage includes lobes that form a pocket while the other end of the linkage includes a projection that is adapted to be received in the pocket of the lobes of an adjacent linkage. A kit is also provided including a tool for the implantation and deployment of the spinal interbody device into an intervertebral space.
US08241357B2	Prosthesis with a selectively applied bone growth promoting agent An implantable prosthesis system including a selectively applied bone growth promoting agent is disclosed. The types of prostheses which may include a selectively applied bone growth promoting agent include rods, fracture plates, screws, as well as other types of prostheses. Additionally, the structural composition of many types of prostheses may be modified to help induce bone ingrowth and allow for fusion with the implantable prosthesis.
US08241353B2	Angle indicator for ocular measurements Implantation of an accommodating intraocular lens in an eye may require the accurate measurement of the size, circumference, or diameter of the capsular bag of the eye. A flexible ring or ring portion may be temporarily or permanently inserted into the capsular bag for measuring the circumference of the capsular bag, for example, after extraction of a natural lens from the capsular bag. The ring or ring portion is generally compressible to fit through a surgical incision, then expands to fill the capsular bag along an equatorial region. The ring or ring portion includes a central component that changes shape and/or angle as the ring or ring portion is compressed. The shape change is generally correlated to the size of the capsular bag and may be visually measured through the cornea, the measurement being generally independent of corneal magnification. The measurement may be used to determine or calculate information about the capsular bag such as its size, elasticity, accommodative range, and so forth.
US08241352B2	Adjustable weighted eyelid closure devices and methods Provided herein are embodiments of a weighted eyelid closure device for use in treating lagophthalmos. In accordance with an embodiment, the device can be implanted by an oculoplastic surgeon into a patient's eyelid, to treat lagophthalmos. The device's weight can then be adjusted later by the surgeon, if necessary, without requiring removal of the entire device. For example, if it is discovered that an implanted device is too heavy or too light after it has been implanted within the patient's eyelid, the load of the device can be adjusted by modifying the previous load. Alternatively, a new load having the desired weight can be implanted.
US08241349B2	Extendible stent apparatus The present invention concerns novel stent apparatuses for use in treating lesions at or near the bifurcation point in bifurcated cardiac, coronary, renal, peripheral vascular, gastrointestinal, pulmonary, urinary and neurovascular vessels and brain vessels. More particularly, the invention concerns a stent apparatus with at least one side opening which may further comprise an extendable stent portion laterally extending from the side opening and at least partly in registry with the wall of the side opening. Devices constructed in accordance with the invention include, singularly or in combination, a main expandable stent comprising at least one substantially circular side opening located between its proximal and distal end openings, which side opening may further comprise an expandable portion extending radially outward from the edges of the side opening; and a branch stent comprising proximal and distal end openings and which may further comprise a contacting portion at its proximal end, and which may optionally be constructed to form either a perpendicular branch or a non-perpendicular branch when inserted through a side opening of the main stent. The stents of the invention are marked with, or at least partially constructed of, a material which is imagable during intraluminal catheterization techniques, most preferably but not limited to ultrasound and x-ray.
US08241344B2	Stretchable stent and delivery system An implant delivery catheter enables permanent modification of the implant length in the vicinity of the treatment site prior to radial expansion thereof. The implant is releasable carried between inner and outer tubular members of the delivery catheter which, upon repositioning relative to one another using an actuator mechanism, impart any of tensile, compressile or torquing forces to the implant causing permanent modification of the implant length. In one embodiment, the circumference of the implant is substantially similar both before and after modification of the implant length. In another embodiment, the implant includes a plurality of strut sections interconnected by bridges which are capable of the deformation along the longitudinal axis of the implant.
US08241339B2	Orthopedic anchor assembly In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides an anchor assembly that can be used for the fixation or fastening of orthopedic devices or instruments to bone tissue. In particular, the present invention preferably provides a variable angle or fixed angle anchor assembly that is able to securely connect the orthopedic device to bone tissue even when there is a variance in the angle and position of the assembly with respect to the device. Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides an anchor assembly having a locking mechanism that will quickly and easily lock the anchor assembly with respect to the orthopedic device.
US08241338B2	Bone plate with pre-assembled drill guide tips Removable drill guide tips are pre-assembled into threaded holes of a bone plate. The tips may be used with an extension to together function as a conventional drill guide. After drilling, the extension or another tool is used to remove the tips from the plate. According to another use, the tip is used as a guide for a drill bit without any additional extension and then removed with a tool.
US08241335B2	Bone treatment systems and methods for introducing an abrading structure to abrade bone The invention provides instruments and methods for prophylactic treatment of an osteoporotic vertebral body or for treating a vertebral compression fracture (VCF). In one exemplary method, a probe system uses a high speed rotational elastomeric cutter having an optional expandable abrasive surface for abrading or cutting at least one path or region within vertebral cancellous bone. Irrigation and aspiration sources are included in the probe system for removing abraded bone debris. In one embodiment, the high speed rotational abrader uses a tissue-selective abrading surface that abrades or cuts bone but does not cut soft tissue. In another embodiment, an expandable abrading surface allows the treatment of bone with low pressures to create paths or spaces without explosive expansion forces known in prior art balloon procedures that are designed to crush and compact cancellous bone in a vertebra. After the creation of a path or space, an in-situ hardenable bone cement volume is introduced into each path or space to support the vertebra.
US08241334B2	Spinal cross-connector A spinal cross-connector is configured for adjustable connection between spinal fixation devices such as spinal fixation rods and allows for adjustment in length or distance between adjacent spinal rod clamping members and provides independent rotational adjustment of the two spinal rod clamping members for individual and independent attachment thereof to adjacent spinal rods of a spinal rod assembly. The cross-connector has first and second connection members that are adjustable in length and rotation relative to one another. A first spinal rod clamping member is provided on an end of the first connection member and defines first and second arced jaws that are adapted to clamp onto a first spinal rod. A second spinal rod clamping member is provided on an end of the second connection member and defines first and second arced jaws that are adapted to clamp onto a second spinal rod. Both the first and second clamping members are rotatable relative to the connection arms and thus provide the rotational adjustment. The individual and independent rotational adjustment of the spinal rod clamping members allows the present cross-connector to adjust to variations in skew between adjacent spinal rods as well as provide the ability to attach to the adjacent spinal rods at various angles between the adjacent spinal rods.
US08241333B2	Polyaxial bone screw with split retainer ring A polyaxial bone screw includes a head member and a shank member. The shank has a capture end and an opposite threaded end for threaded insertion into a vertebra. The head has a U-shaped cradle for receiving a spinal fixation rod and a central bore for receiving the capture end of the shank. An expandable retainer ring with a radial split is snapped onto the capture end of the shank to retain it within the head. The retainer ring has a spherical outer surface which forms a ball joint with a spherical socket cavity within the head to enable the head to be angled relative to the shank. A threaded closure plug is tightened within the cradle to clamp the rod into engagement with a knurled dome on the capture end of the shank to secure the rod relative to the vertebra.
US08241332B2	Distance-keeping inter-process implant The invention concerns a distance-keeping inter-process implant with a body (1) ending in its posterior part with two opposite-situated resistance protrusions (2). In the anterior part of the body (1) there are situated at least two wings (5, 6), at least one of which is a mobile wing (6) connected with the body (1) by an articulated joint. Each wing (5, 6) is provided with at least one guide (11, 13, 14, 15) of the tensioning band (4). The articulated joint between the mobile wing (6) and the body (1) is formed by the mutually collaborating shaped surface (7) of the. wing (6) and the shaped surface (8) of the body (1) and is usefully secured by the pin (12) that constitutes the axis of rotation of the mobile wing (6). In an alternative version of the implementation of the implant, the mobile wing (6) connected with the body (1) is provided with at least one arm (16) situated with respect to the wing (6) at the angle α amounting to from 30° to 150°.
US08241330B2	Spinous process implants and associated methods The present invention provides spinous process implant and associated methods. In one aspect of the invention the implant limits the maximum spacing between the spinous processes. In another aspect of the invention, a spacer has at least one transverse opening to facilitate tissue in-growth. In another aspect of the invention, an implant includes a spacer and separate extensions engageable with the spacer. The spacer is provided in a variety of lengths and superior to inferior surface spacings. In another aspect of the invention, an implant includes a spacer and a cerclage element offset from the midline of the spacer in use so that the spacer defines a fulcrum and the cerclage element is operative to impart a moment to the vertebrae about the spacer. In another aspect of the invention, instrumentation for inserting the implant is provided. In other aspects of the invention, methods for treating spine disease are provided.
US08241329B2	Device and method for the prevention of multi-level vertebral extension Methods and devices are adapted to limit the extent of vertebral extension between an upper-most vertebral bone and a lower-most vertebral bone wherein a least one additional vertebral bone resides between them. In an embodiment, the limitation of extension occurs while flexion is at least partially maintained within at least one FSU. In other embodiments, flexion may be abolished.
US08241322B2	Surgical device A surgical device is provided that includes a jaw portion with a first jaw and a second jaw moveable relative to the first jaw. The surgical device also includes a shaft portion coupled to a proximal end of the jaw portion. A driver is configured to cause relative movement of the jaw portion and the shaft portion. The driver may be configured to cause the jaw portion to pivot relative to the shaft portion about a pivot axis that is perpendicular to first and second longitudinal axes defined by the jaw portion and the shaft portion, respectively. The driver may also be configured to cause at least a portion of the jaw portion to rotate relative to the shaft portion about the first longitudinal axis. Advantageously, the surgical device includes a surgical member, e.g., a cutting element and/or a stapling element, disposed within the first jaw.
US08241320B2	Surgical instrument An articulated surgical instrument includes a handle, an actuating assembly associated with the handle, and a shaft including a proximal end coupled to the handle, a deflectable portion and an end effector. Distal portions of deflection wires are connected to the shaft. Proximal portions of the wires are connected to the actuating assembly. Movement of the actuating assembly moves the deflection wires to cause a deflection of the deflectable portion. The actuating assembly includes one or more actuators and one or more slider members associated with the actuators and connected to the deflection wires. The slider members are movable linearly between first and second positions, the proximal portions of the deflection wires being connected to the slider members. One of the actuators and slider members has a cam track and the other has a cam follower, such that movement of an actuator by the user of the instrument causes a linear movement of a slider member from its first position to its second position, so as to move the deflection wires causing a corresponding deflection of the deflectable portion.
US08241319B2	Embolic protection system An embolic protection system 1 comprises a guidewire 99 for advancing through a vasculature, the guidewire 99 having a distal end and a proximal end; an embolic protection filter 1 having a filter body 41 with a distal end and a proximal end, the filter body 41 providing for a collapsed configuration and an expanded deployed configuration. The embolic protection filter body 41 has a guidewire path for slidably receiving the guidewire 99 to permit movement of the filter 1 relative to the guidewire 99 when the filter 1 is in the collapsed configuration and the expanded deployed configuration. A delivery catheter 2 is advanceable over the guidewire 99 for delivery of the embolic protection filter 1; the delivery catheter 2 having a proximal end and a distal end. The filter 1 is deployed from the distal end of the delivery catheter 2 into the expanded deployed configuration. A retrieval catheter 3 is also advanceable over the guidewire 99 for retrieval of the filter 1, the retrieval catheter 3 having a distal end and a proximal end; and engagement elements for engaging the embolic protection filter 1 with the guidewire 99 for retrieval of the filter 1 into the retrieval catheter 3 in the collapsed configuration.
US08241318B2	Embolic protection device with locking device A device and method for locking onto a guidewire. The device includes an element transversely movable along the guidewire. The element may have a plurality of portions and a biasing member connecting first and second portions of the transversely moveable element such that the first portion and another of the portions are movable from a first position, where the first portion and the other portion are aligned with respect to one another, to a second position, where the first portion is no longer aligned with respect to the other portion, the device being locked to the guidewire in the second position. The device can be used for locking an embolic protection device including a filter to a guidewire that is adapted to be introduced into a vascular system of a patient.
US08241316B2	Inflatable nasopharyngeal stent An inflatable nasopharyngeal stent is disclosed along with a method of using same. The stent comprises a central tube having a lumen defining a central inner chamber. A plurality of inflatable spokes are disposed along the central tube. The spokes are in fluid communication with the inner chamber of the central tube and are preferably aligned in groupings along the central tube. The outer ends of the spokes connect to a rib. The un-inflated stent is inserted into the nasal passageway through a naris and positioned such that so that a portion of the device is proximal to an anatomic structure exhibiting undesirable inflammation, configuration, growth or motility. Once positioned, the stent is inflated. Upon inflation, the ribs and adjoining web members move outwardly from the central tube and press upon the tissues of the nasopharyngeal cavity. Spaces between the inflatable spokes permit the passage of air along the stent and maintain airway patency.
US08241311B2	Methods and systems for bypassing an occlusion in a blood vessel Methods and systems for re-entering the true lumen of a vessel after subintimally bypassing an occlusion in a blood vessel. A guidewire is positionable within a subintimal tract in a wall of the blood vessel with a distal end located beyond the occlusion. A hollow lumen of the guidewire includes a retractable blade slidably exposable adjacent a distal end thereof for rotary cutting or scoring the intima layer of the vessel wall to create a transverse cut or line of weakness in the intima. A balloon catheter is subsequently trackable over the guidewire and once inflated tears or otherwise ruptures the transverse cut, thereby creating or enlarging a passageway into the true lumen of the blood vessel beyond the occlusion.
US08241309B2	Cannulation apparatus and method A remote cannulation assembly is disclosed for rapidly cannulating a body part such as a heart during a medical procedure. Cannulation is often conducted in procedures such as the installation of a ventricular assist device. The cannulation assembly of the invention utilizes an isolation valve to create a sealed fluid environment for the procedure. The invention further includes a coring assembly that may be used with the cannulation apparatus. Methods of cannulating a heart or other body part are also disclosed in which the risk of emboli is reduced. Additionally, methods of connecting and disconnecting two fluid conducting elements are disclosed.
US08241308B2	Tissue fastening devices and processes that promote tissue adhesion The invention in certain aspects relates to a surgical fastener for fastening tissue segments having tissue surfaces. The fastener includes a first fastener member having a base and a piercing element connected to the base for piercing the tissue segments to be fastened, a second fastener member having an opening for receiving and retaining the piercing element of the first fastener member such that the tissue segments to be fastened are retained between the first and second fastening members, and means for promoting adhesion between the tissue surfaces. The invention also relates to related methods and devices for promoting adhesion of tissue segments and preventing fastener migration, especially in an endoscopic procedure for the treatment of GERD.
US08241307B2	Knot tying laparoscopic needle driver A modification to a standard needle driver in the form of a deployable and retractable projection at the working end of the needle driver with which the operator can control the suture in order to facilitate tying a knot in the suture. This modification solves the difficult problem of controlling the suture during the rate-limiting step of knot tying allowing for faster, easier knot tying in laparoscopic and single port surgery.
US08241306B2	Rigidly-linked articulating wrist with decoupled motion transmission The present invention is a device having a rigidly linked jaw that is decoupled from an articulating wrist. The device provides for articulating motion as well as actuation that may be used in grasping, cutting, suturing or the like.
US08241304B2	Single catheter mitral valve repair device and method for use A single catheter mitral valve repair device for stabilizing a tissue portion and selectively applying a tissue fastener thereto. The single catheter mitral valve repair device of the present invention includes an extendable engagement tip having at least one vacuum port formed thereon, at least one deployable fastener in communication with the engagement tip, and at least one actuator member in communication with the port. The deployable fastener is capable of controllably engaging and fastening a tissue segment located proximal to the engagement tip.
US08241300B2	Animal tag applicator and tags therefor An animal tag applicator (1) has handles (2) and (3) pivotally connected together and extending to respective jaws (6) and (7) for dispensing an ear tag (10) to be engaged about an animal's ear (39). The tags (10) are in the form of an elongate, longitudinally connected, strip which can be accommodated within the hollow handle (2). A slider (17) has a pusher (18) engaged with the front-most tag (10A) to move it into the dispensing position where its male portion is engaged by the top jaw (7) and a cutting means (31) severs the connection between the front-most tag (10A) and the immediately following tag. A releasable stop member (42) engages the front-most tag (10A) before it is dispensed. A lost motion slot (43) enables the cutting means (31) to be raised before the pusher (18) engages with the next tag (10) to move it into the dispensing position.
US08241295B2	Apparatus and method for the dispensing of bone cement Apparatus and method to dispense PMMA bone cement including a temperature controller, a disposable cement cartridge and a means for extracting cement from the cement cartridge so that the temperature of the extracted cement is first cooled to discourage polymerization and to prolong working time, then warmed so as to control viscosity of the cement flowing into the desired bone repair location. A first embodiment includes a spiral cement cartridge along with a means for extracting cement therefrom. A second embodiment includes a linear disposable cement cartridge along with a means for extracting cement therefrom. A color matching mechanism identifies cement temperature and viscosity during dispensation. A manual cement dispensing method includes a calibrated hand crank mechanism for causing calibrated delivery of cement. An automatic cement dispensing method uses a stepper motor and computer programmed means for causing calibrated flow of cement.
US08241291B2	Sinus membrane lifting and lateral separation instrument A sinus membrane lifting instrument comprising a longitudinally extending handle portion, an angled neck extending longitudinally from the handle portion and a disc-shaped tip extending from the angled neck, the angled neck including means for sensing tension in a sinus membrane as it is being lifted by the instrument from its bony support floor.
US08241287B2	Implant for osteosynthesis An implant for osteosynthesis, for example a bone nail, has an implant body which has at least one bore with a threaded portion and a bone screw which engages the thread when it is threaded into a bone for the fixation of the implant body. The threaded bore has an annular groove the diameter of which is larger than the thread outer diameter, and which receives a ring of a deformable material with an inner diameter which is smaller than the outer diameter of the thread of the bone screw so that the ring extends partially into the bore.
US08241277B2	Apparatus for securing an electrophysiology probe to a clamp An apparatus for use with a clamp including a base member configured to be secured to the clamp and at least one energy transmission device carried by the base member. An apparatus for use with a clamp and a probe that carries at least one energy transmission device including a base member configured to be secured to the clamp and an engagement device associated with the base member and configured to engage the probe. A clamp including first and second clamp members, at least one of which is malleable, and a movement apparatus that moves at least one of the first and second clamp members relative to the other. A surgical system including a clamp with first and second clamp members and a device that removably mounts at least one electrode on at least one of the first and second clamp members.
US08241274B2	Method for guiding a medical device A device and method for valve replacement or valve repair is disclosed comprising the steps of acquiring an anatomical image of a patient, correlating the image to the patient, guiding a valve replacement delivery member or a valve repair delivery member within the patient while tracking the position of the delivery member in the patient, positioning the valve replacement member or valve repair member in a desired position to place a valve or repair valve and removing the delivery member from the patient. In one aspect of the invention, a delivery system is provided for percutaneous delivery of a heart valve to a predetermined position in the heart of a patient, where the delivery system itself includes features that allow it to be accurately positioned in the heart. In another aspect of the invention, a delivery system is provided for percutaneous repair of a heart valve in the heart of a patient, where the repair system itself includes features that allow it to be accurately positioned in the heart. In another aspect of the invention, a method and device are provided that involve imaging a native root using an interoperative technique, then introducing a device that is easily visualized in a chosen imaging modality.
US08241272B2	Methods for ablation with radiant energy A method of treating atrial fibrillation includes the step of positioning a distal portion of an ablation instrument in proximity to one or more pulmonary veins. The instrument has a hollow housing and an independently axially positionable energy emitter within the distal portion The energy emitter is configured and the distal portion is shaped such that a distance a beam of ablative energy travels from the energy emitter to the portion of the distal portion in contact with target tissue changes based on the energy emitter's location along the length of the instrument while the distal portion maintains its shape The energy emitter is a light emitting element and a beam-forming optical waveguide that receives light from the light emitting element. The waveguide projects onto the distal portion a hollow cone of radiation.
US08241269B2	Fluid medication delivery device A fluid delivery device for transdermal delivery of a fluid to a patient. The device comprises an envelope that may be applied to a patient's skin. The envelope comprises at least one diffusion layer coupled to at least one impermeable layer such that at least a chamber is defined therebetween. Other embodiments include internal diffusion layers, and thus possess additional chambers, as well. In one arrangement, an adhesive boundary layer permits the device to be removably secured to a patient and inhibits radial migration of fluid beyond the periphery of the device. In another arrangement, preferably, an anti-microbial layer is provided to inhibit the growth of microorganisms.
US08241267B2	Method and apparatus for curving a catheter An apparatus and method for curving a catheter after deployment include a catheter having a primary lumen, a secondary lumen, and a resilient fiber contained within the secondary lumen. The resilient fiber and the secondary lumen have corresponding, preformed curve shapes when the catheter is in a straight, unstressed condition. The resilient fiber is slidable within the secondary lumen to create a desired curve shape in the catheter as the curved portion of the resilient fiber slides into an originally straight portion of the secondary lumen. In another embodiment, the preformed curve shape of the resilient fiber is held in a straight condition within a stiff, marker ring segment of the catheter until after the catheter is deployed. Once deployed, the resilient fiber is slid out of the marker ring segment, and the preformed curve shape of the resilient fiber creates a corresponding curve shape in the catheter.
US08241265B2	Medicament admixing system A system for mixing or reconstituting a drug contained in a first container with a diluent or fluid contained in a second container. The second container has a port docking assembly for engaging the first container. The first container is rotatable and axially slidable within the port docking assembly. The port docking assembly has an actuator to urge a stopper fluidly sealing the first container into the interior of the first container. The port docking assembly further includes a movable plug constructed to fluidly seal the second container in a first, docked position and to provide access to the interior of the second container in a second, activated position, whereby fluid communication between the first and second containers is provided when the first and second containers are in the second, activated position.
US08241260B2	Liquid streaming devices for treating wounds, method of making such devices, and method of using such devices for treating wounds A liquid streaming device for treating a wound includes a body having a lower surface for application to skin region around the wound to be treated and to conform to the contour of the skin region, and an upper surface facing outwardly when the body is applied to the skin region; a recess formed in the lower surface of the body and configured to enclose the wound when the body is applied to the skin region, and to define a chamber closed on one side by the skin region and the wound, and on the opposite side by the body; an inlet in the body on one side of the recess for introducing a treating liquid into an inlet side of the chamber; and an outlet in the body on another side of the recess for outletting the treating liquid from an outlet side of the chamber.
US08241258B2	Wound treatment system and method of use A wound treatment system includes a vessel that is sized to receive a human limb. The vessel includes a chamber with an opening leading into the chamber. A removable liner lines the chamber of the vessel and forms a treatment zone. A humidifier in fluid communication with the treatment zone humidifies a solution of water and antibacterial agent. An oxygen source is in fluid communication with the treatment zone. A speaker is coupled to the vessel and emits low frequency sound waves to the chamber. A first array of light emitting diodes that emits ultraviolet light is coupled to the vessel near the opening of the treatment chamber. A second array of light emitting diodes that emits pulsed light into the chamber is coupled to the chamber. The system also includes a control panel.
US08241256B2	Needle guide for needle-based medical device A needle-based medical device including a needle guide and a method for constructing the same are disclosed. The needle-based medical device includes a tube having a first lumen; a needle guide which is dimensioned to be inserted into the lumen of the tube, and a needle. The needle is inserted such that an end is positioned in the needle guide. A glue may also be provided to secure the needle guide to the tube. In one embodiment, the tube may be made of extruded plastic.
US08241250B2	Rotationally actuated fixation mechanism The present invention provides a gastrostomy or jejunal device for extended insertion into an abdomen of a patient. The device includes a catheter and a coaxial sheath that surrounds the catheter. The sheath includes a plurality of curved or oblique slots through the sheath materials that form a plurality of arms. A rotatable actuation device is provided to twist the sheath along its longitudinal axis which places the arms in compression and causes them to buckle radially outward beyond the circumference of the remainder of the sheath when the actuation device is rotated with respect to the remainder of the device.
US08241249B2	Drug releasing coatings for medical devices The invention relates to a medical device for delivering a therapeutic agent to a tissue. The medical device has a layer overlying the exterior surface of the medical device. The layer contains a therapeutic agent and an additive. In certain embodiments, the additive has a hydrophilic part and a drug affinity part, wherein the drug affinity part is at least one of a hydrophobic part, a part that has an affinity to the therapeutic agent by hydrogen bonding, and a part that has an affinity to the therapeutic agent by van der Waals interactions. In embodiments, the additive is water-soluble. In further embodiments, the additive is at least one of a surfactant and a chemical compound, and the chemical compound has a molecular weight of from 80 to 750 or has more than four hydroxyl groups.
US08241242B2	Phacoaspiration flow restrictor with bypass tube A device for achieving high vacuum stability during phacoemulsification surgery includes a main aspiration line connected to a vacuum source which enables a fluid flow from a phacoemulsification handpiece tip to a drainage reservoir. A first tubing segment is provided in the main aspiration line along with a second tubing segment generally parallel to the first tubing section and a valve disposed in the second tubing segment regulates fluid flow through the second tubing segment in order to limit vacuum surge in the main aspiration line upon clearing of an occlusion in the phacoemulsification handpiece tip.
US08241238B2	Cell selection apparatus A cell sorting apparatus includes an extracorporeal circulation system 10 for sampling blood from a subject and circulating the blood outside a body; a cell measuring section 20 for supplying measurement light to cells contained in the blood to optically measure cell information on the physical quantity relating to the volume of the cell itself or a nucleus of the cell; and a cell separating section 30 for separating cells with reference to the cell information measured. The cell separating section 30 separates cells, based on the cell information measured by the cell measuring section 20 and a sorting condition set for sorting a specific type of cell such as a cancer cell, the cells satisfying the sorting condition, and returns the other cells into the body via the extracorporeal circulation system 10. Thus, a cell sorting apparatus can be realized which is capable of suitably sorting a target cell from the cells in blood.
US08241236B2	Apparatus for cleaning a nasal cavity A nasal cleaning apparatus is described that includes a grip portion and a cleaning portion. The grip portion may include a handle and one or more gripping members attached to the handle. Such gripping members may facilitate rotation of the grip portion or other handling of the apparatus. The cleaning portion includes a head that is attached to a nasal cleaning cloth. The nasal cleaning cloth is disposed around and attached to the head, and is formed of a flexible, anti-microbial material. An extension member connects the cleaning portion to the grip portion. The nasal cleaning apparatus may be disposable and/or modular to facilitate multiple uses of all or only portions of the apparatus.
US08241233B2	Manual device for massaging appendage muscles A portable, manual massage device for massaging appendage muscles, having a wrap with vertical edges and a gap defined between the vertical edges. The vertical edges have at least one anchor and are bound by at least one tension transfer member located between the vertical edges. The tension transfer members are encircled with springs between the vertical edges and enclosed by an external tension-transfer guide and an internal tension-transfer guide. The external tension-transfer guide integrally couples between an actuator and the wrap and the internal tension-transfer guide integrally couples between the anchors.
US08241232B2	Foot pain relief device A foot pain relief device can advantageously provide multiple angles of inclination, directed pressure against the plantar fascia, as well as ease of manufacturing and assembly. A toe strap, which is fastened around the ankle and the toe(s), ensures that the toes are flexed up. This toe flexing tenses the plantar fascia of the foot. A ball strap can be threaded through a hole in a ball and then operatively coupled with the toe strap. When operatively coupled to the toe strap, the ball strap keeps the ball positioned on the bottom of the foot while allowing ball mobility. The mobility of the ball can provide directed pressure on at least one component of the plantar fascia. Notably, the simultaneous combination of tension to the plantar fascia and directed pressure to the component(s) of the plantar fascia can be particularly effective at relieving foot pain.
US08241230B2	Variable stiffness wire guide The present invention provides a wire guide having a variable stiffness region that may be selectively adjusted to vary the stiffness along a portion of the wire guide. The wire guide generally comprises an outer core member and an inner core member, wherein the inner core member is disposed for longitudinal movement with respect to the outer core member. The outer core member is attached to a proximal end of a coiled member, while the inner core member is attached to the coiled member at an attachment region between proximal and distal ends of the coiled member. In operation, distal advancement of the outer core member with respect to the inner core member causes the coiled member to compress at a location between the proximal end of the coiled member and the attachment region, thereby selectively increasing the stiffness along a portion of the length of the wire guide.
US08241225B2	Biopsy device A biopsy device is disclosed. The biopsy device includes a chamber having a body having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end includes an inlet. The biopsy device further includes a vacuum generator for generating negative and positive pressure and at least one first recessed area and at least one second recessed area. The first recessed area extends along an inner wall of the body, proximate the proximal end of the body of the chamber. The first recessed area is configured to release pressure within the chamber. The second recessed area extends along the inner wall of the body, proximate the distal end of the body of the chamber. The second recessed area is configured to release pressure within the chamber.
US08241223B2	Cough detector A device for detecting and counting coughing events is provided. In one embodiment a sensor for sensing and transducing low frequency and high frequency mechanical vibrations, sends signals to a coincidence detector that determines if high and low signals coincide. In another embodiment, ultrasonic energy is introduced to the trachea and if Doppler shift in frequency is detected, association is made to a coughing event. In another embodiment a change in the impedance of the neck is considered associated with coughing event if correlated over time with a specific mechanical frequency sensed.
US08241216B2	Coherent image formation for dynamic transmit beamformation Retrospective dynamic transmit beamformation is provided in medical ultrasound imaging. Using parallel receive beamformation, sets of data representing locations in at least a common field of view are obtained, each set in response to a transmit with a spatially distinct phase front. The common field of view receive data are time aligned and amplitude weighted for retrospective transmit focusing and retrospective transmit apodization, respectively. A time offset, such as of a cycle or more in some cases, is applied to the receive data for retrospective transmit focusing. The offset is selected to emulate shifting the transmit delay profile to be tangentially intersecting with the dynamic receive delay profile for each location which is the desired transmit delay profile. A weight is applied to the receive data for retrospective transmit apodization. The weight is selected based on the desired transmit apodization profile. The offset and weighted data representing a same location from different transmit events is coherently combined. The number of sets of data offset, weighted and combined may vary as a function of depth for dynamic transmit beamformation.
US08241208B2	Endoscope disposable sheath A disposable protecting cover for an endoscope, the endoscope comprising a endoscope and a disposable valve disk, and the disposable protecting cover comprising a disposable sheath, a clamping tube, a disposable suction tube, a three-way sealing cap, a water air tube, and a protecting cover comprising a hand entrance and an instrument insertion opening. A support ring is disposed in the front of the disposable sheath, a convex portion and a concave portion are respectively disposed on both sides of the support ring and fit with a concave portion and a convex portion on a head of the endoscope, the water air tube is connected to the disposable sheath, a one-way valve is disposed on the water air tube and outside the disposable sheath, the protecting cover is in the shape of a cap and made of transparent film, the protecting cover operates to cover an operating portion of the endoscope of the endoscope, the instrument insertion portion is elastically fit with an upper opening of the three-way sealing cap, a suck-in connector and a suck-out connector are disposed on a valve seat of the disposable valve disk, and connected to the disposable suction tube, and the suck-in connector, the suck-out connector, and the disposable suction tube are dispose outside the endoscope.
US08241195B2	Folder gluer A folder gluer for conveying a cardboard sheet and folding up the cardboard sheet from a deployed state thereof is disclosed. The folder gluer comprises two flat belts including a first belt and a second belt arranged in parallel for conveying a cardboard sheet, two pulleys provided at a starting part or a terminal part in a conveying direction of the folder gluer for respectively driving the first and second flat belts by friction forces, two motors for respectively driving the pulley for the first belt and the pulley for the second belt, a sensor device for respectively detecting the speeds of the first belt and the second belt, and a control device for controlling at least one of the two motors such that a difference in the speeds of the first belt and the second belt detected by the sensor device becomes zero.
US08241193B2	Method and apparatus for bag closure and sealing A method and apparatus for sealing a bag made of a polymeric material by applying heat activated layers on different portions of the bag, wherein the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer have respective heat activation temperatures below the softening point temperature of the polymeric material; after creasing the bag along a fold line, applying heat at a temperature below the softening point temperature of the polymeric material to activate the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer to adhesive states after the bag has been filled with contents; and folding the bag to form an adhesive-to adhesive seal by contact between the heat activated first adhesive layer and the heat activated second adhesive layer.
US08241188B2	Exercise apparatus An exercise apparatus is implemented with a frame with a horizontal and vertical component and a rotatable endless belt mounted on the horizontal frame component, the belt having a surface for supporting a user. Vertical frame component has an upper body engaging element connected thereto and adapted to engage the shoulders of a user during a portion of an exercise cycle. An actuator is disposed between the upper body engaging element and the vertical frame component, wherein an increase in actuator length raises the height of the upper body engaging element relative to the belt. The upper body engaging element is positioned at a start position of low height to engage the user in a low-level position at a beginning of the exercise cycle, and the upper body engaging element increases in height as the user accelerates and rises to a fully upright position.
US08241186B2	Interactive exercise devices An interactive exercise device includes a stationary base to which a first exercise implement is movably connected. A first resistance element is operably connected to the first exercise implement to provide resistance against at least some movements of the first exercise implement relative to the stationary base. An interactive motion guide that directs a user of the interactive exercise device to move the first exercise implement relative to the stationary base in an indicated manner is operably connected to the interactive exercise device. The interactive motion guide includes first and second electronic indicators to which a processor is operably connected. A non-transitory and tangible computer readable medium is operably connected to the processor and includes instructions to manipulate output of the first and second electronic indicators in response to movement of the first exercise implement relative to the stationary base.
US08241184B2	Methods and computer program products for providing audio performance feedback to a user during an athletic activity Methods and computer program products for providing audio performance feedback to a user during an athletic activity are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method for providing audio performance feedback to a user during an athletic activity using a portable fitness monitoring device includes the steps of the portable fitness monitoring device receiving one or more audio feedback files, the portable fitness monitoring device generating audio performance feedback during the athletic activity by reference to an index, wherein the index is associated with the one or more audio feedback files, and the portable fitness monitoring device providing the audio performance feedback to the user during the athletic activity audibly through an audio output device.
US08241182B2	Playground equipment A playground system includes a playground appliance and a processing unit. The processing unit is adapted to receive a sensor signal from the sensor indicative of the detected movement, and to control the display to indicate a user-selection responsive to the received sensor signal.
US08241174B2	Method for controlling a motor vehicle drive train A method for controlling a drivetrain including a combustion engine, electric motor/generator and a transmission inter-coupled, via a summarizing gear, with one output and two input elements and, via a clutch, with each other. One input element is fixed to the engine, the second input element is fixed to the motor/generator and the output element is fixed to the input shaft of the transmission. The clutch is between two elements of the summarizing gear. Before a gearshift, torques of the engine and motor/generator are reduced and the clutch disengaged. To quickly reduce torque in the summarizing gear, the engine torque is reduced after a defined time, such that the clutch disengages when the slippage is proportional to the lowering engine torque and the motor/generator torque, in a ratio of torques at the beginning of torque reduction, is reduced proportionally to the engine torque.
US08241171B2	Multi step transmission A multi step transmission comprising a drive shaft, an output shaft, four planetary gear sets each having a sun gear, a carrier and a ring gear, third, four, fifth, six, seventh and eighth rotatable shafts and at least six shift elements for selectively engaging different transmission ratios between the drive shaft and the output shaft such that nine forward gears and one reverse gear can be implemented. For each one of the nine forward gears and one reverse gear only three of the at least six shift elements are engaged. The sixth shaft is operatively connectable to the sun gear of the third platentary gear set via either a direct connection or a releasable connection.
US08241169B2	Eight speed automatic transmission An automatic transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may be either clutches or brakes.
US08241167B2	Multi-speed transaxle A front wheel drive transmission is provided having a transmission input member, a transmission output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear member, a planet carrier member, and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and a brake arranged within a transmission housing.
US08241163B2	Right-left driving force controller A controller includes: a adjuster, configured to adjust distribution of driving force between right and left wheels; a limiter, configured to limit a difference between operations of the right and left wheels; a first calculator, configured to calculate a first control amount corresponding to the adjustor and including an amount related to direction of shift of driving force between the right and left wheels; a second calculator, configured to calculate a second control amount corresponding to the limiter; a third calculator, configured to calculate a third control amount including the second control amount and the amount; a fourth calculator, configured to calculate a fourth control amount that is a combination of the first and third control amounts; a selector, configured to select either the adjustor and the limiter; and a controller, configured to control the adjustor or the limiter in accordance with the fourth control amount.
US08241162B2	Transmission system A sun gear of a first planetary gear train is connected to an input shaft. A carrier 9 of the first planetary gear train is connected to a sun gear of a second planetary gear train and to a first pump/motor. A ring gear of the first planetary gear train is connected to a second pump/motor, and a ring gear of the second planetary gear train is connected to an output shaft. A first clutch is provided for engaging and disengaging a carrier of the second planetary gear train and the ring gear of the first planetary gear train with and from each other, and a second clutch is provided for engaging and disengaging the carrier of the second planetary gear train and a fixed end with and from each other.
US08241159B2	Method and apparatus for mounting and dismounting belts to and from pulleys A method for mounting a belt on a first pulley and a second pulley is disclosed, wherein a guide member and a fixing member is used. The method includes steps of winding the belt around a pulley groove of the second pulley; fitting the guide member in an inner groove of the first pulley; fixing the guide member on the first pulley using the fixing member; seating the belt in the inner pulley groove of the first pulley using the fixing member; positioning the belt in the outer direction with respect to the axial direction of the first pulley, by the guidance of a belt introduction surface of the guide member; and rotating the first pulley in the rotational direction of the first pulley so as to seat the belt in the inner pulley groove of the first pulley.
US08241152B2	Sport instruction system A sport instruction system for use in training for a sport requiring use of equipment having a gripping handle comprises a plurality of flexible equipment handle cue bands, each cue band displaying a unique visual cue, each cue band sized for securement to the gripping handle of the equipment in a location visible to the player of the sport when holding the gripping handle of the equipment, a plurality of sport specific instruction cards, each card having training theme indicia corresponding to one of the visual cues on the equipment handle cue bands, performance problem indicia related to the training theme indicia, and training instruction indicia related to the performance indicia, such that viewing the visual cue on one of the cue bands during training focuses the players attention on training instructions conveyed by the training instruction indicia on the instruction card having training theme corresponding to the visual cue.
US08241150B2	Golf ball The present invention is to a golf ball having an equator at latitude 0° and two poles; and an equator region defined by latitudes 0 to 25°, a shoulder region defined by latitudes from more than 25° to less than 65°, and a pole region defined by latitudes 65° to 90°; and a dimple pattern on the surface of the golf ball having an average dimple volume of the equator region Ve, an average dimple volume of the shoulder region, Vs, and an average dimple volume of the pole region, Vp such that the ratio Vs/Ve is less than 0.97 and the ratio Vp/Vs is less than 0.97.
US08241149B2	Golf balls having two core layers formed from HNP compositions The present invention is directed to golf balls consisting essentially of a dual-layer core and a cover. The core includes a center having a center hardness of 50 Shore C or greater and formed from a first HNP composition, and an outer core layer having a surface hardness of 75 Shore C or greater and formed from a second HNP composition. The first HNP composition has a material hardness of 55 Shore D or less and comprises a highly neutralized ethylene/(meth)acrylic acid/alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer. The second HNP composition has a material hardness of 45 Shore D or greater and comprises a highly neutralized ethylene/(meth)acrylic acid copolymer. The material hardness of the first HNP composition is less than the material hardness of the second HNP composition. The cover includes an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer.
US08241147B2	Golf balls having at least two core layers formed from HNP compositions The present invention is directed to golf balls consisting of a multi-layer core and a cover. The multi-layer core consists of a small, hard center enclosed by a soft intermediate core layer and an outer core layer. The multi-layer core includes at least one layer formed from a relatively soft HNP composition and at least one layer formed from a relatively hard HNP composition.
US08241144B2	Hollow golf club head having crown stress reducing feature A hollow golf club incorporating a stress reducing feature including a crown located stress reducing feature located on the crown of the club head. The location and size of the crown stress reducing feature, and their relationship to one another and other club head engineering variables, play a significant role in reducing the peak stress seen on the golf club's face during an impact with a golf ball, as well as selectively increasing deflection of the face.
US08241142B2	Golf club head with improved aerodynamic characteristics Methods of forming a golf club head having improved aerodynamic characteristics are disclosed herein. A preferred method is the largest tangent circle method, which utilizes a Cartesian coordinate system. The method results in identification and measurement of certain club head features, which can be adjusted to improve aerodynamic properties of the golf club head. One method of the present invention lowers the drag of the club head by specifying dimensional relationships of the driver head based on location of apex and nadir points, while another method lowers the drag of the club head by improving overall face design.
US08241138B2	Apparatuses, methods and systems for improving sports playing abilities Sports training apparatuses, systems and methods for allowing a golf club user to estimate the trajectory and distance of a golf ball once it has been impacted with the golf club. One embodiment includes a golf club made up of a head, a ferrule, a shaft and a grip wherein one or more markings are positioned on said head, ferrule, shaft or grip or any combination of the head, ferrule, shaft and grip so the one or more markings may be used for monitoring and aiding in the improvement of the player's performance. The markings may be positioned at one or more locations about the external surface of one or more portions of the golf club including the head, the ferrule, the hosel, the shaft, and the grip. In other embodiments, additional markings may be used in conjunction with the first set of markings.
US08241134B2	Components for extreme sports courses An extreme sports component having a support and at least a first member defining a maneuvering surface. The support and at least first member are operatively joined through at least one member on each of the support and at least first member that cooperate with each other so as to maintain the support and at least first member in a predetermined operative relationship. The support and at least first member are maintained in the predetermined operative relationship without requiring that any anchoring element be directed through the maneuvering surface.
US08241127B2	Wireless operation of a game device A gaming device which can be operated by wireless signals provided by a remote control unit or device after an initialization process. The initialization process insures that the initialized gaming device accepts signals solely from the initialized remote control unit and that other players are prevented from operating the gaming device using a different remote control unit. The wireless signals contain gaming commands for play of a primary wagering game as well as player identification and/or player tracking information.
US08241123B2	Video switcher and touch router method for a gaming machine A gaming method for presenting both gaming content based video signals and secondary video signals over a single display using a Display Manager is disclosed. The Display Manager is placed between the Master Gaming Controller and its Main Game Display and any Secondary Display and between the Player Tracking Unit connected to the casino system network (e.g., player tracking device) and its System display. The Display Manager receives one or more video signals from the Master Gaming Controller and one or more video signals from the system device and displays one or multiple video signals on one or more shared displays. One of video signals may be presented alone on one of the displays, with the other signal absent from that shared display, or multiple signals may be simultaneously displayed on one of the shared displays. The screen may be split between multiple signals, or one or more signals may overlay one or more background signals. The overlaid signals may completely obscure the background signals, or they may provide a level of transparency by allowing the background signal to be partially or completely visible. Also, the overlaid signal may provide different levels of transparency in different areas of the display, effectively superimposing an image on top of the background signal. The Display Manager receives commands from a device, directing it how to split, overlay, superimpose, and otherwise share the display among the video input signals.
US08241122B2	Image processing method and input interface apparatus For an input interface apparatus for recognizing the motion of an object, there may be cases where the brightness of the object to be captured is insufficient, and thus, a camera takes an image of the object operated by the object, a depth position detector detects the position of the object based on captured frames, an action identifying unit identifies an action of the player based on a result on the detection of the object, an input receiving unit receives the action as an instruction to an input-receiving image displayed on a display, and in response to the action, an illumination control unit raises the brightness of the image projected on the display higher than that before the action is detected.
US08241121B2	Gaming machine with a light guiding plate subjected to a light scattering process and having a light deflection pattern A gaming machine includes a liquid crystal display 27 having a liquid crystal panel 173 and a light guiding plate 174 placed at the rear of the liquid crystal panel 173 for guiding light emitted from illumination light means 176a, 176b for the liquid crystal panel 173 into the liquid crystal panel 173, and a variable display device placed at the rear of the liquid crystal display 27 and having a plurality of reels 3L, 3C, and 3R provided in a row each on which a plurality of symbols are arranged. Parts of the light guiding plate 174 to which the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are opposed are cut out or are formed with recesses on the reel side and light scattering process is applied on end faces 174a, 174b, and 174c of the cutouts or the recesses.
US08241119B2	Candle devices for gaming machines A gaming peripheral for a gaming machine is described. The gaming peripheral can be configured to emulate the functions of a lighting device, such as a candle. The gaming peripheral can be configured to provide enhanced gaming features such as 1) enhanced networking capabilities, 2) enhanced peripheral device monitoring and upgrade capabilities, 3) enhanced player monitoring and security capabilities 4) enhanced gaming function capabilities and 5) enhanced player reward capabilities. The enhanced gaming features can be provided in a non-intrusive manner such that regulated software executed on a gaming machine does not have to be altered.
US08241116B2	Apparatuses, methods and systems for a live online game tester including choosing additional subjects from co-users if needed A method for testing a new feature of an online gaming application is provided. According to the method, a gaming application request is received from a user, and it is determined whether to add the user to a live test for a new game feature. If the user is added to the live test, then the user is assigned to a test group or a control group. If the user is assigned to the test group, then a gaming application is provided including the new game feature enabled. If the user is assigned to the control group, then the gaming application is provided without the new game feature enabled. User social graph data identifying co-users of the user is obtained, and gaming activity and social network activity of the user is evaluated.
US08241113B2	Games, gaming machines, systems and method having a horserace bonus feature Disclosed are games, gaming machines, gaming systems and methods having a horserace bonus feature game including randomly generated icons which serve to advance one or more horses toward a finish line. In some embodiments, a progressive award associated with the winning horse is paid to a player. In other embodiments, multiple progressive awards may be paid in the event of a tie.
US08241109B2	Gaming machine power fail enhancement An operating system for a gaming system includes a data producer which generates non-reproducible data relating to a transaction carried out in respect of the gaming system. A data consumer is in communication with the data producer for storing data relating to the non-reproducible data. A game controller is in communication with the data producer and the data consumer which effects communications between the data producer and the data consumer by means of a transaction-based protocol. The invention also relates to the use of data storage device for a gaming system that includes a local power supply.
US08241108B2	Gaming device having sequential activations of a game and replay of previous activations of the game A gaming device including a plurality of reels with a plurality of symbols on each of the reels. At least one and preferably a plurality of the symbols on the primary reels are designated as tracking or back symbols. A tracking symbol is a symbol that, when generated on a reel, causes the gaming device to flag the outcome of the current and all tracking spins in a memory storage device. A back symbol is a symbol that, when generated on a reel, causes the gaming device to retrieve the flagged outcomes of each flagged spin and to re-display the outcomes in a sequential manner and to provide the awards associated with the outcomes to the player. An additional embodiment of the invention automatically flags all spins of the gaming device for retrieval and display upon the generation of a back or bonus symbol. The gaming device determines if an award is associated with one or more of the symbols generated on the reels and provides any determined award to the player.
US08241101B2	Symbol recognition arrangement The present invention relates to a symbol recognition arrangement for recognizing a symbol of a gambling device, comprising an image capturing device, and a control unit connected to the image capturing device. The control unit may be configured for arranging the image capturing device in a non-capture mode, acquiring a signal from an external gaming control system, evaluating the acquired signal, arranging the image capturing device in a capture mode if successfully evaluating the acquired signal and subsequently capturing an image of the gambling device, recognizing a symbol of the gambling device, and providing a result relating to the recognized symbol to a user.Advantages with the invention include for example increased security in relation to manual operation of a dice game.
US08241099B2	Generating custom creatures A computer-implemented method of growing and incubating custom creatures in a computer game, including: obtaining genetic properties; combining the genetic properties in combinations of attributes, skills, and appearances; incubating a creature with role-specific properties using the combined genetic properties; and displaying an egg object of the incubated creature on a display for transaction. Keywords include MMO, incubation, genetic properties, and egg object.
US08241096B1	Casing chuck Chucks for a meat encasing machine that increase the holdback force on plastic casing sticks resulting in fully formed initial links. The invention also includes a method for controlling the deshirr rate of shirred plastic casing sticks inserted in a meat encasing machine to generate fully formed initial sausage links.
US08241095B2	Abrasion apparatus with an abrading belt and product chambers An apparatus and method for abrading the surface of objects are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a chamber, an abrasive surface defining a wall of said chamber and drive means for moving the abrasive surface relative to the chamber. In use, the aforementioned relative movement promotes circulation of the objects within the chamber, wherein the chamber is shaped such that regions of flow stagnation of the objects within the chamber are avoided or minimized. Additionally or alternatively, the chamber may be shaped to approximate the peripheral flow path of the objects within the chamber.
US08241094B2	Micro-abrasive blasting device for dental applications and methods A micro-abrasive blasting device comprises a mixing chamber, a delivery conduit extending from external the mixing chamber to the mixing chamber and a discharge conduit extending from the mixing chamber. Abrasive material may selectively be sealed in the chamber by positioning the discharge conduit to abut the inlet port. The chamber may be spherical to deliver consistent powder perturbation at all mixing chamber orientations. Methods of using the device are disclosed. Methods of making the device by blow molding are disclosed.
US08241087B1	Child toy assembly A child toy assembly includes a housing that resembles an insect and has a front portion forming a head. A control circuit is mounted within the housing. A low intensity light emitter is mounted within the head and illuminates the head when the low intensity light emitter is turned on. The low intensity light emitter is electrically coupled to the control circuit and is actuated by a low light actuator. A high intensity light emitter is mounted within the housing opposite of the head. A rear portion of the housing opposite the head is transparent. The high intensity light emitter emits light outwardly through the rear portion. The high intensity light emitter is electrically coupled to the control circuit and is actuated by a high light actuator. A coupling apparatus is attached to the housing and attaches the housing to an object in close proximity to a child.
US08241086B2	Stuffed toy filled with super absorbent polymer The present design is related to stuffed toys formed in the shapes of various dolls or animals by using a bead-shaped super absorbent polymer as filler instead of cotton or packing in the stuffed toys, with the stuffed toys having variable states of contraction and expansion according to liquid absorption amount, without the leakage of the super absorbent polymer itself. The stuffed toy is characterized by having been stitched in the shape according to the stuffed toy with a water absorbent inner fabric on the inside of water absorbent outer fabric. The shape is formed by the bead-shaped super absorbent polymer that expands when water is absorbed to fill the inner space. The outer fabric and the inner fabric are water absorbent with the inner fabric being made of bead-proof material such that the stitching is made up of fine density that does not allow leakage of the beads.
US08241085B2	Motorized doll A motorized doll includes an upper body portion and a lower body portion. The upper body portion may include a torso and a pair of arms. The lower body portion may include a pelvis connected to the torso at a universal joint, a pair of legs, and a pair of feet rotatable with respect to the legs. The doll is actuated to walk by a torso motor which drives the torso to tilt and rotate about the universal joint, which causes the doll to shift from foot to foot and repeatedly rotate forwards in a realistic walking motion. The doll includes a shoulder motor for rotating the pair of arms and a pelvis motor for driving the legs between a standing position and one of a crawling position or sitting position depending on the position of the pair of arms when the doll is tipped forward.
US08241084B2	Intellectual training toy The invention provides an intellectual training toy with more elaborate idea which comprises disks 12 having an identification portion 20 and a toy main body 40 into which the disks 12 are inserted for use, the toy main body 40 comprising an insertion port switch 44 for detecting the insertion of the disks 12, an identification unit 70 for identifying the identification portions 20 of the disks 12, a sound storage unit for storing a plurality of voice signals which produce a voiced question and a voiced answer and music, a sound output unit for outputting voiced information and music, a disk discharge unit 54 for discharging the disks from the toy main body 40, a discharge port switch 62 for outputting a discharge signal when the disk discharge unit 54 is activated, and a control unit for reading out corresponding voice signals to output the voice signals so readout to the sound output unit.
US08241082B2	Electrode-less incandescent bulb A method of making an electrodeless incandescent bulb comprises the steps of: providing a bulb tube of quartz glass, closing one end of the bulb tube, forming a neck having a bore less than the internal diameter of the bulb tube, inserting a pellet of excitable material into the bulb tube through the adjacent neck, evacuating the bulb tube through the neck and sealing the bulb.
US08241078B2	Male terminal fitting with a reduced space portion A male terminal fitting includes a tab that is connectable with a counterpart female terminal fitting. A tubular body is behind the tab and has an opening for receiving a lance. A barrel is behind the body and is crimped to an end portion of an electric wire. Side walls between the barrel and the tab in the longitudinal direction are hammered in to form a reduced space portion. The reduced space portion has an opening smaller than a thickness and a width of the tab to prevent the tab of another male terminal fitting from intruding through the opening and into the body. Thus, the male terminal fitting prevents the entanglement of male terminal fittings without making the structure of the male terminal fitting complicated.
US08241075B2	Terminal fitting A rectangular tubular terminal connecting portion (11) includes two side plates (17) standing up from opposite sides of a base plate (15) via curved portions (16). A resilient contact piece (20) includes a substantially arcuate turned portion (21) extending forward from a front end (15F) of the base plate (15) and a main portion (22) extending back from an extending end of the turned portion (21). First slits (24) extend back from a front end (11F) of the terminal connecting portion (11) along lateral edges (21S) of the turned portion (21), second slits (25) extend from the rear ends of the first slits (24) along the front ends (15F, 16F) of the base plate (15) and the curved portions (16), and protecting plates (26) defined by the first and second slits (24, 25) are cantilevered toward the turned portion (21).
US08241071B1	Electric cable connecting device An electric cable connecting device includes a base member having a terminal post for engaging with an electric cable, a housing having a chamber for receiving a torque limiting mechanism which includes a follower engaged in the housing and having an inner thread for engaging with the terminal post and having a number of ratchet teeth, and a release member engaged in the housing and having a number of ratchet teeth biased to engage with the ratchet teeth of the follower, the release member is limited to slide relative to the housing only, and the release member is released when a torque applied to the housing and onto the terminal post is greater than a predetermined torque value of the spring biasing member.
US08241070B2	Electrical connector An electrical connector includes a signal blade including a first base member formed of an insulation material and a signal circuit portion formed on the first base member; a power source blade including a second base member formed of an insulation material and a power source circuit portion formed on the second base member, said power source blade further including an engaging protrusion; and a holding member formed of an insulation material and including a blade holding hole so that the engaging protrusion engages an inner surface when the power source blade is inserted into the blade holding hole.
US08241068B2	Pluggable connector with differential pairs having an air core A pluggable connector that includes a connector housing having mating and loading ends and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. The connector housing includes an insert cavity that opens to the mating end. The pluggable connector also includes a plug insert that is disposed within the insert cavity. The plug insert has an air core that extends in a direction along the longitudinal axis. The pluggable connector also including first and second differential pairs that extend along the longitudinal axis through the plug insert. Each of the first and second differential pairs includes two mating contacts that extend parallel to each other. The air core is located directly between the first and second differential pairs to control the electromagnetic coupling between the first and second differential pairs.
US08241067B2	Surface mount footprint in-line capacitance An interconnection system with capacitors integrated into a printed circuit board footprint of an electrical connector. One end of each capacitor shares a pad on the printed circuit board with a contact tail of a conductive element in a connector. The shared pads are not connected through vias to internal circuit structures. Rather, a via, such as which would conventionally be formed as part of the connector mounting pad, is formed as part of a separate, adjacent pad. A second end of the capacitor is attached to the adjacent pad, forming an electrical connection between the conductive element and the via through the capacitor. Incorporating capacitors into the footprint reduces the number of vias required, which improves signal integrity. The capacitors may be placed on the printed circuit board separately from the connector or may be incorporated into the connector, allowing the connector and capacitors to be placed in one operation.
US08241066B2	Light socket engageable energy saving device An energy saving apparatus adapted for insertion between the center conductor of a lightbulb, and the center electrical contact of a light bulb socket. The device features an electrical component for varying or decreasing the amount of electrical current reaching the light bulb. The electrical component is situated in a central aperture of a collar and is surrounded by the collar which centers it in position within the light socket between the center conductor and the electrical contact of the socket. The collar has an exterior circumference which may be varied to adapt it to fit within a plurality of different sized light bulb sockets.
US08241064B2	Connector having a body with an reinforcement member fitting into an inwardly bent portion of a shield case The invention provide a connector including a body having an insulating property, a contact provided in the body, a tuboid shield case adapted to receive the body, and a reinforcing member. The shield case includes a bent portion being a portion of the shield case bent inward and extending in an insertion direction of the body, and a depression being provided on a backside of the bent portion and extending in the insertion direction. The reinforcing member is configured to fit in at least a part of the depression.
US08241062B2	Shielding connector and wire harness A shielding connector has a housing (20) accommodating female terminals (15) connected to electric wires (10). The housing (20) is inserted in a die cast tubular shielding shell (40). An elastic locking piece (34) is provided on the housing (20) and locks an open edge (48) of the shielding shell (40) to prevent removal of the housing (20) that has been mounted properly in the housing (20). A retainer (50) is mounted on the housing (20) from the rear and prevents the elastic locking piece (34) from flexibly displacing in an unlocking direction. An open end (70A) of a braided wire (70) is placed on a mounting groove (46) formed on the shielding shell (40) and is fixed to the mounting groove (46) with a tightening band (60) whose diameter can be decreased with a tool.
US08241059B2	Electrical connector and printed circuit board assembly A connector and printed circuit board assembly includes a printed circuit board, a connector fixed on the printed circuit board, and a fixing board fixed on the connector, the fixing board defining a through hole, a connecting member fixed on the printed circuit board adjacent to the connector, a threaded retainer, and a threaded post securely connected with the connecting member. The threaded post passes through the through hole and seats the threaded retainer to lock the connector onto the printed circuit board.
US08241056B2	RJ-45 connector A Registered Jack-45 (RJ-45) connector includes a main body, a cable, and a light reflecting member. The cable is electrically connected to a rear end of the main body. The light reflecting member includes a base placed on a rear end of a top of the main body, two slanted light reflecting portions extending up and back from the base, and a fixing portion formed on a rear end of the base, to engage with the cable.
US08241055B2	Patch panel assembly and patching module thereof A patch panel assembly and a patching module thereof are described. The patch panel assembly includes an outer frame and more than one patching module disposed on the outer frame. The patching module includes a registered jack (RJ) component and an insulation displacement contact (IDC) component which can be combined correspondingly, so that a plurality of RJ jacks and a plurality of IDC pins are electrically connected and assembled on the outer frame. The IDC component can further match two specifications of punch down tools to perform compression and wire bonding.
US08241053B2	Electrical cable with strength member A cord assembly for an electronic device includes a cord having an insulation layer with a first end and an exterior surface, as well as at least one electrical conductor extending within the insulation layer. A strength member also extends within the insulation layer and includes a first end extending beyond the first end of the insulation layer. A securing element couples the first end of the strength member with the first end of the insulation layer along the exterior surface. The strength member is pre-tensioned to carry any additional tensile loads on the cord, at least initially. The cord assembly may also include a strain relief member molded over the first end of the strength member and the securing element.
US08241051B2	System and method for sealing a connector A connector assembly includes a connector having a connector housing including a flange and a mating end. The flange has a flange surface. The mating end has an opening extending therethrough. A flange seal extends along the flange surface. A mating end seal extends around the mating end of the connector housing. The connector housing is configured to couple to a panel so that a flange side of the panel is positioned adjacent the flange surface of the connector housing. The mating end of the connector housing is configured to extend through an opening formed in the panel. The flange seal is configured to be positioned between the flange surface of the connector housing and the flange side of the panel. The mating end seal is configured to be positioned between the panel and the mating end of the connector housing to seal the opening of the panel.
US08241047B2	Flash drive with spring-loaded swivel connector A swivel-type computer peripheral device includes a housing and a swivel rack assembly that swivels relative to the housing between a retracted position, in which a PCBA having a plug connector mounted on the swivel rack assembly is disposed inside the housing, and a deployed position, in which the swivel rack assembly is rotated outside of the housing such that the plug connector is positioned for insertion into a host computer socket. A torsion spring is connected between the housing and the swivel rack assembly and arranged to bias the swivel rack assembly either into the deployed position or into the retracted position. A locking mechanism controlled by a push button or another actuating mechanism is used to selectively lock the swinging rack in a retracted position and a deployed position.
US08241043B1	Probe connector A probe connector adapted for electrically interconnecting with a mated connector which has two portions thereof provided with different magnetism selected from a south magnetic pole and a north magnetic pole respectively, includes an insulating housing, a plurality of probe pins and a foolproof mechanism. The insulating housing defines a plurality of inserting holes penetrating therethrough for receiving the probe pins. The foolproof mechanism is made of magnetic material and includes an upper cover and a lower cover which have different magnetism selected from a north magnetic pole and a south magnetic pole respectively. The upper cover and the lower cover are mounted to two opposite sides of the insulating housing. The probe connector can be interconnected with the mated connector based on principles of homopolar repulsion and heteropolar attraction between the upper cover and the lower cover and the two portions of the mated connector.
US08241039B2	Kit of pre-construction samples for replicating construction products The present invention is a pre-construction sample that is made of a flexible material and has a product image corresponding to an actual construction product. The pre-construction sample is preferably at least 18 inches in one dimension. The pre-construction sample is preferably produced by a printing process having at least 200 dpi. Kits of pre-construction samples are provided to assist the consumer choosing from among various construction products.
US08241036B2	Implant with a ceramic coating, and method for ceramic coating of an implant Implant (1) with a base body having at least one bone contact surface (K) and at least one soft tissue contact surface (W), characterized in that the soft tissue contact surface (W) and/or a transition area (U) from bone contact surface (K) to soft tissue contact surface (W) have/has at least partially a ceramic coating (2), and in that the bone contact surface (K) has areas not provided with a ceramic coating (2).
US08241033B2	Safety flint lighter A safety flint lighter is provided that an adult is allowed to easily make an ignition with a single action without allowing a child to easily lean how to ignite a flame. A safety flint lighter has an ignition device using a flint and a sparking file wheel and structured not permitting a child to ignite a flame. An axial hole, rotatably supporting a rotary shaft of a sparking file wheel, is in a form permitting the rotary shaft, at an axis thereof, to directly move between a first position the rotary shaft is normally hold and distant from a tank body, a second position established closer to the tank body than the first position and on an axis of a flint and a third position established oppositely to a nozzle with respect to a straight line connecting between the first position and the second position.
US08241030B2	Drawing-blowing method and device for molding thermoplastic material containers, in particular bottles, with petaloid bottoms The invention relates to manufacturing thermoplastic material containers (2) with a petaloid bottom (4) by drawing-blowing hot preforms (16) in a blowing mold that has a petaloid mold bottom (1) including radiating ridges (13) alternating with cavities (11) that are adapted to form the valleys (7) and the feet (5), respectively, of the container bottom; during drawing, heat losses are reduced in longitudinal zones (19) of the end part (20) of the preforms, extending over the bottom (18) and over an axial portion of their body (21), distributed over the periphery of the ends of the preforms facing respective cavities (11) of the mold bottom (1).
US08241029B2	Tool to crimp non-metallic tubing onto fittings A low-cost crimping tool is provided for crimping non-metallic tubing such as PEX tubing connections. The tool includes two primary pieces which fit together forming an integral pivot without being pinned together about which the tool may be closed with pliers to form a secure tubing connection.
US08241027B2	Injection molding machine having a guide member A screw is moved along an axis by a screw advancement-retraction mechanism. A screw rotation mechanism is supported for movement along the axis by a pair of supporting members, each includes a rail for use as a guide member. The supporting members are arranged individually along tie-bars for use as lateral members and extend parallel to the tie-bars. One longitudinal end portion of each supporting member is secured to a frame of an injection unit by a fixing portion including a fixing member. The other end portion of the supporting member is supported on each tie-bar by a movable portion including a sliding member. The sliding member is movable along an axis of the tie-bar. With this arrangement, deformation, if any, of the tie-bar is prevented from affecting the rail, so that the screw rotation mechanism and the screw can move steadily.
US08241025B2	Apparatus for scattering fibrous material, e.g. chips An apparatus for scattering fibrous material, e.g., chips, the apparatus serving to spread chips using either a throw or air-jet spreading method to form a mat (3) of chips onto a moving band conveyor (4) or the like, whereby the scattering process avails a gas flow, such as air flow, for instance. The apparatus includes a scattering chamber mounted above the band conveyor or the like. In order to prevent lateral turbulence, the volume of the scattering chamber's length wherein the major portion of the material being scattered falls onto the band conveyor or the like is at least partially divided into smaller subspaces adjacent to each other in the cross-machine direction by substantially thin plate-like elements (9) set apart from each other in a cross-machine direction at a spacing substantially larger than the particle size of the material being scattered.
US08241024B2	Forming melt spun nonwowen webs A system for forming a spun bond nonwoven web from extruded polymer filaments includes a spinneret including a plurality of orifices to extrude a plurality of continuous polymeric filaments, and a pressure quench chamber including a top located proximate and below the spinneret and bounded peripherally by surfaces. The quench chamber includes an ingress opening extending substantially across the width of a top of the quench chamber to receive filaments from the spinneret and a chamber exit nozzle extending substantially across the width of a bottom of the quench chamber. The quench chamber has dimensions and a configuration to avoid substantial contact between the filaments and the surface of the quench chamber and a volume sufficient to allow solidification of the filaments within the quench chamber, where the chamber exit nozzle includes a drawing slot at the bottom of the quench chamber extending substantially across the width of the bottom of the quench chamber and in cooperative engagement with the quench chamber to receive the cooled filaments and quench fluid. The drawing slot is formed by lower surfaces of the chamber tapering toward each other in the direction of filament flow through the chamber and terminating at facing edges of two respective knife structures.
US08241023B2	Pumping unit with reinforcing ribs A pumping unit having a pump chamber with a rotor mounted in a rotatable manner within the chamber. The pumping chamber is formed by a circumferential wall and two end walls. The circumferential wall is formed on an annular collar of a pump part and has on its inner surface a track on which sealing bodies of a rotor roll. To avoid deformation of the pump part by hydraulic forces or by pressing-in forces, ribs are arranged on the outer surface of the circumferential wall which extend away from the pump chamber. A shoulder is arranged on the side of the end wall which is directed away from the pump chamber. The shoulder is connected by a press fit to the pump housing and has thin walls so that pressing forces do not result in any deformation to the end wall of the pump chamber.
US08241021B2	Displacement type compressor having a self-start synchronous motor and start load reducing means In order to make a displacement type compressor be able to reliably start without increasing an outside diameter dimension of the compressor while using a self-start synchronous motor having high energy efficiency, the displacement type compressor according to the invention includes the self-start synchronous motor which starts as an induction-motor and performs synchronous operation by performing synchronization pull-in almost at a synchronous rotational frequency, a compression part having a compression chamber which compresses a working fluid, and a hermetic container which houses the self-start synchronous motor and the compression part. The displacement type compressor is provided with a start load reducing means which reduces a load of the compression part at startup and is placed at the compression part in the hermetic container.
US08241019B2	Pump element and pump having such a pump element A pump element includes a pump element housing defining a pump chamber having an inlet and an outlet, and at least a first movable element movable in the pump chamber between a first and a second position. During a movement of the first movable element in the direction from the first to the second position, a flow resistance of a flow path from the first movable element through the inlet is larger than a flow resistance of a flow path between the pump element housing and the first movable element. During a movement of the first movable element in the direction from the second position to the first position, a flow resistance of a flow path from the first movable element through the outlet is smaller than a flow resistance of the flow path between the pump element housing and the first movable element. Thus, during a reciprocating movement of the first movable element between the first and the second position, a net flow through the outlet takes place.
US08241018B2	Compact peristaltic medical pump A compact medical pump includes a linear peristaltic pumping mechanism driven by a motor located within a periphery of a belt of the pumping mechanism. The motor drives a gear set that drives a driving pulley which engages the belt having the rollers. A battery for the pump is positioned adjacent to the gear set. The pump includes a controller and user interface for operating the pumping mechanism as a function of pumping parameters input via the user interface. The controller may sense motor current and determine fluid path characteristics based on the sensed current.
US08241017B2	Ceiling fan A ceiling fan includes a motor for rotating multiple blades. This motor includes a hollow shaft that is disposed upright on the center of a disc-like stator, and a rotor around an outer periphery of the stator. The rotor integrally rotates with the blades. This motor further includes a cylindrical bearing housing, and a pair of ball bearings including an upper ball bearing and a lower ball bearing housed in this bearing housing. This bearing housing has a base in its center. The upper ball bearing is disposed over the base, and the lower ball bearing is disposed under the base in this bearing housing. Both bearings are fixed onto the hollow shaft.
US08241016B2	Fluid transporting device An arrangement for conveying fluids has a fluid pump (91) implemented in the manner of a centrifugal pump, having a pump wheel (90) that is connected to a first permanent magnet (92). The arrangement further has an electronically commutated internal-rotor motor (70) having a stator (68), inside which stator is rotatably arranged a rotor (60) that is in turn connected to a second permanent magnet (76; 140) that coacts with the first permanent magnet (92) in the manner of a magnetic coupling (93). The arrangement also has a partitioning can (52) that separates the first permanent magnet (92) of the magnetic coupling (93), which magnet is arranged inside said partitioning can (52), in fluid-tight fashion from the second permanent magnet (76; 140) arranged outside the partitioning can (52), the stator (68) of the internal-rotor motor (70) being arranged substantially in the same drive plane as the magnetic coupling (93) and radially outside the latter.
US08241012B2	Structure for mounting a filter in a compressor In a structure for mounting a filter in a compressor, a mounting member is connected to the filter. A receiving hole is formed in a housing of the compressor for receiving therein the mounting member. A first fitting portion is formed on an inner circumferential surface of a holding portion of the filter. A second fitting portion is formed on an outer circumferential surface of the mounting member for having fitting relation to the first fitting portion for an overlap distance in a radial direction of the receiving hole. When the mounting member is received in the receiving hole with the fitting relation, the filter is disposed in a fluid passage of the housing. A clearance having a dimension is formed between an outer circumferential surface of the holding portion and an inner circumferential surface of the receiving hole. Minimum value of the dimension is smaller than the overlap distance.
US08241011B2	Fan having two impellers A fan includes a first motor having a first rotor and a second motor having a second rotor which is rotationally connected to the first rotor. The fan further comprises a first impeller which, when driven by the first motor, rotates along a first direction and creates a main flow along a direction perpendicular to the periphery thereof and a tangential flow along the tangent thereof. The fan also includes a second impeller which, when driven by the second motor, rotates along the reverse direction of the first direction and impel the tangential flow to the direction perpendicular to the periphery of the first impeller.
US08241010B2	Hydraulic reservoir for hydraulic regenerative circuit A hydraulic reservoir includes a container having an internal volume, an internal wall dividing the internal volume of the container into a first section and a second section for separately containing the hydraulic fluid, and two one-way valves. The first one-way valve allows the hydraulic fluid to be drawn out of the first section of the hydraulic reservoir and substantially prevents a flow of the hydraulic fluid back into the first section. The second one-way valve allows the hydraulic fluid to be returned to the second section of the hydraulic reservoir and substantially prevents a flow of the hydraulic fluid out of the second section. A cooling/filtering loop may connect the second section and the first section such that the used fluid in the second section may be processed and returned to the first section in a substantially unused condition.
US08241008B2	RPM controller using drive profiles A control circuit for controlling the rotational speed of a fan may include a memory element to store operating data corresponding to an operational profile of the fan defined by RPM (revolutions per minute) versus temperature, with the operating data comprising a respective temperature value and a respective RPM value for each respective operating point representing a change in slope of a function that corresponds to the operational profile of the fan. A processing unit may operate to receive a present temperature value, retrieve the operating data from the storage unit, and identify a pair of consecutive operating points such that the present temperature value is greater than a lower respective temperature value of the pair of consecutive operating points, and lower than a higher respective temperature value of the pair of consecutive operating points. The processing unit may calculate a desired RPM value corresponding to the present temperature value by performing linear interpolation between the pair of consecutive operating points, and output the desired RPM value to a closed-loop fan controller configured to control a rotational speed of the fan according at least to the desired RPM value.
US08241003B2	Systems and methods involving localized stiffening of blades Systems and methods involving localized stiffening of blades are provided. In this regard, a representative a gas turbine engine blade includes: a recess located in a surface of the blade; and material positioned at least partially within the recess such that the material provides a localized increase in stiffness of the blade.
US08241000B2	Wind turbine rotor blade and airfoil section The present invention includes a set of airfoils, U rails and V rails taken together to describe a blade for use with a horizontal axis wind turbine. The blade's design includes a maximum thickness higher than conventional blades employed for the same use thereby providing better load bearing structural characteristics while at the same time maintaining the requisite aerodynamic qualities for similar blades. The blade has a Reynolds number in the range of about 1.1 to 1.3×106 and a maximum lift coefficient of about 1.3.
US08240995B2	Wind turbine, aerodynamic assembly for use in a wind turbine, and method for assembling thereof The present disclosure relates to a wind turbine (10) including: a rotor (18) including a rotatable hub (20) and a plurality of rotor blades (22), each of the plurality of rotor blades (22) being attached to the hub (20); and at least one airfoil body (120) including an aerodynamic profile (156) and an airfoil body root portion (122); wherein the aerodynamic profile (156) is configured for increasing aerodynamic lift of at least an inner portion of a rotor blade (22); and the at least one airfoil body (120) is attached to the hub (20) at the airfoil body root portion (122). In addition thereto, the present disclosure relates to an aerodynamic assembly (118) for a wind turbine (10) and a method of assembling a wind turbine (10).
US08240990B2	Apparatus and method for reducing asymmetric rotor loads in wind turbines during shutdown An apparatus and method for reducing asymmetric rotor load in a wind turbine includes calculating a time delay for pitching each blade toward feather upon initiation of a shutdown condition. The blades with the larger blade angle begin moving toward feather with an initial pitch rate, while the blade with the smallest blade angle begins moving toward feather with a final pitch rate. Once all the blades have reached approximately an identical blade angle, the blades move simultaneously together to feather at the final pitch rate. By introducing the time delay for pitching the blades having higher blade angles at the final pitch rate, a simple, time-based correction of initial conditions during shutdown reduces the extreme loads on turbine components.
US08240987B2	Gas turbine engine systems involving baffle assemblies Gas turbine engine systems involving baffle assemblies are provided. In this regard, a representative baffle assembly for a gas turbine engine includes: a cooling plenum defining a cooling air path; and a baffle sized and shaped to extend between surfaces of the cooling plenum such that a cooling air path of reduced cross-section is formed between the baffle and the surfaces, the baffle being operative to increase a flow rate of cooling air as the cooling air directed to the cooling air path is redirected through the cooling air path of reduced cross-section.
US08240985B2	Shroud segment arrangement for gas turbine engines The gas turbine engine shroud comprises a plurality of circumferentially-disposed and concentric shroud segments. Each shroud segment has an arc-shaped platform with opposite ends, each end comprising an inter-segment seal slot, at least one slot extending substantially across each corresponding end and having a lengthwise-variable depth.
US08240984B2	Variable geometry compressor module A variable geometry compressor housing module has a housing (1) into which a diffuser plate (3), a unison ring (5) and vanes (7) supported by a backplate (9) are inserted. The backplate is fixed to the housing by a crimping process. An actuation mechanism (13) for actuating the vanes (7) is provided on an inlet side of the housing (1). Furthermore, a shroud groove is partly defined by the diffuser plate (3).

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