Document Document Title
US08253097B2 Mass spectrometer and method of mass spectrometry
In a mass spectrometer having ion sources capable of switching between atmospheric pressure chemical ionization and electron impact ionization, a first gas chromatography device capable of separating a sample to meet a condition suitable for atmospheric pressure chemical ionization measurement is connected to upstream of an atmospheric pressure chemical ionization ion source. Part of the sample separated by the first gas chromatography device is introduced to a second gas chromatography device by distributing a flow channel. In the second gas chromatography device, a target substance and background ingredients contained in the sample are further separated and are introduced to an electron impact ionization ion source. By separating the target substance from the background ingredients, an electron impact ionization spectrum of the target substance is obtained without an effect of the background ingredients.
US08253095B2 High-resolution ion mobility spectrometry
A supersonic gas jet having gas molecules with substantially equal velocities is formed by directing the gas through a Laval nozzle into an evacuated chamber. A field barrier having a substantially constant height across a cross-section of the supersonic gas jet is formed by respectively applying potentials U2, U3 and U4 to an arrangement of three apertured diaphragms R2, R3 and R4, which are respectively separated by distances d2 and d3, where (U4−U3)/(U3−U2)=d3/d2. The ions in the supersonic gas jet are directed against the field barrier, where ions with a mobility below a mobility threshold are pushed over the field barrier, and where ions with a mobility higher than the mobility threshold are held back by the field barrier.
US08253092B2 Optical die with variable refractive index, corrective of negative distortion, and method of fabricating such a die
An optical die, which is intended to be placed in front of an optical sensor of a semiconductor component, has an optically useful zone having an optical axis and exhibiting a variable refractive index. Specifically the refractive index of the die is variable in an annular peripheral zone lying between a radius Ru enveloping the useful zone and a smaller radius Ro. The index varies as a function of radial distance from a lower value near the smaller radius Ro to a higher value near the radius Ru. The function of the variable refractive index lies between a maximum and minimum profile.
US08253089B2 Pointing error correcting system and method thereof
The present invention discloses a pointing error correcting system and method thereof applied for a concentrated photovoltaic or solar heat energy system comprising a processing module, a driving module, a tracker and a measuring module. The method comprises steps of calculating a position of a celestial body; controlling the driving module to drive the tracker pointing toward the celestial body; calculating an error value between the pointing of the tracker and the celestial body measured by the measuring module through a coordinate transforming method; and correcting the driving module to drive the tracker pointing the celestial body.
US08253086B2 Polar mounting arrangement for a solar concentrator
A solar collector can be rotated and tilted about a polar mount. The solar collector can be designed such that the center of gravity of the collector is aligned with the axis of the polar mount facilitating the use of smaller positioning devices. The collector can be placed in a position to prevent damage by inclement weather and allow easy access for maintenance and installation.
US08253083B2 Microwave interactive display package
Various microwave energy interactive display packages, blanks for forming such packages, and methods of displaying and heating a food item are provided.
US08253078B2 Temperature control circuit
A temperature control circuit includes a microprocessor, a protection module, a first temperature detecting module, a second temperature detecting module, and a heating module. The first temperature detecting module includes a first thermistor and a first comparator connected to the first thermistor. The first thermistor is operable to sense a temperature to make the first comparator output a first signal to the microprocessor and the protection module. The protection module is operable to control the microprocessor to work or reset according to the first signal. The second temperature detecting module includes a second thermistor and a second comparator connected to the second thermistor. The second thermistor is operable to sense a temperature to make the second comparator output a second signal to the microprocessor. The heating module includes a heater. The microprocessor controls the heater to work or not to work according to the first and second signals.
US08253076B2 Respiratory system heater unit
A heater unit for a respiratory system is designed for natural convection cooling air to pass first through a transformer in the heater unit and then through a heat sink in the heater unit to which is mounted a power switch to conduct heat from the power switch to the cooling air passing through the heat sink. A thermal break may be provided between the heat sink and the transformer. The transformer may be a toroidal transformer with the air passing through an aperture thereof such as from a hollow projection of the heater unit extending into the aperture. One side of the transformer may be situated along a surface of the heater unit and the heat sink secured to the heater unit against the opposite side of the transformer to hold the transformer in place. A venting chamber may be associated with an air exhaust of the heater unit to provide a circuitous exit path for air exiting the heater unit. The venting chamber may extend in generally surrounding relationship with the heater of the heater unit.
US08253074B2 Wiring assembly for an appliance
A wiring assembly for an appliance is disclosed. The appliance has a main body and a door movably attached to the main body. The wiring assembly includes a base attachable to the door and having a first end and a second end; a slide slidably mounted on the base so that the slide is moveable between a first position where the slide is adjacent to the first end and a second position where the slide is adjacent to the second end; a tensioning or biasing member engaging the slide with the base and biasing the slide to the first position; and a cable assembly including a power/communication cable attachable to the main body and connected to the slide. An appliance incorporating such a wiring assembly is also disclosed.
US08253066B2 Laser-based method and system for removing one or more target link structures
Laser-based methods and systems for removing one or more target link structures of a circuit fabricated on a substrate includes generating a pulsed laser output at a predetermined wavelength less than an absorption edge of the substrate are provided. The laser output includes at least one pulse having a pulse duration in the range of about 10 picoseconds to less than 1 nanosecond, the pulse duration being within a thermal laser processing range. The method also includes delivering and focusing the laser output onto the target link structure. The focused laser output has sufficient power density at a location within the target link structure to reduce the reflectivity of the target link structure and efficiently couple the focused laser output into the target link structure to remove the target link structure without damaging the substrate.
US08253065B2 Laser engraving system
A laser engraving system (10) for engraving a unengraved workpiece (20) and an engraving method are provided. The laser engraving system includes an image processor (12), an engraving controller (13), a mechanical arm (14), and a laser (15). The image processor is configured for building a workpiece model (22) corresponding to an unengraved workpiece, partitioning the workpiece model into at least one section (224), generating at least one two-dimensional pattern (223). The engraving controller receives the signals of the relative position values and the at least one two-dimensional pattern. The mechanical arm is electronically coupled to the engraving controller and controlled by the engraving controller. The laser is electronically coupled to the engraving controller and controlled by the engraving controller in such a manner that the laser engraves an unegraved workpiece according to the at least one two-dimensional pattern.
US08253063B2 Method for making a solenoid actuator
A method of making a solenoid actuator by laser direct metal deposition can comprise heating with a laser an outer surface of a circumferential groove of a solenoid tube blank constructed of a first material to create a heated area and depositing a second material upon the heated area to form a layer of second material. The second material can melt and then cool to thereby bond to the solenoid tube blank. A bore can be defined in the solenoid tube blank such that the bore includes an interior surface having a ring of second material disposed between a pair of portions of first material.
US08253062B2 System and methodology for zero-gap welding
A method for welding includes providing a pair of substrates with no gap between them. The welding process uses lasers that are movable through a locus of points relative to the substrates and each other to weld the substrate together. The movable lasers assist in controlling a formation of a weld keyhole that assists in expelling gases that develop during the welding process.
US08253061B2 Hybrid laser arc welding process and apparatus
A welding method and apparatus for welding workpieces together by conducting a forward hybrid welding process on a joint region that includes a weld seam defined by and between faying surfaces of the workpieces, and then conducting an aft hybrid welding process on the joint region. The forward hybrid welding process simultaneously causes a forward laser beam and a forward electric arc to travel along the joint region, which in combination penetrates the weld seam and forms a weld pool that solidifies to form a weldment. The aft hybrid welding process utilizes an aft electric arc and an aft laser beam to produce a second weld pool that remelts and mixes with the weldment. On cooling, a weld joint is formed that is capable of deeply penetrating the weld seam of the joint region.
US08253059B2 Apparatus and method of cleaning substrate
A substrate cleaning apparatus includes a supporting plate supporting a substrate and a shielding unit that is disposed above the substrate to protect the substrate. A portion of the shielding unit, which is adjacent to a focal point where light for generating shock waves is focused, is switched. Therefore, the substrate cleaning apparatus prevents the concentration of plumes and residence beams, which are generated together with the shock waves, on a specific region of the shielding unit and further prevents the recontamination of the substrate by the damage of the shielding unit.
US08253054B2 Apparatus and method for sorting plant material
An apparatus and method for sorting plant material based on the presence or absence of a visual marker on the plant material. The visible marker may be a visible genetic color marker in the corn seed which is used in double haploid breeding. The absence or presence of the visible marker identifies correctly pollinated seeds as well as putative haploid seeds.
US08253050B2 Push button switch for electric device
When the assembly is complete, the protrusion 2e of the leaf spring 2b abuts against the bottom wall surface 3g which is an inner bottom surface of the cover member 3 and the leaf spring 2b is bent. Since the protrusion is pushed against the cover member 3, the leaf spring 2b generates force of repulsion which pushes the frame member 2f toward the opposite direction of the cover member 3. In addition, since the leaf springs 2b are aligned straightly between three bosses 3b, the leaf spring 2b pushes the push button 2 toward the switch board 1 almost in parallel. In other words, if the push button 2 is held in the cover member 3, without further components, the push button 2 is pushed against the switch board 1 and there will not be a possibility of a wobble.
US08253044B2 Configurable electrical switching apparatus including a plurality of separable contacts and a plurality of field-configurable jumpers to provide a number of poles
An electrical switching apparatus includes at least one pole; a plurality of first terminals; a plurality of second terminals; a plurality of pairs of separable contacts; and a plurality of field-configurable jumpers. Each of the plurality of field-configurable jumpers electrically connects two of the pairs of separable contacts in series. Each of the plurality of field-configurable jumpers are electrically connected to: (a) two of the first terminals, (b) two of the first terminals or (c) two of the second terminals; or one of the first terminals and one of the second terminals.
US08253043B1 Snap-in electrical connector with multiple function retainer ring
A connector assembly having an external retainer ring for both securing a connector body to an outlet box and also securing a conduit or cable from movement relative to the connector assembly. A multi-function retainer ring having a plurality of finger-like extensions or tabs with at least a portion of the extensions being inwardly bent. The inwardly bent tabs engage and retain a captured wire or conduit upon assembly. Other tabs function to engage an inner wall of a knock-out hole of an outlet box upon insertion of the connector assembly into the outlet box. A method of connecting a wire to a junction box using the connector assembly is also disclosed.
US08253042B2 Housing comprising an electronic component
An arrangement of an electronic component in a plastic housing, including a cover and a lower part, and to a method for fixing the electronic component in the housing. The cover is connected to the lower part and exerts a pre-defined force (F) on the electronic component. The cover is designed such that the influence of the height tolerance (dh) of the electronic component on the force (F) can be compensated to the effect that, once the cover has been mounted, the force (F) applied to the lower part is in a pre-defined force range (B).
US08253035B2 Plating processing method, light transmitting conductive film and electromagnetic wave shielding film
A plating processing method comprises performing a continuous electrolytic plating of the surface of a film having a surface resistivity in the range of 1 Ωf/Sq to 1000 Ω/Sq, wherein a distance between the lowest contacting part of a negative electrode with the film and a plating liquid is in the range of 0.5 cm to 15 cm.
US08253034B2 Printed circuit board and semiconductor package with the same
Disclosed herein is a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board includes a base substrate including a first region on which a semiconductor chip is mounted and a second region positioned outside the first region, first insulating patterns covering the base substrate and including trenches formed on the second region, and second insulating patterns protruding from the first insulating patterns on the second region. The trench and the second insulating pattern may be used as a structure defining an underfill forming material in a preset shape during the process of forming an underfill.
US08253031B2 Printed circuit board
A printed circuit board can support different connectors by selectively setting connection components on the printed circuit board without changing wiring of transmission lines or making new vias in the printed circuit board.
US08253030B2 Multilayer printed wiring board
A printed wiring board includes a main body having a mounting portion and ground and power supply pads in the mounting portion such that a ground line of a semiconductor device is connected to a ground pad and a power supply line of the device is connected to a power supply pad, and a layered capacitor disposed in the main body and having a high dielectric constant layer and first and second layer electrodes sandwiching the dielectric layer. One of the electrodes is connected to the power supply line and the other electrode is connected to the ground line, the first electrode has a solid pattern including passage holes through which second rod terminals connected to the second electrode pass in a non-contacting manner, and the second electrode has a solid pattern including passage holes through which first rod terminals connected to the first electrode pass in a non-contacting manner.
US08253027B2 Circuit board and structure using the same
According to one embodiment of the invention, a circuit board comprises a conductive layer including a land portion and a line portion connected to the land portion, and; a conductor connected to a surface of the land portion. A planar shape of the connected portion between the conductor and the land portion has a elongated shape along a width direction of the line portion. A part of the connected portion is located within an imaginary region formed by imaginarily extending the line portion toward the land portion.
US08253024B2 Method and apparatus for cooling superconductive joints
In a method and apparatus for joining a number of superconductive cables to establish electrical connection therebetween, a cup-like member having a base, a sidewall, and an opening to receive electrically conductive ends of said cables is provided. The base of the cup-like member is attached to a holder device. The holder device is attached to a cryogenically cooled surface. The ends of the superconductive cables are connected together within the cup-like member.
US08253021B2 Motor cable device
Motors 1 and 2 are electrically connected to inverters 3 and 4 by a motor cable device 5 including connection/interference regulating member 8 which is installed at a predetermined position in a longitudinal direction of cable bodies 6 and 7. If in this connection state the motors 1 and 2 are driven or a vehicle is driven, vibration or impact is transferred to the motor cable device 5 from the motors 1 and 2 or the exterior, and thus the cable bodies 6 and 7 swing in an arrow direction. The swing contributes to the absorption of the vibration or the like.
US08253019B2 Cable routing device and unit for telecommunication and data technology
A cable routing device and a unit for telecommunication and data technology including a housing, wherein terminals or circuit board plug-in connectors (2) are disposed on at least one side of the housing. A cable routing device (10) is disposed on the housing, the cable routing device (10) being configured as a carrier element having attachment means for attaching the cable routing device (10) to the unit. Cable routing elements are attached to the carrier element.
US08253016B1 Stackable electrical box
A method and structure of a system of electrical boxes including differing patterns of interference structures, such as ribs and/or grooves, to prevent identical boxes from being nested but permit non-identical boxes from being nested for more space-efficient storage of electrical boxes.
US08253013B2 Solar cell and method of manufacturing the same
A solar cell and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The solar cell includes a substrate of a first conductive type having at least one via hole, an emitter layer of a second conductive type opposite the first conductive type on the substrate, a first conductor electrically connected to the emitter layer, a second conductor electrically connected to the first conductor through the via hole, and a third conductor electrically connected to the substrate. The third conductor is electrically separated from the second conductor. A portion of the first conductor and a portion of the second conductor are positioned inside the via hole.
US08253011B2 Semiconductor substrate, electrode forming method, and solar cell fabricating method
The present invention is directed to a semiconductor substrate having an electrode formed thereon, the electrode including at least silver and glass frit, the electrode including: a multi-layered structure constituted of a first electrode layer joined directly to the semiconductor substrate, and an upper electrode layer formed of at least one layer and disposed on the first electrode layer; wherein the upper electrode layer is formed by firing a conductive paste having a total silver content of 75 wt % or more and 95 wt % or less, the content of silver particles having an average particle diameter of 4 μm or greater and 8 μm or smaller with respect to the total silver content in the upper electrode layer being higher than that in the first electrode layer. As a consequence, it is possible to form the electrode, which has the high aspect ratio and hardly suffers an inconvenience such as a break, on the semiconductor substrate by a simple method.
US08253009B2 Strip retaining apparatus for a solar cell connecting apparatus
The invention relates to a solar cell connecting apparatus, for example a solar cell connecting apparatus, for manufacturing solar cell strings from individual solar cells and electrically conductive strips, having a first module for joining solar cells and strips together; a second module which is connected to the first module for connection, for example, soldering of the strips to the solar cells; and a third module for transportation of the solar cells from the first module through the second module. The connecting apparatus is characterized in that the first module has an apparatus for placing a strip retaining element on to a solar cell with strips, in order to fix the strips on the solar cell, and the third module is adapted in order to also transport the retaining element together with the solar cell (FIG. 2).
US08253008B2 AMTEC with heat pipe
There is provided an AMTEC (alkali metal thermal-electric converter) with a heat pipe and more particularly, to an AMTEC with a heat pipe minimized a heating part and a condensation part of the AMTEC and improved in efficiency of thermal to electric conversion through installing the heating and cooling heat pipes in the AMTEC, in which a metal fluid is heated by latent heat of an operating fluid of the heat pipe, instead of the heat conduction from a heat source, thereby reducing a temperature difference needed for heat transfer to vaporize the metal fluid even by a heat source of a lower temperature than a conventional heat source; improving a cooling performance in a condensation part to result in the high efficiency of thermal to electric conversion; using no additional driving components for driving the heat pipe.
US08253004B2 Patch time out for use in a media application
A media application for providing outputs (e.g., audio outputs) in response to inputs received from an input device is provided. The media application may connect input mechanisms of an input device with parameters of channel strips (e.g., which may define output sounds) using an intermediate screen object. The media application may first assign an input mechanism to a screen object, and separately map a screen object to a channel strip parameter. The media application may map a screen object to several channel strips simultaneously such that, based on the value of the screen object, the volume of each of the several channel strips changes. The media application may provide a graphical representation of available channel strips using layers. As the media application accesses a channel strip, the appearance of the portion of the layer associated with the channel strip may change. The media application may also allow the patches, which may include several channel strips, to survive after a new patch is selected instead.
US08253002B2 Drum tuning device
A drum tuning device (10) comprises a drive head (14) adapted to engage a head of a drum skin tension control device, a motor (24, see FIG. 6) for rotating the drive head and control means for controlling rotation of the drive head. The control means includes three push buttons (16,18,20), which each control rotation of the drive head (14) to different pre-selectable angles of rotation.
US08253000B1 Chord bar system for stringed musical instruments
A chord bar system for stringed musical instruments. The chord bar system enables a single finger movement pattern may be used in pressing the buttons to play each I-IV-V chord progression in each different key.
US08252997B1 Maize variety hybrid 10914980
A novel maize variety designated 10914980 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing maize variety 10914980 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into 10914980 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety 10914980, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety 10914980. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety 10914980.
US08252993B1 Inbred maize variety PH18FN
A novel maize variety designated PH18FN and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH18FN with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH18FN through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH18FN or a locus conversion of PH18FN with another maize variety.
US08252990B1 Inbred corn line NPFX6099
Basically, this invention provides for an inbred corn line designated NPFX6099, methods for producing a corn plant by crossing plants of the inbred line NPFX6099, with plants of another corn plant. The invention relates to the various parts of inbred NPFX6099, including culturable cells. This invention also relates to methods for introducing transgenic transgenes into inbred corn line NPFX6099, and plants produced by said methods.
US08252985B2 Soybean cultivar 95330721
A soybean cultivar designated 95330721 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 95330721, to the plants of soybean 95330721, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 95330721, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 95330721 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars, or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean variety 95330721, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 95330721, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar 95330721 with another soybean cultivar.
US08252981B2 GRG23 EPSP synthases: compositions and methods of use
Compositions and methods for conferring herbicide resistance or tolerance to bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions include polynucleotides encoding herbicide resistance or tolerance polypeptides, vectors comprising those polynucleotides, and host cells comprising the vectors. The nucleotide sequences of the invention can be used in DNA constructs or expression cassettes for transformation and expression in organisms, including microorganisms and plants. Compositions also include transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues, and seeds. In particular, isolated polynucleotides encoding glyphosate resistance or tolerance polypeptides are provided. Additionally, amino acid sequences corresponding to the polynucleotides are encompassed. In particular, the present invention provides for isolated polynucleotides containing nucleotide sequences encoding the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 33, or the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 32.
US08252969B2 Hypernucleophilic catalysts for detoxification of chemical threat agents
A polymeric hypernucleophilic catalyst is effective for hydrolytic destruction of chemical threat agents under mild conditions, e.g., near neutral pH and at ambient temperatures. The polymeric hypernucleophilic catalysts are particularly useful to affect rapid destruction of chemical threat agents on sensitive surfaces such as paint, metal, rubber, plastic, fabric, wood, and skin. Catalyst formulations such as creams, lotions, sprays, foams, powders, or gels, and articles such as filters, wipes, membranes, yarns, fabrics, and articles of clothing, may be used for detoxification of or prophylactic protection against chemical threat agents.
US08252966B2 Biomass torrefaction method
A biomass torrefaction system is provided which enables a continuous torrefaction process that involves the introduction of biomass particles into a rotating reactor drum having a low oxygen environment. The particles are conveyed through the drum by a heated gas stream and simultaneously torrefied thereby. Gas exiting the drum is recirculated back to a heat source for reheating the gas prior to reentering the drum. A method of biomass torrefaction is also provided.
US08252963B2 Nano-metal catalysts for polyol hydrogenolysis
A catalyst composition can include: a support; a ruthenium catalyst (Ru) nanoparticle; and a linker linking the Ru nanoparticle to the support, wherein the linker is stable under hydrogenolysis conditions. In one aspect, the linker can include 3-aminopropyl trimethoxysilane (APTS) or derivatives thereof, such as those with amine functionality. In another aspect, the linker can include phosphotungstic acid (PTA) or other similar solid acid agents. In another aspect, the support can be selected from alumina, carbon, silica, a zeolite, TiO2, ZrO2, or another suitable material. A specific example of a support includes zeolite, such as a NaY zeolite. The Ru nanoparticle can have a size range from about 1 nm to about 25 nm, and can be obtained by reduction of Ru salts.
US08252956B2 Amino phosphine
A new P-N-P ligand in which each phosphorus atom is bonded to two ortho-fluorine substituted phenyl groups is useful in ethylene oligomerizations. In combination with i) a source of chromium and ii) an activator such as methalumoxane; the ligand of this invention may be used to prepare an oligomer product that contains a mixture of hexenes and octenes. The hexenes and octenes produced with this ligand contain very low levels of internal olefins when produced under preferred reaction conditions.
US08252953B2 Metal utilization in supported, metal-containing catalysts
Generally, the present invention relates to improvements in metal utilization in supported, metal-containing catalysts. For example, the present invention relates to methods for directing and/or controlling metal deposition onto surfaces of porous substrates. The present invention also relates to methods for preparing catalysts in which a first metal is deposited onto a support (e.g., a porous carbon support) to provide one or more regions of a first metal at the surface of the support, and a second metal is deposited at the surface of the one or more regions of the first metal. Generally, the electropositivity of the first metal (e.g., copper or iron) is greater than the electropositivity of the second metal (e.g., a noble metal such as platinum) and the second metal is deposited at the surface of the one or more regions of the first metal by displacement of the first metal. The present invention further relates to treated substrates, catalyst precursor structures and catalysts prepared by these methods. The invention further relates to use of catalysts prepared as detailed herein in catalytic oxidation reactions, such as oxidation of a substrate selected from the group consisting of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid or a salt thereof, formaldehyde, and/or formic acid.
US08252952B2 Optically active quaternary ammonium salt having axial asymmetry, and method for producing alpha-amino acid and derivative thereof by using the same
The present invention discloses an optically active quarternary ammonium salt having axial asymmetry and a method for producing an α-amino acid and a derivative thereof using the same. The optically active quarternary ammonium salt having axial asymmetry of the present invention is a chiral phase-transfer catalyst that has a simple structure and that can be produced in a smaller number of process steps. The compound of the present invention is very useful as a phase-transfer catalyst in the synthesis of an α-alkyl-α-amino acid and a derivative thereof as well as an α,α-dialkyl-α-amino acid and a derivative thereof. Therefore, the compound of the present invention can be used in the development of novel foods and pharmaceuticals.
US08252949B2 Process for producing fatty acid esters
The present invention relates to a process for producing fatty acid alkyl esters from fats/oils and a C1 to C5 lower alcohol as reaction starting materials with a solid catalyst, wherein the starting materials and reaction products in a reaction system where the degree of conversion of fats/oils is 50 mol % or more are reacted in such a state as to be in one-liquid phase, or the starting materials and reaction products in a reaction system at a stage with the highest degree of conversion of fats/oils are reacted in such a state as to be in one-liquid phase.
US08252945B2 Protective agent for retinal neuronal cell comprising indazole derivative as active ingredient
As a result of intensive studies for the purpose of finding a new medicinal use of an indazole derivative, it was found that an indazole derivative inhibits glutamate-induced retinal neuronal cell death in rat fetal retinal neuronal cells, in other words, the indazole derivative acts directly on the retinal neuronal cells and exhibits an effect of protecting retinal neuronal cells. Accordingly, the indazole derivative is useful for the prevention or treatment of an eye disease associated with retinal neuronal cell damage or retinal damage.
US08252937B2 1,3-disubstituted 4-(aryl-X-phenyl)-1H-pyridin-2-ones
The present invention relates to novel compounds, in particular novel pyridinone derivatives according to Formula (I) wherein all radicals are as defined in the application and claims. The compounds according to the invention are positive allosteric modulators of metabotropic receptors—subtype 2 (“mGluR2”) which are useful for the treatment or prevention of neurological and psychiatric disorders associated with glutamate dysfunction and diseases in which the mGluR2 subtype of metabotropic receptors is involved. In particular, such diseases are central nervous system disorders selected from the group of anxiety, schizophrenia, migraine, depression, and epilepsy. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions and processes to prepare such compounds and compositions, as well as to the use of such compounds for the prevention and treatment of such diseases in which mGluR2 is involved.
US08252934B2 Process for the preparation of 4-amino-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine
4-amino-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine is prepared by reacting 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-4-one with ammonia and hydrogen in the presence of nickel and/or cobalt catalyst and water. The main reaction is carried out at a pressure of at most 50 bar and a temperature of at most 120° C. up to a conversion of the 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-4-one of at least 80%. Then, an after-reaction takes place at a higher temperature and at a higher pressure compared to the pressure and temperature of the main reaction.
US08252927B2 Synthesis of substituted 4-amino-pyrimidines
The present invention is directed to a process for the manufacture of compounds of formula IV wherein R1 is an amino protecting group, and R2 is hydrogen or C1-10 alkyl, comprising a) reacting a compound of formula Ia, wherein M+ is a cation, preferably selected from the group consisting of Li+, Na+, K+, ½ Mg2+ and ½ Zn2+, (formula 1a) with an ammonium salt NH4+X−, wherein X− is an anion, preferably selected from the group consisting of chloride, bromide, sulfate and acetate, in a solvent to a compound of formula II b) reacting a compound of formula II with a nitrile R2—CN in the presence of a base to a compound of formula IV. The present invention is further directed to compounds of formula II and their use for the manufacture of vitamin B1.
US08252925B2 Method for the production of 3-phenyl(thio)uracils and dithiouracils
The present invention relates to a process for preparing 3-phenyl(thio)uracils and -dithiouracils of the formula I where the variables are each as defined in the description, and also intermediates for their preparation.
US08252924B2 Process for preparing benzomorpholine derivatives by hydrogenating o-nitrophenoxy carbonyl compounds
A process for preparing benzomorpholine derivatives is described, in which an o-nitrophenoxy carbonyl compound is hydrogenated in the presence of extraneous metal-doped sponge metal catalysts based on nickel or cobalt with ring formation.
US08252923B2 Peptidomimetic protease inhibitors
The present invention relates to peptidomimetic compounds useful as protease inhibitors, particularly as serine protease inhibitors and more particularly as hepatitis C NS3 protease inhibitors; intermediates thereto; their preparation including novel steroselective processes to intermediates. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions and to methods for using the compounds for inhibiting HCV protease or treating a patient suffering from an HCV infection or physiological condition related to the infection. Also provided are pharmaceutical combinations comprising, in addition to one or more HCV serine protease inhibitors, one or more interferons exhibiting anti-HCV activity and/or one or more compounds having anti HCV activity and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and methods for treating or preventing a HCV infection in a patient using the compositions. The present invention is also directed to a kit or pharmaceutical pack for treating or preventing HCV infection in a patient.
US08252916B2 Expression vectors encoding epitopes of target-associated antigens and methods for their design
The invention disclosed herein is directed to methods of identifying a polypeptide suitable for epitope liberation including, for example, the steps of identifying an epitope of interest; providing a substrate polypeptide sequence including the epitope, wherein the substrate polypeptide permits processing by a proteasome; contacting the substrate polypeptide with a composition including the proteasome, under conditions that support processing of the substrate polypeptide by the proteasome; and assaying for liberation of the epitope. The invention further relates to vectors including a housekeeping epitope expression cassette. The invention relates to epitope cluster regions and to vectors including epitope cluster regions. The invention also relates to a method of activating a T cell comprising contacting a substrate polypeptide with an APC and contacting the APC with a T cell.
US08252912B2 Transcriptional repression of sodium-iodide symporter in thyroid carcinoma
The present disclosure relates to a sodium iodide symporter (NIS)-repressor binding site (NRBS) consisting of a DNA molecule spanning from −645 to −605 nucleotides (SEQ ID NO:4) or from −648 to −620 nucleotides (SEQ ID NO:5) upstream from the translation start site of human NIS gene. The disclosure further relates to a method of restoring iodide transport to a human thyroid carcinoma cell, including: the steps of: i) contacting the cell expressing and forming a NIS repressor protein complex capable of binding to the NRBS of the disclosure with a modulator of said complex, and ii) administering to the cell radiolabeled iodide.
US08252910B2 Modular nucleotide compositions and uses therefor
Nucleic acid compositions, methods of making and using such compositions that comprise modular functional groups that can be configured to provide desired functionality to different nucleotide types through a swappable and preferably non-covalent linkage component. Such compositions are useful in a variety of applications including nucleic acid analyses.
US08252908B2 Monoclonal antibodies and binding fragments thereof directed to the melanocortin-4 receptor and their use in the treatment of cachexia and related conditions and diseases
Disclosed are monoclonal antibodies, binding fragments, and derivatives thereof directed to the human melanocortin-4 receptor, as well as pharmaceutical compositions including the same, and therapeutic uses, including methods for treating cachexia and related conditions and diseases, using such monoclonal antibodies, binding fragments, derivatives, and pharmaceutical compositions.
US08252905B2 Anti-CD14 antibody fusion protein
A protein comprising (I) an anti-CD14 antibody or its active fragment, or a derivative thereof and (II) an inhibitor for a protease, or its active fragment, or a derivative thereof is provided.
US08252904B2 Glycodelin monoclonal antibodies and methods for their use in the detection of ovarian cancer
Compositions and methods for diagnosing ovarian cancer in a patient and for identifying patients with an increased likelihood of having ovarian cancer are provided. The compositions include novel monoclonal antibodies, and variants and fragments thereof, that specifically bind to glycodelin. Monoclonal antibodies having the binding characteristics of a glycodelin antibody of the invention and monoclonal antibodies that bind to a glycodelin epitope of a disclosed antibody are further provided. Hybridoma cell lines that produce a glycodelin monoclonal antibody of the invention are also disclosed herein. The compositions find use in diagnostic methods as well as in screening methods for identifying patients having an increased likelihood of having ovarian cancer. Kits comprising one or more of the disclosed glycodelin monoclonal antibodies and for practicing the methods of the invention are further provided. Polypeptides comprising the amino acid sequence for a glycodelin epitope of a disclosed monoclonal glycodelin antibody and methods of using these polypeptides in the production of glycodelin antibodies are also encompassed by the present invention.
US08252902B2 Antibody targeting compounds
The present invention provides antibody targeting compounds in which the specificity of the antibody has been reprogrammed by covalently or noncovalently linking a targeting agent to the combining site of an antibody. By this approach, the covalently modified antibody takes on the binding specificity of the targeting agent. The compound may have biological activity provided by the targeting agent or by a separate biological agent. Various uses of the invention compounds are provided.
US08252901B2 Membrane fusion proteins derived from reovirus
In accordance with the present invention, a family of membrane fusion protein and polynucleotides encoding the proteins have been identified. The proteins and nucleotides are derived from the family Reoviridae. Two membrane fusion proteins have been isolated from reoviruses isolated from poikilothermic hosts: the p14 protein from reptilian reovirus (RRV) isolated from python, and the p16 protein from aquareovirus (AQV) isolated from salmon. The genes encoding these proteins have been cloned and sequenced. Analysis of the amino acid sequences of these proteins show that both lack the typical fusion peptide motif found in other membrane fusion proteins. Expression of these proteins in cells results in cell-cell fusion.
US08252899B2 Methods and compositions for obtaining high-resolution crystals of membrane proteins
The invention describes compositions and method useful for the crystallization of membrane proteins.
US08252898B2 Defensin-encoding nucleic acid molecules derived from Nicotiana alata, uses therefor and transgenic plants comprising same
The present invention provides nucleic acid molecules derived from Nicotiana alata, which encode defensin-like molecules. The present invention contemplates the use of such nucleic acid molecules in the generation of transgenic plants having resistance or at least reduced sensitivity to plant pests including insects, microorganisms, fungi and/or viruses and the of the encoded defensin-like molecules in compositions for topical application to a plant or a plant part so as to reduce prevent or reduce infestation of the plant or plant part by plant pests. The transgenic plants provided by the present invention include monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants, and particularly include crop plants and ornamental flowering plants.
US08252897B2 Modified toxins
The present application relates to compositions of modified toxins exhibiting reduced immunogenicity and reduced binding to vascular endothelium or vascular endothelial cells, thereby reducing the incidence of Vascular Leak Syndrome. Also provided are polypeptide toxophores from a modified diphtheria toxin, where modifications are in at least one amino acid residue of at least one T-cell epitope. Another aspect relates to a polypeptide toxophore from a modified diphtheria toxin, where modifications are in at least one amino acid residue of at least one T-cell epitope and at least one amino acid residue of at least one VLS motif of an unmodified native diphtheria toxin. Another aspect relates to a fusion protein which comprises a modified diphtheria toxin and a non-diphtheria toxin fragment that is a cell binding portion. Another aspect relates to the use of a modified diphtheria toxin for the treatment of a malignant disease or a non-malignant disease.
US08252893B2 CD8 T cell epitopes in HPV 16 E6 and E7 proteins and uses thereof
The present invention is directed to the examination of the pattern of immunodominant CD8 T cell epitopes in the E6 and E7 protein of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and its further characterization in terms of its amino acid sequence and HLA restriction. These epitopes are identified based on their ability to induce strong CD8 T cell response and therefore, are important as sources of antigens for dendritic cell immunotherapy to treat cervical cancer. The present invention contemplates identifying a number of similar epitopes restricted by a wide variety of HLA types so that they can be used in concert to develop a preventative vaccine, which can be used for general population.
US08252891B2 Purification of polycarbonates
The present disclosure provides, in part, a method for removing a catalyst from a product of catalyzed aliphatic polycarbonate polymerization reaction.
US08252889B2 Polythiophene formulations for improving organic light emitting diodes
The invention relates to formulations comprising polythiophenes A) comprising at least one polythiophene containing recurring units of the general formula (I-a) and/or (I-b) and at least two further polymers, the use thereof and electroluminescent arrangements comprising hole-injecting layers comprising these formulations.
US08252885B2 Process to make poly(trimethylene carbonate) glycol
This invention relates to the production of poly(trimethylene carbonate) glycol via the polymerization of trimethylene carbonate employing one or more acidic ion exchange resin catalysts in the presence of a solvent. The products formed are substantially free of these catalysts.
US08252883B2 Organosilicon nanocluster, method of preparing the same and method of forming thin film using the same
Disclosed herein is an organosilicon nanocluster, wherein a silicon cluster is substituted with a conductive organic material, a silicon thin film including the same, a thin film transistor including the silicon thin film, a display device including the thin film transistor, and methods of forming the same. The organosilicon nanocluster may more easily and efficiently form a thin film while maintaining electrical characteristics of an amorphous silicon thin film.
US08252882B2 Polyimide resin produced by using silphenylene compound
The present invention relates to a polyimide resin produced by using silphenylene compound represented by the following formula (1) as a monomer: in which R1 to R4 each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and R5 and R6 each independently represents a divalent hydrocarbon group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms. The silphenylene compound of the present invention is useful as a flexible printed wiring board material, a passivation film for IC chips, and a panel material for liquid crystals.
US08252879B2 Photosensitive resin, method for preparing the resin, photosensitive resin composition and cured product of the resin composition
Provided are a photosensitive resin and a photosensitive resin composition comprising the photosensitive resin. The photosensitive resin has the structure of Formula 1, which is described in the specification. The photosensitive resin and the photosensitive resin composition have good sensitivity, improved resistance to heat and chemicals, and excellent storage stability. Further provided are a method for preparing the photosensitive resin and a cured product of the photosensitive resin composition.
US08252877B2 Polymerizable compound and polymer compound obtained by using the same
Provided is a polymerizable compound represented by the following general formula (ca-1) or (cb-1): wherein the variables in the formulae are defined in the specification.
US08252873B1 Process for the production of a superabsorbent polymer
The present invention relates to superabsorbent polymer comprising the comprising the free radical polymerization product of an aqueous monomer mixture containing at least one α,β-ethylenically unsaturated monomer; at least one monomer having at least two α,β-ethylenically unsaturated groups; a crosslinking agent having at least two polymerizable double bonds; iron ions in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 3 wppm based on the total weight of the aqueous monomer mixture; and at least one chelating agent in an amount to provide a molar ratio of chelating agent to iron ion of from about 0.8 to about 4.0.
US08252866B2 Azetidinium-functional polysaccharides and uses thereof
The present invention relates to polysaccharides that have been modified by providing azetidinium functionality thereto. Such functionality can be provided by crosslinking a polysaccharide with a resin having azetidinium functional groups. In one or more aspects, the polysaccharide can comprise one or more of starch, guar gum, alginate or derivatives thereof. Polysaccharides having azetidinium functionality according to the present invention are suitable for multiple uses. Such uses include, but are not limited to, removal of one or more solid materials from a liquid, beneficiation of an ore, removal of metallic ions from a liquid; providing oil from bitumen; and removal of mercury from synthetic gypsum. Other uses of the functionalized polysaccharides of the present invention include hydroseeding, dust control and erosion control.
US08252865B2 Supramolecular polymer-containing bituminous composition
The present invention relates to a bituminous composition comprising at least one bitumen and at least one polycondensate capable of forming a supramolecular assembly comprising one or more associative group(s). The present invention also relates to the use of such bituminous composition for the preparation of asphalt mixtures useful for the coating of rolling surfaces, for the preparation of water-proofing coatings, and the for the preparation of adhesive formulations.
US08252864B2 Polymerization-enhancing composition for urea-formaldehyde resins, method of manufacture, method of use, and articles formed therefrom
An aqueous reaction product of a composition that may consist essentially of a source of an acid having a pKa in water of about 2 to about 8, a source of a base having a pKb in water of about 2 to about 6, and urea. A curable urea/formaldehyde resin composition may contain a curable urea/formaldehyde resin and the foregoing composition, and may be made by combining the resin with the composition. A reconstituted wood product may be made by combining particulate lignocellulosic material with the foregoing curable resin, and curing the resin. Optionally, a reconstituted wood panel may contain a particulate lignocellulosic material and a binder composition comprising the cured product of curable resin and the aforesaid aqueous reaction product. A concentrate for forming a polymerization enhancing composition is also disclosed.
US08252861B2 Compositions for making films having improved mechanical properties and methods for making same
Film tapes comprising a blend of a masterbatch and a propylene-based polymer are provided. The masterbatch comprises a propylene-based elastomer and filler. The propylene-based elastomer has about 50 to about 99 mol % of units derived from propylene, about 1 to about 50 mol % of units derived from C2-C20 comonomer and a peak melting point temperature of 115° C. or less. The propylene-based polymer comprises about 80 to about 100 mol % units derived from propylene and a peak melting point temperature of greater than 115° C. The compositions are suitable to make carpet fiber, carpet yarn, films, film tapes, molded parts and nonwoven fabrics having excellent mechanical properties.
US08252859B2 Aldimines and compositions comprising aldimine
Aldimines of formula (I) that are particularly suitable as latent hardeners in curable compositions, particularly compositions having one or two-component isocyanate groups. Due to the presence of the reactive group, they can be converted to compounds of formulas (X) and (XII) having aldimine groups. The aldimines, or the aldimine compounds, can be used primarily in adhesive and sealant materials, but also in coatings, and can be produced easily from readily available source materials, and have good thermal stability. The tertiary amino group thereof has a surprisingly low alkalinity and can in some cases have a catalytic effect in chemical reaction systems.
US08252852B2 Biodegradable resin composition
The invention relates to a biodegradable resin composition containing a biodegradable resin, a plasticizer and a crystal nucleus agent, the plasticizer being a compound containing two or more ester groups in the molecule thereof, wherein at least one alcohol component constituting the ester contains an alkylene oxide having 2 to 3 carbon atoms, added in the average amount of 0.5 to 5 moles per one hydroxyl group, and the crystal nucleus agent is a mixture of the following crystal nucleus agent (1) and crystal nucleus agent (2); the crystal nucleus agent (1) being the following crystal nucleus agent (1-1) or crystal nucleus agent (1-2): crystal nucleus agent (1-1): at least one selected from compounds having a hydroxyl group and an amide group in the molecule thereof; and crystal nucleus agent (1-2): at least one selected from hydroxy fatty acid esters; crystal nucleus agent (2): at least one selected from a metal salt of phenylphosphonic acid, a metal salt of a phosphate, a metal salt of an aromatic dialkyl sulfonate, a metal salt of rosinic acids, an aromatic carboxylic acid amide, rosinic acid amide, carbohydrazides, N-substituted ureas, salts of melamine compounds and uracils.
US08252850B2 Crosslink agents
Novel crosslink agents are described that provide for the copolymerization of at least one hydrophilic monomer with at least one lens monomer typically used to prepare materials for ophthalmic lenses. The new crosslink agents have a relatively high selectivity for the hydrophilic monomer and limited reactivity with the crosslink agent used to polymerize the lens monomer.
US08252849B2 Coating agent for poly(methyl methacrylate) panel nano imprinting and methods of use
Disclosed is a coating agent for poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) panel nano imprinting, more particularly, a coating agent for PMMA panel nano imprinting comprising a UV curable resin, a photoinitiator, an additive for surface modification and a weather-resistant stabilizer.
US08252848B2 Method of separating superabsorbent polymer particles from a solidified thermoplastic composition comprising polymers
A method for re-mobilizing superabsorbent polymer particles which have previously been immobilized by a solidified thermoplastic composition comprising at least 30 weight-% of a thermoplastic polymer. The superabsorbent polymer particles are separated from the solidified thermoplastic composition by using a supercritical fluid comprising carbon dioxide, propane, or mixtures thereof. Separation may be further improved by the use of one or more co-solvents.
US08252847B2 Skin protection compositions, in particular cream to protect against cold
The invention relates to a silicone-free skin protection composition, in particular a composition to protect against cold, containing the components a.) at least one oil with a pour point in accordance with DIN ISO 30 16 of ≦−10° C., b.) at least one polyol c.) at least one emulsifier d.) optionally at least one wax, where the viscosity difference in the temperature interval from +4° C. to +50° C. of highest and lowest viscosity of the skin protection composition has a value in the range from 0 to ≦20 000 mPas.
US08252844B2 Method of stabilizing an aldehyde
A method of manufacturing a stable aldehyde-surfactant complex solution wherein at least one aldehyde is added to a surfactant in a first aliquot of water, at a temperature of between 40° C. to 50° C., the aldehyde is allowed to interact with the surfactant or detergent, in a complexing reaction, for at least 15 minutes whilst maintaining the temperature between 40° C. to 50° C. to produce an aldehyde-surfactant complex solution, and a second aliquot of water is added after at least 15 minutes to cool the aldehyde-surfactant complex solution to below 40° C. to stop the complexing reaction.
US08252842B2 Polymorphic form of N-(S)-(3,4-difluoro-2-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-6-methoxyphenyl)-1-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)cyclopropane-1-sulfonamide and uses thereof
Disclosed herein, in certain embodiments, is a crystalline polymorph form A of N—(S)-(3,4-difluoro-2-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-6-methoxyphenyl)-1-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)cyclopropane-1-sulfonamide. Further disclosed herein, in certain embodiments, are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the crystalline polymorph form A of N—(S)-(3,4-difluoro-2-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-6-methoxyphenyl)-1-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)cyclopropane-1-sulfonamide.
US08252841B2 Methods of inhibiting bacterial virulence and compounds relating thereto
The present invention relates to compounds and methods for the treatment of bacterial infections. Because their mechanism of action does not involve killing of bacteria or inhibiting their growth, the potential for these compounds to induce drug resistance in bacteria is minimized. Through inhibiting bacterial virulence, the present invention provides a novel means of treating bacterial infections.
US08252838B2 Diclofenac topical formulation
The present invention provides a gel formulation comprising diclofenac sodium which has superior transdermal flux properties, which may be used for the topical treatment of pain, such as in osteoarthritis.
US08252830B2 Arylpropionamide, arylacrylamide, arylpropynamide, or arylmethylurea analogs as factor XIa inhibitors
The present invention provides compounds of Formula (I): or a stereoisomer, tautomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate form thereof, wherein the variables A, L1, M and R11 are as defined herein. The compounds of Formula (I) are selective inhibitors of serine protease enzymes of the coagulation cascade and/or contact activation system; for example thrombin, factor Xa, factor XIa, factor IXa, factor VIIa and/or plasma kallikrein. In particular, it relates to compounds that are selective factor XIa inhibitors or dual inhibitors of fXIa and plasma kallikrein. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and methods of treating thromboembolic and/or inflammatory disorders using the same.
US08252828B2 S-triazolyl α-mercapto acetanilides as inhibitors of HIV reverse transcriptase
A series of S-triazolyl α-mercaptoacetanilides having general structure (1) are provided, where Q is CO2H, CONR2, SO3H, or SO2NR2. The compounds inhibit several variants of the reverse transcriptase of HIV, and are useful in the treatment of HIV infections.
US08252823B2 Oxazole and thiazole compounds as beta-catenin modulators and uses thereof
A series of oxazole and thiazole compounds are shown herein to be small molecule inhibitors of the Wnt pathway that specifically target the activity of the stabilized pool of β-cat oxazole and thiazole compounds are disclosed that have a formula represented by the following: The compounds may be prepared as pharmaceutical compositions, and may be used for the prevention and treatment of a variety of conditions in mammals including humans, including by way of non-limiting example, cancer, and others.
US08252822B2 Heterocyclic compounds and uses as anticancer agents
Novel compounds having a fused bicyclic heteroaromatic ring system substituted with a heteroaryl five-membered ring are disclosed. The compounds inhibit growth of a variety of types of cancer cells, and are thus useful for treating cancer. Efficacy of these compounds is demonstrated with a system for monitoring cell growth/migration, which shows they are potent inhibitors of growth and/or migration of cancer cells. In addition, compounds of the invention were shown to stop growth of tumors in vivo, and to reduce the size of tumors in vivo. Compositions comprising these compounds, and methods to use these compounds and compositions for treatment of cancers, are disclosed.
US08252805B2 Forms of lapatinib ditosylate and processes for preparation thereof
The present invention provides novel polymorphs of lapatinib ditosylate, processes for preparing them, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more of these polymorphs.
US08252802B2 Chemical compounds
There is provided pyrimidinyl compounds of Formula (I), wherein: R2 is or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in therapy.
US08252801B1 Treatment of schizophrenia and related disorders
The invention relates to a method of administering histamine H3 antagonist and an antipsychotic therapeutic agent, compositions comprising a histamine H3 antagonist and an antipsychotic therapeutic agent, and a related article of manufacture.
US08252800B2 Protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors
The present invention relates to compounds of the Formula I, the pharmaceutically acceptable salts and stereoisomers thereof, which inhibit, regulate and/or modulate tyrosine kinase signal transduction, compositions which contain these compounds, and methods of using them to treat tyrosine kinase-dependent diseases and conditions in mammals: wherein n is an integer, preferably n is 1; wherein R1 and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of:
US08252799B2 Hexahydro-1H-4,7-methanoisoindole-1,3-dione compounds
The present invention is directed to therapeutic agents of the formula (I) which are atypical antipsychotics and which are useful in the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders associated with dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A neurotransmission dysfunction. wherein; R1 is C1-6alkyl, which is unsubstituted or substituted with 1-6 fluoro, wherein R1 and the hydroxyl group on the ring are attached to the same carbon atom; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US08252798B2 Purine compounds
A compound of the formula: and pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of pain.
US08252795B2 Imidazopyridazinecarbonitriles useful as kinase inhibitors
The invention provides compounds of Formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The Formula (I) imidazopyridazines inhibit protein kinase activity thereby making them useful as anticancer agents.
US08252792B2 Pyrimidine derivatives as PI3K inhibitors
Thienopyrimidines of formula (Ia) or (Ib): wherein R1-R3 have any of the values described herein, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof have activity as inhibitors of PI3K and may thus be used to treat diseases and disorders arising from abnormal cell growth, function or behaviour associated with PI3 kinase, in particular the p110 delta subtype, such as immune disorders, cardiovascular disease, viral infection, inflammation, metabolism/endocrine disorders and neurological disorders. Processes for synthesizing the compounds are also described.
US08252789B2 Compositions and methods for treating lysosomal disorders
The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating lysosomal disorders using a class of substituted imidazole derivatives or compounds.
US08252788B2 Therapeutic compounds
Compounds comprising or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof are disclosed, wherein a dashed line represents the presence or absence of a bond; and, wherein Y, A, R, D, and n are as described. Methods, compositions, and medicaments related thereto are also disclosed.
US08252786B2 Compound that can inhibit UBC13-UEV interactions, pharmaceutical compositions and therapeutic uses
The invention relates to a compound (I) wherein R is a heterocyclyl radical; R1 and R2 are independently H or alkyl; R3 is H, alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, alkenyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heterocyclyl or heterocyclylalkyl; R4 and R5 are independently H or alkyl; q is a number selected from 0 and 1; and the salts, solvates, prodrugs or stereoisomers thereof having inhibitory activity for UBC13-UEV interactions and which can be used in the production of pharmaceutical compositions intended for antitumor therapy or the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases associated to metabolic pathways involving the UBC13 enzyme, metabolic pathways involving transcriptional factor NF-κB, or pathways involving PCNA or RAD6. R—(CR1R2)q-CO—N(R3)—C(R4R5)—CO—NH2  (I)
US08252779B2 Analogs of benzoquinone-containing ansamycins and methods of use thereof
The present invention provides analogs of benzoquinone-containing ansamycins and uses thereof for treating and modulating disorders associated with hyperproliferation, such as cancer. The present invention provides analogs of benzoquinone-containing ansamycins where the benzoquinone is reduced to a hydroquinone and trapped by reaction with a suitable acid, preferably ones that increase the solubility and air stability of the resulting 17-ammonium hydroquinone ansamycin analog.
US08252778B2 Highly fluorinated oils and surfactants and methods of making and using same
Disclosed are compounds comprising the structure: In one aspect, the compounds exhibit maximum symmetric branching. Also disclosed are bilayers, micelles, coatings, and nanoparticles comprising the disclosed compounds. Also disclosed are processes for the preparation of the disclosed compounds and methods of using the disclosed compounds. Also disclosed are highly fluorinated dendrons and methods for making same. Also disclosed are methods for Fluorous Mixture Synthesis and tagging. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.
US08252774B2 5-azaindole bisphosphonates
Novel 5-azaindole bisphosphonate compounds are disclosed, as well as methods of preparing the compounds, pharmaceutical compositions including the compounds, and administration of the compounds in methods of treating abnormal calcium and phosphate metabolism, including bone and joint diseases and other disorders.
US08252773B2 Combination therapy with organic arsenicals
The invention provides a combination therapy wherein one or more other therapeutic agents are administered with an organic arsenical, preferably SGLU-1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The invention also relates to methods for the treatment of cancer, comprising administering SGLU-1 in combination with another therapeutic agent. Another aspect of the invention relates to a kit comprising SGLU-1 and another therapeutic agent.
US08252769B2 Intestinal barrier integrity
The invention concerns a method for stimulating barrier integrity in a mammal by administering to a mammal a composition comprising: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexacnoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA), and at least two distinct oligosaccharides.
US08252766B2 Use of spongosine for the treatment of pain
The compound spongosine (2-methoxyadenosine), of the class of adenosines, is useful as an analgesic, particularly in a method of preventing, treating, or ameliorating pain which comprises administering spongosine (2-methoxyadenosine) to a subject in need of such prevention, treatment, or amelioration.
US08252764B2 Compositions and methods of use of targeting peptides against placenta and adipose tissues
The present invention concerns compositions comprising and methods of identification and use of targeting peptides for placenta or adipose tissue. In certain embodiments, the targeting peptides comprise part or all of SEQ ID NO:5-11, SEQ ID NO:13-22 or SEQ ID NO:144. The peptides may be attached to various therapeutic agents for targeted delivery. Adipose-targeting peptides may be used in methods for weight control, inducing weight loss and treating lipodystrophy syndrome. Adipose-targeting may also be accomplished using other binding moieties selectively targeted to adipose receptors, such as a prohibition receptor protein complex. Placenta-targeting peptides may be used to interfere with pregnancy, induce labor and/or for targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to placenta and/or fetus. In other embodiments, receptors identified by binding to placenta-targeting peptides may be used to screen compounds for potential teratogenicity. An exemplary placental receptor is FcRn/β2M, and compounds that bind to FcRn/β2M are potential teratogens.
US08252758B2 Methods and compositions for the treatment of eye disorders with increased intraocular pressure
The present invention relates to methods and compositions that decrease intraocular pressure (IOP) of the eye. The compositions of the invention comprise short interfering nucleic acid molecules (siNA) including, but not limited to, siRNA that decrease expression of genes associated with production or drainage of intraocular fluid. The compositions of the invention can be used in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of an eye conditions displaying increased IOP such as glaucoma, infection, inflammation, uveitis, and diabetic retinopathy. The methods of the invention comprise the administration to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of one or more siNAs of the invention.
US08252756B2 Nucleic acid functionalized nanoparticles for therapeutic applications
Materials and methods for regulating gene expression using nanoparticles functionalized with antisense oligonucleotides are provided.
US08252753B2 Oligonucleotide and the use thereof for modulating an isoform C beta-1 protein-kinase in the form of a skin depigmentation agent
This invention relates to oligonucleotide sequences and their derivatives.These oligonucleotide sequences are capable of hybridising with the genes or with products of the genes coding for the PKC-beta 1.This invention also relates to the use of these oligonucleotide sequences as a depigmenting or bleaching agent for the skin in a cosmetic composition or in a topical pharmaceutical composition.
US08252751B2 Organic compounds
The present invention relates to a compound The instant invention relates to a compound of formulae (I A), (I B), (X A), (X B), (Y A) or (Y B), wherein R′ represents and R″ represents hydrogen, hydroxy, C1-C7alkoxy, C1-C8-alkanoyloxy, or R5R4N—CO—O—, where R4 and R5 independently are C1-C7alkyl or phenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by a substitutent selected from C1-C7alkyl, C1-C7alkoxy, halogen and trifluoromethyl and where R4 additionally is hydrogen; or R4 and R5 together represent C3-C6alkylene; in free form or in form of a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt. Compounds of formulae (I A), (I B), (X A), (X B), (Y A) or (Y B) inhibit DPP-IV (dipeptidyl-peptidase-IV) activity. They are therefore indicated for use as pharmaceuticals in inhibiting DPP-IV and in the treatment of conditions mediated by DPP-IV, such as non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, arthritis, obesity, osteoporosis and further conditions of impaired glucose tolerance.
US08252748B2 Peptide derived from neurotensin receptor 3 and use thereof in the treatment of psychiatric diseases
The invention relates to a peptide derived from neurotensin receptor 3 (NTSR3), and to the use thereof in the treatment of psychiatric diseases. The present invention particularly relates to the use of this peptide for producing a drug, such as an antidepressant. The peptide of the invention is characterized in that the sequence thereof is the attached SEQ ID No. 2. The present invention can be used in the fields of the pharmaceutical industry and particularly in the field of drug development for treating psychiatric diseases. The present invention can also be used in the development of a novel antidepressant. It can also be used for example, in the treatment of pain and inflammations.
US08252744B2 Implantable pump for protein delivery for obesity control by drug infusion into the brain
Methods and compositions are provided for suppressing appetite by surgically implanting a drug infusion pump into a site in a subject, and delivering a stable suspension of an appetite suppressing agent a region in a central nervous system of the subject. The appetite suppressing agent binds to a target receptor on a neural cell in the central nervous system and modifies the receptor function to suppress appetite.
US08252737B2 Antimicrobial peptides and methods of use
Disclosed herein are novel antimicrobial peptides with useful, improved, or superior properties such as antimicrobial activity, desirable levels of hemolytic activity, and therapeutic index against a broad range of microorganisms including gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria and other organisms having a cellular or structural component of a lipid bilayer membrane. Also provided are methods of making and using such peptides to control microbial growth and in pharmaceutical compositions for treatment or prevention of infections caused by such microorganisms. Certain peptides are disclosed utilizing a structure-based rational design relating to an antimicrobial peptide, V681, with single D-/L-amino acid substitutions or charged residue substitutions in or near the center of the peptide on the nonpolar or polar face. Also disclosed are peptides with one or more amino acids in the D configuration, including peptides with all amino acids in the D configuration. Modified peptide analogs herein can demonstrate one or more properties such as improved antimicrobial activity, specificity, and resistance to degradation. Compositions disclosed herein have useful clinical potential as antibiotics including broad spectrum antibiotics.
US08252735B2 Fluids having partially hydrogenated substituted styrene linear dimers and method of making same
A basestock that comprises a fully hydrogenated substituted styrene linear dimer; a partially hydrogenated mono-aromatic substituted styrene linear dimer; and a partially hydrogenated di-aromatic substituted styrene linear dimer. A process of producing a basestock that comprises reacting a feed stream that comprises substituted styrene, alcohol, and a dimerization catalyst, in the presence of a solvent, to form a crude slurry of dimerized substituted styrene; and partially hydrogenating the dimerized substituted styrene with hydrogen over a Group VIII catalyst to form a basestock that comprises a fully hydrogenated substituted styrene linear dimer and a partially hydrogenated substituted styrene linear dimer.
US08252734B1 Friction modifier using adherent metallic multilayered or mixed element layer conversion coatings
A process for creating conversion coatings and spin, drawing, and extrusion finishes for surfaces, wherein the conversion coatings and spin, drawing, and extrusion finishes contain potassium, phosphorus, nitrogen, silicon, and one or more non-alkaline metals. The process comprises forming a first aqueous solution of silicate, potassium hydroxide, and ammonium hydroxide; forming a second aqueous solution of water, phosphoric acid, ammonium hydroxide, an alkali metal hydroxide, and one or more non-alkaline metals, and then combining the first solution with the second solution to form a final solution. This final solution forms an anti-friction multi-layer conversion coating or a spin, drawing, and extrusion finish on a surface when applied to the surface, either directly or as an additive in lubricating fluids.
US08252732B2 Hydrophilic surfaces for reducing friction forces
A substrate (for example an implantable medical device) is provided with a lubricious surface by grafting onto the surface monomers containing acrylamide groups and then hydrolyzing said groups under alkaline conditions, the grafting step being carried out in an aqueous environment.
US08252731B2 Solid zirconium-based cross-linking agent and use in oil field applications
A solid zirconium cross-linking agent is prepared comprising zirconium and hydroxyalkylated ethylene diamine ligand. Use of the cross-linking agent in compositions for oil field applications such as hydraulic fracturing and plugging of permeable zones is also disclosed.
US08252729B2 High performance drilling fluids with submicron-size particles as the weighting agent
Methods and compositions utilizing a drilling fluid comprising sub-micron precipitated barite having a weight average particle diameter below about 1 micron. Methods include a method comprising circulating a drilling fluid in a well bore, wherein the drilling fluid comprises: a carrier fluid; and a weighting agent that comprises sub-micron precipitated barite having a weight average particle diameter below about 1 micron are disclosed. In some embodiments, the drilling fluid may comprise an invert emulsion. In some embodiments, the sub-micron precipitated barite has a particle size distribution such that at least 10% of particles in the sub-micron precipitated barite have a diameter below about 0.2 micron, at least 50% of the particles in the of the sub-micron precipitated barite have a diameter below about 0.3 micron and at least 90% of the particles in the sub-micron precipitated barite have a diameter below about 0.5 micron.
US08252727B2 Antibody diversity generation
Methods for improving antibodies by a variety of DNA diversification and selection procedures are provided. Improvements include increases in affinity, alterations in specificity and effector function, as well as reduced antigenicity, e.g. humanization. Libraries of recombinant antibody sequences are provided, as are cells expressing members of such libraries. Novel phage display vectors are provided. Methods for the coevolution of an antibody and its cognate antigen are provided. Coevolution is used to evolve HIV envelope proteins with increased antigenicity and broadly neutralizing antibodies that interact therewith. Methods of improving antibodies for use in the detection of biological warfare agents are provided.
US08252723B2 Substituted 1-(3-pyridinyl)pyrazol-4-ylacetic acids, processes for their preparation and their use as herbicides and plant growth regulators
The invention relates to the use of compounds of the formula (I) or salts thereof in which R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 and n are as defined in claim 1 as herbicides and plant growth regulators. The invention also relates to novel compounds of the formula (I) and salts thereof (see claim 5).
US08252720B2 Use of Gluconacetobacter with reduced use of nitrogen fertilizer to improve beet crop production
There is provided an inoculant composition for sucrose-rich crops improving production with reduced use of nitrogen fertilizer, which comprises Gluconacetobacter in suspension in a suitable culture medium, wherein the Gluconacetobacter being in an amount suitable for inoculation of the crops. There is also provided, a method for improving production of sucrose-rich crops with reduced use of nitrogen fertilizer, which comprises inoculating the sucrose-rich crop with the Gluconacetobacter inoculant composition.
US08252710B2 Zeolite-binder catalyst composition
Catalyst composition comprising a zeolite and a binder, wherein the zeolite is a Ga containing zeolite and the binder is a La modified kaolin and process for converting lower alkanes to aromatic hydrocarbons, using said catalyst composition. Preferably the aromatic hydrocarbons consist of at least 45 wt % of benzene, toluene and xylenes.
US08252709B2 Catalyst for hydrodesulfurization/dewaxing of hydrocarbon oil, process for producing the same, and method of hydrotreating hydrocarbon oil with the catalyst
An object of the present invention is to provide a catalyst for hydrodesulfurization/dewaxing of a hydrocarbon oil, with which sulfur compounds in the hydrocarbon oil can be desulfurized to a high degree and which simultaneously is extremely effective in reducing the wax deposit content; a process for producing the catalyst; and a method of hydrotreatment with the catalyst.The invention relates to a catalyst for hydrodesulfurization/dewaxing of a hydrocarbon oil, comprising a support comprising an inorganic oxide containing at least one crystalline aluminosilicate having a one- or two-dimensional pore path system and, having provided thereon, 10 to 35% by mass of a metal in Group 6 of the Periodic Table, 1 to 10% by mass of a metal in Group 8 of the Periodic Table, and 1.5 to 6% by mass of phosphorus in terms of oxide amount on the basis of the catalyst and further containing 2 to 14% by mass of carbon derived from an organic acid in terms of element amount on the basis of the catalyst, wherein the content of the crystalline aluminosilicate having a one-or two-dimensional pore path system in the support is 3 to 25% by mass on the basis of the support; a process for producing the catalyst; and a method of hydrotreatment with the catalyst.
US08252707B2 Composition for high performance glass fibers and fibers formed therewith
A composition for the manufacture of high strength glass fibers suitable for manufacture in both precious metal lined furnaces and refractory lined glass melter is disclosed. The glass composition of the present invention includes 62-68 weight % SiO2, 22-26 weight % Al2O3, 8-15 weight % MgO and 0.1 to 3.0 weight % Li2O. One suitable composition of the present invention includes 64-66.5 weight percent SiO2, 23-24.5 weight percent Al2O3, 9-11 weight percent MgO and 0.3-0.35 weight percent Li2O. Another suitable composition includes 66.5 weight percent SiO2, 23.4 weight percent Al2O3, 9.8 weight percent MgO and 0.3 weight percent Li2O. Yet another suitable composition is about 66 weight percent SiO2, about 23 weight percent Al2O3, about 10.5 weight percent MgO and about 0.3 weight percent Li2O. Fibers formed by the present invention are also disclosed. The fibers have a fiberizing temperature of less than 2650° F., a ΔT of at least 25° F. Further, the glass fibers of the present invention typically have a strength in excess of 700 KPSI, in one embodiment, a strength in excess of about 730 KPSI, and, in yet another embodiment, a strength in excess of about 750 KPSI. The glass fibers will typically have a modulus greater than 12.8 MPSI, in one embodiment, greater than about 13 MPSI, and, in yet another embodiment, greater than about 13.2 MPSI.
US08252703B2 Methods for forming roughened surfaces and applications thereof
Methods of forming a roughened metal surface on a substrate are provided, along with structures comprising such roughened surfaces. In preferred embodiments roughened surfaces are formed by selectively depositing metal or metal oxide on a substrate surface to form discrete, three-dimensional islands. Selective deposition may be obtained, for example, by modifying process conditions to cause metal agglomeration or by treating the substrate surface to provide a limited number of discontinuous reactive sites. The roughened metal surface may be used, for example, in the manufacture of integrated circuits.
US08252702B2 Fabrication of a memory with two self-aligned independent gates
A method for making a micro-electronic non-volatile memory device provided with transistors having gates placed side by side, the method comprising the steps of: a) forming in a layer based on at least one first gate material lying on a support, at least one first transistor gate block and at least one sacrificial block, said first block and said sacrificial block being separated by a given space, b) forming in said given space a stack comprising at least one insulating layer and at least one second gate material, said gate material located in said space being intended to form a second gate block separated from the first block by said insulating layer, c) suppressing said sacrificial block.
US08252700B2 Method of heat treating silicon wafer
In a method of heat treating a wafer obtained by slicing a silicon single crystal ingot manufactured by the Czochralski method, a rapid heating/cooling heat treatment is carried out by setting a holding time at an ultimate temperature of 1200° C. or more and a melting point of silicon or less to be equal to or longer than one second and to be equal to or shorter than 60 seconds in a mixed gas atmosphere containing oxygen having an oxygen partial pressure of 1.0% or more and 20% or less and argon, and an oxide film having a thickness of 9.1 nm or less or 24.3 nm or more is thus formed on a surface of the silicon wafer.
US08252693B1 Self-alignment for semiconductor patterns
Various systems and methods related to semiconductor devices having a plurality of layers and having a first conductive trace on a first layer electrically connected to a second conductive trace on a second layer and electrically isolated from a third electrical trace on the second layer are provided. A semiconductor structure can include first, second and third layers. The first conducting layer may be etched to form a first trench for the first conductive trace. A layer of material on the second layer in the first trench can define a patch area, wherein the patch area is disposed in a location where the first trench crosses over the third electrical trace. A second trench may be etched in an area defined by the first trench and the patch area to remove material in the second layer exposed by the first trench, leaving material of the layer under the patch area.
US08252692B2 Semiconductor device and method of fabricating the same
A semiconductor device according to one embodiment includes: a substrate having an element region where a semiconductor element is formed; a via hole formed in a portion of the substrate adjacent to the element region; a conducting portion provided in the via hole via an insulating layer; and a buffer layer provided between the substrate and the insulating layer, wherein the buffer layer is made of a material in which a difference in thermal expansion coefficient between the substrate and the buffer layer is smaller than that between the substrate and the insulating layer.
US08252690B2 In situ Cu seed layer formation for improving sidewall coverage
A method of forming a seed layer of an interconnect structure includes forming a dielectric layer; forming an opening in the dielectric layer; performing a first deposition step to form the seed layer; and in-situ performing a first etch step to remove a portion of the seed layer. The method may further includes additional deposition and etch steps for forming the seed layer.
US08252686B2 Method for forming copper wiring in a semiconductor device
A process for forming a copper wiring and the prevention of copper ion migration in a semiconductor device is disclosed herein. The process includes conducting a post-cleaning process for a copper layer that is to form the cooper wiring after already having undergone a CMP process. The post-cleaning process includes conducting a primary chemical cleaning using a citric acid-based chemical. A secondary chemical cleaning is then conducted on the copper layer having undergone the primary chemical cleaning using an ascorbic acid-based chemical. After the post-cleaning process is completed, the migration of copper ions over time is prevented thereby improving the reliability of the semiconductor device.
US08252682B2 Method for thinning a wafer
A method for thinning a wafer is provided. In one embodiment, a wafer is provided having a plurality of semiconductor chips, the wafer having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, wherein each of the chips includes a set of through silicon vias (TSVs), each of the TSVs substantially sealed by a liner layer and a barrier layer. A wafer carrier is provided for attaching to the second side of the wafer. The first side of the wafer is thinned and thereafer recessed to partially expose portions of the liner layers, barrier layers and the TSVs protruding from the wafer. An isolation layer is deposited over the first side of the wafer and the top portions of the liner layers, barrier layers and the TSVs. Thereafter, an insulation layer is deposited over the isolation layer. The insulation layer is then planarized to expose top portions of the TSVs. A dielectric layer is deposited over the planarized first side of the wafer. One or more electrical contacts are formed in the dielectric layer for electrical connection to the exposed one or more TSVs.
US08252679B2 Semiconductor process
A semiconductor process is described. A substrate with at least one conductive region is provided, on which a dielectric layer is formed. An opening is formed in the dielectric layer, such that the conductive region is exposed. A first conductive layer is conformally formed on the surface of the opening. A first cleaning step is conducted using a first cleaning solution. A baking step is conducted after the first cleaning step. Afterwards, the opening is filled with a second conductive layer.
US08252678B2 Flux-free chip to wafer joint serial thermal processor arrangement
A serial thermal processing arrangement for treating a pre-assembled chip/wafer assembly of semiconductor material in a rotary processor, through a series of intermittent, rotatively advanced, movements into independent, temperature and pressure controlled, circumferentially disposed chambers.
US08252676B2 Method for containing a silicided gate within a sidewall spacer in integrated circuit technology
A method of forming an integrated circuit includes providing a semiconductor substrate and forming a gate over the semiconductor substrate. A gate sidewall spacer is formed around the gate and a resist is deposited on the gate sidewall spacer with the gate sidewall spacer and the gate exposed. A portion of the gate within the gate sidewall spacer is removed and a gate silicide is formed within the curved gate sidewall spacer. A dielectric layer is formed over the gate silicide and a contact is formed to the gate silicide.
US08252675B2 Methods of forming CMOS transistors with high conductivity gate electrodes
Provided is a method for manufacturing a MOS transistor. The method comprises providing a substrate having a first active region and a second active region; forming a dummy gate stack on the first active region and the second active region, the dummy gate stack comprising a gate dielectric layer and a dummy gate electrode; forming source/drain regions in the first active region and the second active region disposed at both sides of the dummy gate stack; forming a mold insulating layer on the source/drain region; removing the dummy gate electrode on the first active region to form a first trench on the mold insulating layer; forming a first metal pattern to form a second trench at a lower portion of the first trench, and removing the dummy gate electrode on the second active region to from a third trench on the mold insulating layer; and forming a second metal layer in the second trench and the third trench to form a first gate electrode on the first active region and a second gate electrode on the second active region.
US08252672B2 Silicon carbide semiconductor device comprising silicon carbide layer and method of manufacturing the same
A method of manufacturing a silicon carbide semiconductor device having a silicon carbide layer, the method including a step of implanting at least one of Al ions, B ions and Ga ions having an implantation concentration in a range not lower than 1E19 cm−3 and not higher than 1E21 cm−3 from a main surface of the silicon carbide layer toward the inside of the silicon carbide layer while maintaining the temperature of the silicon carbide layer at 175° C. or higher, to form a p-type impurity layer; and forming a contact electrode whose back surface establishes ohmic contact with a front surface of the p-type impurity layer on the front surface of the p-type impurity layer.
US08252670B2 Production method for a lateral electro-optical modulator on silicon with auto-aligned implanted zones
The invention relates to a production method of a lateral electro-optical modulator on an SOI substrate, the modulator comprising a rib waveguide formed in the thin layer of silicon of the SOI substrate, the rib waveguide being placed between a doped region P and a doped region N formed in the thin layer of silicon, the rib waveguide occupying an intrinsic region of the thin layer, at least one doped zone P being formed in the rib and perpendicularly to the substrate. The method comprises masking steps of the thin layer of silicon to define therein the rib of the waveguide, etching of the rib, masking of the thin layer of silicon to delimit the parts to be doped P, doping of the parts to be doped P, masking of the thin layer of silicon to delimit the region to be doped N and doping of the region to be doped N. The masking steps utilizes a hard mask whereof the pattern defines the rib of the waveguide, the zone to be doped P in the rib of the waveguide and the limit of the doped region N relative to the rib of the waveguide.
US08252666B2 Semiconductor device and method of forming through hole vias in die extension region around periphery of die
A semiconductor wafer contains a plurality of semiconductor die. The semiconductor wafer is diced to separate the semiconductor die. The semiconductor die are transferred onto a carrier. A die extension region is formed around a periphery of the semiconductor die on the carrier. The carrier is removed. A plurality of through hole vias (THV) is formed in first and second offset rows in the die extension region. A conductive material is deposited in the THVs. A first RDL is formed between contact pads on the semiconductor die and the THVs. A second RDL is formed on a backside of the semiconductor die in electrical contact with the THVs. An under bump metallization is formed in electrical contact with the second RDL. Solder bumps are formed on the under bump metallization. The die extension region is singulated to separate the semiconductor die.
US08252665B2 Protection layer for adhesive material at wafer edge
A wafer is attached to a carrier by using an adhesive layer, and a portion of the adhesive layer is exposed adjacent to an edge of the wafer. After thinning the wafer, a protection layer is provided to cover the exposed portion of the adhesive layer. A plurality of dies is bonded onto the thinned wafer, and then the thinned wafer and the dies are encapsulated with a molding compound.
US08252657B2 Metal gate transistor and resistor and method for fabricating the same
A method for fabricating metal gate transistor and resistor is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: providing a substrate having a transistor region and a resistor region; forming a shallow trench isolation in the substrate of the resistor region; forming a tank in the shallow trench isolation of the resistor region; forming at least one gate in the transistor region and a resistor in the tank of the resistor region; and transforming the gate into a metal gate transistor.
US08252655B2 Method of forming semiconductor cell structure, method of forming semiconductor device including the semiconductor cell structure, and method of forming semiconductor module including the semiconductor device
In a method of forming a semiconductor cell structure, a first insulating layer may be formed on a semiconductor substrate. A connection pattern may be formed in the first insulating layer. Second and third insulating layers may be sequentially formed on the connection pattern. The third insulating layer may be etched at least twice and the second insulating layer may be etched at least once to form a through hole in the second and third insulating layers. The through hole may expose the connection pattern.
US08252653B2 Method of forming a non-volatile memory having a silicon nitride charge trap layer
A flash memory device and methods of forming a flash memory device are provided. The flash memory device includes a doped silicon nitride layer having a dopant comprising carbon, boron or oxygen. The doped silicon nitride layer generates a higher number and higher concentration of nitrogen and silicon dangling bonds in the layer and provides an increase in charge holding capacity and charge retention time of the unit cell of a non-volatile memory device.
US08252652B2 Semiconductor structure and fabrication method thereof
A semiconductor structure is provided. A second conductivity type well region is formed on a first conductivity type substrate. A second conductivity type diffused source and second conductivity type diffused drain are formed on the first conductivity type substrate. A gate structure is formed on the second conductivity type well region between the second conductivity type diffused source and the second conductivity type diffused drain. First conductivity type buried rings are arranged in a horizontal direction, and formed in the second conductivity type well region, and divide the second conductivity type well region into an upper drift region and a lower drift region.
US08252650B1 Method for fabricating CMOS transistor
A method for fabricating MOS transistor includes the steps of: overlapping a second stress layer on an etching stop layer and a first stress layer at a boundary region of the substrate; forming a dielectric layer on the first stress layer and the second stress layer; performing a first etching process to partially remove the dielectric layer for exposing a portion of the second stress layer at the boundary region; performing a second etching process to partially remove the exposed portion of the second stress layer for exposing the etching stop layer; performing a third etching process to partially remove the exposed portion of the etching stop layer for exposing the first stress layer at the boundary region; and performing a fourth etching process partially remove the exposed portion of the first stress layer.
US08252649B2 Methods of fabricating semiconductor devices and structures thereof
Methods of fabricating semiconductor devices and structures thereof are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a gate material stack over a workpiece having a first region and a second region. A composition or a thickness of at least one of a plurality of material layers of the gate material stack is altered in at least the second region. The gate material stack is patterned, forming a first transistor in the first region and forming a second transistor in the second region. Altering the composition or the thickness of the at least one of the plurality of material layers of the gate material stack in at least the second region results in a first transistor having a first threshold voltage and a second transistor having a second threshold voltage, the second threshold voltage having a different magnitude than the first threshold voltage.
US08252646B2 Peripheral gate stacks and recessed array gates
Methods are provided for simultaneously processing transistors in two different regions of an integrated circuit. Planar transistors are provided in a logic region while recessed access devices (RADs) are provided in an array region for a memory device. During gate stack patterning in the periphery, word lines are recessed within the trenches for the array RADs. Side wall spacer formation in the periphery simultaneously provides an insulating cap layer burying the word lines within the trenches of the array.
US08252645B2 Method of manufacturing trenched MOSFETs with embedded Schottky in the same cell
A method for manufacturing a trenched semiconductor power device includes a step of forming said semiconductor power device with a trenched gate surrounded by a source region encompassed in a body region above a drain region disposed on a bottom surface of a substrate. The method further includes the steps of covering the MOSFET cell with an insulation layer and applying a contact mask for opening a source-body contact trench extending through the source and body regions into an epitaxial layer underneath for filling a contact metal plug therein. And, the method further includes a step of forming an embedded Schottky diode by forming a Schottky barrier layer near a bottom of the source-body contact trench below the contact metal plug with the Schottky barrier layer having a barrier height for reducing a leakage current through the embedded Schottky diode during a reverse bias between the drain and the source.
US08252644B2 Method for forming a nonvolatile memory cell comprising a reduced height vertical diode
A method for forming a nonvolatile memory cell is provided that includes: (1) forming a rail-shaped first conductor above a substrate, (2) forming a rail-shaped second conductor above the first conductor, and (3) forming a substantially vertical first pillar disposed between the first conductor and the second conductor. The first pillar includes a vertically oriented p-i-n diode, and the p-i-n diode includes: (a) a bottom heavily doped region having a first conductivity type, (b) a middle intrinsic or lightly doped region, and (c) a top heavily doped region having a second conductivity type opposite the first conductivity type. The bottom heavily doped region is doped by implantation of arsenic ions and the top heavily doped region is doped by implantation of BF2 ions. Numerous additional aspects are provided.
US08252640B1 Polycrystalline silicon activation RTA
A method of forming a semiconductor structure includes rapid thermal annealing of a gate stack on a semiconductor substrate at a temperature of at least 950° C., followed by forming source/drain regions in the semiconductor substrate.
US08252634B2 Integrated circuit packaging system with a leadframe having radial-segments and method of manufacture thereof
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: providing inwardly converging leadfingers having continuously decreasing widths along lengths thereof to inward ends thereof; electrically connecting an integrated circuit device on the leadfingers only on portions of the continuously decreasing widths; and encapsulating the integrated circuit device and the leadfingers with an encapsulation.
US08252633B2 Subassembly that includes a power semiconductor die and a heat sink having an exposed surface portion thereof
The semiconductor assembly includes a first subassembly having a heat sink. Solder material is disposed on the exposed portion of a first surface of heat sink. A power semiconductor die is located on the first surface of the heat sink and is thermally coupled thereto by the solder material. A packaging patterned polymer layer is disposed on a second surface of the heat sink opposing the first surface and defines an interior surface portion of the heat sink. A semiconductor package is provided in which the first subassembly, solder material and die are located such that the interior surface portion of the second surface of the heat sink is not enclosed by the semiconductor package.
US08252632B2 Semiconductor device and manufacturing method of the same
The present invention enables improvement of bonding reliability of the conductive adhesive interposed between a semiconductor chip and a die pad portion. Provided is a semiconductor device, in which a silicon chip is mounted over the die pad portion integrally formed with a drain lead, has a source pad over the main surface and a drain electrode of a power MOSFET over the back side, and is bonded onto the die pad portion via an Ag paste. In the device, a source lead and the source pad are electrically coupled via an Al ribbon. Over the back surface of the silicon chip, an Ag nanoparticle coated film is formed, while another Ag nanoparticle coated film is formed over the die pad portion and lead (drain lead and source lead).
US08252630B2 Semiconductor device, method of manufacturing the semiconductor device, flip chip package having the semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the flip chip package
A semiconductor device can include a semiconductor chip, a protective layer pattern, an under bump metallurgy (UBM) layer, and conductive bumps. The semiconductor chip can include a pad and a guard ring. The protective layer pattern can be formed on the semiconductor chip to expose the pad and the guard ring. The UBM layer can be formed on the protective layer and can directly make contact with the pad and the guard ring. The conductive bumps can be formed on a portion of the UBM layer on the pad. Thus, the UBM layer and the guard ring can directly make contact with each other, so that a uniform current can be provided to the UBM layer on the pad regardless of a thick difference of different portions of the UBM layer.
US08252624B2 Method of manufacturing thin film solar cells having a high conversion efficiency
A method and apparatus for forming solar cells is provided. In one embodiment, a photovoltaic device includes a antireflection coating layer disposed on a first surface of a substrate, a barrier layer disposed on a second surface of the substrate, a first transparent conductive oxide layer disposed on the barrier layer, a conductive contact layer disposed on the first transparent conductive oxide layer, a first p-i-n junction formed on the conductive contact layer, and a second transparent conductive oxide layer formed on the first p-i-n junction.
US08252613B1 Color stable manganese-doped phosphors
A process for preparing color stable Mn+4 doped phosphors includes providing a phosphor of formula I; Ax[MFy]:Mn+4  I and contacting the phosphor in particulate form with a saturated solution of a composition of formula II in aqueous hydrofluoric acid; Ax[MFy];  II wherein A is Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, NR4 or a combination thereof; M is Si, Ge, Sn, Ti, Zr, Al, Ga, In, Sc, Y, La, Nb, Ta, Bi, Gd, or a combination thereof; R is H, lower alkyl, or a combination thereof; x is the absolute value of the charge of the [MFy] ion; and y is 5, 6 or 7. In particular embodiments, M is Si, Ge, Sn, Ti, Zr, or a combination thereof. A lighting apparatus capable of emitting white light includes a semiconductor light source; and a phosphor composition radiationally coupled to the light source, and which includes a color stable Mn+4 doped phosphor.
US08252603B2 Fluid containers with reservoirs in their closures and methods of use
Fluid containers are disclosed which have fluid reservoirs in their closures. These reservoirs are advantageous to hold sacrificial fluid which lessens the loss of the fluid of interest to the outside through evaporation. The reservoirs may have openings to the inside or outside of the container, or to both. Reservoirs with openings to the outside serve to reduce evaporative loss by raising the partial pressure of fluid in the vicinity of the contact between the closure and the remainder of the container. The reservoirs may be refillable without opening the container. In one embodiment a fluid reservoir allows the zone of contact between the closure and the remainder of the container to be immersed in fluid, so that gases seeking to escape the interior of the container must pass through fluid.
US08252601B2 Method for designating a component having a heat insulation layer and for determining its operating time
A method for designating a component, coated with a heat insulation layer including zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) stabilized with yttrium oxide (Y2O3) [YSZ], and for determining its operating time or operating temperature is provided. The method includes doping the heat insulation layer and marking the doped heat insulation layer, with at least one metal oxide in at least one surface region of the component. The metal oxide is selected such that the doped region of YSZ is visible or can be made optically visible in order to designate the component. The method also includes comparing a slower or faster change in lattice parameters of the doped YSZ region, as compared with undoped YSZ, and determining the operating time of the component under temperature by comparing the lattice parameters with a known calibrating characteristic curve.
US08252599B2 Sample processing units, systems, and related methods
Sample processing units useful for mixing and purifying materials, such as fluidic materials are provided. A sample processing unit typically includes a container configured to contain a sample comprising magnetically responsive particles, and one or more magnets that are in substantially fixed positions relative to the container. A sample processing unit also generally includes a conveyance mechanism configured to convey the container to and from a position that is within magnetic communication with the magnet, e.g., such that magnetically responsive particles with captured analytes can be retained within the container when other materials are added to and/or removed from the container. Further, a sample processing unit also typically includes a rotational mechanism that is configured to rotate the container, e.g., to effect mixing of sample materials disposed within the container. Related carrier mechanisms, sample processing stations, systems, and methods are also provided.
US08252597B1 Evaluating mixtures of low molecular weight heparins by chain profiles or chain mapping
Methods for analyzing mixtures of polysaccharides, for example heparin such as unfractionated heparin and enoxaparin are described. In some instances, the mixtures are analyzed using fast performance liquid chromatography (FPLC) and high liquid performance chromatography (HPLC), e.g., strong anion exchange HPLC.
US08252590B2 Mammalian cell culture media which comprise supernatant from cohn fractionation stages and use thereof
The present invention relates to mammalian cell culture media which comprise supernatant from some of the fractions of human plasma fractionation according to the Cohn method, more specifically, the supernatant of fractions I and II+III. When said supernatant is added as a culture medium supplement it provides various nutrients and factors for the effective maintenance and/or proliferation of the cultured mammalian cells. In addition, the present invention relates to the preparation process and use of said medium in the culture of mammalian cells.
US08252587B2 Methods of expanding myeloid cell populations and uses thereof
The present disclosure relates to a method of expanding myeloid progenitor cells by culturing an initial population of cells in a medium comprising a mixture of cytokines and growth factors that promote growth and expansion of the myeloid progenitor cells. The expanded cell population provides a source of cells as therapeutic treatments for neutropenia and/or thrombocytopenia arising in patients subjected to myeloablative therapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
US08252584B2 Adiponectin receptor and gene encoding the same
The object is to isolate and identify human and mouse adiponectin receptors, to provide a novel protein having adiponectin binding ability, and to provide a screening method and screening kit for a ligand, agonist and antagonist to an adiponectin receptor using such protein. To achieve this object, a protein is used, as novel protein having adiponectin binding ability, that is (a) a protein comprising an amino acid sequence according to Seq. No. 2, 4, 6 or 8, or (b) a protein comprising an amino acid sequence according to Seq. No. 2, 4, 6 or 8 with one or more amino acids deleted, replaced or added, and having adiponectin binding ability.
US08252583B2 Method for inducing differentiation into cardiomyocytes using G-CSF
A method for inducing differentiation of ES cells into cardiomyocytes, which comprises contacting the ES cells with an agonist for G-CSF receptor.
US08252582B2 Disposable bioreactor comprising a sensor arrangement
The invention relates to a disposable bioreactor comprising a reversible, externally attachable sensor arrangement for measuring a physical variable of a contained medium. A sensor adapter (28) for receiving an electronic sensor arrangement (34, 38; 42; 44a, 44b, 46, 48) interacting with the medium cross-flowing the peripheral lines (14, 16, 18), by means of an inner delimiting surface (32a, 32b; 42; 44a, 44b, 46, 48) of the sensor adapter, is integrated into at least one of the peripheral lines (14, 16, 18) of the bioreactor which is used to supply or discharge the medium. Said sensor adapter (28) is mounted on the peripheral line (14, 16, 18) as an insert extending the peripheral line (14, 16, 18) and which can be cross-flown by the contained medium.
US08252580B2 Bacterial host cell for the direct expression of peptides
Expression systems are disclosed for the direct expression of peptide products into the culture media where genetically engineered host cells are grown. High yield was achieved with a special selection of hosts, and/or fermentation processes which include careful control of cell growth rate, and use of an inducer during growth phase. Special universal cloning vectors are provided for the preparation of expression vectors which include control regions having multiple promoters linked operably with coding regions encoding a signal peptide upstream from a coding region encoding the peptide of interest. Multiple transcription cassettes are also used to increase yield. The production of amidated peptides using the expression systems is also disclosed.
US08252577B2 Microorganism that displays biotin on cell surface
Provided is a microorganism that can display, on the cell surface, any molecules other than a molecule comprising amino acids, more specifically, a microorganism that displays biotin on a cell surface. The microorganism is capable of co-expressing a biotinylating enzyme and an acceptor peptide having a sequence recognized by the biotinylating enzyme, wherein the acceptor peptide is expressed on the cell surface, so that lysine of the acceptor peptide is biotinylated to display biotin on the cell surface. Also provided is a method for displaying an intended molecule, including not only a molecule comprising amino acids but also any molecules, on a cell surface of a microorganism.
US08252575B2 Newly isolated bacteriophage specific to klebsiella pneumoniae
A newly isolated lytic bacteriophage specifically against Klebsiella pneumoniae, deposited at DSMZ-Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen and Zellkulturen with deposit number (DSM 24329), shows broad host ranges and lytic effects on K. pneumoniae isolated from Taiwan under either in vivo or in vitro models.
US08252567B2 Method for the indirect production of butanol and hexanol
A process for the conversion of carbohydrates from any of a number of sources into butanol and hexanol for fuel or chemical use is disclosed. The process includes conducting a homoacetogenic fermentation to produce an acetic acid intermediate which is chemically converted to ethanol. The ethanol and a remaining portion of the acetic acid intermediate are used as a substrate in an acidogenic fermentation to produce butyric and caproic acid intermediates which are then chemically converted to butanol and hexanol.
US08252564B2 Burkholderia multivorans strain and methods of using same
The present invention relates to a novel Burkholderia multivorans, an amidase produced from the same, and a method for optical resolution of a racemic mixture using the same, and more particularly to a strain Burkholderia multivorans LG 31-3, an amidase having stereoselective substrate specificity, and a method for optical resolution of a racemic mixture using the same. The amidase produced from the novel Burkholderia multivorans LG 31-3 (KCTC 10920BP) according to the present invention can be useful to produce single enantiomer at a high optical purity since the racemic mixture may be easily optically resolved under enzyme reaction conditions of room temperature and normal pressure.
US08252563B2 Reductase, gene thereof and method of using the same
The present invention relates to a protein which can asymmetrically reduce an ortho-substituted phenylglyoxalic acid compound to industrially advantageously produce an amide or ester compound of corresponding optically-active ortho-substituted mandelic acid, a DNA encoding the protein, a process for producing the protein from the DNA, and a process for asymmetrically reducing an ortho-substituted phenylglyoxalic acid compound to produce a corresponding optically-active ortho-substituted mandelic acid compound.
US08252562B2 Enzyme powder comprising spray-dried formulation comprising a CE-7 enzyme
Disclosed herein are enzyme powders comprising a spray-dried formulation of at least one CE-7 esterase, at least one oligosaccharide excipient, and optionally at least one surfactant. Also disclosed herein is a process for producing peroxycarboxylic acids from carboxylic acid esters using the aforementioned enzyme powders. Further, disinfectant and laundry care formulations comprising the peracids produced by the processes described herein are provided.
US08252552B2 Methods and constructs for producing transgenic plants and methods of recovering expressed proteins
This invention relates to a regulatory element useful for genetically engineering sugarcane or other monocots, to the transformation of the monocots with the regulatory element so that they produce a desired product, and to the regeneration of the monocots transformed with the regulatory element. In particular the present invention provides a nucleic acid encoding the promoter of a sugarcane proline rich protein as shown in Seq ID #3.
US08252547B2 In vitro control of protein synthesis in mammalian cells by IP3 receptor-binding protein
The present invention provides a composition comprising an IP3 receptor-binding protein (IRBIT), a nucleic acid that controls the expression and translation of IRBIT, or an antibody against IRBIT for controlling at least one intracellular biological function selected from the group consisting of (1) protein synthesis, (2) phosphatidylinositol metabolism, and (3) intracellular pH.
US08252543B2 Method for detecting candidate alzheimer's disease drug
The present invention provides a method for detecting or diagnosing in vitro Alzheimer's disease, or memory and/or cognitive disorders, using a human biological sample and the inactivation of STAT3 protein as an indication, and a method for screening for a therapeutic drug for Alzheimer's disease or memory and/or cognitive disorders, using the activation of STAT3 protein as an indication.
US08252541B2 Sodium channel protein type III α-subunit splice variant
The present invention is directed to a splice variant of a human sodium channel alpha subunit and methods and compositions for making and using the same.
US08252539B2 Microfabricated crossflow devices and methods
A microfluidic device for analyzing and/or sorting biological materials (e.g., molecules such as polynucleotides and polypeptides, including proteins and enzymes; viruses and cells) and methods for its use are provided. The device and methods of the invention are useful for sorting particles, e.g. virions. The invention is also useful for high throughput screening, e.g. combinatorial screening. The microfluidic device comprises a main channel and an inlet region in communication with the main channel at a droplet extrusion region. Droplets of solution containing the biological material are deposited into the main channel through the droplet extrusion region. A fluid different from and incompatible with the solution containing the biological material flows through the main channel so that the droplets containing the biological material do not diffuse or mix. Biological material within the droplets can be analyzed and/or sorted by detecting a predetermined characteristic of the biological sample in each droplet and sorting the droplet accordingly.
US08252534B2 Micro RNAs and their methods of use for the treatment and diagnosis of schizophrenia and schizophrenia spectrum disorders
A method of diagnosing, assessing susceptibility, and/or treating schizophrenia involving the identification and/or observation of microRNAs (miRNA) and variant miRNA are provided. Micro RNAs alleles associated with schizophrenia and schizophrenia spectrum disorders were identified and ultra-rare variants in the precursor or mature miRNA were identified. Functional analyses of ectopically expressed copies of the variant miRNA precursors demonstrate loss of function, gain of function and altered expression levels. The present invention also provides methods for selecting a preferred therapy for a particular subject or group of subjects or individuals at risk for or suffering from schizophrenia or psychosis by use of miRNAs.
US08252530B2 Aza-benzazolium containing cyanine dyes
Unsymmetrical cyanine dyes that incorporate an aza-benzazolium ring moiety are described, including cyanine dyes substituted by a cationic side chain, monomeric and dimeric cyanine dyes, chemically reactive cyanine dyes, and conjugates of cyanine dyes. The subject dyes are virtually non-fluorescent when diluted in aqueous solution, but exhibit bright fluorescence when associated with nucleic acid polymers such as DNA or RNA, or when associated with detergent-complexed proteins. A variety of applications are described for detection and quantitation of nucleic acids and detergent-complexed proteins in a variety of samples, including solutions, electrophoretic gels, cells, and microorganisms.
US08252523B2 Porous particle reagent compositions
A reagent composition for a biosensor sensor strip is disclosed that provides for rapid rehydration after drying. The composition includes porous particles and is preferably formed as a colloidal suspension. The dried reagent composition including porous particles may provide analytically useful output from the sensor strip in a shorter time period than observed from dried reagent compositions using solid particles. The output signal from the porous particle compositions may be correlated to the analyte concentration of a sample within about two seconds. In this manner, an accurate concentration determination of an analyte concentration in a sample may be obtained in less time than from sensor strips including conventional compositions. The reagent composition including the porous particles also may allow for the redox reaction between the reagents and the analyte to reach a maximum kinetic performance in a shorter time period than observed from conventional sensor strips.
US08252521B2 Method of screening substance useful in treating disease with the use of GPR40 and phospholipase
The present invention relates to a screening method for determining whether a substance of interest is a substance which alters GPR40-mediated cell stimulating activities, comprising using a substance of interest, a biomembrane containing GPR40, or cells containing said biomembrane, and phospholipase or salts thereof. According to the present invention, substances involved in insulin secretion can be screened. In addition, according to the present invention, substance useful for the prevention or treatment of diabetes, diabetic complications and degenerative diseases, hyperglycemia, polyuria, ketonemia, acidosis, insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, neurodegenerative diseases, insulinoma, cancers, hyperinsulinemia, hyperglyceridemia, fatty liver, hypoglycemia due to insulin hypersecretion, arteriosclerosis, hyperlipidemia, cerebral stroke, obesity, various diseases induced by diabetes or obesity, and the like.
US08252519B2 Process for continuous production of bacteriophage
As bacteriophage use in industrial application grows there is a need for commercial quantities of identified bacteriophage. This invention discloses a continuous flow bacteriophage proliferation process that can provide commercial quantities of desired bacteriophage in concentrations suitable for industrial use. Host bacteria and virulent bacteriophage are fed into a reactor vessel where the phage attach to, infect and lyse the host bacteria providing multiple replications of it and coincidentally concentrating the phage.
US08252517B2 Stop flow interference lithography system
Stop flow interference lithography system for high throughput synthesis of 3-dimensionally patterned polymer particles. The system includes a microfluidic channel containing a stationary oligomer film and a phase mask located adjacent to the microfluidic channel. A source of collimated light is provided for passing the collimated light through the phase mask and into the microfluidic channel for interaction with the oligomer. The passage of the collimated light through the phase mask generates a 3-dimensional distribution of light intensity to induce crosslinking of the oligomer in high intensity regions thereby forming 3-dimensional structures.
US08252516B2 Manufacturing a narrow track read head
Embodiments of the invention operate to narrow the track width of a read head used in a disk drive. In one embodiment, a magnetic read head has a track width of about 40 nm or less. The read head is fabricated by a method that includes fabricating a film stack from a substrate, a sensor material, a stop material, a first release material, a mask material, and a photo resist material. The mask material may include a masking substrate material and a second release material. The film stack is processed by forming a read head image in the photo resist material, removing portions of the film stack that lie outside the read head image of the photo resist material, stripping the film stack to remove the photo resist, mask and first release materials, and milling the sensor material according to the read head image.
US08252515B2 Method for removing photoresist
A method for removing a photoresist is disclosed. First, a substrate including a patterned photoresist is provided. Second, an ion implantation is carried out on the substrate. Then, a non-oxidative pre-treatment is carried out on the substrate. The non-oxidative pre-treatment provides hydrogen, a carrier gas and plasma. Later, a photoresist-stripping step is carried out so that the photoresist can be completely removed.
US08252513B2 Method for on-press developing laser sensitive lithographic printing plate
A method of on-press developing a high-speed laser sensitive lithographic printing plate with ink and/or fountain solution is described. The plate comprises on a substrate a photosensitive layer soluble or dispersible in ink and/or fountain solution and capable of hardening upon exposure to a laser. The plate is exposed with a laser and on-press developed with ink and/or fountain solution. At least a portion of the on-press development is performed with the plate under a yellow-red light, in substantial darkness, or under a light that is different from the light for printing and does not cause hardening of the photosensitive layer during on-press development.
US08252512B2 Epoxy compound, alkali-developable resin composition, and alkali-developable photosensitive resin composition
An novel epoxy compound is represented by the general formula (I) and has a benzo- or naphtho-cycloalkane skeleton: X, Y, and Z each independently represent an alkyl group having 1-10 carbon atoms and optionally substituted with a halogen atom, an aryl group having 6-20 carbon atoms and optionally substituted with a halogen atom, an arylalkyl group having 7-20 carbon atoms and optionally substituted with a halogen atom, a heterocyclic group having 2-20 carbon atoms and optionally substituted with a halogen atom, or a halogen atom; k represents a number of 0-4; p represents a number of 0-8; r represents a number of 0-4; n represents 0-10; x represents a number of 0-4; y represents a number of 0-4; a sum of x and y is 2-4; and an optical isomer that exists when n is not 0 may be of any type.
US08252510B2 Storage medium, reproducing method, and recording method
According to one embodiment, a write-once type information storage medium comprises an organic dye based recording material having sensitivity at a wavelength of 405 nm and at a recording wavelength in the range of 600 nm to 700 nm, wherein, when absorbance of a maximum absorption wavelength in the vicinity of 405 nm is defined as 1, the absorbance is 5% or more at any wavelength in the range of 600 nm to 700 nm.
US08252503B2 Photoresist compositions
Photoresist compositions are disclosed.
US08252500B2 Toner, and method for producing the same
The present invention provides a toner containing at least two binder resins composed of at least a resin A and a resin B which are incompatible with each other, and a colorant, wherein the toner has an average circularity of 0.93 to 0.98 and is produced by atomizing a toner composition liquid in a vapor phase to form liquid droplets and solidifying the liquid droplets, and the toner composition liquid is prepared by dissolving or dispersing the at least two binder resins and the colorant in an organic solvent.
US08252499B2 Image forming method and image forming apparatus
A high-quality, stable image forming apparatus and method which are free from abnormal images, particularly afterimages, after prolonged repeated use by using a photoconductor a conductive substrate and a single-layered photosensitive layer which contains a charge generating material, an electron transporting material, a positive-hole transporting substance and a binder resin, wherein the charge generating material contains crystalline titanyl phthalocyanine having a maximum diffraction peak of at least 27.2° as a diffraction peak ±0.2° of the Bragg angle 2θ with respect to the Cu-Kα line of the wavelength of 1.542Å, further having major peaks at 9.4°, 9.6°, 24.0°, and also having a peak at 7.3° as a diffraction peak on the lowest angle side but not having a peak between the peak of 7.3° and that of 9.4°, and X-metal free phthalocyanine, and the electron transporting material contains a compound represented by the following General Formula (1),
US08252487B2 Device manufacturing method and mask for use therein
A device manufacturing method, is presented herein. In one embodiment, the device manufacturing method includes a mask for use with DUV having a quartz substrate and chrome absorber. The chrome absorber has a thickness of about 700 nm which causes increased TE polarization in the transmitted light and improves contrast at the substrate level.
US08252486B2 CO tolerant multicomponent electrode catalyst for solid polymer fuel cell
Disclosed is an electrode catalyst for solid polymer fuel cells wherein CO tolerance is improved. Specifically disclosed is a catalyst for fuel cells having a first catalyst and a second catalyst. The first catalyst contains Pd, C and an oxide, namely SnO2 or TiO2, and the second catalyst contains C and an alloy containing Pt and Ru.
US08252480B2 Gasket for reducing stress concentration in fuel cell stack
Disclosed is a gasket for reducing stress concentration in a fuel cell stack, which prevents damage or deformation of a separator and further prevents a position shift of the gasket by reducing stress concentration formed at a specific region by deformation of the gasket due to a compression force. In particular, the gasket includes a T-shaped or cross-shaped gasket joint to form hydrogen, air and coolant manifolds, and the gasket joint has a structure in which two joint branches forming an angle of 180° in the opposite direction to each other are joined at one point with a particular angles which reduce stress concentration formed due to compression force by deformation of the gasket.
US08252476B2 Membrane electrode assembly, manufacturing method thereof and fuel cell
The present invention prevents a flooding phenomenon by a simple method and receives a relatively small influence by a proton transfer in the catalyst layer so as to provide an MEA having an excellent power generation performance. An MEA of the present invention has an anode catalyst layer and a cathode catalyst layer on surfaces of the polymer electrolyte membrane and catalyst loaded particles are included in the anode catalyst layer and the cathode catalyst layer. It is a feature of the present invention that the cathode catalyst layer has more catalysts in a surface region than in a boundary region with the polymer electrolyte membrane in the thickness direction, whereas the anode catalyst layer has more catalysts in a boundary region than in a surface region in the thickness direction.
US08252475B2 Separator comprising a metal sheet and a resin
Moreover, as a case of not using the press work, in a separator of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell described in a Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication JP-A 2001-76748, a gas channel is formed by printing an electrically conductive material onto an electrically conductive base material. To be specific, as the electrically conductive base material is used a molded plate formed of carbon powder and a thermosetting resin as main components, and as the electrically conductive material is used carbon paste containing carbon powder as a main component.
US08252472B2 Fuel cell system
Fluid control valves, such as a humidifying module bypass valve, an inlet shutoff valve, an outlet shutoff valve are opened and closed by the pressure of air flowing in a fluid flow path. The pressure of air flowing in the fluid flow path is regulated, based on a drive demand pressure emitted to drive the flow control valves, by the flow rate of air discharged from an air compressor, the degree of opening of a fuel cell bypass valve, the degree of opening of an air pressure regulation valve, etc. The drive demand pressure for driving a shutoff valve is set such that, for example, the greater the absolute value of the negative pressure inside the fuel cell stack, the higher the drive demand pressure, and the air pressure is controlled to be the drive demand pressure. Since the pressure of air flowing in the fluid flow path is regulated based on a drive demand pressure of the fluid control valves, the response of drive and reliability of the fluid control valves are better than those in the case where, for example, the pressure is regulated based on a request from a fuel cell.
US08252471B2 Fuel cell system
A first detection line is set in a lower temperature range than a limit line representing an upper limit temperature of a motor allowed by an inverter and represents a reference motor temperature at a required output for fuel cells as a temperature criterion where a controller changes over the means for achieving the sufficient hydrogen stoichiometric ratio from recycling hydrogen with a circulation pump to increasing the hydrogen concentration. When the motor temperature reaches or exceeds the first detection line at the required output for the fuel cells, the controller prevents an increase in rotation speed of the motor and regulates the openings of a shutoff valve and a regulator to increase the concentration of hydrogen supplied from a hydrogen tank to the fuel cells and thereby increase the hydrogen supply pressure. This arrangement effectively prevents an increase of the motor temperature, while achieving the sufficient hydrogen stoichiometric ratio.
US08252469B2 Fuel cell system and water discharge control method for the system
There is disclosed a fuel cell system including a fuel cell, a water discharge channel through which a water content discharged from this fuel cell flows, and a water discharge valve which discharges, from the system, the water content in this water discharge channel, and the fuel cell system further includes a water discharge control section for controlling the water discharge valve so as to inhibit the water discharge from the water discharge valve from a time when the starting of the system is requested to a time when the temperature of the system reaches a predetermined temperature, in a case where the starting of the system is requested in an environment where an outside air temperature is less than a predetermined threshold value.
US08252467B2 Non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cell with improved safety
A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cell is provided having enhanced safety against overcharge and reduced self-discharge. The non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cell includes: a positive electrode having a positive electrode active material; a negative electrode having a negative electrode active material; and a non-aqueous electrolyte containing a non-aqueous solvent and electrolytic salt. The non-aqueous solvent contains 20 to 80 volume % tertiary carboxylic acid ester represented by formula 1 at 25° C. and 1 atm. The non-aqueous electrolyte contains an alkylbenzene compound and/or a halogenated benzene compound. where R1 to R4 each denote a straight-chained or branched alkyl group having 4 or less carbon atoms and may be the same or different.
US08252465B2 Electrolyte for lithium secondary battery and lithium secondary battery comprising same
Disclosed is an electrolyte for a lithium secondary battery. The electrolyte includes a non-aqueous solvent and a sulfone based organic compound represented by the following Formulae (I), (II), or (III), or a mixture thereof: where R and R′ are independently selected from the group consisting of primary alkyl groups, secondary alkyl groups, tertiary alkyl groups, alkenyl groups, aryl groups; halogen substituted primary alkyl groups, halogen substituted secondary alkyl groups, halogen substituted tertiary alkyl groups, halogen substituted alkenyl groups, and halogen substituted aryl groups, and n is from 0 to 3.
US08252462B2 Non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery
A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a non-aqueous electrolyte, and an insulating layer formed on a surface of the positive electrode. The positive electrode includes a lithium nickel composite oxide having a layer structure, and the lithium nickel composite oxide is represented by the general formula: LixNiyM1-yO2 where M is at least one selected from the group consisting of Na, Mg, Sc, Y, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Al, Cr, Pb, Sb, and B, 0
US08252454B2 Battery cover latching mechanism
A battery cover latching mechanism is provided. The battery cover latching mechanism includes a body member, a battery cover, and an elastic member. One end of the elastic member resists the body member, the other end of the elastic member resists the battery cover. The battery cover is attached to the body member. The battery is attached to the battery cover. The elastic member provides an elastic force to open the battery cover allowing the battery to be removed from the body member.
US08252452B2 Secondary battery of novel structure and battery pack having the same
Disclosed herein are a secondary battery including an electrode assembly for charging and discharging mounted in a sheathing member including a metal layer and a resin layer, wherein the secondary battery further includes a secondary battery having a molding part of a predetermined thickness at least partially formed at the outside of a sheathing member, preferably, at a sealing region of the sheathing member, and a medium- or large-sized battery pack including the same. The molding part is formed at the outside of the sheathing member of the secondary battery. Consequently, the secondary battery according to the present invention has high mechanical strength, and therefore, it is possible to construct a battery pack without using addition members, such as cartridges. When the molding part is formed at the sealing region, which is weak, the molding part increases the mechanical strength and the sealing force of the secondary battery. Consequently, a battery pack including the secondary batteries as unit cells can be manufactured generally in a compact structure and with relatively small weight, and the assembly process of the battery pack is greatly simplified. The battery pack according to the present invention has high structural stability. Consequently, the battery pack can be preferably used as a power source for electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, electric motorcycles, and electric bicycles.
US08252450B2 Multi-layer, microporous polyolefin membrane, its production method, battery separator, and battery
A multi-layer, microporous polyolefin membrane comprising first microporous layers constituting at least both surface layers, and at least one second microporous layer disposed between both surface layers, the first microporous layer comprising a first polyethylene resin containing 8% or more by mass of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene having a weight-average molecular weight of 1×106 or more, the second microporous layer comprising a second polyethylene resin containing 7% or less by mass of the ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, and having a structure in which a pore diameter distribution curve obtained by mercury intrusion porosimetry has at least two peaks, and the total thickness of the first microporous layers being 15-60% per 100% of the total thickness of the first and second microporous layers.
US08252449B2 Separator for electrochemical element
The present invention discloses a separator for an electrochemical element which comprises wet nonwoven fabric containing fibrillated cellulose, non-fibrillated fiber, and fibrillated heat-resistant fiber having all of a softening point, a melting point and a thermal decomposition temperature of 250° C. or higher and 700° C. or lower, and dimensional change rates of MD and CD subjected the wet nonwoven fabric to heat treatment at 250° C. for 50 hours of each −3% to +1%.
US08252448B2 Apparatus for sealing tube plates of batteries
The present invention relates to an apparatus for sealing tube plates of batteries, preferably lead-acid batteries, comprising a base body, on which projections are arranged, and when the apparatus is arranged in the intended manner, the projections engage at the end in the tubes of the tube plate.
US08252447B2 Portable power source and portable power source system
A portable power source system including a battery pack housing at least one secondary battery, wherein first and second internal terminals for connecting to a pair of external terminals are provided inside the battery pack, and two or more operations in different operating directions are required to connect the external terminals to the internal terminals. The battery pack includes external terminal inserting portions for inserting the external terminals, and the two or more operations include a first operation including inserting the external terminals into the external terminal inserting portions and a second operation in a direction different from that of the first operation. In a state before the first operation is performed, at least one of the internal terminals is shielded with a protective cover, and the protective cover recedes from a position for shielding the internal terminal, in conjunction with the first operation, the second operation or a combination of the first operation and the second operation, thereby enabling a connection of the external terminals to the internal terminals.
US08252445B2 Battery lock and electronic apparatus with battery lock
A battery lock for locking a battery of an electronic apparatus is provided. The battery lock includes a sliding button and a sliding member. The sliding button includes a sliding part for sliding the battery lock. The sliding member includes a base part and a side part extended from the base part. The sliding button is assembled on the base part of the sliding member detachably. At least one pushing part are fixed on the side part of the sliding member to lock the battery of the electronic apparatus.
US08252444B2 Portable electronic device with battery cover
A portable electronic device includes a base defining a battery compartment, a cover, an operating element, a latching element, and an ejecting element. The cover is configured for covering the battery compartment and pivotably attached to the base. The latching element is attached to the cover. The ejecting element attaches to the base. The operating element is slidably attached to the base. The ejecting element resists the latching element to bias the cover to move away from the base when detaching.
US08252443B2 Battery cover latch mechanism and portable electronic device using same
A battery cover latch mechanism used to releasably latching a battery cover to a housing, the battery cover latch mechanism includes a clasp positioned on the battery cover; and a button. The button includes a resilient member, a main portion positioned on a middle of the resilient member, and two blocks respectively formed on two ends of the resilient member. The main portion and the resilient member are slidably assembled on the housing, the blocks resists the battery cover, the main portion latching to the clasp. When the main portion is pressed, the main portion is detached from the clasp, the resilient member drives the blocks pushing the battery to open the battery cover relative to the housing. The invention also discloses a portable electronic device using the battery cover latch mechanism.
US08252439B2 Rechargeable battery and sealing plug for a rechargeable battery
A rechargeable battery includes a housing comprising at least two cells that can be filled with an electrolyte. The rechargeable battery includes a cover and a degassing system having openings provided therein. The cover and the degassing system are arranged such that the openings provided in the cover and the degassing system are located above the cells of the rechargeable battery. A sealing plug is provided in each of the openings, the sealing plug having an upper part and a lower part having a splash basket. The upper part covers the openings on the outside of the cover and the lower part extends in the direction of the cells. The splash basket surrounds a cavity and has slots distributed over its circumference, the slots continuing as far as a free end of the splash basket.
US08252438B2 Lithium ion battery
A lithium ion battery is provided comprising a shell, an electric core disposed in the shell with a space formed therebetween, and a non-aqueous electrolyte housed in the shell, in which the space is filled with a non-aqueous electrolyte resistant filler.
US08252437B2 Planarized magnetic recording disk with pre-patterned surface features and secure adhesion of planarizing fill material and method for planarizing the disk
A magnetic recording disk has surface features of elevated lands and recessed grooves, and a planarized upper surface. A chemical-mechanical-polishing (CMP) stop layer is deposited over the lands and into the recesses. An adhesion film, like silicon, is deposited over the CMP stop layer, and fill material containing a silicon oxide (SiOx) is deposited over and in contact with the adhesion film. The adhesion film improves the adhesion of the SiOx fill material and prevents delamination during a subsequent two-step CMP planarizing process.
US08252436B1 Touch screen with anti-reflection, fingerprint-resistant coating
A touch screen includes a substrate, and a coating attached to the substrate. The coating includes titanium dioxide and cadmium selenide in a relative weight ratio of about 3:1. The particle size of the titanium dioxide is about 2 nanometers. The particle size of the cadmium selenide ranges from about 2.3 to about 3.7 nanometers.
US08252431B2 Compound wherein substituted bipyridyl group is connected with pyridoindole ring structure through phenylene group, and organic electroluminescent device
An organic compound is provided having excellent electron-injection/transport performance, hole-blocking ability, and high stability in a thin-film state. An organic electroluminescence device having a high efficiency and a high durability is provided, using the compound. The compound has a substituted bipyridyl group and a pyridoindole ring structure connected with each other through a phenylene group, is of formula (1). The organic EL device has a pair of electrodes and at least one organic layer interposed between the electrodes, wherein the compound is a constituent material for an organic layer therein.
US08252429B2 Composite articles made by process for joining stainless steel part and zirconia ceramic part
A process for joining a stainless steel part and a zirconia ceramic part comprising: providing a SUS part, a ZrO ceramic part, a Mo foil and a Ni foil; placing the ZrO ceramic part, the Mo foil, the Ni foil, and the SUS part into a mold, the Mo foil and the Ni foil located between the ZrO ceramic part and the SUS part, the Mo foil abutting against the ZrO ceramic part, the Ni foil abutting against the SUS part and the Mo foil; placing the mold into a chamber of an hot press sintering device, heating the chamber and pressing the SUS part, the ZrO ceramic part, the Mo foil, and the Ni foil at least until the SUS part, the ZrO ceramic part, the Mo foil and the Ni foil form a integral composite article.
US08252428B2 High-strength member for vehicle
A high-strength steel sheet having high strength and ability to absorb impact energy to a high degree is formed into a strengthening member for an vehicle, having both superior energy absorption efficiency and bonding properties. The high-strength member has a high-strength steel sheet having not less than 5000 MPa of gradient du/de of a stress-strain diagram in a range of 3 to 7% of true strain obtained in a tension test, and a steel sheet having 0.3 to 0.85 of tension strength ratio against tension strength of the high-strength steel sheet, the steel sheets bonded at their ends with space extending in a prescribed direction between the steel sheets, and a load is to be applied on the member from the prescribed direction when the member is acted upon.
US08252424B2 Article having a multilayer film outer skin including at least one layer containing a pigmented layer and method of making the same
A layered film having at least one layer containing particulate pigment in an extrudable thermoplastic material such as an ionomer, ionomeric precursor or the like, and a molded article containing the same. The layered film can be produced by an extrusion process and has a polymeric matrix essentially free of iron/ionomer complexes.
US08252419B2 Adhesive for bonding circuit members, circuit board and process for its production
An adhesive for bonding and securing a semiconductor chip to a circuit board and electrically connecting the electrodes of the two, and containing an adhesive resin composition and an inorganic filler being contained in an amount of 10 to 200 parts by weight of 100 parts by weight of the adhesive resin composition.
US08252411B2 Joint configuration for a load bearing assembly
A load bearing assembly (20) includes a plurality of tension members (22). A joint in the load bearing assembly (20) has a staggered pattern of discontinuities (30) in the tension members (22). A stress relieving feature is associated with at least outermost tension members (22A, 22L) in the vicinity of the discontinuities. One example includes supplemental tension members (32, 50) as the stress relieving feature. Another example includes selected spacings (32′, 40, 42) between ends of at least some of the tension members. One example includes different sized tension members as the stress relieving feature. Another example includes different lateral spacings between selected tension members.
US08252408B2 Electronic device and method of manufacturing the electronic device
An electronic device capable of balancing both light transmitting and receiving performance and mounting reliability is provided. The electronic device includes an element (light receiving element), a transparent layer, and a sealing resin layer. The element is, for example, a semiconductor element and has an optically functional region having an optical function (for example, light receiving or light emission) on one face. The transparent layer is located on the optically functional region, directly comes in contact with the one face of the light receiving element, and is optically transparent. The sealing resin layer seals sides of the transparent layer and one face of the light receiving element, does not coat an upper face of the transparent layer, and is mixed with filler that improves rigidity.
US08252404B2 High resistivity silicon wafers
Disclosed are high resistivity silicon wafers, wherein the interstitial oxygen concentration thereof is 8×1017 atoms/cm3 (ASTM F121-1979) or less, BMD (Bulk Micro Defect) density—oxygen precipitate within wafer—is 5×107 pieces/cm3 or less, and an electric resistivity thereof is 100 Ω·cm or more. And further disclosed are high resistivity silicon wafers having an electric resistivity of 100 Ω·cm or more, which are cut from crystal region where no COP (Crystal Originated Particle) exist, and in which neither COP (Crystal Originated Particle) nor oxygen precipitate exist at the area from wafer surface to the depth of 5 μm or more owing to high temperature treatment. It is preferable that, in said high resistivity wafers, carbon concentration in wafers is 1×1016 atoms/cm3 or more (ASTM F123-1981), and/or nitrogen concentration is 1×1013 atoms/cm3 or more. Accordingly, high resistivity silicon wafers are provided, wherein the mechanical strength thereof is highly secured, and an excellent characteristic to slip generation is provided, so as to be optimal for base wafers of silicon wafers having a SOI structure or an epitaxial structure.
US08252398B2 Adhesive vinylidene fluoride resin sheet
An adhesive vinylidene fluoride resin sheet, including: an extruded sheet of a vinylidene fluoride copolymer composition comprising 100 wt. parts of polymerized units of a vinylidene fluoride monomer containing at least 60 wt. % of vinylidene fluoride, and 0.01-0.8 wt. part of polymerized units of a monoester of unsaturated dibasic acid. The vinylidene fluoride resin sheet is excellent in adhesiveness with another thermoplastic resin layer, and provides a lamination extrusion sheet with such another thermoplastic resin layer taking advantage of the good adhesiveness.
US08252395B2 Injection-molded body
An injection-molded body according to the present invention includes a tubular body portion, an airtight seal surface formed on a peripheral surface of the body portion near one end of the body portion, and a plurality of undercuts disposed at positions around the peripheral surface of the body portion that are closer to the end than the airtight seal surface is. The undercuts prevent a seal member mounted on the airtight seal surface from falling off, in which a clearance is formed between a peripheral wall and the undercuts. The peripheral wall defines an inner hole of the body portion, and the clearance accommodates deformation of the undercuts in radial directions.
US08252394B2 Thermal transfer donor elements with water soluble blue dyes
Provided are compositions derived from a polycarboxylic acid, water soluble blue dyes and blue pigments in a fixed weight ratio. The compositions can be used to prepare thermal transfer donor elements that can be used to make blue pixels of a color filter element with improved surface characteristics and lightfastness.
US08252393B2 Surface-modified inorganic pigment, colored surface-modified inorganic pigment, recording medium and production processes thereof, and image forming method and recorded image
The invention relates to a surface-modified inorganic pigment which has an inorganic pigment having acid function and an amorphous body located on the surface of the inorganic pigment having acid function and formed by at least a divalent or higher-valent metal and an anion component in a state where the inorganic pigment and the amorphous body do not chemically bond to each other, and which does not exhibit acid function.
US08252390B2 Optical structure to reduce internal reflections
A structure for reducing internal reflections in an optical system includes a stack of layers including a first layer having a first refractive index, a second layer having a second refractive index, a third layer having a third refractive index, a fourth layer having a fourth refractive index, and a fifth layer having a fifth refractive index. The second layer is arranged between the first layer and the third layer, and the fourth layer is arranged between the third layer and fifth layer. Further, the third refractive index is greater than the second and fourth refractive indexes, the second refractive index is greater than the first refractive index, and the fourth refractive index is greater than the fifth refractive index.
US08252387B2 Method of fabricating optical fiber using an isothermal, low pressure plasma deposition technique
An isothermal, low pressure-based process of depositing material within a substrate has been developed, and is particularly useful in forming an optical fiber preform results in creating an extremely narrow reaction zone within which a more uniform and efficient deposition will occur. Sets of isothermal plasma operating conditions have been found that create a narrow deposition zone, assuring that the deposited material is clear glass rather than soot particles. The exhaust end of the tube is connected to a vacuum system which is in turn connected to a scrubber apparatus for removal and neutralization of reaction by-products. The operating conditions are selected such that the hot plasma does not transfer a substantial amount of heat to the substrate tube, where the presence of such heat has been found to result in vaporizing the reactant material (creating soot) and developing hot spots.
US08252379B2 False inlay decoration and method for producing the same
A false inlay decoration is characterized in that a linear notch is formed in a surface of a base by laser processing; a first decoration face and a second decoration face are sectioned and formed by the linear notch; and a coating layer is formed on the inner surface of the linear notch.
US08252378B2 Film formation method, and method for manufacturing light-emitting device
To improve the use efficiency of a vapor-deposition material, reduce the manufacturing cost of a light-emitting device including a layer containing an organic compound, and shorten the manufacturing time for manufacturing a light-emitting device. Inside of a film formation chamber is made in a reduced pressure state, and conductive-surface substrate is energized, so that the conductive-surface substrate is heated rapidly, and a material layer over the conductive-surface substrate is evaporated in a short period of time to be vapor-deposited on a film formation substrate, whereby film formation of the material layer is performed on the film formation substrate. Note that the heating area of the conductive-surface substrate which is rapidly heated is set to be the same size as the film formation substrate so that film formation on one film formation substrate is completed by one heating.
US08252377B2 Organoruthenium compound for use in chemical vapor deposition and chemical vapor deposition using the same
The present invention is an organoruthenium compound for use in production of a ruthenium or ruthenium compound thin film by chemical vapor deposition, including ruthenium and an arene group and norbornadiene both coordinated to the ruthenium and represented by the following formula. The present invention is an organoruthenium compound for use in chemical vapor deposition which does not require the coexistence of oxygen during the thin film formation, and moreover, is liquid at ordinary temperature, thereby having good handleability and recyclability. wherein the substituents, R1 to R6, of the arene group are each hydrogen or an alkyl group, and the total number of carbons of R1 to R6 (R1+R2+R3+R4+R5+R6) is 6 or less.
US08252375B2 Apparatus for the efficient coating of substrates including plasma cleaning
A process for the coating of substrates comprising insertion of a substrate into a process oven, plasma cleaning of the substrate, dehydration of the substrate, withdrawal of a metered amount of one or more chemicals from one or more chemical reservoirs, vaporizing the withdrawn chemicals in one or more vapor chambers, and transfer of the vaporized chemicals into a process oven, thereby reacting with the substrate. An apparatus for the coating of substrates comprising a process oven, a gas plasma generator, a metered chemical withdrawal subsystem, and a vaporization subsystem.
US08252373B2 Gloss coated multifunctional printing paper
The invention relates to a gloss coated multifunctional printing paper that can be used with a variety of office printing equipment including inkjet and electrophotographic and to processes of making and using the paper, a paper substrate; and a pigmented composition coated on at least one surface of the substrate, said pigmented coating composition comprising (1) a first pigment having a BET surface area in the range of from about 50 to about 750 m2/g; (2) a second pigment having a BET surface area in the range of from about 5 to about 49 m2/g; and (3) a polymeric binder. Said coated paper having a coating gloss equal to or greater than about 30% at 75° and a Bristow Absorption length of less than about 180 mm.The coating compositions may contain other additives such as lubricants, optical brighteners and coating rheology modifiers. The coating formulations can be applied to the base stock using any of a large number of coating techniques including application roll with bent blade, rod, air knife, slot die, curtain spray and gravure. The paper can be used with various inkjet and electrophotographic printing apparatus and techniques.
US08252371B2 Method for the anticorrosive treatment of hollow bodies, method for producing a metallic structure treated according to said method, and method for maintaining the structure
The invention involves the treatment of a hollow body having a difficult-to-access surface to be preserved from corrosion by injecting a cellular foam supporting an anti-corrosion agent into the hollow body. Also involved is the production of a metal structure by assembling the structure and then applying an anti-corrosion treatment to the difficult-to-access surfaces of the structure. The invention is particularly applicable to railway wagons.
US08252370B1 Continuous high-speed coating of finely ground particulates
A method for the continuous production of finely ground particulates coated with a barrier, or other desirable film wherein the coated particulates exhibit a diameter of less than 10 microns. In an exemplary embodiment, large coated particulates are introduced into a fluid energy, or jet mill, along with smaller, uncoated particulates. As the particulates collide within the mill they are comminuted, and an amount of coating is transferred from the coated particulates to the uncoated ones such that they become sufficiently coated and size-reduced to a desired size. Alternatively, uncoated particulates are milled and coated during their milling. Still alternatively, uncoated particulates are milled and subsequently directed through an atomized mist of coating material wherein the size of the mist droplets are as large, or larger than the directed particulates.
US08252365B2 Method of manufacturing piezoelectric element and method of manufacturing liquid ejection head
The method of manufacturing a piezoelectric element includes the steps of: a lower electrode forming step of forming a lower electrode on a surface of a substrate; a piezoelectric film deposition step of depositing a piezoelectric film made of a piezoelectric material by one of epitaxial growth and oriented growth onto a surface of the lower electrode reverse to a surface adjacent to the substrate; an upper electrode forming step of forming an upper electrode onto a surface of the piezoelectric film reverse to a surface adjacent to the lower electrode; and a polarization direction reversal step of reversing a polarization direction of the piezoelectric film by applying an alternating electric field of an intensity not lower than a coercive electric field of the piezoelectric material, between the upper electrode and the lower electrode, and then applying a direct electric field of an intensity not lower than the coercive electric field in a direction from the upper electrode toward the lower electrode.
US08252361B2 Implantable medical devices for local and regional treatment
Implantable medical devices adapted to erodibly release delivery media for local and regional treatment are disclosed.
US08252360B2 Whole grain flour and products including same
The present invention is a grain product. The grain product includes a first fraction including bran. The first fraction is milled to a first particle size of less than 500 micrometers. The grain product also includes a second fraction including germ. The second fraction is milled to a second particle size of less than 500 micrometers. The grain product is at least one of: a food product, a nutritional supplement, a dietary supplement, a fiber supplement, a digestive supplement, a functional food, and a medical food.
US08252355B2 Method of producing cooked rice by intermittent heating
A method of producing cooked rice is disclosed, by which taste and mouthfeel, as well as the aging resistance, of the cooked rice are improved. In this method, process of cooking rice is carried out intermittently in a plurality of steps, interposing one or more cooling steps during the cooking process. In each cooling step, the rice is not heated. Each cooling step is carried out for 1 to 10 minutes at an inner temperature lower than the inner temperature during heating by 0.1 to 10° C. After the final cooling step, the final heating step is carried out to finish the rice-cooking process.
US08252349B2 Milk fever
The invention relates to a ruminant feed supplement for the treatment of milk fever. According to the invention rice bran that has been subjected to a ruminal bypass treatment is used in the feed of dairy cows.The ruminal bypass treatment may for instance be selected from the chemical cross-linking, physical cross-linking, coating, or combinations thereof.The invention further relates to the use of rice bran for the manufacture of a composition for the prophylactic treatment of parturient paresis in ruminants, wherein the rice bran has been subjected to a ruminal bypass treatment.
US08252345B2 Methods for modulating eicosanoid metabolism
The inventive subject matter relates to methods for modulating an eicosanoid metabolic process in cells of an animal in need thereof, which comprises administering to the animal an amount of the inventive compositions effective for regulating the activity of an eicosanoid oxygenase. In particular, the inventive subject matter relates to methods for modulating arachidonic acid metabolism by administering an amount of the inventive compositions effective for regulating the activity of lipoxygenases and cyclooxygenases.
US08252344B2 Partially hydrated hemostatic agent
A composition for promoting the formation of clots in blood comprises a zeolite and a binder. The zeolite is adjusted to have a specific moisture content. Processes by which the moisture content is adjusted include drying, re-hydrating, and combinations of drying and re-hydrating. A method of forming the composition comprises the steps of providing a zeolite and adjusting the moisture content such that upon application of the composition to a wound, a heat of hydration is reduced and heat transferred to the wound is reduced. A method of clotting blood flowing from a wound comprises the steps of applying the zeolite to the wound and maintaining the zeolite in contact with the wound for a predetermined amount of time, the zeolite having an adjusted moisture content and being capable of producing a controllable exothermic effect on the wound.
US08252339B2 Medical treatment applications of swellable and deformable microspheres
A method for medical treatment was developed in which microspheres with novel properties are administered in a mammal. The microspheres are made using a novel process that results in microspheres with new combined properties of high density, low fracture, high swell capacity, rapid swell, and deformability following swell. These microspheres may be administered for void filling, tissue bulking, non-vasculature occlusion, body fluid absorption, and delivery of medications.
US08252336B2 Escitalopram and solid pharmaceutical composition comprising the same
The present invention relates to Escitalopram having a small median particle size and a solid pharmaceutical composition comprising the same.
US08252335B2 Healing powder and method of use thereof
A wound healing powder, comprising a sugar selected from the group consisting of one or more pharmaceutically acceptable monosaccharides and disaccharides, in an amount of at least 25% by weight of the powder mixture; and an absorbent agent which forms a bioabsorbable biocompatible matrix with wound secretions, comprising a polymer formed of one or more of saccharide or saccharide derivative monomers and lactic acid monomers, in an amount of at least 25% by weight of the powder mixture.
US08252333B2 Biodegradable, non-toxic biological adhesive for use in abdominal surgery
A biological adhesive formulation comprising dextrin, at least one adhesiveness modifier agent, and at least one antibiotic is suitable for promoting healing of tissue in a patient, for example, to prevent anastomosis of a surgical wound in the digestive system of a patient, and for affixing a prosthesis during a hernia operation.
US08252331B2 Osmotic device containing amantadine and an osmotic salt
The osmotic devices of the present invention contain a unitary core comprising a salt of amantadine and an osmotic salt, wherein the two salts have an ion in common. The release rate of the amantadine is modified from a first order release profile to a zero order, pseudo-zero order or sigmoidal release profile by increasing the amount of the osmotic salt in the core of the device. The osmotic device includes a semipermeable membrane having a controlled porosity that can be adapted as needed to cooperate with the osmotic salt in providing a predetermined drug release profile. The osmotic salt need not be coated and it is in admixture with the amantadine salt.
US08252330B2 Tablet containing coated particles of cetirizine, pseudoephedrine, and/or naproxen
In one aspect, the present invention features a tablet including a first drug layer and a second drug layer, wherein: (i) the first drug layer includes first drug particles including naproxen and third drug particles including cetirizine, where the first drug particles and/or the third drug particles are coated with an immediate release coating; and (ii) the second drug layer including pseudoephedrine, wherein said second drug layer is a sustained release layer adapted to deliver a therapeutically effective amount of pseudoephedrine for a period of at least twelve hours.
US08252327B2 Oral controlled release dosage form
A dosage form that provides a controlled release solid dosage form for the oral administration of a central nervous system stimulant, preferably methylphenidate hydrochloride.
US08252326B2 Self-microemulsifying dosage forms of low solubility active ingredients such as co-enzyme Q10
The invention includes dosage formulations, dosage forms and related methods for providing oral dosage forms of low solubility active ingredients such as coenzyme Q10. The present invention includes a Self-Microemulsifying Drug Delivery System (SMEDDS) in the form of a self-microemulsifying mixture that comprises a combination of a hydrophilic surfactant and a lipophilic co-surfactant (forming a surfactant pair). The preferred surfactant pair comprises a hydrophilic surfactant and a lipophilic co-surfactant with respective HLB (Hydrophile-Lipophile Balance) values of more than 12 and less than 8 respectively. The systems also contain at least one lipophilic solvent. The formulations exhibited excellent dissolution properties and storage stability.
US08252318B2 Devices and methods for the delivery of blood clotting materials to bleeding wounds
An apparatus for promoting the clotting of blood and controlling bleeding comprises a receptacle for retaining blood clotting material in particulate form therein. A pad for controlling bleeding comprises a mesh structure and a support attached to the mesh structure to facilitate the application of pressure to the pad and the wound. A bandage applicable to a bleeding wound comprises a mesh structure and a flexible substrate attached to the mesh structure, the substrate being a cloth or plastic member that may be adhesively attachable to cover a wound. In any embodiment, at least a portion of the receptacle or mesh structure is defined by a mesh having openings therein, and at least a portion of the particulate blood clotting material is in direct contact with blood. The mesh may include a zeolite powder impregnated or otherwise incorporated therein.
US08252314B2 Hypoallergenic composition
This invention is directed generally to compositions (including foods, supplements, treats, toys, etc.) for animal (including pet) consumption, and particularly hypoallergenic compositions, and more particularly semi-solid hypoallergenic compositions and hypoallergenic compositions that comprise a hydrolysate. This invention also is directed generally to methods for using such compositions. This invention is further directed generally to processes for making such compositions.
US08252311B2 Bone strengthening food supplement
Black beans B are coated with a mineral layer 1 containing calcium powder and dolomite powder, a dough layer 2 formed by roasting a dough mixture containing flour, and an outside layer 3 formed by solidifying a seasoning mixture containing, for example, soymilk powder and powdered tea with hardened fat or oil. In 30 parts by weight of black beans, from 2 to 5, both inclusive, parts by weight of the calcium powder, from 30 to 45, both inclusive, parts by weight of the dolomite powder, and from 5 to 15, both inclusive, parts by weight of the soymilk powder, are contained.
US08252309B2 Dietary supplement energy-providing to skeletal muscles
Dietary supplements—providing energy and strengthening skeletal muscles and facilitating skeletal muscles ability to sustain prolonged periods of physical activity—containing propionyl-L-carnitine or one of its salts, coenzyme Q10, nicotinamide, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and optionally other components such as amino acids and creatines.
US08252303B2 Injectable depot compositions and uses thereof
Injectable depot compositions are provided that include a bioerodible, biocompatible polymer, a solvent having a miscibility in water of less than or equal to 7 wt. % at 25° C., in an amount effective to plasticize the polymer and form a gel therewith, a thixotropic agent, and a beneficial agent. The solvent comprises an aromatic alcohol, an ester of an aromatic acid, an aromatic ketone, or mixtures thereof. The compositions have substantially improved the shear thinning behavior and reduced injection force, rendering the compositions readily implanted beneath a patient's body surface by injection.
US08252298B2 Color cosmetic
A foundation having a shade which covers a wide spectrum of different skin tones and undertones, comprises red and gold interference pigments, which provide a formula that is adaptable to both red and yellow skin undertones. The composition virtually eliminates the risk of application of the wrong foundation color, and provides enhanced color and textural effects, and superior optical performance.
US08252296B2 Aqueous polymer dispersion and use thereof in cosmetics
The present invention relates to an aqueous polymer dispersion which is obtainable by free-radical polymerization of a monomer mixture which comprises at least one amide-group-containing compound, at least one crosslinker and at least one monomer with at least one cationogenic and/or cationic group. The invention further relates to the polymers obtainable by drying such a polymer dispersion, and to cosmetic or pharmaceutical compositions which comprise such a polymer dispersion or such a polymer.
US08252292B2 Eimeria vaccine for turkeys
The present invention discloses a vaccine that provides protection to turkeys from coccidiosis, and methods of making and using the vaccine alone, or in combinations with other protective agents. In addition, the present invention discloses PCR primer sets that are useful in identifying the species of Eimeria in a biological sample.
US08252289B2 N protein of a virus of the paramyxoviridae family-protein of interest fusion proteins
The invention relates to N protein-protein of interest fusion proteins, optionally in the form of soluble N protein-protein of interest/P protein complexes, the N and P proteins being proteins of a virus of the Paramyxoviridae family. When the protein of interest is an antigen, the invention relates also to vaccinal compositions and diagnostic reagents comprising those N protein-antigen fusion proteins or those N protein-antigen/P protein complexes. The N protein-protein of interest fusion protein can also be used as a “vector” for transporting into cells therapeutic molecules of interest, such as antivirals or anticancer agents.
US08252288B2 Methods of using multimeric complexes of antigens and an adjuvant
The invention relates to a product which comprises a C4bp domain of a non-mammalian origin, particularly SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:23 or SEQ ID NO:37, or a variant thereof, and an antigen. The product is desirably in the form of a fusion protein. The chicken C4bp domain of SEQ ID NO:1 and SEQ ID NO:23 is also described. Antigens include monomeric antigens such as malarial and influenza antigens. The C4bp domain provides for assembly of multimeric complexes of the antigen, or mixtures thereof. The complexes are useful as vaccines.
US08252287B2 Blood coagulation factor VIII activation-enhancing antibodies
For the first time, the present invention provides antibodies that enhance the generation of activated blood coagulation factor VIII. The antibodies enhance the cleavage of blood coagulation factor VIII at the Arg of position 372 and suppress the cleavage at the Arg of position 336 by recognizing and binding to the A2 domain of blood coagulation Factor VIII. Such antibodies are expected to be useful in preventing or treating diseases that develop or progress due to decrease or loss of the blood coagulation factor VIII activity, for example, hemophilia A, acquired hemophilia, and von Willebrand's disease.
US08252284B2 High affinity, anti-human IgE antibodies
The invention relates to high affinity human monoclonal antibodies, particularly those directed against isotypic determinants of immunoglobulin E (IgE), as well as direct equivalents and derivatives of these antibodies. These antibodies bind to their respective target with an affinity at least 100 fold greater than the original parent antibody. These antibodies are useful for diagnostics, prophylaxis and treatment of disease.
US08252281B2 Methods for the treatment of sepsis and sepsis-associated cardiac dysfunction
Methods for the treatment of sepsis related cardiac dysfunction are disclosed.
US08252280B1 MAPC generation of muscle
The present invention relates to methods of increasing function and/or mass in damaged striated muscle tissue of interest (e.g., cardiac or muscle tissue) by providing of a population of multipotent adult progenitor cells (“MAPCs”), which effectively generate new striated muscle over time.
US08252279B2 Methods for cell therapy
The subject invention pertains to materials and methods for inhibiting process formation and extension by cells in culture. The subject invention further includes cultures of process-forming cells wherein formation and extension of processes have been inhibited. In another aspect, the subject invention concerns methods of transplantation using process-forming cells that have been cultured by the process-inhibiting methods of the invention.
US08252278B2 Baculovirus expression system
Described herein are baculovirus vectors, host cells containing the baculovirus vectors, methods of using the baculovirus vectors for cloning genes, and kits containing the baculovirus vectors.
US08252277B2 Virulent oncolytic herpes simplex virus strains engineered to counter the innate host response
The present invention relates to an avirulent, oncolytic herpes simplex virus modified from a wild-type herpes simplex virus so that both γ134.5 genes of the virus have been deleted and each replaced with an interferon-resistance gene that is expressed as an immediate-early gene. The present invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition that includes the modified herpes simplex virus of the present invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle for in situ administration to tumor cells. Also provided in the present invention are methods for killing tumor cells in a subject and for immunizing a subject against an infectious disease, cancer, or an autoimmune disease that involve administering to a subject the modified avirulent, oncolytic herpes simplex virus of the present invention.
US08252276B2 Cyclodextrin-based polymers for therapeutics delivery
The present invention relates to novel compositions of therapeutic cyclodextrin containing polymeric compounds designed as a carrier for small molecule therapeutics delivery and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. These cyclodextrin-containing polymers improve drug stability and solubility, and reduce toxicity of the small molecule therapeutic when used in vivo. Furthermore, by selecting from a variety of linker groups and targeting ligands the polymers present methods for controlled delivery of the therapeutic agents. The invention also relates to methods of treating subjects with the therapeutic compositions described herein. The invention further relates to methods for conducting pharmaceutical business comprising manufacturing, licensing, or distributing kits containing or relating to the polymeric compounds described herein.
US08252274B2 Treatment and composition for achieving skin anti-aging benefits by corneum protease activation
Novel methods and compositions for treating aged and environmentally damaged skin are disclosed which provide improvements in the skin's visual appearance, function and clinical/biophysical properties by activating at least one proteolytic enzyme in the skin's stratum corneum. The disclosed treatment methods involve topical application of a novel cosmetic composition containing a combination of a cationic surfactant such as N,N,-dimethyldodecyl amine oxide (DMDAO), an anionic surfactant such as sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), or monoalkyl phosphate (MAP) and a chelating agent such as ethylene diamine tetraacetate (EDTA) to stimulate a chronic increase in the replacement rate of the skin's stratum corneum by means of corneum protease activation. This chronic, low level stimulation is effective to induce repair and replacement of the stratum corneum, epidermis, and dermis of the skin and improvements in the appearance, function, and anti-aging properties of the skin.
US08252273B2 Ultraviolet absorber
There is provided an ultraviolet absorber having a strong absorptive capacity in the UVA range and an absorptive capacity in the UVB range to have an ultraviolet inhibitory effect in a wide range of wavelength, increasing in an ultraviolet absorptive capacity over the course of ultraviolet irradiation time in both the UVA and the UVB ranges and having an excellent solubility. An ultraviolet absorber comprising, as an active ingredient, a compound of General Formula I: (where —OA is an alkoxy group) that exhibits an ultraviolet A wave absorptive capacity which increases over time and that has an ultraviolet B wave absorptive capacity.
US08252264B2 Method for production of carbon nanostructures
A process for the production of carbon nanostructures by an oxidation-reduction method is described. The growth of carbon nanorods, nanotubes, and nanoclusters on planar and non planar substrates, and free standing is demonstrated. In one embodiment a reactive gas is generated in situ and reacted with a carbide while the byproducts are removed, thereby adjusting the equilibrium to favor the formation of the carbon nanostructured product.
US08252259B2 Surfactant incorporated nanostructure for pressure drop reduction in oil and gas lines
Nano-sized rare earth metal oxide particles are prepared from aqueous reverse micelles. The engineered nanoparticles have large surface area to volume ratios, and uniformly incorporate a surfactant in each particle, so that when applied to the inner surface of a pipeline or sprayed onto a fluid stream in a pipeline, the particles reduce the roughness of the inside surface of pipe being used to transport fluid. The application of a nanolayer of this novel nanoceria mixture causes a significant reduction in pressure drops, friction, and better recovery and yield of fluid flowing through a pipeline.
US08252258B2 Diesel oxidation catalyst with layer structure for improved hydrocarbon conversion
Provided is a diesel oxidation catalyst for the treatment of exhaust gas emissions from a diesel engine and a method for treating a diesel exhaust gas stream, the method comprising providing a diesel oxidation catalyst and contacting said diesel exhaust gas stream with said diesel oxidation catalyst for the treatment of exhaust gas emissions. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a catalyst structure comprising three distinct layers; in which layer comprises a precious metal component such as palladium is located between two hydrocarbon storage layers comprising a molecular sieve such as a zeolite.
US08252256B2 Synthesis of zinc-oxide nanoparticles and their use for photo catalytic degradation of cyanide
A simple, room-temperature method of producing zinc oxide nanoparticles was established by reacting zinc nitrate hexahydrate and cyclohexylamine (CHA) in either aqueous or EtOHic medium. Particles of polyhedra morphology were obtained for zinc oxide, prepared in EtOH (ZnOE), while an irregular spherical morphology, mixed with some chunky particles forzinc oxide prepared in water (ZnOW). The results indicate that there are significant morphological differences between ZnOE and ZnOW. ZnOE showed a regular polyhedral shape, while spherical and chunky particles were observed for ZnOW. The morphology was crucial in enhancing the cyanide ion photocatalytic degradation efficiency of ZnOE by a factor of 1.5 in comparison to the efficiency of ZnOW at equivalent loading of 0.02 ZnO nanoparticles wt %. Increasing the loading wt % of ZnOE from 0.01 to 0.07 led to an increase in the photocatalytic degradation efficiency from 67% to 90% after 45 minutes and a doubling of the first-order rate constant (k).
US08252253B2 Process for recovering ruthenium from used ruthenium oxide-comprising catalysts
The invention relates to a process for recovering ruthenium from a used ruthenium-comprising catalyst which comprises ruthenium as ruthenium oxide on a support material which is not readily soluble in mineral acid, which comprises the steps: a) the ruthenium oxide-comprising catalyst is reduced in a gas stream comprising hydrogen chloride and, if appropriate, an inert gas at a temperature of from 300 to 500° C.; b) the reduced catalyst from step a) comprising metallic ruthenium on the sparingly soluble support material is treated with hydrochloric acid in the presence of an oxygen-comprising gas, with the metallic ruthenium present on the support being dissolved as ruthenium(III) chloride and obtained as an aqueous ruthenium(III) chloride solution; c) if appropriate, the ruthenium(III) chloride solution from step b) is worked up further.
US08252251B2 Fluid cooled reformer and method for cooling a reformer
The present subject matter discloses a fluid cooled reformer for gas turbine systems and a method for cooling both a fuel reformer and a heated reformate stream produced by such fuel reformer. The fluid cooled reformer may include a pressure vessel and a reactor assembly disposed within the pressure vessel. The reactor assembly may include a reactor and may be configured to receive and reform an oxygen/fuel mixture to produce a heated reformate stream. Additionally, the fluid cooled reformer may include an inlet configured to direct a fluid stream into the pressure vessel. At least a portion of the fluid stream may be used to cool the reactor assembly. A reformate cooling section may be disposed downstream of the reactor of the reactor assembly and may be configured to cool the heated reformate stream.
US08252249B2 Biochemical chip and production method thereof
A biochemical chip in which at least the inner surface of a flow path is covered with a chemisorption monomolecular film having arbitrary surface energy, and the method includes: a step for pre-forming a chemisorption monomolecular film having arbitrary surface energy on the inner surfaces of flow path parts of first and second members which are processed to have flow paths; and a step for facing and bonding the first and second members.
US08252248B2 Analytical test element
The invention relates to an analytical test element for analysis of a liquid sample. The analytical test element may contain a channel which is suitable for capillary transport of the liquid sample and which is provided with an inlet opening for the liquid sample and with an air outlet opening. At least one test field may be arranged in the channel, spaced apart from the inlet opening. The test element comprises a sample application site which is closed with a seal and which is designed in such a way that, when the seal is opened, the sample application site and the inlet opening of the channel are simultaneously open to the outside environment of the test element. The test element can then receive the liquid sample inside the channel via the sample application site and inlet opening, for analysis in the test field. The invention also relates to a test element magazine and to a system for analysis of liquid samples with at least one test element.
US08252247B2 Universal sterilizing tool
The sterilizing tool is configured to wipe debris from and to sterilize and/or dry a working end-site of medical device; using a wiping, twisting, dabbing, push/pull, and/or screwing motion around all of the surface aspects of the device to be sterilized. Additionally, the sterilizing tool is configured to form fit to the surfaces of the end-site and to apply an inclusive layer of an anti-pathogenic agent to the inner and outer surfaces of the working end-site. The sterilizing tool may be frictionally engaged with and retained on the working end-site until removed and the end-site is ready for use. The sterilizing tool is intended for a one time, single use, disposable application.
US08252241B2 Apparatus for producing trichlorosilane and method for producing trichlorosilane
An apparatus for producing trichlorosilane in which metallurgical grade silicon powder supplied to a reactor is reacted with hydrogen chloride gas while being fluidized by the hydrogen chloride gas, thereby discharging trichlorosilane generated by the reaction from the reactor, includes: a plurality of gas flow controlling members which are installed along a vertical direction in an annular shape R from an inner peripheral wall of the reactor in an internal space of the reactor; and a heat transfer tube which is installed along the vertical direction in the annular space R and through which a heating medium passes.
US08252235B2 Monitoring method, monitoring apparatus, and liquid sample analyzer
A liquid sample is aspirated using an aspirating tube provided with a flow path extending lengthwise in the interior of the tube, and an aspiration orifice for aspirating the liquid sample formed near the tip of the tube. The aspiration of the liquid sample to the aspirating tube is monitored during aspiration. Liquid sample is aspirated by the aspirating tube, and the collected material in the aspirating tube in the region at the tip side from the region containing the liquid sample to be used for measurement is delivered to a detecting part provided externally to the aspirating tube, and whether or not liquid sample is contained in the collected material is detected in the detecting part.
US08252232B2 Automated system for storing, retrieving and managing sample
An automated storage system for storing large quantities of samples in trays includes a storage compartment, a tray shuttle compartment abutting the storage compartment on one side and a plurality of independent modules on the other side. The modules perform processing of samples that are retrieved from the storage compartment by a tray shuttle, including extraction of selected samples from retrieved source trays and transfer of the selected samples into a separate, destination tray that can be further processed or removed from the system for use. The independent operation of the modules permits handling and processing to be performed simultaneously by different modules while the tray shuttle accesses additional samples within the storage compartment. In one embodiment, a vertical carousel is used to vertically align a desired tray with the tray shuttle, while the tray shuttle operates within a horizontal plane.
US08252231B2 Analyzer and its abnormality coping method
An analyzer includes plural stirrers that have plural sound-wave generating units, which are provided on respective vessels holding liquid and generate sound wave toward the liquid, and drive units, which drive the plurality of sound-wave generating units, and that stir the liquid using sound wave generated by the sound-wave generating units; a power detecting unit that detects traveling-wave power output from the drive unit and reflected-wave power reflected from the sound-wave generating unit; and a control unit that determines whether an abnormality occurs in each of the stirrers on the sound-wave generating unit side or on the drive unit side in each of the stirrers based on a reflectivity of the power, and controls continuation or suspension of an analytical work based on a result of the determination.
US08252230B2 System and method for sanitization
A system for sanitizing products on a conveyor including a conveyor for moving products along a direction of conveyance. A first generator and a second generator are each operable to generate airborne sanitizing agents. The first generator includes an outlet configured to discharge at least a portion of the airborne sanitizing agents generated therein across the conveyor in a first direction. The second generator includes an outlet configured to discharge at least a portion of the airborne sanitizing agents generated therein across the conveyor in a second direction. The outlet of the first generator is configured to direct the discharged airborne sanitizing agents toward an inlet of the second generator.
US08252226B2 High energy treatment of cutter substrates having a wear resistant layer
A high-energy treated cutter comprising a substrate having a top surface, an outer region, and an inner core and a wear resistant layer coupled to the top surface. The high-energy treatment alters the substrate's physical properties so that the inner core provides greater toughness and the outer region provides greater hardness, and greater abrasion resistance. The layer is protected prior to commencement of the treatment. In one embodiment, a cover is positioned to surround the layer and then the cutter undergoes treatment, wherein the cutter is subjected to impact forces with other cutters. In another embodiment, the cutter is positioned within a recess formed in a tray table, thereby providing protection to the layer. The cutter is secured in place via vacuum, glue, or weight. A spray nozzle applies shot material directed to the substrate of the cutter, thereby applying the impact forces to alter the substrate's properties.
US08252220B2 Injection mold
Disclosed, amongst other things, is a molding apparatus and an injection molding process. The molding apparatus includes a positioner that is configured to regulate, in use, a relative position between a gate member and a nozzle of a melt distribution apparatus between a retracted position and an extended position for adjusting a volume of a nozzle melt reservoir that is definable between the gate member and the nozzle between a reduced volume and an expanded volume, respectively. The injection molding process includes regulating a relative position between a gate member and a nozzle of a melt distribution apparatus, with a positioner, into one of a retracted position and an extended position for adjusting a volume of a nozzle melt reservoir that is definable between the gate member and the nozzle between a reduced volume and an expanded volume, respectively.
US08252215B2 Method for fabricating a stent with nucleating agent
The use of nucleating agents to manufacture polymeric stents is disclosed. The resulting stents may have increased crystallinity, decreased crystal size, increased mechanical properties, and faster degradation times.
US08252214B2 Gas extraction method from mold cavity
A gas extraction method including: providing an injection mold apparatus (100) including a mold cavity (300), a gas vent (490) and a gas vent pin (49), the mold cavity including an end portion of a material injection path (210), the gas vent communicating with the end portion, the gas vent pin being received in the gas vent; injecting molten material into the mold cavity and toward the end portion; venting gas from a gap between the gas vent pin and the gas vent as molten material is injected into the mold cavity; driving the gas vent pin to substantially close the end portion of the material injection path when the mold cavity having been injected with molten material to about 95 percent of a capacity of the mold cavity.
US08252212B2 Method for manufacturing inorganic spheroidized particles
A method for producing inorganic spheroidized particles according to the present invention includes a step of producing the inorganic spheroidized particles by means of a diffusion type burner (12), wherein the burner (12) comprises a first raw material supply path (1A), a fuel supply path (4A), a raw material diffusion chamber (9), a primary oxygen supply path (5A), a second raw material supply path (6A), a secondary oxygen supply path (7A), and a combustion chamber (8).
US08252209B2 Photochromic compounds based on ring opening and closing of an [1,3]oxazine compound
We have designed a molecular switch based on the photoinduced opening and thermal closing of a [1,3]oxazine ring. A substituted [1,3]oxazine compound described as having a general (i.e., unsubstituted) structure with fused indoline and benzooxazine fragments such that they share a common bond in the [1,3]oxazine compound: (i) the bond connecting positions 1 and 2 of the indoline fragment and (ii) the bond connecting positions 2 and 3 of the benzooxazine fragment. Irradiation by light of suitable wavelength and intensity of this photochromic compound induces cleavage of a [C—O] bond of the [1,3]oxazine ring to form a phenolate chromophore. The photogenerated (e.g., colored) isomer may revert thermally to the starting (e.g., colorless) oxazine. Alternatively, the switch may be between isomers of the compound that absorb at different wavelengths. Reversible coloration of silica or polymeric materials and switching optical signals may involve many cycles of interconversion between different colored states. A colorless/colored state may be maintained by constant irradiation or chemical trapping.
US08252201B1 Liquid crystalline medium
The present invention relates to low viscosity, broad range nematic media having large birefringence and moderately large dielectric anisotropy. The nematic media are useful in a variety of electrooptical devices, including electronic lenses.
US08252199B2 Coolant composition
The disclosed embodiments include coolant compositions, packages of such compositions, and articles of manufacture derived from coolant compositions. According to one embodiment disclosed a liquid coolant composition is disclosed that comprises: (a) glycerol, (b) an aqueous solution of menthol, (c) calcium hydroxide, (d) barium hydroxide, and (e) water. According to another embodiment, a gel coolant composition is disclosed that comprises: (a) glycerol, (b) an aqueous solution of menthol, (c) calcium hydroxide, (d) barium hydroxide, (e) water, and (f) sodium polyacrylate. Such gel coolant composition can be converted to solid form by adding paraffin.
US08252193B2 Plasma processing apparatus of substrate and plasma processing method thereof
A substrate plasma processing apparatus includes a chamber of which an interior is evacuated under a predetermined vacuum condition; an RF electrode which is disposed in the chamber and configured so as to hold a substrate to be processed on a main surface thereof; an opposing electrode which is disposed opposite to the RF electrode in the chamber; an RF voltage applying device for applying an RF voltage with a predetermined frequency to the RF electrode; and a pulsed voltage applying device for applying a pulsed voltage to the RF electrode so as to be superimposed with the RF voltage and which includes a controller for controlling a timing in application of the pulsed voltage and defining a pause period of the pulsed voltage.
US08252192B2 Method of pattern etching a dielectric film while removing a mask layer
A method of pattern etching a thin film on a substrate is described. The method comprises preparing a film stack on a substrate, wherein the film stack comprises a dielectric layer formed on the substrate and a mask layer formed above the dielectric layer. A pattern is created in the mask layer, and the pattern is transferred from the mask layer to the dielectric layer by performing a plasma etching process. While transferring the pattern to the dielectric layer, the mask layer is substantially removed using the plasma etching process. The plasma etching process can use a process gas comprising a first gaseous component that etches the dielectric layer at a greater rate than the mask layer, and a second gaseous component that etches the dielectric layer at a lesser rate than the mask layer.
US08252191B2 Sub-micron decal transfer lithography
The present invention provides a method of sub-micron decal transfer lithography. The method includes forming a first pattern in a surface of a first silicon-containing elastomer, bonding at least a portion of the first pattern to a substrate, and etching a portion of at least one of the first silicon-containing elastomer and the substrate.
US08252188B1 F.O.G. separator control
A separator for separating F.O.G. from an effluent that contains F.O.G. includes a tank, an inlet to the tank for receiving effluent that contains F.O.G., and an outlet to allow grey water to leave the tank. The tank has a size to enable stratification of a layer of F.O.G. present in the tank on water in the tank, and first and second thermocouples are positioned at differing levels in the tank. Conductors couple the thermocouples to sensors, and differing voltages in the thermocouples can be sensed to determine if the thermocouples are surrounded by F.O.G. or water.
US08252187B2 Particle separator
A method and apparatus (10) for separating magnetic and non-magnetic particles from water in a domestic central heating system is disclosed. A magnet (60) is located in the housing and the inlet and the outlet are arranged so that, in use, water flows through the apparatus in a cyclonic motion from the inlet downwardly proximate the walls of the housing, and then upwardly within the downwardly flowing water, to the outlet. Particles entrained within the water separate out by vortex separation as the water flows downwardly. Also, magnetic particles entrained within the water are collected on the magnet as the water flows upwardly. The apparatus also comprises a sleeve (30) located within the housing such that an outer circulation channel (31) is defined between the housing and the sleeve. The magnet is located within the sleeve such that an inner circulation channel (61) is defined between the sleeve and the magnet. The inlet (40) of the housing is arranged to deliver the water into the outer circulation channel, and the outlet (50) of the housing is arranged to exhaust the water from the inner circulation channel.
US08252186B1 Making and using porous acrylonitrile-based hydrogel particles to treat water
Novel compositions of matter synthesized from acrylonitrile and crosslinker, and subsequently coated with various hydrophilic monomers, can be used in the remediation of uranyl ions from groundwater, drinking water, or wastewater and as part of a system for measurement of uranium in environmental and biological samples.
US08252185B2 Water treatment apparatus and method
A water treatment apparatus includes a housing comprising multiple housing portions and a plurality of treatment sections disposed within the housing, each treatment section comprising at least one distinct particulate layer. The apparatus is designed so that no water pressure need be applied to force the water through the apparatus, as gravity pulls the water down through the filtering layers. Water may also be force fed through the treatment apparatus; when the water is force fed, the housing portions need not be vertically stacked, but may be configured in any suitable arrangement. The treatment sections are distributed through the various housing portions in logical groups to perform various kinds of filtering. The housing portions are detachable and sealably stackable in multiple configurations, thus passing water through more or fewer treatment layers, depending on the quality of the incoming water.
US08252183B1 Treating nitorogen-contaminated wastewaters
An exemplary method of treating nitrogen-contaminated wastewaters, especially those with high ammonia concentrations, according to the invention includes the steps of ammonia degassing and recapture, and of nutrient assimilation with microalgae. Organic nitrogen, organic carbon, phosphorus, heavy metals and other compounds may also be removed in different embodiments of the invention. Examples of applicable wastewaters include landfill leachate, municipal solid waste anaerobic digester effluent, agricultural anaerobic digester effluent, municipal wastewaters, agricultural wastewaters, and other similarly contaminated wastewaters.
US08252176B2 Pool cleaning vehicle having an advanced drain system
Disclosed herein is a pool cleaning an electric pool cleaning vehicle having a drive assembly and including an advanced system for draining water from the vehicle as the vehicle is removed from a pool of water. The vehicle includes a housing defining a body shell and the body shell having an interior cavity and an electrical power cord to supply power to the vehicle having a connection point on the vehicle. A filtering system is located within the body cavity. The vehicle includes a drain door assembly and the drain door assembly has an inlet connected to the filtering system. A handle is located adjacent the electrical cord connection point, sized and shaped to easily lift the vehicle filled with water out of a pool and the drain door assembly being on an opposed portion of the vehicle from the handle.
US08252170B2 Optimizing feed mixer performance in a paraffinic froth treatment process
The invention relates to improved bitumen recovery processes and systems. One process provides for operation of a bitumen froth treatment plant at optimum shear rates in the feed pipe carrying the bitumen froth to the froth settling unit. Another process provides for optimizing the design of a bitumen froth treatment plant by optimizing the diameter of the feed pipe to impart an optimum shear rate to the bitumen froth mixture and further optimizing the volume of the feed pipe to impart an optimum residence time for the bitumen froth stream in the feed pipe. An optimal plant design is also disclosed, the plant including optimal diameter and volume of the feed pipe.
US08252168B1 Methods and systems for modifying asphalts
A method for modifying asphalt comprises blowing an oxygen-containing gas through a base asphalt at a high gas flow rate while simultaneously agitating the base asphalt at a high shear rate and at an elevated temperature for a period of time that is effective to substantially improve at least two paving properties of the base asphalt. In preferred embodiments, modified asphalts are produced having both substantially improved rutting resistance and substantially improved fatigue resistance as compared to the base asphalt.
US08252165B2 Method for the electrochemical deposition of carbon nanotubes
This invention relates to the electrochemical deposition of carbon nanotubes (“CNTs”) on a substrate using an electrochemical cell. A dispersion of a complex of CNTs and an anionic polymer is neutralized and thereby caused to deposit on the anode plate of the cell.
US08252162B2 Capillary electrophoresis apparatus
The invention provides a capillary electrophoresis apparatus which can improve the operability and measuring speed. According to the invention, a sensor for identifying the type of sample containers is fixed at the position away from a capillary anode electrode. The sensor is made to be closer to the sample containers by moving a moving stage so that the sample containers disposed on the moving stage can be identified by the sensor. A fixing apparatus for fixing at least a pair of sample containers is provided on the moving stage.
US08252152B2 Perpendicular magnetic recording medium and method of manufacturing the same and product thereof
The quantity of oxide contained in a magnetic layer is controlled to control the crystal grains and the segregation structure for ensuring low noise characteristic in a granular magnetic layer of a perpendicular magnetic recording medium. The granular magnetic layer consists of ferromagnetic crystal grains and a nonmagnetic grain boundary region mainly of an oxide surrounding the ferromagnetic crystal grains. The perpendicular magnetic recording medium has a nonmagnetic underlayer composed of a metal or alloy having hexagonal closest-packed crystal structure. The ferromagnetic crystal grain is composed of an alloy containing at least cobalt and platinum. The volume proportion of the nonmagnetic grain boundary region mainly of the oxide falls within a range of 15% to 40% of the volume of the total magnetic layer.
US08252148B2 Containment extension and processing method
A mobile waste processing system and method is disclosed for processing materials in a tank, typically an underground storage tank. A mobile fluid processing module is disposed adjacent to or over the tank, and sealingly connected to the tank through a tank riser. Support equipment, which may include an electric power module, a chiller module, a heating module, and a control and monitor module, are disposed a distance from the processing module, and connected thereto. A pump and optionally a dispersal nozzle are deployed from the processing module into the tank, and effluent is extracted for processing. The processing trailer includes effluent processing equipment such as an evaporator and demister, condenser, vacuum pump, and interim storage tank. The effluent is processed, and at least a portion is removed. Some of the processed effluent may be returned to the tank.
US08252147B2 Press felt for papermaking
A press felt 10 comprises a base body 30 and a batt layer having a wet paper side layer 20. The wet paper web side layer 20 has a base body side batt layer 22, upright fiber bundles 50 are formed in the basebody side batt layer 22. After needle punching a core-in-sheath fiber 41, the upright fiber bundles are formed by melting the sheath member of the core-in-sheath fibers 41 into a pillar form melted by heat treatment. As a result, the base body side batt layer 22 is made dense and blocks water within the press side batt layer 23 from moving to the wet paper web side, thereby preventing rewetting; moreover, the invention successfully enhances resistance to abrasion and compression fatigue of the felt 10 by the upright fiber bundles 50 fusion-bonded into a pillar form.
US08252146B2 Fabric belt for a machine for the production of web material, particularly paper or cardboard
The invention relates to a fabric belt for a machine for the production of web material, particularly paper or cardboard, including a first fabric layer providing a web material contact side and formed by way of the interweaving of warps with wefts, and a second fabric layer positioned below the first fabric layer and formed by way of the interweaving of warps with wefts, wherein the ratio of the number of warps of the first fabric layer to the number of warps of the second fabric layer is greater than 1.
US08252145B2 Method and device for installing seamed industrial fabric
A method of installing an industrial fabric on a machine configured to utilize such a fabric includes as a first step: (a) providing an industrial fabric having: a plurality of machine direction (MD) yarns, the MD yarns forming seam loops at first and second ends of the fabric; a first flap attached adjacent the first end and underlying a first portion of the fabric, the first flap including a first zipper track on an edge portion thereof; and a second flap attached adjacent the second end and underlying a second portion of the fabric, the second flap including a second zipper on an edge portion thereof, the second flap able to stretch elastically such that the distance between its attachment to the second portion of the fabric and the second zipper track can increase when a load is applied to the second zipper track. The method comprises the further steps of: (b) positioning the industrial fabric in the machine; (c) intermeshing the first zipper track and the second zipper track; (d) interdigitating the seam loops on the first end and the second end; and (e) inserting a pintle through the interdigitated seam loops. The use of the flaps can help to align the seam loops, thereby facilitating the subsequent insertion of the pintle.
US08252144B2 Flame resistant paper product and method for manufacturing
The invention relates to a flame resistant paper product and a method for manufacturing a flame resistant paper product. In an embodiment the invention is a paper product comprising a paper substrate having a first surface and a second surface and a flame retardant composition, wherein the first surface is smoother than the second surface. In another embodiment, the invention is a method for forming a flame resistant paper product comprising applying a flame retardant composition to a web of fibers having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is smoother than the second surface by at least about 70 SSU according to TAPPI T538.
US08252141B2 Method for recovering a low sodium content lignin fuel from black liquor
Disclosed herein is a method for recovering a low sodium content lignin from spent kraft cooking liquor without the use a of strong mineral acid for acidulation.
US08252139B2 Method of making a fluid separator collection card
A method of making a fluid sample collection card includes providing a support layer, forming an upper layer with a card stock, the upper layer including a sample window and a viewing window, supporting an absorbent layer with the support layer, and positioning the upper layer on the absorbent layer, wherein the upper layer is configured such that as a fluid is being absorbed by the first absorbent layer portion, presence of a portion of the fluid within the second absorbent layer portion indicates that a first volume of the fluid absorbed by the absorbent layer is a minimum necessary volume of the fluid sufficient to perform at least one test on at least one component in the fluid.
US08252136B2 Method for manufacturing connected sheet material, connected sheet material and method for manufacturing optical display unit
The invention is to provide a process for production of a connected sheet product, which makes it possible to connect opposed end faces of two or more sheet products. A process for production of a connected sheet product including sheet products that are connected to one another and each have at least an optical member and a release film provided on one side of the optical member with a pressure-sensitive adhesive interposed therebetween, comprising: opposing a transverse end face of a first sheet product to a transverse end face of a second sheet product; connecting release films of the first and second sheet products with a connecting member (30a); and connecting surface members of the first and second sheet products with a connecting member (30b) on the opposite side from the release films.
US08252134B2 Device for maintaining and depositing a thermoplastic composite material on a shaping tool and method for making a composite part
According to the invention, one or more thermoplastic sheets (NdT: “feuilles thermoplastique” in the original) (2) are applied on a flat or curved tool (13), and strips (NdT: “des bande” in the original) of a polymer are applied and pressed onto the sheets (2). They are maintained by suction pumps (8), the orifices (4) of which open into a closed volume or one substantially delimited by a sealing joint (3) and occupied by a draining fabric (7). The heating treatment concomitant to the deposition to harden or consolidate the prepreg softens the sheets (2), distorts them to the curvature of the tool (13) and incorporates them in the structure of the prepreg.Application to methods of draping parts with composite material.
US08252130B2 Surface treatment for titanium alloy member for aerospace equipment
Surface processing of titanium alloy members for aerospace equipment imparts high wear resistance, lubricity and high fatigue strength. The method includes an oxygen diffusion step for causing oxygen to diffuse and penetrate in solid solution form into a surface of a titanium alloy member under an oxygen-containing gas atmosphere and a particle bombardment step for bombarding the surface of the titanium alloy member with an airflow containing particles. The aerospace equipment can include a flap rail member and slat rail member for aircraft.
US08252128B2 Aluminum alloy and extrusion
A population of extrusion billets has a specification such that every billet is of an alloy of composition (in wt. %): Fe<0.35; Si 0.20-0.6; Mn<0.10; Mg 0.25-0.9; Cu<0.015; Ti<0.10; Cr<0.10; Zn<0.03; balance Al of commercial purity. After ageing to T5 or T6 temper, extruded sections can be etched and anodised to give extruded matt anodised sections having improved properties.
US08252126B2 Sputter targets and methods of forming same by rotary axial forging
A method of making sputter targets using rotary axial forging is described. Other thermomechanical working steps can be used prior to and/or after the forging step. Sputter targets are further described which can have unique grain size and/or crystal structures.
US08252122B2 Use of an agent that contains carbamide and/or at least a derivative thereof as a cleaning agent
The invention relates to the use of an agent that contains 5 to 99.9% in weight of carbamide and/or at least a derivative thereof, as a cleaning agent for closed systems, in particular as a dishwasher detergent, as a laundry detergent for washing machines, as an agent for cleaning, sanitizing and/or disinfecting for equipment in the food processing industry and for medical equipment, the use as a hand dishwashing detergent or sanitary cleaner or as a hand cleaner. In addition, the invention relates to a method for reducing or avoiding enzymes in cleaning agents for closed systems, in hand dishwashing detergents or in sanitary cleaning agents as well as an enzyme-free dishwashing detergent or enzyme-free sanitary cleaning agent that contain 5 to 99.9% in weight of carbamides or derivates thereof. Finally, the invention relates to the use of percarbamide as a bleaching agent in particular in dishwashing detergents and in sanitary toilet cleaning agents.
US08252118B2 Substrate support device and plasma processing apparatus
There is provided a substrate support device capable of preventing powder dust from being produced. A thermoconductive intermediate member is interposed between a base table and a substrate support table and has a communication aperture path for communicating the aperture path of the base table with the aperture path of the substrate support table. An elastic member such as bellows tube is disposed in the communication aperture path of the thermoconductive intermediate member, for insulating the thermoconductive intermediate member from the inert gas which flows through the communication aperture path.
US08252116B2 Perimeter partition-valve with protected seals and associated small size process chambers and multiple chamber systems
A seal-protected perimeter partition valve apparatus defines a vacuum and pressure sealed space within a larger space confining a substrate processing chamber with optimized geometry, minimized footprint, and 360° substrate accessibility. A compact perimeter partitioned assembly with seal protected perimeter partition valve and internally contained substrate placement member further provides processing system modularity and substantially minimized system footprint.
US08252105B2 Biodegradable vehicle/carrier for printing ink
Embodiments of the present invention provide a composition useful as an additive to a printing ink. In one embodiment a composition is used that includes a biologically derived base material formed from one or more saturated or unsaturated straight or branched chain triglycerides or combinations thereof, wherein the triglycerides are partially to fully hydrogenated and have a viscosity between about 50 and about 200,000 centipoise at temperatures about 72 degrees Fahrenheit. In another embodiment, the composition further includes a finely divided additive selected from the group consisting of polytetrafluoroethylene or hydrogenated triglycerides in an intimate admixture with the base material. Other aspects relate to a method of making an ink additive and method for printing paper stock by letter press or lithography.
US08252097B2 Distributed air cleaner system for enclosed electronic devices
An air cleaner for an enclosed electronic device such as an electronic slot machine, for use in areas that have a high level of air contamination from cigarette smoking such as casinos, includes an active field polarized media air cleaner or other filters for removing sub-micron particles, tars and/or volatile organic compounds (VOC's). In addition, a shared air cleaner for removing sub-micron particles, tars and/or VOCs is coupled to a plurality of enclosed electronic devices, such as a cluster of electronic slot machines.
US08252093B2 Filter service system and method
According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for removing matter from a filtering device of a work machine includes a gas pressurization assembly. An element of the gas pressurization assembly is removably attachable to a first orifice of the filtering device without removing the filtering device from a work machine to which the filtering device is connected. The system also includes a heat source fluidly connected to the gas pressurization assembly.
US08252092B2 Water separation under varied pressure
Water is substantially separated from a liquid mixture (e.g., saline water) that includes water using a humidification chamber at a lower pressure and a dehumidification chamber at a higher pressure. A carrier gas is flowed through the humidification chamber; and inside the humidification chamber, the carrier gas directly contacts the liquid mixture to humidify the carrier gas with evaporated water from the liquid mixture to produce a humidified gas flow. The humidified gas flow is then directed through the dehumidification chamber, where water is condensed from the humidified gas flow and collected. The absolute pressure inside the humidification chamber is at least 10% lower than the absolute pressure inside the dehumidification chamber.
US08252091B2 CO2 recovery from IGCC power plants
In a system involving CO2 capture having an acid gas removal system to selectively remove CO2 from shifted syngas, the acid gas removal system including at least one stage, e.g. a flash tank, for CO2 removal from an input stream of dissolved carbon dioxide in physical solvent, the method of recovering CO2 in the acid gas removal system including: elevating a pressure of the stream of dissolved carbon dioxide in physical solvent; and elevating the temperature of the pressurized stream upstream of at least one CO2 removal stage.
US08252088B2 Particle concentrator
Concentrating particles in a turbulent gas flow may include receiving, in a receptacle, a turbulent gas flow that includes particles. The concentration of particles in a gas flow exiting the receptacle at a first port is increased as compared with a concentration of the particles in the gas flow received by the receptacle. The increased concentration of particles is accomplished by removing a portion of the gas flow by using a second port, and fluidly communicating the gas flow through a tube in the receptacle. The tube has a smaller diameter at the end of the tube at which the gas flow exits the tube than diameter at the end of the tube at which the gas flow is received.
US08252084B2 Separator and crusher of minerals with microwave energy and method thereof
One aspect provides for the separating of two or more joined materials by heating with microwaves, thereby producing differential thermal expansion of the materials. The pieces to be treated are exposed to microwave energy, producing differing rates of heating, and therefore expansion, of the differing materials making up the treated pieces of material. The differential thermal expansion of the differing materials will cause sufficient strain to separate the differing materials. Separation can be enhanced in some cases by following microwave heating with rapid cooling of the treated material.
US08252083B2 Filter-holding object
The present invention is intended to provide a filter-holding object that allows air permeable filters to be peeled from a carrier tape in a satisfactory manner without increasing a tension applied to the carrier tape.A filter-holding object (1) includes: a carrier tape (2) extending in a specified direction; and a plurality of air permeable filters (3) held on the carrier tape (2) so as to be arranged in the specified direction. The air permeable filters (3) are shaped so that an end portion of each of the air permeable filters (3) on one side of the specified direction is sharpened toward the one side of the specified direction at an angle of 90 degrees or more. Preferably, the end portion of each of the air permeable filters (3) on the one side of the specified direction is sharpened at an angle of 135 degrees or less.
US08252079B2 Particle separating device for an aerosol stream
Separating device for separating liquid or solid particles from an aerosol stream, comprising an impactor with a perforated plate against which the stream flows, and an impact plate arranged at a short distance behind the perforated plate, the side of the impact plate against which the stream flows having a separating layer with an open structure; in order that the separating device will have a consistently good separating effect during operation, the perforated plate is provided on its rear side with a plurality of spacer elements bearing against the region of the separating layer against which the stream flows, the height of the spacer elements, the support surfaces formed by the spacer elements for the separating layer, and the number and arrangement of the spacer elements being selected in dependence upon the material of the separating layer such that it is ensured that the holes of the perforated plate remain free from material of the separating layer also during operation.
US08252078B2 Ceiling type air conditioner
There is provided a ceiling type air conditioner including a brush assembly for collecting foreign matters filtered by a filter. The brush assembly includes a brush that contacts the foreign matters filtered by the filter and a main body for collecting the foreign matters separated from the filter to store the foreign matters. Therefore, it is possible to effectively collect and store the foreign matters filtered by the filter in the main body due to the movement of the brush assembly. In addition, since a user does not have to exchange or clean the filter, it is possible to prevent inconvenience from being caused by exchanging or cleaning the filter and to prevent the filter from being contaminated.
US08252076B2 Buffing composition and method of finishing a surface of a material
A buffing composition includes an emulsion having an aqueous liquid phase and an oily liquid phase; a solubilized zirconium carboxylate; and fine abrasive particles having a Mohs hardness of at least 4. The fine abrasive particles have a particle size distribution having at least one mode with a particle size of at least 5 micrometers. A method of finishing a surface of a material using the buffing composition is also disclosed.
US08252073B2 Tar-free gasification system and process
A novel tar-free gasification process and system is disclosed that involves the partial combustion of recycled dry solids and the drying of a slurry feedstock comprising carbonaceous material in two separate reactor zones in a two stage gasifier, thereby producing mixture products comprising synthesis gas. The synthesis gas produced from the high temperature first stage reaction zone is then quenched in the second stage reaction zone of the gasifier prior to introduction of a slurry feedstock. The temperature of the final syngas exiting the second stage reaction zone of the gasifier is thereby moderated to be in the range of about 350-900° F., which is below the temperature range at which tar is readily formed, depending upon the type of carbonaceous feedstock utilized.
US08252070B2 Process and apparatus for producing solid fuel from coal
The present invention provides a process and an apparatus for producing a low-pyrophoricity, transportable, storable dewatered solid fuel from a low rank coal, in which the amount of heavy oil added can be reduced. A solid fuel production process includes the steps of mixing an oil containing a solvent oil with a coal to prepare a raw material slurry; evaporating moisture from the raw material slurry; subsequently performing solid-liquid separation on the slurry to yield a solid fuel; and adding a heavy oil to the slurry after the completion of or in the course of evaporating moisture. A solid fuel production apparatus includes a mixing vessel 1 in which an oil containing a solvent oil is mixed with a coal to prepare a raw material slurry; evaporators 2 and 3 that evaporate moisture from the raw material slurry; a solid-liquid separation means that perform solid-liquid separation on the slurry from which moisture has been evaporated; and an addition means that adds a heavy oil to the slurry after the completion of or in the course of evaporating moisture.
US08252066B2 Pyramid receptacle for coupling a prosthetic limb to a socket
A pyramid receptacle for coupling a prosthetic limb to a socket, comprising a unitary machined component formed with an externally-threaded neck section flanged by a larger-diameter disk. The disk is formed with a concave face, and a central cavity. A plurality of threaded set screws are journalled into the hollow threaded neck section through the threads thereof and into communication with the central cavity. Machining the threaded holes for the plurality of set screws directly through the hollow threaded neck section, and ensuring that the set screws stay flush or recessed when fully tightened effectively halves the length of the pyramid receptacle and facilitates angular adjustment of the prosthetic limb before affixing it in place, but does not significantly increase the profile length of the interconnection between socket and knee joint.
US08252061B2 Femoral stem for artificial hip joint and artificial hip joint including the same
A femoral stem including a stem member having a distal part of the stem member which is inserted in a medullary cavity of a femur and fixed therein and a proximal part of the stem member which has a neck for fixing an artificial head and is positioned at a proximal end of the distal part. The distal part and the proximal part are integrated or separable. Also, a plate fixing portion is detachably attached at a top of the proximal part, and a greater trochanter plate is provided for depressing the greater trochanter. The greater trochanter is fixed to the plate fixing portion at a certain angle or is fixed to the plate fixing portion so as to adjust an angle of the trochanter plate.
US08252059B2 Full-metal dampening intervertebral implant
A flexible element that may be configured, among various uses, as an intervertebral implant for insertion into an intervertebral disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies or between two bone portions. The flexible element includes one or more struts extending from superior and inferior endplates and bending towards one another for connection with one or more internal beams.
US08252058B2 Spinal implant with elliptical articulatory interface
A spinal implant prosthesis includes a pair of end plates for affixation to adjacent vertebral bone structures and respectively defining inter-engaged convex and concave articulatory surfaces of elliptical profile. These elliptical articulatory surfaces are elongated in an anterior-posterior direction, and are comparatively shorter in a medial-lateral direction. With this configuration, in response to angular displacement and/or axial rotation, the elliptical surfaces displace in a manner increasing the distance between the adjacent vertebral bone structures, thereby tensioning the prosthesis and producing counteracting forces which urge the components back toward a substantially centered or neutral position. In addition, in the preferred form, the anterior-posterior length of the concave articulatory surface in incrementally greater than the anterior-posterior length of the convex articulatory surface to accommodate a limited range of anterior-posterior translation.
US08252053B2 Intraocular lens injector apparatus and methods of use
An IOL injector kit comprising a first body portion having a first lumen disposed therethrough, a proximal end, a distal end configured to deposit an IOL into an eye, a second body portion having a second lumen disposed therethrough, a proximal end and distal end, a container comprising a wall defining a container lumen, a first open end configured to receive the proximal end of the first body portion into the container lumen, and a second open end configured to receive the distal end of the second body portion into the container lumen, and an IOL disposed inside said container.
US08252052B2 Methods and apparatus for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve
Methods for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve. In some embodiments, the method includes the steps of endovascularly delivering a replacement valve and an anchor to a vicinity of the heart valve, the anchor having a braid, and expanding the braid to a deployed configuration against the patient's tissue. The braid may be fabricated from a single strand of wire and/or may comprise at least one turn feature.
US08252048B2 Drug eluting stent and method of making the same
A drug eluting stent comprising a multilayer tubular structure which includes at least one intermediate layer having reservoirs therein for deposition of a drug, the intermediate layer eluting drug in a lateral direction, and methods of making the same.
US08252047B2 Drug-delivery endovascular stent and method for treating restenosis
A radially expandable, endovascular stent designed for placement at a site of vascular injury, for inhibiting restenosis at the site, a method of using, and a method of making the stent. The stent includes a radially expandable body formed of one or more metallic filaments and a liquid-infusible mechanical anchoring layer attached to or formed in outer surface of the filaments. A drug coating in the stent is composed of a substantially polymer-free composition of an anti-restenosis drug, and has a substratum infused in the anchoring layer and a substantially continuous surface stratum of drug that is brought into direct contact with the vessel walls at the vascular site. Thus, the rate of release of the anti-restenosis drug from the surface stratum into said vascular site is determined solely by the composition of said drug coating.
US08252044B1 Device for in vivo delivery of bioactive agents and method of manufacture thereof
The disclosure of the invention provides an implantable structural element for in vivo delivery of bioactive agents to a situs in a body. The implantable structural element may be configured as an implantable prosthesis, such as an endoluminal stent, cardiac valve, osteal implant or the like, which serves a dual function of being prosthetic and a carrier for a bioactive agent. Alternatively, the implantable structural element may simply be an implantable article that serves the single function of acting as a time-release carrier for the bioactive agent.
US08252038B2 System for delivering a prosthesis to a luminal OS
An embodiment of the invention provides a prosthesis delivery system comprising a delivery catheter having an expandable member and a prosthesis carried over the expandable member. The prosthesis includes a radially expandable scaffold section and at least two anchors extending axially from an end thereof; and means for capturing at least the anchors to prevent the anchors from divaricating from the expandable member as the catheter is advanced through a patient's vasculature.
US08252037B2 Device for treating a duct through which blood flows and associated preparation method
This device comprises a tubular endoprosthesis (11) of axis (X-X′) and a stent (13) of axis (Y-Y′) defining a distal retention opening (23A) and a proximal retention opening (23B). The device comprises a distal wire-like tie (33A) and a proximal wire-like tie (33B). Each tie (33A, 33B) forms a retaining loop (43) running around the endoprosthesis (11). Each retaining loop (43) can stretch between a configuration in which the endoprosthesis (11) is kept in a contracted state against the stent (13) and a configuration in which the endoprosthesis (11) is released. When each retaining loop (43) is in its releasing configuration, the axis (X-X′) of the endoprosthesis (11) is inclined with respect to the axis (Y-Y′) of the stent (13) when no external stresses are applied. The axis (X-X′) of the endoprosthesis (11) intersects the axis (Y-Y′) of the stent in the internal line (18) defined by the endoprosthesis (11).
US08252034B2 Method of positioning a stent using rods
A stent combined with a positioning apparatus to effectively place the stent at a precise deployment site within a narrowed vascular region such as an artery. The stent is maneuvered through the vessel and is guided by a guiding catheter up the vessel to where the narrowing is located. Upon exiting the guiding catheter and approaching the deployment site within the coronary artery, a deployment site locator expands to contact the vascular structure and, thereby, effectively position the stent at the deployment site within the narrowed vessel. This system apparatus and method is particularly useful for stent placement at an ostium (origin) of a vessel.
US08252030B2 Spinal implant connection assembly
The present invention provides a connection assembly that can be used to securely connect a spinal implant to a bone anchor. In particular, the present invention preferably provides a spinal implant connection assembly that is able to securely connect the spinal implant to the anchors even when there is a variance in the angle and position of the anchors with respect to the spinal implant. Furthermore, the present invention provides a connection assembly with structure to increase the locking strength of the connection assembly.
US08252028B2 Posterior dynamic stabilization device
A posterior dynamic stabilization system that allows a) elongation through a ligament connected to the bone anchors that ultimately reaches its full length to provide a secure flexion limit, and b) compression through a spacer positioned between bone anchors to provide an extension limit.
US08252027B2 System and method for facet joint replacement
A facet joint replacement system includes an inferior implant with an inferior articular surface, a superior implant with a superior articular surface and may include a crosslink extending across a vertebral sagittal plane. The inferior implant may comprise an inferior strut, and a polyaxially adjustable, lockable mechanism which may couple the inferior articular surface with a first end of the inferior strut, and couple the inferior articular surface with the crosslink. A second end of the inferior strut may be secured to a polyaxially adjustable, lockable fixation assembly securable in a vertebra. The superior implant may be secured to a polyaxially adjustable lockable fixation assembly securable in a vertebra. The positions of the inferior articular surface and the first end of the inferior strut are independently translatable along a medial-lateral axis of the vertebra prior to lockout by the lockable mechanism. The crosslink may be placed into the lockable mechanism from a posterior approach.
US08252021B2 Fenestrated super atraumatic grasper apparatus
A surgical tool assembly includes a pair of opposing jaws pivotally connected to each other. Further, at least one viewing opening may be provided in at least one of the opposing jaws. In this regard, the at least one viewing opening may extend from an upper to a lower surface of the opposing jaw in which the viewing opening is provided. Additionally, the at least one viewing opening may include a material retainer provided proximate the lower surface of the opposing jaw in which the at least one viewing opening is provided. Further, the material retainer may include an inclined surface inclined towards a central axis of the at least one viewing opening. Further, a grasping insert may be molded onto a lower surface of the opposing jaw in which the viewing opening is provided and an elastomeric material of the grasping inserts may within the at least one viewing opening, the material of the grasping inserts covering the inclined surface of the first material retainer.
US08252018B2 Helical embolic protection device
An embolic protection device for capturing emboli during treatment of a stenotic lesion in a body vessel is disclosed. The device comprises an elongated shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion extending from the proximal portion. The device further comprises an expandable filter formed helically about the distal portion of the elongated shaft. The expandable filter is configured to helically close defining a collapsed state for delivery and retrievable of the device. The expandable filter is configured to helically open defining an expanded state for capturing emboli during treatment of the stenotic lesion in the body vessel. The expandable filter has at least one filter portion helically extending from the elongated shaft at a predetermined angle defining an opening when the filter is in the expanded state.
US08252015B2 Expandable guide sheath and apparatus and methods for making them
An apparatus for providing access to a body lumen includes a tubular proximal portion and an expandable distal portion, which extends distally from a distal end of the proximal portion. The expandable distal portion includes an expandable sheath and a stiffening member. The proximal portion has a first lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end thereof, and the expandable sheath defines a second lumen that is in fluid communication with the first lumen and extends distally from the proximal portion to a distal terminal opening of the second lumen. The stiffening member is attached directly to the expandable sheath so as to extend alongside the second lumen, and the distal terminal opening of the second lumen is defined by a portion of a perimeter of a distal terminal end of the expandable sheath that becomes spaced apart from the stiffening member when the sheath is expanded.
US08252014B2 Rapid exchange balloon catheter with braided shaft
A balloon catheter for use alone or as a stent delivery system includes a balloon segment and a shaft segment having a varying flexibility. The shaft segment includes a polymer encased braid which extends along substantially the entire length of the shaft segment for added pushability and kink resistance. A flexible distal tip extends from the balloon for improved trackability.
US08252011B1 Minimally invasive technique for performing plantar fasciotomies and surgical instrument for use in such a technique
A surgical instrument includes a clamp having a handle with a pair of substantially parallel prongs or tines extending from the handle, all formed as a unitary body or article of manufacture. The handle and prongs define a channel to receive a knife. The knife includes a handle, a scalpel, and an extension arm coupling the scalpel to the handle. The clamp defines a minor image about a central axis. In this way, the surgeon need not concern himself with whether the knife is oriented properly within the channel. Also, the extension arm of the knife includes graduations to assist the surgeon in predetermining precisely the distance of cut in using the instrument. The upper prong of the clamp includes a downwardly extending capture pad having a bottom surface substantially parallel to the inner surface of the lower prong. The upper and lower prongs define a mouth, having a continuously increasing distance between upper and lower prongs so that the clamp is guided onto the tissue target of choice in a non-invasive manner.
US08252004B2 Temporary retention device
A retention device for anchoring indwelling catheters, sheath introducers, feeding tubes, ostomy bags or other medical devices beneath the skin of a patient includes an deployable section coupled to a medical device; following introduction into a patient, the deployable section is subcutaneously deployed, securely anchoring the device and coupled medical device for the duration of treatment.
US08252003B2 Surgical instruments for creating a pneumostoma and treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Surgical instruments and techniques are provided for creating a pneumostoma through the chest wall into the lung of a patient. The pneumostomy instruments and techniques may be used to create a pneumostoma which allows gases to escape from the lung through the chest wall and thereby treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
US08252002B2 Modular trial mechanism
A prosthetic trial for a joint prosthesis includes a stem having a proximal section and a distal section for implantation in a bone. A body includes a channel receiving at least the proximal section of the stem. A locking mechanism is at least partially disposed within the body. The locking mechanism is biased into a locking position in which the mechanism locks the stem within the first channel of the body. The locking mechanism is accessible outside said body to be pulled into a releasing position to unlock the stem from the body.
US08252001B2 Apparatus and methods for inter-operative verification of appropriate spinal prosthesis size and placement
A distractor and measuring device includes a first handle operatively connected to a first paddle and a second handle operatively connected to a second paddle. The first and second handles are pivotally connected to one another such that movement of the handles relative to one another causes the paddles to move relative to each other. At least one transducer is positioned on at least one of the first and second handles for measuring an amount of force applied during distraction. A measurement rod is pivotally connected to the device and is movable in a longitudinal direction relative to the first and second paddles. A potentiometer is operatively connected to the measurement rod to measure the angular orientation of the measurement rod.
US08251997B2 Method for inserting an artificial implant between two adjacent vertebrae along a coronal plane
A method for inserting an artificial implant between two adjacent vertebrae along a coronal plane.
US08251992B2 Method and apparatus for gastrointestinal tract ablation to achieve loss of persistent and/or recurrent excess body weight following a weight-loss operation
Devices and methods are provided for ablational treatment of regions of the digestive tract in post-bariatric surgery patients who fail to achieve or maintain the desired weight loss. Bariatric procedures include Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, biliopancreatic diversion, and sleeve gastrectomy. These procedures reconstruct gastrointestinal tract features, creating pouches, stoma, and tubes that restrict and/or divert the digestive flow. Post-surgical dilation of altered structures is common and diminishes their bariatric effectiveness. Ablation of compromised structures can reduce their size and compliance, restoring bariatric effectiveness. Ablation, as provided the invention, starts at the mucosa and penetrates deeper into the gastrointestinal wall in a controlled manner. Control may also be provided by a fractional ablation that ablates some tissue within a target region and leaves a portion substantially unaffected. Embodiments of the device include an ablational electrode array that spans 360 degrees and an array that spans an arc of less than 360 degrees.
US08251989B1 Combined bipolar and monopolar electrosurgical instrument and method
An electrical switching system for use in various types of electrosurgical instruments and related tools comprises a system adapted to automatically determine which of at least two electrical current modes to deliver through an electrosurgical instrument based on a condition sensed by the electrosurgical instrument. In another embodiment, the electrical switching system comprises a generator, the generator including a first electrical distribution systems for delivering monopolar electrical energy, and a second electrical distribution system for delivering bipolar electrical energy, a controller coupled to the generator for selecting based on an input which of the first and second electrical distribution systems to activate.
US08251988B2 Ultrasonic treatment apparatus
An ultrasonic treatment apparatus includes an ultrasonic instrument, a fluid irrigation unit, a fluid suction unit, an ultrasonic driving control unit, and an irrigation/suction control unit. The ultrasonic instrument treats a living-body tissue through ultrasonic vibrations. The fluid irrigation unit supplies a cooling fluid for cooling the ultrasonic instrument to the ultrasonic instrument. The fluid suction unit sucks a cooling fluid irrigated by the fluid irrigation unit to the ultrasonic instrument. The ultrasonic driving control unit controls the driving of ultrasonic vibrations of the ultrasonic instrument. The irrigation/suction control unit sequentially controls the driving of the fluid irrigation unit and the driving of the fluid suction unit in accordance with the output of the ultrasonic driving control unit.
US08251987B2 Microwave antenna
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a microwave antenna assembly is disclosed. The antenna assembly includes a feedline having an inner conductor, an outer conductor and an inner insulator disposed therebetween and a radiating portion including a dipole antenna having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The antenna assembly also comprises a sheath disposed over the feedline and the radiating portion defining a chamber around the feedline and the radiating portion. The chamber is adapted to circulate coolant fluid therethrough. The antenna assembly further includes a connection hub having cable connector coupled to the feedline, an inlet fluid port and an outlet fluid port. The connection hub includes a bypass tube configured to provide for flow of the coolant fluid from the cable connector directly to the outlet fluid port.
US08251984B2 Dental laser system using midrange gas pressure
An improved dental laser system includes a DC power section that rectifies its AC electrical input energy in a format suitable for both CW and pulsed operation, an RF power supply operating in a range of about 40 to 125 MHz and configured for both CW and high peak power pulsing operation, a sealed-off, RF excited CO2 waveguide or slab resonator laser filled to a gas at a pressure between about 260 to 600 Torr (or about 34,700-80,000 Pa), and a beam delivery system to steer the beam from the output of the laser to the mouth, such as the patient's mouth.
US08251981B2 Regulator
A flow regulator (19, 208, 308, 408) may be used in a drug delivery system 10. The regulator includes a chamber that is divided by a diaphragm (111, 211, 311, 411) into a first and second subchamber. A third subchamber is in fluid communication with the first subchamber. A valve (26, 217, 317, 417) is operatively connected to the diaphragm, wherein pressure differences between the first subchamber and second subchamber result in movement of the diaphragm and movement of the diaphragm controls operation of the valve. A flow restrictor (116, 216, 316, 416) is in fluid communication between the first and second subchambers. Flow of a drug (11, 101) is thereby regulated.
US08251980B2 Viscous fluid extraction
An extraction sleeve assembly for use in extracting a viscous fluid from the posterior segment of an eye during vitreoretinal surgery is disclosed. The extraction sleeve assembly includes a luer lock fitting and a flexible, tubular extraction sleeve. The extraction sleeve assembly facilitates a shorter extraction time for the viscous fluid.
US08251972B2 Perforable closure for a container, mould and method for carrying out said closure
A perforable closure for a container, is provided with at least a annular portion (2) fit to joint the container and connected to an end portion (3), perforable by means of a perforator (P) of an outflow or the like.At least the annular (2) and end (3) portions of said closure (1) are integral.
US08251970B2 Diaper closure system
Disclosed are diapers, and particularly baby diapers, which are made and provided to the user in a substantially flat condition. The diapers are formed into a three dimensional garment by the user and maintained in this position through use of a closure system. The closure system includes a tape type closure system with a designated zone on the diaper where the tape type closures are to be attached. Preferably the closure system includes a mechanical interlocking system known as a hook and loop fastening system or Velcro™.
US08251969B2 Body adhering absorbent article
The present invention provides a body adhering absorbent articles which is capable of absorbing bodily fluids. In particular embodiment of the present invention, provided is an absorbent article which is specifically designed for attachment to a wearer's skin in the vulva region of the wearer's torso.
US08251968B2 Absorbent article with a checking function for elastic elongation
An absorbent article includes at least one elastic area. The article contains an element for checking the elongation of the elastic area, in conjunction with which a first indicator marker is connected to the elastic area and a second indicator marker is connected to a second piece of material. The first indicator marker and the second indicator marker are capable of displacement relative to one another in the direction of elongation of the elastic area, whereby the change in the relative position between the first and the second indicator marker in conjunction with the elongation of the elastic area from a non-elongated position provides a measure of the elongation of the elastic area.
US08251961B2 Safety needle assembly and method for making the same
A safety needle assembly has a needle hub and a collar. Integrally formed from the proximal portion of the needle hub is a ring that surrounds its luer base. At the distal portion of the needle hub there are coaxially formed circumferential flanges which act to allow the collar to be rotatable about the needle hub. A needle protection housing is connected to the collar and is pivotable to cover the needle that extends from the distal end of the needle hub. Before use, the needle extending from the needle hub is covered by a needle sheath that has a groove formed circumferentially at its proximal end that snap-fits to a circumferential rib formed at the distal end of the collar.
US08251958B2 Medicament microdevice delivery system, cartridge and method of use
A method and device for intradermal delivery of a reconstituted medicament. The device includes a chamber, which is in fluid communication with a microdevice, e.g. microabrader or one or more microneedles. A cartridge containing the medicament may be located within said chamber. At least one burstable membrane retains a medicament within the housing. The method involves the steps of positioning the device at a delivery site on the skin of a patient and intradermally administering the medicament by dispensing a diluent from a diluent source an through inlet port to rupture the membranes, reconstitute the medicament and deliver the reconstituted medicament through the microdevice to the dermal region of the skin.
US08251957B2 Catheter securement device
A catheter securement device that adheres to the skin of a patient having an epidural catheter or similar small flexible tube member inserted percutaneously, the securement device having a flexible, sheet-like main body member capable of adhering to the skin of the patient, a notched pad member over which the catheter is bent, an exposed portion of adhesive to contact the catheter, and a releasable retention member to secure the catheter onto the main body member.
US08251956B2 Securement device
A securement device holds a medical article such as a catheter hub in position upon the body of a patient and at least inhibits longitudinal movement of the medical article. The securement device includes a retainer and at least one anchor pad. The retainer includes a metallic insert having barbs or teeth extending into a central channel. The metallic barbs or teeth dig into the retained catheter hub. The metal insert springs open as the hub is inserted in to the device and retains the hub by virtue of its metallic barbs.
US08251955B2 Catheter stylet with catheter accommodating lumen
The invention relates to a catheter stylet for stiffening a catheter during the placing process, wherein the stylet comprises an accommodating lumen for at least one fluid-guiding line of the catheter. It also relates to a catheter stylet catheter system, comprising such a stylet and comprising a catheter which comprises a fluid-guiding line, and to a method for stiffening a catheter during the placing process, wherein a stylet which comprises an accommodating lumen is arranged around at least one fluid-guiding line of the catheter.
US08251954B2 Fluid transportation system and method of setting fluid ejection amount
A fluid transportation system includes a fluid transportation device housing a flexible tube, a pump unit for ejecting a fluid by squeezing the tube, a communication section, and a battery, an ejection data processing device having an input device for inputting to the fluid transportation device a driving condition for ejecting a desired ejection amount of the fluid, a display section for displaying at least the driving condition, and a communication device for connecting the fluid transportation device and the ejection data processing device to each other, wherein the fluid transportation device is driven based on the driving condition input from the ejection data processing device.
US08251953B2 System and method for drug preparation and delivery
A disposable cassette for mixing a drug in a vial includes a liquid inlet for connection to a liquid supply, a first vial spike, a second vial spike, a chamber and a valve mechanism. The chamber, the first and second vial spikes, and the liquid inlet are in fluid communication with each other. The valve mechanism may be actuated to control flow between the chamber, the vial receptacles and the liquid inlet.
US08251947B2 Two-stage reconstituting injector
An injector for injecting a medicament into a patient. The injector includes a container defining a first chamber, which contains a fluid therein, and a second chamber. The injector also includes an injection conduit configured for directing the fluid fired from the container into the patient. A transfer mechanism is operable by a user to transfer the fluid from the first chamber to the second chamber in a first stage of operation, and a firing mechanism is operable by the user for firing the fluid from the second chamber through the injection conduit in a second stage of operation. An energy source is in powering association with the firing mechanism to drive firing mechanism in the first and second stages.
US08251946B2 Method for constructing an instrument with a two-part plunger for subcutaneous implantation
A method for constructing an instrument with a two-part plunger for subcutaneous implantation is provided. An incising body is formed by defining a non-circular coaxial bore and sharpening a distal bottom edge. A two-part plunger including a tongue blade assembly and a plunger assembly is constructed. The tongue blade assembly is constructed by sharpening a beveled end of a flat thin tongue blade and by affixing a straight tongue blade shaft to an end of the tongue blade opposite the beveled end. The tongue blade assembly has a length exceeding the coaxial bore. The plunger assembly is constructed by affixing a plunger to a plunger shaft on a distal end. The plunger assembly has a length exceeding the coaxial bore and is oriented adjacent to the tongue blade assembly. The two-part plunger is inserted through an end of the incising body.
US08251937B2 External fixator assembly
An external fixator assembly structured for placement and use substantially adjacent the ankle area of the body and including a support assembly comprising at least one base segment and one or two contoured segments disposed substantially on opposite sides of the ankle area. Each of the contoured segments includes a contoured portion having a either different or substantially equivalent angular and/or convergent configurations disposed along a length or height of the ankle area. At least one transfixion member may be connected along the length of the contoured portion(s) as well as a remainder of the contoured segment(s) so as to extend transversely inward there from into operative engagement with tissue associated with the ankle area patient's body.
US08251936B2 Orthopedic walker boot having a removable heel plate
An orthopedic walker boot for wearing on a lower limb of a wearer has a rigid external shell, a pliant internal boot positioned in the external shell, and a heel plate selectively detachable or attachable to the external shell. Selective transition of the heel plate between the detached condition and attached condition selectively provides the orthopedic walker boot with an open-heel configuration or a closed-heel configuration. The external shell includes an outer sole having a walking surface which is configured with two curved axes to facilitate walking while wearing the orthopedic walker boot.
US08251932B2 Orthopedic walker boot having an inflatable bladder
An orthopedic walker boot for wearing on a lower limb of a wearer has a rigid external shell and a pliant internal boot received within the external shell. The internal boot includes a leg panel having an inflatable bladder and a pump panel having a pump for inflating the bladder. The leg panel is configured to wrap around a leg of a wearer and the external shell is sized and configured to receive the internal boot with the leg of the wearer wrapped therein. The pump panel has a first end fixably attached to the leg panel and has a selective and releasable operational orientation, wherein the pump panel is in an overlapping outer position relative to the leg panel.
US08251931B2 Casting apparatus and method for using the same
A casting or splinting device comprises a plastic casting body formed into various configurations for immobilizing a bone fracture or the like. The casting body is filled with small spherical granules having a smooth and slippery surface. The casting body is sealed and provided with an outlet port for aspirating air from within the casting body. Aspiration of air from the casting body results in a rigid casting or splint.
US08251930B2 Walking assistance device
A walking assistance device (1) has a body-mounted assembly (2) installed on the waist of a user (A), foot-mounted assemblies (3L, 3R) installed on feet, and leg links (4L, 4R) which connect the foot-mounted assemblies (3L, 3R) to the body-mounted assembly (2). The foot-mounted assemblies (3L, 3R) are provided with floor reaction force sensors (13L, 13R). Results obtained by multiplying the absolute values of floor reaction force vectors (three-dimensional vectors) detected by the floor reaction force sensors (13L, 13R) by a predetermined ratio are defined as target values of the magnitudes of the supporting forces transmitted to the leg links (4L, 4R) from the foot-mounted assemblies (3L, 3R). Actuators (20L, 20R) of the leg links (4L, 4R) are controlled such that the supporting forces having the magnitudes of the target values act on the leg links (4L, 4R) from the foot-mounted assemblies (3L, 3R) through the intermediary of joints (19L, 19R).
US08251925B2 Device and method for radial pressure determination
Methods and apparatus for measuring ear canal wall pressure comfort level are provided. An expandable pressure exertion device is inserted into an orifice. The device is expanded inside the orifice in increments of pressure. A threshold level is saved where a user indicates that the pressure exerted against the walls of the orifice is becoming at least one of uncomfortable, painful, and noticeable.
US08251924B2 Neural translator
A method and apparatus are provided for processing a set of communicated signals associated with a set of muscles, such as the muscles near the larynx of the person, or any other muscles the person use to achieve a desired response. The method includes the steps of attaching a single integrated sensor, for example, near the throat of the person proximate to the larynx and detecting an electrical signal through the sensor. The method further includes the steps of extracting features from the detected electrical signal and continuously transforming them into speech sounds without the need for further modulation. The method also includes comparing the extracted features to a set of prototype features and selecting a prototype feature of the set of prototype features providing a smallest relative difference.
US08251923B2 Device for introducing a catheter guide wire into a vessel
A device for introducing a catheter guide wire into a vessel of a patient has a connector and a straightener for a J-shaped end of the guide wire, the connector having an axial bore, and its distal end and proximal end permitting a connection of the Luer type to a needle and to a syringe, respectively. The connector supports, on its inside, a sealing valve equipped with a slit, and the axial bore has, in its portion between the sealing valve and the distal end of the connector, a leaktight mating surface, the shape of which is such that it permits liquid-tight mating with the outer surface of the distal end of the straightener, when the latter is introduced into the connector via the sealing valve.
US08251919B2 Lancet and lancet device including the same
In order to provide a lancet which has a simple structure and which can secure safety, in particular, after use, and a lancet device including the same, a lancet (20) includes a casing (22), and a puncture body (23) which is accommodated in the casing (22) so as to be movable in a puncturing direction. For removing the lancet (20) from a main body (30), the lancet (20) has a convex portion (22b) formed on an inner surface (22a) of the casing (22) and a recessed portion (groove (23c)) formed on the puncture body (23), which form fitting for holding the puncture body (23) so as to be immovable in the puncturing direction in the casing (22).
US08251918B2 Method and apparatus for simultaneously collecting exocervical and endocervical samples
A method of simultaneously collecting exocervical and endocervical cells from a female patient, includes providing a combination exo-endocervical sampling device including a sampler having a pair of opposing wings and a prominence extending from the wings. The opposing wings include a sampling surface and the prominence includes a multiplicity of endless looped fiber pairs distributed axially along a distal end section of the prominence. Each looped fiber pair includes a first loop extending transverse from the shaft and a second loop extending transverse from the shaft. The loops define a void space therebetween configured to capture exo-endocervical cells. The method includes placing the sampling device in contact with a cervix of the female patient, collecting exocervical cells with the opposing wings of the sampling device, and simultaneously collecting endocervical cells with the prominence.
US08251917B2 Self-contained handheld biopsy needle
A self-contained hand-held biopsy needle has various features relating to automated sampling and recovery. Among the disclosed features are ones suited to fully-disposable single-use automatic biopsy devices, such as light weight, low cost, and simple design.
US08251911B2 Monitoring physiological condition and detecting abnormalities
A system and method for monitoring an individual's physiological condition and detecting abnormalities therein, comprising concurrently receiving an electrocardiograph signal and a ballistocardiograph signal. The electrocardiograph and ballistocardiograph signals are conditioned to minimize background extraneous noise after which, each signal is concurrently processed and analyzed to detect repeating cyclical patterns and further characterized to identify individual components of the repeating cycles. At least one individual component in one signal is selected as a reference marker or a selected component in the other signal. The two signals are then synchronized, outputs produced therefrom and stored in a database.
US08251904B2 Device and method for insulin dosing
A device and method of providing instruction to a patient regarding the dosing of insulin is provided.
US08251902B2 Pedicle guided retractor system
There is disclosed a retractor system to facilitate surgical access to an intervertebral disc between an inferior vertebral body and a superior vertebral body. In an embodiment, the retractor system includes an elongate member having an anchor to attach to a pedicle of an inferior vertebral body with respect to an intervertebral disc. A retractor body has a collar to attach to the elongate member, slides coupled to the retractor body, and a pair of blades mounted to the slides. The blades have a proximal end and a distal end, a distance between the proximal end and the distal end of each one of the blades configured for displacing tissue for access to an intervertebral disc. An attachment portion is adjacent the proximal end of each one of the blades for attaching one of the slides thereto. Geometry of the blade end conforms to anatomy surrounding the pedicle.
US08251898B2 Laryngoscope apparatus with enhanced viewing capability
Laryngoscope apparatus including a curved laryngoscope blade and an optical system for affording a field of view along a deflected line of sight for reducing patient manipulation and/or the degree of force required to achieve a good glottic view.
US08251895B2 Endoscope with an electric heating system
An endoscope is provided, comprising a first tube whose distal end is sealed with a cover glass disposed in a mount and an electric heating system for heating the cover glass, with the heating system comprising two electric connections which can be connected with a power source, and an electrically conductive coating which is applied to the inside of the cover glass and comprises two mutually spaced contact sections, of which one each is electrically connected with one of the connections, and with the mount being electrically conductive and a first of the two contact sections being electrically connected via the mount with the associated connection.
US08251891B2 Totally wireless electronically embedded action-ended endoscope utilizing differential directional illumination with digitally controlled mirrors and/or prisms
A hand manipulated endoscopic medical device is disclosed. The medical device includes a body having a proximal end, which is hand manipulated, and a distal end which includes a manipulator. A light emitting device is centrally disposed at the distal end. An imaging device is centrally disposed at the distal end for imaging at least a portion of the region illuminated by the light emitting device. Also disclosed is a tool for extracting an artificial lumbar disc from between a pair of vertebral plates. The extraction tool includes a handle, a member for transmitting force, and a sharpened end, specially configured to be placed between the artificial disc and the vertebral plate. Further disclosed is a tool for implanting or explanting a ball to or from an artificial lumbar disc. The implanter/explanter includes a pinion shaft and a pinion shaft enclosure. A tightening knob is disposed at the proximal end of the shaft enclosure and coupled to the pinion shaft. A pinion is disposed at the distal end of the pinion shaft. A grappling device is disposed at the pinion, and it includes a pair of semi-circular rings. When the pinion is rotated, the semi-circular rings move relative to one another and are capable of grasping or releasing the ball.
US08251889B2 Apparatus and method for intra-abdominally moving a first internal organ to a position away from a second internal organ and then holding the first internal organ in the position without manual input
An apparatus including a flexible length of cord and three tissue connectors positioned at the opposite ends of the cord and at an intermediate position of the cord is designed to be laparoscopically inserted through the abdominal wall and into the abdominal cavity, and used to move a first internal organ to a position away from a second internal organ where the apparatus holds the first internal organ in the position without further manual input, thereby providing surgical access to the second internal organ.
US08251887B2 Reproductive technology of low dose semen production and in vitro/in vitro fertilization in domestic animals
Artificial insemination of female animals and in vitro fertilization of oocytes with fresh or frozen-thawed semen have been applied to the reproduction of animals. According to the traditional theory and conventional procedures, a great number of sperm cells are needed to ensure a successful fertilization.
US08251885B2 Applications of alternating magnetic fields on magnetic nanoparticles
Embodiments include applying or generating an alternating magnetic field near an affected area of a subject to be treated. When magnetic nanoparticles are located in the affected area, the magnetic nanoparticles are oscillated by the alternating magnetic field, which causes the magnetic nanoparticles to be dispersed within the affected area, break up the affected area, and/or heat the affected area.
US08251884B2 Methods for asymmetrical irradiation of a body cavity
The disclosure describes devices and methods for asymmetrical irradiation at a body cavity or site, such as after removal of tissue, e.g. biopsy or cancer. One device includes a lumen which is off-set or off-settable from a longitudinal axis to increase the intensity of radiation received from a radiation source by a first tissue portion surrounding the body cavity and to reduce or minimize radiation received by a second tissue portion (e.g. healthy tissue) surrounding the body cavity.
US08251882B2 Method for operating a longitudinal folding apparatus having a folding blade and a folding table, and longitudinal folding apparatus
A longitudinal folding machine comprises a folding blade and a folding table. The folding blade is driven with a cyclical frequency relative to one or more elements of a web-processing machine, or relative to a flow of incoming products. The entry of a leading edge of products is detected at a first measurement point. A relative phase position between the movement of the folding blade and the phase position of the elements and/or the phase position of the flow of products is modified by one of a control and a regulation device to adjust a contact point of the folding blade with the products to be folded. The relative phase position is modified such that the leading edges of the products to be folded are maintained at a distance from the measurement point on the delivery route.
US08251879B2 Shoulder rehabilitation and exercise device
A shoulder rehabilitation and exercise device is disclosed which enables a user to perform internal and external rotations of both right and left shoulder. The device is comprised of a base plate, hydraulic damper, restrictor arm, actuator arm, elbow cup and hand grip. A smooth, fluid-like movement is achieved during performance of arcuate internal and external shoulder rotations while also providing automatic increases and decreases in resistance to such motion in response to user effort. In certain preferred embodiments, in addition to such automatic adjustment of resistance, the device includes a means of manually adjusting resistance. The device may be utilized to perform the aforementioned internal and external rotations on a user's right or left side without need for making any adjustments to the machine. Range of motion limitations may be set to control the arcuate degree of internal and external rotations performed. Adjustment in the elevation of a user's forearm via adjustment of a two section, pivoting base plate is provided that enables elevation adjustment without effecting operating resistance. The actuator arm includes an adjustable elbow cup and adjustable hand grip. The device does not store potential energy or produce sufficient momentum to oppose a user's immediate and safe termination of motion.
US08251876B2 Breathing exercise apparatus
A breathing exercise apparatus comprises a chamber having a vent open to the atmosphere, a mouthpiece having an opening, a first member having a plurality of apertures positioned in the chamber between the opening in the mouthpiece and the vent, a second member having a plurality of apertures positioned in the chamber adjacent the first member, and a motor coupled to the second member and operable to move the second member with respect to the first member such that the apertures in the second member intermittently align with the apertures in the first member to vary the resistance a user experiences when both inhaling and exhaling through the apparatus.
US08251875B2 Mobile wireless audio device
We have disclosed a modular personal network (MPN) that includes multiple devices that may be worn, carried, or used in close proximity to a user. The devices communicate wirelessly. Functions of the MPN may be modified by adding or removing components. The MPN may communicate with a personal computer. General purpose devices may include a control unit, a display, a user input, and an audio output. The MPN may provide a variety of functions, including time, communication, entertainment, organization, guidance, athletic, medical, travel, outdoors, identity, security, and military.
US08251874B2 Exercise systems for simulating real world terrain
An exercise system includes one or more exercise devices that communicate via a network with a communication system. The communication system stores and/or generates exercise programming for use on the exercise device. The exercise programming is able to control one or more operating parameters of the exercise device to simulate terrain found at a remote, real world location. The exercise programming can include images/videos of the remote, real world location. The control signals and the images/videos can be synchronized so that a user of the exercise device is able to experience, via the changing operating parameters, the topographical characteristics of the remote, real world location as well as see images of the location.
US08251867B2 Method for operating a drive train of a vehicle
A method for operating a drive train of a vehicle in which the drive train has at least an internal combustion engine, an engine clutch, an electric machine, a single and a multi-group manual transmission with synchronized and/or unsynchronized shift elements for shifting gears, an axle transmission, as well as an associated control device for controlling the gear shifts. It is provided for the purpose of expanding the functional possibilities, that the electric machine is used, during gear shifts in the manual transmission, as a mode of synchronization, a synchronization aid, or at least as a shifting aid such that changes in the direction of rotation of the transmission shafts are taken into consideration.
US08251856B2 Multi-speed transmission having four planetary gear sets for producing at least eight gear speeds
A transmission of the present invention has 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 include clutches and brakes. The torque transmitting devices are selectively engageable in combinations of at least two to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
US08251855B2 Multi-speed gearbox
A transmission which comprises an input shaft and an output shaft, first, second, third and fourth planetary gear sets, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth shafts, first, second, third, fourth and fifth gearshifting elements for achieving eight forward gears and one reverse gear. The first gearshifting element, when engaged, couples the third shaft with a housing of the transmission. The second gearshifting element, when engaged, couples the fourth shaft with the housing of the transmission. The third gearshifting element, when engaged, couples the input first shaft with the fifth shaft. The eighth shaft (8) is coupled with the fourth gearshifting element and the fifth gearshifting element (E), when engaged, couples the fifth shaft (5) and the seventh shaft (7).
US08251853B2 Friction gear
A planetary friction gear is enabled to make it possible to transmit comparatively great torque densities while providing a very high degree of smoothness of operation, preventing the unwanted slip-stick behavior in friction gears. The inventive gear is particularly suitable for actuators used in the immediate vicinity of humans in everyday life.
US08251850B2 Strong two-mode hybrid powertrain with two motor/generators
A hybrid electro-mechanical transmission connectable with multiple power sources for launching and propelling a vehicle includes an output member and a stationary member. The transmission also includes a first and second planetary gear sets, and two members of the first planetary gear set are operatively connected to two members of the second planetary gear set, and a torque-transmitting device. The power sources include an engine, a first motor/generator and a second motor/generator. The engine and the second motor/generator are each operatively connected to the first planetary gear set, and the first motor/generator and the output member are each operatively connected to the second planetary gear set. Furthermore, the torque-transmitting device is engageable to ground the engine to the stationary member such that the transmission provides first and second drive modes for launching and propelling the vehicle.
US08251847B2 Drive mechanism for barrier operator
An electric motor driven barrier operator includes spaced apart frame plates for supporting the motor, an intermediate drive shaft and an operator final output shaft. The motor output shaft, intermediate shaft and final output shaft are mounted on bearings at fixed centers on the frame plates and the motor and intermediate shaft are interconnected by a stretchable flexible drive belt reeved over respective drive pulleys mounted on the motor output shaft and the intermediate shaft. The drive belt may be mounted on the pulleys and replaced without adjusting the position of the motor output shaft, the intermediate shaft or the operator output shaft.
US08251846B2 Game ball having optimally positioned grooves
A basketball having an outer surface and including a first set of channels formed into the outer surface of the basketball. The basketball further includes a bladder, a carcass and at least one cover panel. The carcass covers the bladder and has an outer surface that defines a second set of channels. The cover panel(s) is positioned over the carcass and over at least one of the channels of the second set of channels. The cover panel(s) generally conforms to the shape of the outer surface of the carcass such that the cover panel defines at least one groove in the outer surface of the basketball corresponding to the channels of the second set of channels. The depth of the groove is greater than or equal to 0.7 mm and less than or equal to 10 mm.
US08251842B2 Basketball shooting training glove
A system and training method adapted to assist an individual in improving his or her basketball shooting skills and accuracy. The system includes an apparatus and glove that can be used independently or together. The apparatus is adapted for mounting to a basketball rim and includes flexible paddles for mounting to the rim so that the paddles project upwardly from the rim. The glove is adapted to be worn on the shooting hand and includes fingers, wrist and backhand portions. The fingers portion has three separate sleeves interconnected by elastic webs therebetween. The backhand portion interconnects the fingers portion to the wrist portion. The glove is configured so that the three middle fingers of the shooting hand are individually inserted into the sleeves and elastically held together by the webs, while allowing the thumb and outer finger of the shooting hand to spread outward and support the basketball during shooting.
US08251839B2 Multilayer golf ball containing at least three core layers, at least one intermediate barrier layer, and at least one cover layer
The present invention is directed to multi-layer golf balls having at least three core layers, at least one cover layer, and at least one intermediate layer between the core and the cover layer that acts as a vapor barrier. Advantageously, the at least three core layers have a hardness gradient that either increases or decreases toward the at least one intermediate vapor barrier layer.
US08251838B2 Multi-layer cover golf ball having non-ionomeric intermediate cover layer
A golf ball including a core and a cover disposed adjacent the core, the cover including an ionomeric thermoplastic inner cover layer disposed about the core and having a hardness of 55 Shore D to 60 Shore D; a castable thermoset polyurethane outer cover layer having a hardness between 55 Shore D and 60 Shore D; and a non-ionomeric thermoplastic intermediate cover layer disposed between the inner and outer cover layers, the non-ionomeric intermediate cover layer being formed of a polyester/polycarbonate blend and having a hardness greater than both the inner and outer cover layers; wherein the inner cover layer has a first thickness, the outer cover layer has a second thickness, and the intermediate cover layer has a third thickness less than the first or second thickness by at least 20%.
US08251834B2 Golf club head with improved performance
A golf club head with an improved sweet spot, defined as a portion of the striking face that has at least 99.7% of the maximum ballspeed is disclosed herein. More specifically, the present invention discloses a golf club head with a significantly circular sweet spot that encompasses at least about 1.5% of the total striking face. A golf club head in accordance with the present invention may generally have a improved face geometry with an elliptical factor of greater than about 0.5, a beveled transition portion around the striking face of the golf club head, a variable face thickness region with decreases thickness, or even a tilted bulge and roll radius all helping improve the performance of the golf club head.
US08251833B2 Golf swing-aid trainer, a dynamic swing aid device for improving the golfer swing action
A dynamic swing-aid device used to improve the golfer's swing action. It also reduces potential risk of swing injuries to golfers. The upper portion of this device is the wrist channel that fits over the forearm and allows the swing correction to occur. The lower part of the device is the handle guide that keeps the shaft of the golf club in the proper position with the clubface square to the target. This wrist swing-aid device is constructed of rigid material, and shaped to fit and support the club handle and to help the golfer's grip and swing motion. Its shape has a locating feature to lock in the top of club's handle. The sponge padded wrist channel has a self-adjusting feature to accommodate player's forearm size. The wrist channel upper portion may rest against the leading forearm to maintain a consistent swing motion and prevent wrist-hinging action during the club swing.
US08251830B2 Engine shaft for a gas-turbine engine
A low-pressure turbine shaft (11) for a gas-turbine engine includes a fiber-composite plastic tube (13) with fiber layers provided in an inner wall area for taking up and transmitting torsional forces, and, in an outer wall area, with fiber layers suitably oriented for influencing stiffness and damping characteristics. The fiber layers are embedded in a high temperature resistant plastic matrix. A load input element (14) is an attachment flange (24) made of fiber-composite plastic material integrally formed on a fiber-composite plastic tube (13). A load output element (15) is a metallic driven protrusion inseparably connected to the fiber layers transmitting the torsional forces. Alternatively, the load input element may be provided as a metallic driving protrusion, which is firmly connected to the fiber layers taking up the torsional forces.
US08251829B2 Constant velocity ball joint in the form of a counter track joint
A constant velocity ball joint is disclosed. The constant velocity ball joint may be a counter track joint, and may include first and second track pairs that form an opposite opening angle. The first track pairs may be provided with a track inflection point. The second track pairs may each form a second track centerline that has a path other than a singular circular path in a section between the central joint plane and the connection side.
US08251828B2 Constant velocity joint
A constant velocity joint is disclosed that includes a first rotatable shaft comprising an axle portion having on one end an enlarged pocket end, the pocket end having a plurality of circumferentially and radially spaced ball pockets; a corresponding plurality of spherical balls disposed in the pockets; and a second rotatable shaft comprising a joint housing, the joint housing having a central bore with a corresponding plurality of axially extending, circumferentially and radially spaced ball grooves disposed about the second longitudinal axis and a base, the joint housing disposed over the pocket end with the corresponding plurality of balls disposed in the grooves, the joint providing a range of angular and axial movement of the first shaft relative to the second shaft, each of the plurality of ball pockets comprising a portion of the pocket having a conformity ratio C greater than about 1.04.
US08251827B2 Constant velocity joint of tripod type
A constant velocity joint comprises: a hollow housing having a plurality of guide grooves therein, a tripod having a plurality of trunnions. Each trunnion includes two opposing spherical contact surfaces disposed in the directions subject to load, and two opposing side surfaces disposed between the two opposing spherical contact surfaces and in the directions perpendicular to the spherical surfaces and not subjecting to the load. A cross sectional shape of the trunnion, the cross section taken in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the trunnion, has a thickness at one or both lateral sides of the trunnion the same as or slightly less than a maximum non-interfering thickness of the trunnion. Preferably, a groove of circular or oval shape is formed on each of the two opposing spherical contact surfaces, the groove for retaining grease therein to lubricate contact surfaces.
US08251826B2 Transmission device having overload protection subassembly
A transmission device includes a first transmission mechanism and a second transmission mechanism. The first transmission mechanism includes a first rotating portion and an engaging portion fixed on the first rotating portion. The second transmission mechanism includes a second rotating portion and at least one overload protection subassembly. The at least one overload protection subassembly includes a transmission member pivotally attached on the second rotating portion and two flexible members resisting against an opposite end of the transmission member at two opposite rotating directions of the transmission member to make the transmission member locate at a non-rotatable position with respect to the first rotating portion. An end of the transmission member engages the engaging portion to rotate with the first transmission mechanism.
US08251824B2 Central determination gaming system with a keno game
A central determination gaming system with a keno game. Upon a player initiating a game play at a gaming terminal, the gaming terminal enables the player to select a plurality of symbols. The gaming terminal accesses a standard set of predefined symbols for the specific game played. The gaming terminal bidirectionally maps the player's selected symbols with the standard set of predefined symbols. The gaming terminal receives a predetermined game outcome seed from a central controller. The gaming terminal utilizes the selected game outcome seed to generate a plurality of game symbols. The gaming terminal determines if each of the generated game symbols needs to be modified. If so, the gaming terminal modifies these generated game symbols based on the bidirectionally mapping, presents the modified game symbols to the player and provides the player a game outcome that is determined based on the selected game outcome seed.
US08251818B1 Reflex training and improvement system
A reflex training system operates on a computer or other processing system, having hand and foot controls for response to stimuli. The use of a computer allows the system to be portable and used in a variety of locations. The system is highly configurable and can be used for training for individuals having different needs and at different levels. The configurability relates to the types of stimuli presented to the user, the types of responses required by the user, and the characteristics of different levels. The system provides a variety of reports relating to performance so that progress can be reviewed. The system can be operated on-line to create a community of users.
US08251817B2 Game device, game control method, and game control program
A game device includes a shape data storage which stores data of an object disposed in a three-dimensional space, a first rendering unit which sets a point of view and a line of sight and renders the object, a viewpoint changing unit which receives a change instruction indicating a change of the point of view or line of sight and changes the point of view or line of sight, and a character controller which moves a character along the outer surface of the object. The character controller allows the character to move between two-dimensional planes of objects rendered in such a manner that the objects are adjacent to each other in the two-dimensional planes generated by the first rendering unit, and the game device further includes a search unit which searches a set of objects lying within a predetermined range of distance in the two-dimensional plane, and changes the point of view or line of sight so that the searched objects can be rendered adjacently to each other in the two-dimensional plane.
US08251815B1 Synchronic construct of time implemented within video games and other computer software
Time implementation feature for video games. The time feature employs a synchronic construct of time for use in a computer software program, including a video game. The synchronic construct of time comprises assigning to each action in the game a specific number of synchronic timekeeping units. The number of synchronic timekeeping units assigned to an action may approximate how long the action might take in real time and/or may be used to weight the importance of the action. The invention can be implemented via a stand-alone computing system or such a system interconnected with other platforms or data stores by a network, such as a corporate intranet, a local area network, or the Internet.
US08251813B2 Information processing device, control method for information processing device, and information storage medium
To provide an information processing device for enabling a user to select their desired number of images from among a plurality of images displayed close to one another. A trajectory obtaining unit obtains a trajectory of a position, the position being designated by the user. A selection candidate image determination unit determines images, among the plurality of images, that are surrounded by the obtained trajectory. A number of times the images determined by the selection candidate image determination unit as being surrounded by the trajectory obtained by the trajectory obtaining unit are surrounded by the trajectory is obtained. An image selection unit selects the number of images, the number corresponding to the number of times obtained by a surrounding number of times obtaining unit, from among the images determined by the selection candidate image determination unit as being surrounded by the trajectory obtained by the trajectory obtaining unit.
US08251811B2 Game machine, game machine control method, and information storage medium
A game machine includes playing content of a player in a game play part, in which the player operates an operation target, to be reflected in an action of the operation target in a video image. Reproduction data is recorded for reproducing a scene of the operation target moving in a game space according to the operation of the player. Base video image data is stored for reproducing a base video image representing a scene of a predetermined region of the game space. A video image is displayed based on a base video image and a reproduced video image such that a time of displaying a predetermined scene of the base video image and a time of displaying a scene of the operation target moving in the predetermined region in the reproduced video image based on the reproduction data are synchronized.
US08251810B2 Video game that generates characters from other characters
A video game permits player characters to form relationships, including parent-child relationships. In addition, death and reincarnation of player characters can be employed as features of the video game.
US08251805B2 Gaming system having improved progressive jackpots
A method of operating a wagering game comprises receiving a primary wager, displaying a randomly selected outcome of a primary wagering game, and displaying at least one progressive jackpot. A first portion of the primary wager is allocated to fund the at least one progressive jackpot. An increment amount to be added to the at least one progressive jackpot is randomly determined, the at least one progressive jackpot is incremented by the increment amount, and in response to a triggering event, the at least one progressive jackpot is awarded. Alternatively, a random determination is made whether to increase the at least one progressive jackpot by a predetermined increment amount and, in response to a determination to increase the at least one progressive jackpot, the at least one progressive jackpot is incremented by the predetermined increment amount.
US08251800B2 Class of feature event games suitable for linking to multiple gaming machines
A gaming method, apparatus and system for playing a game of chance is disclosed in which a plurality of gaming machines may be linked together for mutually competitive play. According to one embodiment, two or more gaming machines are linked to a centrally located display exhibiting a game board comprising one or more groups of earmarkable cells in one or more groups. Players on the gaming machines wager and attempt to achieve winning outcomes which earmark cells in the group with designators of their respective gaming machines. When a predetermined number or configuration of cells of a group are earmarked, an award may be distributed to those gaming machines having earmarked cells according to the number of designators within that group associated with each gaming machine. The game of chance may be configured for play on an individual gaming machine.
US08251796B2 Gaming system and a method of gaming including a display device of generally diamond shaped configuration
A gaming system is disclosed which comprises a plurality of display positions disposed in a display area, a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols for display at respective display positions, and an outcome evaluator arranged to determine whether the selected symbols correspond to a winning outcome with reference to at least one of a plurality of defined win lines. Each of the defined win lines comprises at least one display position, and at least some of the win lines comprise differing numbers of display positions. A corresponding method of gaming is also disclosed.
US08251794B2 Methods and apparatus for slot machine games
A slot machine includes an option in which the probability of an outcome is influenced by changing the probability of one or more symbols occurring on one or more reels (reel 1, reel 2, . . . ) by randomly or pseudo-randomly selecting reels from a set of two or more reels. The probability can be adjusted by changing, adding or subtracting symbols on a reel strip.
US08251789B2 Game control program, game control method, and game device
A game apparatus controls a game in which a user-controlled character and an opponent character hit a ball. A serve control unit receives the first input operation from a user and makes the character perform an action of tossing the ball when the character performs a serve. The serve control unit receives the second input operation from the user and makes the character perform an action of the serve. The serve control unit determines a ball power or ball speed in the serve based on the first input operation, and determines a shot type in the serve based on the second input operation. The serve control unit makes the character perform the serve according to the determined ball power or ball speed and the determined shot type.
US08251786B2 Protection device for ventilation ducts
The invention relates to a protection device for ventilation ducts where at least one duct opening for the supply and/or evacuation of air is provided, in particular for fire protection of air conditioned rooms for information technology installations. To separate the protection zones in the event of an emergency according to high safety standards, it is suggested that said protection device comprises at least one protection slide that is supported in a vertically displaceable manner and furthermore includes a sliding mechanism by means of which said protection slide is movable from an open position to a closed position of said duct opening, said duct opening being completely covered by said protection slide in said closed position.
US08251783B2 Apparatus and method for a sausage-casing-sensitive division of stuffed sausage strands
An apparatus for a sausage-casing-sensitive division of stuffed sausage strands, having at least one pair of dividing elements for dividing the stuffed sausage strand and at least two guide elements between which the stuffed sausage strand is conveyed in the conveying direction. The distance between the guide elements can be adjusted in dependence upon the sausage caliber.
US08251782B2 Accumulator driven angle grinder
An angle grinder for driving a cutting or grinding tool (12), includes a housing (11) having a first housing section (14) extending along a first axis (A1), and in which a motor (18) is arranged, and a second housing section (15) extending along a second axis (A2) and in which an accumulator receptacle is arranged, with the first and second axes (A1, A2) extending at an angle (α) to each other; and with a handle (20) having its first end (21) secured to the first housing section (14) and its second end (22) secured to the second housing section (15).
US08251780B2 Floor grinding machine and grinding head unit therefor
A grinding head unit mountable in a planetary disk of a surface grinding machine generally including a housing mountable on the planetary disk, a holder supported on the housing and a surface grinding member detachably connectable to the holder wherein the holder is provided with a recess and the holder is provided with a portion receivable within such recess.
US08251778B2 Double-side grinding apparatus for wafer and double-side grinding method
A double-side grinding apparatus is designed to be capable of minimizing thermal expansion of hydrostatic pad members and reducing nanotopography in performing wafer grinding. The double-side grinding apparatus is a double-side grinding apparatus for wafers that can simultaneously grind either surface of a wafer to be ground by pressing a grindstone against either surface of the wafer to be ground while hydrostatically supporting either surface of the wafer to be ground in a noncontact manner. Each hydrostatic supporting unit is formed with a hydrostatic pad member facing the wafer to be ground, and a base member placed on the back surface of the hydrostatic pad member. The hydrostatic pad member is made of a ceramic member, and the base member is made of a metal member.
US08251776B2 Method and apparatus for conditioning a CMP pad
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for conditioning a polishing pad used in chemical mechanical polishing in which a consistent pressing force can be provided between an abrasive conditioning member and the polishing pad. Specifically, a moveable weight member is provided that can be selectively moved along a length of a support arm in the conditioning apparatus. The position of the weight member relative to the position at which the abrasive conditioning member is mounted alters the resultant pressing force in view of the change in moment created. In a particular example, the positioning of the weight member can be automatically controlled using a drive mechanism controlled by a control unit, such as a computer. In a more particular example, the positioning of the weight member can be dynamically controlled if the control unit receives an external feedback upon which its control of the weight member position is based, such as a detected value of the pressing force exerted by the abrasive conditioning member. Finally, if the apparatus is appropriately arranged to permit the weight member to travel to an opposite side of the location at which the support arm is mounted from the abrasive conditioning member, then a “negative pressing force” can be generated, such that effective pressing forces less than the resting weight of the pad conditioning apparatus can be realized.
US08251770B2 Simulated eye for toy
A simulated eye capable of being changed between a normal and a dilated state. The simulated eye includes an eyeball, a receiving member, at least one first electromagnets, at least one second electromagnets, and magnetic powder. The receiving member includes a translucent portion and a cylindrical portion. The at least one first electromagnets is received in the cylindrical portion and is adjacent to the translucent portion. The at least one second electromagnets is fixed to the cylindrical portion and engages with the translucent portion to close the cylindrical portion to form a closed receiving space. The magnetic powder is received in the closed receiving space. When the first and second electromagnet operates to move the magnetic powder toward and away from the translucent portion, a size of a color area of the translucent portion is changeable, whereby the simulated eye is changed between the normal state and the dilated state.
US08251768B2 Floating toy
A floatable toy structure is disclosed herein, the floatable toy structure having a floatable base portion; a collapsible track section secured to the floatable base portion, the collapsible track section capable of being positioned in an extended position and a stowed position, the collapsible track section extending upwardly from the floatable base portion when it is in the extended position; and a collapsible support secured to the floatable base portion, the collapsible support capable of being positioned in an extended position and a stowed position, the collapsible support extending upwardly from the floatable base portion when it is in the extended position, the collapsible support engages and maintains the collapsible track section in the extended position when the collapsible support is in the extended position.
US08251764B2 Swim fin
A swim fin includes a foot cover, a fin blade, and a pair of reinforcement ribs extending from two sides of the foot cover. The fin blade is disposed between the pair of the reinforcement ribs and fixedly connected to the pair of the reinforcement ribs. Each reinforcement rib includes a front rib portion, a middle rib portion, and a rear rib portion. The rear rib portion has a bottom fixedly connected to the foot cover. The middle rib portion has at least a cavity extending axially and a spring in the cavity to improve the resilience of the reinforcement rib. The spring has two ends connected to the front rib portion and the rear rib portion, respectively. The one spring or the plurality of springs in the reinforcement rib of the present invention is to replace a conventional solid reinforcement rib, with the property of the spring.
US08251762B2 HF-angle plug connector
An HF angle plug connector having an exterior conductor component and an interior conductor component, wherein the interior conductor component has a fastening element for mechanical and electrical connection to an interior conductor component of a coaxial cable, wherein the exterior conductor component has a cable-side end on which the coaxial cable is arranged and a front face opposite the cable-side end, the front face being transected by a longitudinal axis of the installed coaxial cable, and wherein an inspection opening is on the exterior conductor component such that the fastening element of the interior conductor component is visible through the inspection opening after installation of the interior conductor component of the coaxial cable on the fastening element of the interior conductor component, wherein a cover component for closing the inspection opening is one piece with the exterior conductor component.
US08251757B1 Cable clamp having a base with a tapered hole and a sleeve with a tapered outer wall to clamp a cable in-between
A clamp includes a main shaft, a clamping sleeve, an elastic element, and a securing cap. The main shaft includes a base portion and a guide bar. The base portion includes a first end surface, and a second end surface. The base portion defines a first receiving hole in the second end surface. The guide bar extends from the base portion. The clamping sleeve is arranged around the guide bar, and includes an outer sidewall for allowing a cable to wind. The elastic element is arranged around the guide bar. The securing cap is threadedly engaged with the guide bar, and the securing cap configured for rotatably operated to press the elastic element toward the clamping sleeve, such that the elastic element pushes the clamping sleeve against the base portion to clamp the cable between the outer sidewall and an inner sidewall of the base portion.
US08251756B2 Nut holding means within a busbar housing
A device connector has a housing to be mounted on a device. Busbars are held in the housing. The housing includes nut holding portions, each of which has two nut holding legs at positions facing a device connecting portion of the corresponding busbar. A space between the nut holding legs is open sideways. Connecting nuts are sandwiched between the nut holding legs from lateral sides. Nut insertion holes are formed in the device connecting portions of the busbars and communicate with threaded holes of the nuts. Protecting walls are formed integrally to the housing and extend between the nut holding legs of the nut holding portion and cover the leading end of the bolt screwed into the nut.
US08251755B2 Connector with a laterally moving contact
A connector includes a housing, a contact, an angled interface, and a resilient member. The contact is disposed in the housing and includes a mating end and an interface end. The angled interface includes a sliding surface that is oriented at an oblique angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. The resilient member is coupled with the contact and the housing and is configured to apply a force to the contact in a direction that is angled with respect to the longitudinal axis. The mating end of the contact engages a conductive element of a mating connector and the interface end of the contact slides along the sliding surface of the angled interface when the contact is moved in a mating direction toward the conductive element. The angled interface translates movement of the contact in the mating direction into lateral movement across the conductive element.
US08251753B2 Electrical connector with contacts firmly retained in housing
An electrical connector (100) includes an insulative housing (1) and at least one contact (4) assembled to the insulative housing. The insulative housing defines an insertion hole (15) along a mating direction and a passageway (131) opening at an upper face (10) thereof. The passageway has a first slot (132) at a side face of the insulative housing and a second slot (133) positioned between the first slot and the insertion hole along a transverse direction which is perpendicular to the mating direction. The second slot communicates with the insertion hole. The insulative housing includes a supporting part (134) between the first slot and the second slot. The at least one contact is assembled to the insulative housing from the upper face. The at least one contact includes a curved portion (40) crossing over the supporting part, a first arm portion (41) extending downwardly from the curved portion and retained in the first slot of the passageway, a second arm portion (42) extending downwardly from the curved portion and received in the second slot of the passageway, and a contacting portion (44) extending from the second arm portion into the insertion hole.
US08251749B2 Implementing impedance gradient connector for board-to-board applications
A method and connector housing are provided for implementing an impedance gradient connector for board-to-board applications. The impedance gradient connector housing includes a plurality of impedance zones with a first impedance zone including a first mating face with a first Printed Circuit Board (PCB) and with a second impedance zone including a second mating face with a second PCB. Each of the respective predefined impedance zones including the first mating face and the second mating face include a selected impedance to minimize impedance mismatch with associated PCBs.
US08251741B2 Electrical connector integrally formed with screw holes
An electrical connector includes a plurality of terminals and an insulating housing loading terminals and defining a pair of mounting portions. Each of mounting portions has a screw hole extending along an upper to lower direction in which the electrical connector is mounted. The hole is divided into at least a first segment and a second segment below the first segment. The first segment and the second segment are tapped with a plurality of threads thereinside and open in opposite directions along a front and rear direction respectively.
US08251732B2 Power input electrical connector
A wiring harness electrical connector is provided having a detachable and re-attachable mounting system to permit the attachment of the connector on a frame surface of a semi-trailer, or workpiece, from the rear or interior side of the of the frame or workpiece without disruption to the integrally formed and moisture proof encasing of the connector.
US08251730B2 Electrical connector assembly with latch system easy to operating
An electrical connector assembly includes an insulative housing defining at least two mating cavities arranged side by side in a widthwise direction and extending in a front and rear direction; two PCB modules received in each mating cavity in a stacked manner; a platform fitly attached to a top surface of the insulative housing and includes a pair of supporting sections disposed at a front edge thereof and a pair of connecting portion at a rear edge thereof; a pair of latches associated to the top surface of the insulative housing and comprising a locking portion for retaining a complementary connector and a pressed portion extending rearwards and disposed above the supporting portion ; and a driver rotatably retained on the pair of connecting portions of the platform and comprising a pair of contacting portions pressing against the pressed portions of the latches to urge the pressing portion downwards movement.
US08251721B2 Active connector
An active connector is provided that allows for simple designing of devices for high-speed wideband pulse signal transmission without specialized technical know-how in the use of connectors. A connector base has a first connection terminal and a second connection terminal, and houses a first matching circuit, a second matching circuit, and a buffer circuit. The first connection terminal and the second connection terminal can be used as an internal port electrically coupled to a device circuit and an external port electrically coupled to a transmission line, respectively. An input signal inputted into the first connection terminal is supplied to the first matching circuit. The second matching circuit supplies an output signal to the second connection terminal. A buffer circuit between the first matching circuit and the second matching circuit inhibits mutual influences between the input signal and the output signal.
US08251719B1 Flash drive
A flash drive includes a frame and a main body. A receiving portion defining a receiving space therein is formed on an end of the frame. Two arms extend from opposite ends of the receiving portion. A universal serial bus (USB) connector is formed on an end of the main body. The main body is slidably and pivotably installed between the arms. The main body is operable to slide toward the receiving portion to insert the USB connector into the receiving space. And when the USB connector is received in the receiving space, the main body is operable to slide away from the receiving portion, to move the USB connector out from the receiving space, and the main body is then pivotable relative to the arms.
US08251717B2 Electrical connector
An electrical connector includes an insulative housing having a base portion extending along a front-to-rear direction and a strengthening rib protruding outwardly from an outer circumstance of a front end of the base portion. At least one receiving recess is defined on the strengthening rib and opened upwardly via an opening defined on an upper face of the strengthening rib. A plurality of contacts are secured in the insulative housing. A metallic shell surrounds the base portion and includes at least one retaining plate received in the receiving recess. A transverse width of the receiving recess becomes narrower and narrower in a vertical direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction so as to keep the retaining plate being secured.
US08251715B2 Electrical connector having latching members maneuvered by lever
An electrical connector is adapted for electrically connecting an electronic package (3) to a circuit board. The electrical connector includes an insulative housing (10) for receiving an electronic package, a stiffener (30) supporting the insulative housing, a pair of latching members (50) mounted on the stiffener and pivotable about a respective first axis therethrough, and a lever (70) mounted on the stiffener and pivotable about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, the lever being operable to pivot the latching members to a closed position for pressing against the electronic package.
US08251714B2 Socket assembly having clip and articulated leaf selectively interlocked with stiffener
An electrical connector is adapted for electrically connecting an electronic package (3) to a circuit board. The electrical connector includes an insulative housing (11), a stiffener (13) supporting the insulative housing and formed with a stopper (137), a clip (30) formed with a depressing portion (34), and a leaf (50) formed with an anchor (52). The clip is mounted on the stiffener and is pivotable between a first position and a second position. The leaf is mounted on the clip and is pivotable between the second position and a locked position. When the leaf is positioned at the locked position, the anchor is blocked by the stopper and the depressing portion of the clip depresses the electronic package.
US08251708B2 Connection apparatus and connection method thereof
A connection apparatus used to connect a connector to a test apparatus includes a main board, a first connector, and a number of second connectors. The main board includes a number of pins arrayed a 9*10 matrix, the nine lines defined as A-I, the ten rows defined as 1-10. The second connectors are respectively connected to the pins A5, B5, D5, E5, G5, H5, B6, C6, E6, F6, H6, and I6 of the main board. The pins of main board in the 1-6 rows, the 3-8 rows and the 5-10 rows are respectively connected to the connector to be tested by the first connector. Signal transmission of the connector is input to the circuit board and output to the test apparatus by the second connectors.
US08251707B2 Patch panel assembly for use with data networks
A structure for use with data network management systems uses a plurality of cables interconnecting patch panels, network devices and end-user devices and further utilizes integrated circuits to monitor the status of these end-user devices. The structure includes respective primary (36) and secondary (45) circuit boards. A plurality of connective jacks (31) are mounted on the primary circuit board and these jacks are interconnected to switches and other patch panels within the network. Wires from the jacks extend to and connect with end-user devices and a secondary circuit board is spaced apart from the primary circuit board so as to define a hollow nest (42) within the patch panel assembly that houses and protects integrated circuits (45, 52) and the like.
US08251703B2 Healthcare training system and method
A healthcare simulation system includes a mannequin with active physiological characteristics, a display monitor adapted for displaying physiological parameters and a computer for controlling the mannequin and the monitor. A healthcare simulation method includes the steps of programming the computer with healthcare scenarios, operating active characteristics of the mannequin and dynamically displaying physiological parameters corresponding to patient vital signs.
US08251702B2 Methods and apparatus for online auctions and market-places utilizing program terms
An on-line market-place includes an auction wherein one or more predefined terms, qualities, incentives, or other such indicia (generally, “Program Terms”) are associated with the particular product and/or service which is the subject of the auction. Customers rank or otherwise designate their preference for these Program Terms (e.g., by selecting a “Preferred Program Term”), and the system then partitions the customers into “pools” in accordance with the selected Program Terms. Merchants then compete to obtain that pool of customers by bidding on the Preferred Program Term. Customers may be pooled according to demographic or other customer characteristics (“Characteristic Pooling”), or according to level of commitment to purchase (“Commitment Pooling”).In one embodiment, customers who would otherwise be partitioned into different pools are grouped in the same pool, and changes to a first Preferred Program Term associated with a first customer automatically causes a bid of equivalent value to be made to a second Preferred Program Term associated with a second customer. In another embodiment, “ghost pools” are used select preferred merchants for particular auctions. In yet another embodiment, an electronic marketplace is provided wherein Program Terms can be highly tailored by the purchaser immediately.
US08251700B2 Surface treatment process for implants made of titanium alloy
A titanium 6 A1/4V alloy is provided with a surface topography that is similar to the Osseotite® surface produced on commercially pure titanium. Native oxide is removed from the Ti 6A1/4V alloy, followed by contacting the metal at ambient temperature with an aqueous hydrochloric acid solution containing a relatively small amount of hydrofluoric acid.
US08251699B2 Orthodontic bracket and method of attaching orthodontic brackets to teeth
An orthodontic bracket having an opening for receiving a wire, but without a base to create a lever arm when the bracket is oriented in free space at a customized angle relative to a tooth surface. The bracket can be embedded into or encapsulated by an adhesive that is bonded to the tooth. A clip is provided for holding the bracket in position and occluding the opening while the adhesive is applied. And indirect methods of attaching the brackets to teeth are provided wherein the brackets can be attached to the lingual side of the teeth in a low-profile arrangement. A first method includes the step of positioning the brackets on a physical model of the teeth by using a positioning machine. A second method includes the step of positioning virtual brackets on a virtual model of the teeth using software, then generating a physical transfer try using rapid prototyping.
US08251693B2 Injection mold having bearing plates to undertake a closing mold pressure
Disclosed is an injection mold, comprising a moving half, a fixed half and a plurality of bearing plates positioned therebetween. The moving half comprises a moving half plate and a moving half core positioned thereon. The fixed half comprises a fixed half plate and a fixed half cavity positioned thereon. The bearing plates are positioned on one of the fixed half plate and the moving half plate and a bearing surface is formed thereon. The moving half core and the fixed half cavity contact with each other partially to form an arrangement surface. With the bearing plates positioned therebetween, the bearing surface and the arrangement surface can undertake the closing mold pressure generated by an injection molding machine together for reducing the arrangement surface area. The molding is easy and cost drops to improve productivity. The closing mold balance of the entire injection mold can be preferably ensured.
US08251690B2 Mold assembly including a fixing bolt and a screw bolt
A mold includes a die block, a core, two fixing bolts and four screw bolts. The die block includes a top surface, and two side surfaces. The top surface defines a cavity receiving the core. The core includes two opposite outer side surfaces. One side surface defines a first and a second guiding slots extended to the other side surface and communicating with the cavity. One outer side surface defines a third guiding slot aligned with the first guiding slot. The other outer side surface defines a fourth guiding slot aligned with the second guiding slot. One of the fixing bolts inserts into the first and the third guiding slots. The other one of the fixing bolts inserts into the second and fourth guiding slots. The at least two screw bolts respectively engage with the die block until resisting on a corresponding fixing bolt.
US08251687B2 Process for the production of a long hollow cellulose body
Process for the production of a long hollow cellulose body, where cellulose-forming organisms are cultivated in an interior space formed by a hollow mold, said space substantially having the shape of the long hollow body, in order to allow the long hollow body to grow in the interior space, wherein the direction of growth of the hollow body runs substantially from a first longitudinal side of the interior space to a second longitudinal side substantially opposite the first.
US08251686B1 Apparatus for making debris-free nail collation
An apparatus for forming a plastic molded collated fastener assembly includes a conveyor for carrying a plurality of fasteners in a horizontal plane defining an upper surface and a lower surface, a preheater for preheating the plurality of nails and a plastic collation molding station. The molding station includes injection nozzles for applying molten plastic to the upper surface of the fasteners and to the lower surface of the fasteners. The station further includes forming wheels including a holding section to, in cooperation with the conveyor, secure the fasteners. The wheels include a forming section to mold the molten plastic to the fasteners to form a collation having a collar encircling the fasteners' shanks and a connecting portion extending between the collars. The apparatus includes at least one cooling spray nozzle to spray a cooling vapor onto the fasteners and collations and at least one cooling spray nozzle to spray a cooling vapor onto the forming wheels. An air chiller further cools the collations.
US08251685B1 Apparatus and methods for building or drywall tools
The present invention is directed generally to building tools that are high quality, durable, and in some case lightweight and may include an output port assembly that has multiple sections that may be made separately and uniquely so as reduce tool weight, corrosion, and cost without degrading strength and durability.
US08251683B2 Variable capacity rotary compressor
A variable capacity rotary compressor includes a rolling piston eccentrically rotated in the compression space of the cylinder assembly, and a vane coming in contact with the rolling piston. A vane restricting device restricts the vane by applying a pressure onto a side face of the vane, where a sectional area A of a passage through which the restriction pressure is applied to the side face of the vane is formed so as not to be larger than a vane area B of the vane to which the restriction pressure is applied through a passage. The passage includes a first passage for connecting an inner space of the casing to a vane slot which is provided in the cylinder assembly and has the vane slidably inserted therein, and a second passage for connecting the vane slot to an inlet which is connected to the suction chamber of the cylinder assembly.
US08251682B2 Multi stage rotary expander and refrigeration cycle apparatus with the same
An integrally formed vane (301) is disposed slidably in a vane groove (205a) of a first cylinder (205) and a vane groove (206a) of a second cylinder (206). A cut-out (301a) with a width substantially equal to the thickness of an intermediate plate (304) is provided in the vane (301), which is divided by this cut-out (301a) into a first vane portion (301b) whose leading end makes contact with a first piston (209) at its leading end and a second vane portion (301c) whose leading end makes contact with a second piston (210). This configuration allows the first vane portion (301b) to be pushed toward the first piston (209) side by the pressure difference acting on the second vane portion (301c) and makes it possible to keep a contact state between the first vane portion (301b) and the first piston (209), even when no pushing force toward the first piston (209) side that results from the pressure difference acts on the first vane portion (301b).
US08251681B2 Fan and motor thereof
A motor includes a rotor magnetic ring, a stator core, a first magnetic conducting sheet and a second magnetic conducting sheet. The stator core is disposed around and out of the rotor magnetic ring. The first magnetic conducting sheet has a ring shape with a protruding portion serving as a first magnetic pole. The second magnetic conducting sheet has a ring shape with a protruding portion serving as a second magnetic pole. The first magnetic conducting sheet is disposed at the upper side of the stator core, and the second magnetic conducting sheet is disposed at the lower side of the stator core. The projections of the first and second magnetic poles alternate with each other. A fan including the motor is also disclosed.
US08251679B2 Medical pump
A medical pump for use in water jet surgery which provides ease of connection between a pump unit and a pump actuating device. The medical pump includes a pump unit and a pump actuating device. The pump unit has at least one piston. The pump actuating device includes a holding device and at least one coupling device, the combination of which is configured to connect the pump unit and pistons to the pump actuating device. The pump actuating device includes a drive device controlled by a control system to actuate the pump unit, to open/close the holding device, and to open/close the at least one coupling device. The pump actuating device includes a detection device in communication with the control system that detects a relative position between the pump unit and the pump actuating device and transmits detection signals to the control system.
US08251676B2 Axial-flow fan for a vehicle radiator
An axial-flow fan for a vehicle radiator includes a fan wheel that delivers the main air flow and is driven by a hub motor coupled to the fan wheel. The vehicle radiator is on the intake side of the fan wheel, the hub motor during operation is cooled by a secondary air flow, and the cooling air flow of the hub motor flowing out from an air outlet opening is on the intake side in the hub area of the fan wheel. An air baffle device including a propeller is assigned to the hub motor and the cooling air flow passing through the air baffle device is led out of the air outlet opening, avoiding disturbances of the main air flow delivered by the fan wheel.
US08251662B2 Wind turbine blade assembly and apparatus
In one aspect, a wind turbine blade assembly includes a central shaft defining an axis of rotation and a plurality of helically twisted blades supported on the central shaft. The helically twisted blades have an inner edge and an outer edge, and at least a portion of the helically twisted blades is radially spaced apart from the central shaft. In another aspect, a wind turbine apparatus employing the wind turbine blade assembly is provided.
US08251661B2 Blower wheel
The invention relates to a blower wheel, especially a plastic blower wheel for a cylindrical rotor radial fan for the heating and air-conditioning systems of a motor vehicle. Said blower wheel comprises a plurality of blades (2), and the flow channel (3) between two blades (2) is embodied in such a way that it is convergent on the inflow side, divergent on the outflow side, and distinctively shaped.
US08251654B2 Hub cone for an aircraft engine
A hub cone (20, 30, 40) is provided for an aircraft engine having a propeller (2, 32, 42) or a blower (fan) (3) enveloped by a casing (5). To reduce flow losses of the hub cone and increase efficiency of the engine, a contour of the hub cone is described by the following equation: S(x)=Rmax*{1−[(x−Lmax)/Lmax]2}1/M; where: S(x) is a shape of the cone defined along the machine axis x; Rmax is a maximum extension (26) of the cone in the radial direction; Lmax is a maximum extension (25) of the cone in the direction of the machine axis x and M is a quantity describing the shape S(x).
US08251653B2 Heat dissipation module and fastening structure thereof
A heat dissipation module is disclosed, including a fan and a fastening structure. The fastening structure includes housing and at least one fixing element. The fixing element is disposed on the sidewall of the housing and has a first protruding part extruding from the inner side of the sidewall. When the fan is assembled with the fastening structure, the first protruding part partially enters into at least one molding hole of the frame of the fan and the first protruding part is placed against the edge of the molding hole.
US08251652B2 Gas turbine vane platform element
A gas turbine CMC shroud plate (48A) with a vane-receiving opening (79) that matches a cross-section profile of a turbine vane airfoil (22). The shroud plate (48A) has first and second curved circumferential sides (73A, 74A) that generally follow the curves of respective first and second curved sides (81, 82) of the vane-receiving opening. Walls (75A, 76A, 77A, 78A, 80, 88) extend perpendicularly from the shroud plate forming a cross-bracing structure for the shroud plate. A vane (22) may be attached to the shroud plate by pins (83) or by hoop-tension rings (106) that clamp tabs (103) of the shroud plate against bosses (105) of the vane. A circular array (20) of shroud plates (48A) may be assembled to form a vane shroud ring in which adjacent shroud plates are separated by compressible ceramic seals (93).
US08251650B2 Compressor housing
The present invention provides a compressor housing capable of reducing the weight of a compressor without leading to an increase in the size and a reduction in the efficiency of the compressor. The compressor housing includes: an inner cylinder made of a plastic material and extending in an axial direction and in a circumferential direction to surround blade tips of the blades; and an outer cylinder made of a plastic material and extending in the axial direction and in the circumferential direction to surround the inner cylinder. The inner cylinder and the outer cylinder are bonded or jointed at the first end, opposite the second end where the volute is formed.
US08251644B2 Engine blower
An engine blower includes a centrifugal blower, an engine, and a frame for supporting the centrifugal blower. The centrifugal blower is supported by a back support of the frame via a flexible vibration-proofing section while being connected to the back support via a belt-shaped stopper. An engaging hole is provided on at least one of the centrifugal blower and the back support, and a thick engaging section is provided on at least one end of the stopper for being engaged with the engaging hole. When the stopper is inserted into the engaging hole and the one end of the stopper is pulled, the engaging section is engaged with the engaging hole. By further pulling the one end of the stopper, the engaging section is tightly buried into the engaging hole. Thus, the stopper can be reliably attached to the centrifugal blower or the back support.
US08251640B2 Blade assembly
A blade assembly for a rotary component comprises an aerofoil member and a displacement apparatus on the aerofoil member for displacing a detached first portion of the aerofoil member in a rearward direction relative to a second portion of the aerofoil member. On failure of the aerofoil member, the displacement apparatus displaces the first portion from the second portion in the rearward direction.
US08251639B2 Gas turbine with at least one multi-stage compressor unit including several compressor modules
A gas turbine includes at least one multi-stage compressor unit 2, with the compressor unit 2 including several, independent compressor modules 3-5, which, independently of each other, are rotatably borne on a drive shaft 1 and are each engageable with the drive shaft 1 by at least one clutch unit 9-11.
US08251634B2 Transfer plate and method for loading a cargo space
The invention relates to a transfer plate for loading a cargo space. The transfer plate is intended to be moved, together with cargo units, into the cargo space and back again, the cargo units remaining in the cargo space. Rolling elements are arranged, over at least part of the length of the transfer plate, on the side of it facing the cargo units to permit movement between the transfer plate and the cargo units. The transfer plate is mainly of plastic and the thickness of the structure formed by the transfer plate and the rolling elements are less than 70 millimeters. The invention also relates to a method for loading a cargo space.
US08251633B2 Container inverting device
A container inverting device is capable of inverting containers that have a neck oriented in a first direction at the entrance of the device and then in a second direction at the exit of the device. The inverting device includes at least one clamp (45) for holding the neck of a container. The clamp (45) is mounted on a belt (49) by a fixing bracket (47), and in order to invert the container, the belt passes around at least one pulley (33) and moves the clamp from one side of the pulley (33) to the other.
US08251632B2 System for transporting planar SOFC stack
A system for transporting planar SOFC stack is disclosed, which comprises: a frame, for carrying a cell stack; a robotic arm, for grabbing and holding the cell stack; and a driver, coupled to the frame and the robotic arm and being used for driving the robotic arm. With the aforesaid system, the cell stack can be moved in and out of a high temperature furnace smoothly and rapidly, and then into a fuel cell control system, maintaining balance and stability of the cell stack.
US08251628B2 Joint tong apparatus for radiation shielding facility
A joint tong apparatus for a radiation shielding facility. A spherical ball has a through-hole. An inner spherical socket and an outer spherical socket are installed in a hole formed in a partition between a radiation-shielded room and a control room so as to enclose the spherical ball on inner and outer sides. A bar is inserted and coupled into and to the through-hole of the spherical ball. An inner joint assembly has a first housing coupled to a shielded room-side end of the bar and a first pivot member pivotably mounted on a free end of the first housing. An outer joint assembly having a second housing coupled to a control room-side end of the bar and a second pivot member pivotably mounted on a free end of the second housing. The apparatus further includes a tong assembly, a handle assembly, a tong manipulation cable, and a pair of pivot manipulation cables.
US08251626B1 Bolt and receiver for adaptively attaching to surfaces
A bolt and receiver are provided to securely attach a device (e.g. light reflector or a lane marker) to a surface (such as a roadway). In addition to initially attaching the device to the surface, the bolt will nest progressively within the receiver as the surface thickness erodes or deteriorates over time, thus reducing the bolt's effective overall length (and thus the bolt's height above the surface), in order not to protrude and puncture or damage tires.
US08251625B2 Cement anchor of lightweight construction panels
In a cement anchor for use in lightweight construction panels which anchor comprises a cylindrical body and at least one piston body and which includes a sealed cylinder interior filled with a flowable cement, the cylindrical body has at opposite ends at least one discharge opening which is closed but can be opened by a pressure-controlled valve structure for discharging the cement to the ambient area when installed in the lightweight construction panel.
US08251622B2 Tube restraint and methods
Devices for restraining tubular segments and methods for storing and accessing tubular segments may include a frame arrangement that has a plurality of parallel cradles for holding tubular segments and movable restraining handles for securing the tubular segments. A spring retention assembly may also be provided that has a spring force to hold the restraining handles against the tubular segments. A vehicle can be equipped to have a device for storing and accessing tubular segments, wherein the device is movable between a storage position and an access position.
US08251620B2 Method and system to manufacture oriented internal and external gear teeth
A system and method for forming a feature on an inner surface of a gear includes a sensor for sensing the position of a feature on the gear, a cutting station having a cutting tool for forming the feature on the inner surface of the gear, and a controller. The controller is operable to determine an amount of rotation necessary to rotate either the gear or the cutting tool such that the feature on the inner surface of the gear is formed at a desired orientation relative to the feature on the outer surface of the gear.
US08251615B2 System and method for releasing a barge from a topside during a float-over installation
A quick-release system for coupling a topside for a fixed or floating platform and a barge for float-over installation of the topside is disclosed. The quick-release system comprises one or more releasable connections, each releasable connection configured to support at least a fraction of the weight of the barge and to be remotely actuated to allow the barge to decouple from the topside. In some embodiments, the quick-release system comprises two plates, one coupled to the topside and the other coupled to the barge, and a plurality of bolts extending therebetween. A frangible nut is coupled to each bolt. The quick-release system is actuatable by an electric signal that causes the frangible nuts to fracture and the barge to subsequently be released from the topside.
US08251613B2 Pipeline laying vessel and method of laying a pipeline
The invention relates to a pipeline laying vessel (1) for laying a pipeline (2) at a seabed (3) and comprising a tower (4) comprising a firing line (5) along which in use the pipeline is laid and at least one work station (6) for connecting a pipe section (7) to a suspended pipeline and a method of laying pipeline at a sea bed with such a pipe laying vessel.
US08251611B2 Drainage element and apparatus and method for making same
A preassembled drainage line element is fabricated with one or more flaps. In one embodiment, the drainage line unit is made from a webs of net material and a web of water permeable material and has two flaps at diametric points. The webs are formed about a barrel and the longitudinal edges are secured together, as by sewing a seam, to form a flap. The seam can be sewn at one of a plurality of spacings from the barrel to form a drainage line element of a different diameter from a standard diameter without need to adjust or replace other components of the fabricating machine.
US08251609B2 Method of operating a shiplift
A platform includes main transverse beams (“MTBs”), each supported by at least one hoist. It is determined whether a load on any MTB is different from the load on any other MTB by more than a predetermined amount. An MTB which has a load different from the load on any other MTB by more than a predetermined amount is selected and then vertically moved with respect to the other MTBs within a predetermined safety limit to transfer load between the selected MTB and the other MTBs while monitoring the loads on each MTB and the position of the selected MTB as vertical movement of the selected MTB proceeds. The monitored loads and position are compared with the safety limit; and the movement of the selected MTB stopped when either the desired load transfer is completed or the safety limit has been met.