最新美国发明专利第2012-09-04期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

Document	Document Title
US08258535B2	Phosphor coating method for fabricating light emitting semiconductor device and applications thereof In one aspect, a light emitting unit comprises: a first semiconductor layer having a first electric property; a second semiconductor layer having a second electric property disposed over the first semiconductor layer; an active layer disposed between the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer; a first electrode disposed on the second semiconductor layer; a second electrode disposed under the first semiconductor layer; and a phosphor layer disposed on the first semiconductor layer. The phosphor layer covers the active layer and the second semiconductor layer. The first electrode is exposed out of the phosphor layer.
US08258531B2	Semiconductor devices A semiconductor device includes a substrate and an epitaxy layer positioned on the substrate. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the substrate includes an upper surface and a plurality of bumps positioned on the upper surface, and each of the bumps includes a top plane substantially parallel to the upper surface and a plurality of wall surfaces between the top plane and the upper surface. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the epitaxy layer has the same crystal orientation on the upper surface of the substrate and the wall surfaces of the bumps to reduce defect density and increase protection from electrostatic discharge.
US08258528B2	Semiconductor light-emitting device The disclosed subject matter includes reliable semiconductor light-emitting devices having a favorable light distribution using an LED chip, which can emit light having a different color as compared to that emitted directly by the LED chip. The semiconductor light-emitting device can include an LED chip having an electrode, a phosphor layer located on the LED chip except for the electrode, a bonding wire connected to the electrode, and a light-reflecting resin. The light-reflecting resin can be disposed on a light-emitting surface that is exposed around the electrode and on the electrode including the bonding wire, and can prevent the LED chip from exhibiting a leak of light that is not wavelength-converted via the phosphor layer, while increasing light that passes through the phosphor layer. In addition, the light-reflecting resin can protect the bonding wire from vibration, etc. Thus, the disclosed subject matter can provide reliable semiconductor light-emitting devices having high brightness without substantial color variability and that can emit various colored light(s).
US08258525B2	Light emitting device A light emitting diode of one embodiment includes a light emitting device having a plurality of N-type semiconductor layers including a first N-type semiconductor layer and a second N-type semiconductor layer on the first N-type semiconductor layer, an active layer on an upper layer of the plurality of N-type semiconductor layers, and a P-type semiconductor layer on the active layer. The first N-type semiconductor layer includes a first Si doped Nitride layer and the second N-type semiconductor layer includes a second Si doped Nitride layer. The first and second N-type semiconductor layers have a Si impurity concentration different from each other.
US08258523B2	Display device and organic light emitting diode display A display device fabricated with a substrate; a display unit disposed on the substrate and including an electrode; a conductive protruding portion disposed along an outer side of the display unit and electrically connected to the electrode; a sealing substrate fixed to the substrate by an adhering layer surrounding substrate at the display unit and the conductive protruding portion, the adhering layer including a resin and a plurality of carbon fibers impregnated with the resin, and the sealing substrate including a through hole; a metal layer disposed at one side of the sealing substrate, facing the substrate, and contacting the conductive protruding portion electrically connected with the electrode; and a conductive connection portion filling the through hole and contacting the metal layer.
US08258521B2	Radiation-emitting semiconductor body with carrier substrate and method for the production thereof A radiation-emitting semiconductor body with a carrier substrate. A structured connection is produced between a semiconductor layer sequence (2) and a carrier substrate wafer (1). The semiconductor layer sequence is subdivided into a plurality of semiconductor layer stacks (200) by means of cuts (6) through the semiconductor layer sequence, and the carrier substrate wafer (1) is subdivided into a plurality of carrier substrates (100) by means of cuts (7) through the carrier substrate wafer (1). In the method, the structured connection is formed in such a way that at least one semiconductor layer stack (200) is connected to one and only one associated carrier substrate (100). In addition, at least one cut (7) through the carrier substrate wafer is not extended by any of the cuts (6) through the semiconductor layer sequence such that a straight cut results through the carrier substrate wafer and the semiconductor layer sequence.
US08258515B2	Contact structure and semiconductor device To improve the reliability of contact with an anisotropic conductive film in a semiconductor device such as a liquid crystal display panel, a terminal portion (182) of a connecting wiring (183) on an active matrix substrate is electrically connected to an FPC (191) by an anisotropic conductive film (195). The connecting wiring (183) is manufactured in the same process with a source/drain wiring of a TFT on the active matrix substrate, and is made of a lamination film of a metallic film and a transparent conductive film. In the connecting portion with the anisotropic conductive film (195), a side surface of the connecting wiring (183) is covered with a protecting film (173) made of an insulating material. Accordingly, the portion in which the metallic film is surrounded by the transparent conductive film, the insulating base film, and the protecting film (173) to which it is in contact with, can be avoided from exposure to air because the side surface of the metallic film of the connecting wiring is covered with the protecting film (173).
US08258511B2	Thin film transistors using multiple active channel layers Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to TFTs and methods of fabricating the TFTs. In TFTs, the active channel carries the current between the source and drain electrodes. By tailoring the composition of the active channel, the current can be controlled. The active channel may be divided into three layers, a gate control layer, a bulk layer, and an interface control layer. The separate layers may have different compositions. Each of the gate control, bulk and interface control layers may additionally comprise multiple layers that may have different compositions. The composition of the various layers of the active channel comprise oxygen, nitrogen, and one or more elements selected from the group consisting of zinc, indium, cadmium, tin, gallium and combinations thereof. By varying the composition among the layers, the mobility, carrier concentration and conductivity of the various layers may be controlled to produce a TFT having desired properties.
US08258509B2	Micro vacuum gauge A micro vacuum gauge includes a substrate, a floating structure that is held above the substrate by a supporting structure extending from the substrate in a state where the floating structure is thermally isolated from the substrate, a heat generator that is arranged in the floating structure to generate heat, and a temperature sensor that is arranged in the floating structure to measure a difference in temperature between the substrate and the floating structure. A second member having a lower emissivity than a first member surrounding the heat generator and the temperature sensor is formed at least on a surface of the floating structure by being joined to the first member.
US08258506B2	Photoelectric conversion device, production method thereof and imaging device Provided is a photoelectric conversion device comprising an electrically conductive film, a photoelectric conversion film, and a transparent electrically conductive film, wherein said photoelectric conversion film contains a crystallized fullerene or fullerene derivative, and said crystallized fullerene or fullerene derivative is oriented in the (111) direction perpendicularly to the film surface of said electrically conductive film.
US08258502B2	Light emitting device encapsulated with silicones and curable silicone compositions for preparing the silicones A composition includes: (I) an alkenyl functional, phenyl-containing polyorganosiloxane, an Si—H functional phenyl-containing polyorganosiloxane, or a combination thereof; (II) a hydrogendiorganosiloxy terminated oligodiphenylsiloxane having specific molecular weight, an alkenyl-functional, diorganosiloxy-terminated oligodiphenylsiloxane having specific molecular weight, or a combination thereof; and (III) a hydrosilylation catalyst. A light emitting device is made by applying the composition onto a light source followed by curing. The composition provides a cured material with mechanical properties suited for use as an encapsulant for a light emitting device.
US08258501B2	Use of a metal complex as an n-Dopant for an organic semiconducting matrix material, organic of semiconducting material and electronic component, and also a dopant and ligand and process for producing same A method of using a metal complex as an n-dopant for doping an organic semiconducting matrix material in order to alter the latter's electrical characteristics is provided. In order to provide n-doped organic semiconductors with matrix materials having a low reduction potential, while achieving high conductivities, the n-dopant is a neutral electron-rich metal complex with a neutral or charged transition metal atom as a central atom and having at least 16 valence electrons. The complex can be polynuclear and can possess at least one metal-metal bond. At least one ligand can form a π complex with the central atom, which can be a bridge ligand, or it can contain at least one carbanion-carbon atom or a divalent atom. Methods for providing the novel n-dopants are provided.
US08258500B2	Photovoltaic device containing carbon nanotubes and at least one organic hole conductor The invention relates to a photovoltaic device, uses of the photovoltaic device, combinations of this photovoltaic device with circuits and to a method of generating electricity from light using this photovoltaic device.
US08258499B2	Core-shell-shell nanowire transistor A fabrication method is provided for a core-shell-shell (CSS) nanowire transistor (NWT). The method provides a cylindrical CSS nanostructure with a semiconductor core, an insulator shell, and a conductive shell. The CSS nanostructure has a lower hemicylinder overlying a substrate surface. A first insulating film is conformally deposited overlying the CSS nanostructure and anisotropically plasma etched. Insulating reentrant stringers are formed adjacent the nanostructure lower hemicylinder. A conductive film is conformally deposited and selected regions are anisotropically plasma etched, forming conductive film gate straps overlying a gate electrode in a center section of the CSS nanostructure. An isotropically etching removes the insulating reentrant stringers adjacent the center section of the CSS nanostructure, and an isotropically etching of the conductive shell overlying the S/D regions is performed. A screen oxide layer is deposited over the CSS nanostructure. The source/drain (S/D) regions in end sections of the CS nanostructure flanking are doped.
US08258497B2	Fabricating electronic-photonic devices having an active layer with spherical quantum dots A method for manufacturing an electronic-photonic device. Epitaxially depositing an n-doped III-V composite semiconductor alloy buffer layer on a crystalline surface of a substrate at a first temperature. Forming an active layer on the n-doped III-V epitaxial composite semiconductor alloy buffer layer at a second temperature, the active layer including a plurality of spheroid-shaped quantum dots. Depositing a p-doped III-V composite semiconductor alloy capping layer on the active layer at a third temperature. The second temperature is less than the first temperature and the third temperature. The active layer has a photoluminescence intensity emission peak in the telecommunication C-band.
US08258496B2	Semiconductor integrated circuit device having memory cells disposed at cross point of metal lines and method for fabricating the same A semiconductor integrated circuit device including: a semiconductor substrate on which a circuit is formed; a plurality of functional device arrays stacked on the semiconductor substrate; and vertical wirings so disposed outside of the functional device arrays as to couple the signal lines of the functional device arrays to the circuit, wherein the vertical wirings include multi-layered metal pieces, each layer of which has a plurality of the metal pieces dispersedly arranged in a stripe-shaped contact trench formed on an interlayer insulating film in the elongated direction.
US08258495B2	Chemical vapor deposition method for the incorporation of nitrogen into materials including germanium and antimony A chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method for depositing materials including germanium (Ge), antimony (Sb) and nitrogen (N) which, in some embodiments, has the ability to fill high aspect ratio openings is provided. The CVD method of the instant invention permits for the control of nitrogen-doped GeSb stoichiometry over a wide range of values and the inventive method is performed at a substrate temperature of less than 400° C., which makes the inventive method compatible with existing interconnect processes and materials. In some embodiments, the inventive method is a non-selective CVD process, which means that the nitrogen-doped GeSb materials are deposited equally well on insulating and non-insulating materials. In other embodiments, a selective CVD process is provided in which the nitrogen-doped GeSb materials are deposited only on regions of a substrate in a metal which is capable of forming an eutectic alloy with germanium.
US08258493B2	Nonvolatile semiconductor memory apparatus and manufacturing method thereof A nonvolatile semiconductor memory apparatus (10) of the present invention comprises a substrate (10), lower-layer electrode wires (15) provided on the substrate (11), an interlayer insulating layer (16) which is disposed on the substrate (11) including the lower-layer electrode wires (15) and is provided with contact holes at locations respectively opposite to the lower-layer electrode wires (15), resistance variable layers (18) which are respectively connected to the lower-layer electrode wires (15); and non-ohmic devices (20) which are respectively provided on the resistance variable layers (18) such that the non-ohmic devices are respectively connected to the resistance variable layers (18). The non-ohmic devices (20) each has a laminated-layer structure including plural semiconductor layers, a laminated-layer structure including a metal electrode layer and an insulator layer, or a laminated-layer structure including a metal electrode layer and a semiconductor layer. One layer of the laminated-layer structure is embedded to fill each of the contact holes and the semiconductor layer or the insulator layer which is the other layer of the laminated-layer structure has a larger area than an opening of each of the contact holes and is provided on the interlayer insulating layer (16).
US08258490B2	Ultraviolet irradiation device Prior to applying of ultraviolet rays to a surface of a wafer with a protective tape joined thereto that is placed and held on a holding table, an illumination sensor moves to a position below an ultraviolet irradiation unit having ultraviolet light emitting diodes arranged in one dimensional array to measure ultraviolet intensity in a position corresponding to a surface of the protective tape, and output voltage of each diode is controlled so as to maintain a uniform accumulated quantity of light in an area of the protective tape where ultraviolet rays are applied that is determined from the result of measurement and a turning velocity of the holding table.
US08258488B2	Compensation of dose inhomogeneity and image distortion An improved aperture arrangement in a device for defining a pattern on a target, for use in a particle-beam exposure apparatus, by being irradiated with a beam of electrically charged particles and allowing passage of the beam only through a plurality of apertures. The device includes an aperture array having a plurality of apertures of identical shape defining the shape and relative position of beamlets permeating the apertures. A blanking device switches off the passage of selected beamlets permeating the apertures and defined by them. The apertures are arranged on the aperture array according to an arrangement deviating from a regular arrangement by small deviations, adjusting for distortions caused by the particle-beam exposure apparatus, and the size of the apertures of the aperture array differs across the aperture array in order to allow for an adjustment of the current radiated on the target through the apertures and the corresponding openings.
US08258486B2	Electron beam emitter for sterilizing containers An electron beam emitter including a vacuum chamber having a width. An electron generator can be positioned within the vacuum chamber for generating electrons. An elongate nozzle can extend from the vacuum chamber along a longitudinal axis and have an exit window at a distal end of the nozzle. The nozzle can have a width that is less than the width of the vacuum chamber. The electron generator can be shaped and dimensioned, and positioned with the vacuum chamber to form and direct a narrow electron beam that enters and travels through the nozzle, and exits out the exit window.
US08258482B2	Energy resolution in semiconductor gamma radiation detectors using heterojunctions and methods of use and preparation thereof In one embodiment, a system comprises a semiconductor gamma detector material and a hole blocking layer adjacent the gamma detector material, the hole blocking layer resisting passage of holes therethrough. In another embodiment, a system comprises a semiconductor gamma detector material, and an electron blocking layer adjacent the gamma detector material, the electron blocking layer resisting passage of electrons therethrough, wherein the electron blocking layer comprises undoped HgCdTe. In another embodiment, a method comprises forming a hole blocking layer adjacent a semiconductor gamma detector material, the hole blocking layer resisting passage of holes therethrough. Additional systems and methods are also presented.
US08258479B2	Radiation detection system and method of making a radiation detection system A radiation detection system can include a first scintillator having a first edge extending between a first surface and a second surface of the first scintillator. The radiation detection system can also include a second scintillator having a second edge extending between a third surface and a fourth surface of the second scintillator. The first edge of the first scintillator can be coupled to the second edge of the second scintillator. In a particular embodiment, a first portion of the first scintillator and a second portion of the second scintillator can both lie along a line that is perpendicular to the first surface of the first scintillator. In another embodiment, an optical coupling material can be coupled between the first edge and the second edge.
US08258476B1	Radiation detection using a nonlinear phase shift mechanism Radiation detection systems and methods. In one approach, optical radiation can be detected by using the radiation to be detected as input to a high index contrast waveguide modulator that modulates a wavelength of light that falls within the detection band of a detector. In another approach, the optical radiation that is to be detected is combined with a high power CW boost mode signal in a waveguide, and the sum and/or difference frequencies are detected. In either approach, one can use grating couplers to couple the optical radiation of interest into a waveguide.
US08258475B2	Charged particle radiation device provided with aberration corrector There is provided a charged particle radiation device provided with an aberration corrector capable of correcting aberration with high precision in a short time by automatically setting an aberration coefficient measuring condition to thereby realize measurement with high precision. The charged particle radiation device has a feature that a value of defocus and a value of astigma, occurring owing to aberration at the time of the beam tilting, are estimated on the basis of results of aberration measurement, thereby adjusting an electron optical system on the basis of these values.
US08258469B2	Cycling electrospray ionization device A cycling electrospray ionization device includes a driving mechanism and a nozzle. The nozzle is configured to sequentially form liquid droplets of an electrospray medium thereat, and is adapted to establish a traveling path with a receiving unit of a mass spectrometer such that when a potential difference is applied between the nozzle and the receiving unit to lade the liquid droplets with a plurality of electric charges for ionizing analytes to form ionized analytes, the charged droplets are forced to move toward the receiving unit along the traveling path. The nozzle defines a nozzle axis, and is driven by the driving mechanism to proceed with a cycling route about a cycling axis such that the nozzle axis tracks along the cycling route, and such that immediately after leaving the nozzle, the liquid droplets cooperate to form a substantially columnar plume with a cross section substantially surrounded by the cycling route.
US08258467B2	Mass-analyzing method and mass spectrometer In a time-of-flight spectrum obtained when the overtaking of ions of different kinds has occurred, mass-to-charge ratios M1, M2, and M3 are computed with a predetermined conversion formula by using a plurality of assumed numbers of turns for one peak. Then, the flight times Tf1, Tf2, and Tf3 for an overtakingless measurement are computed by using an inverse conversion formula. If peaks respectively corresponding to the flight times Tf1, Tf2, and Tf3 for an overtakingless measurement exist on an overtakingless time-of-flight spectrum, their intensities i1, i2, and i3 are obtained. Then, the intensity Ia of the original peak is distributed to the mass-to-charge ratios M1, M2, and M3 in accordance with the intensity ratio. The same intensity distribution processing is performed for all or selected plural peaks. The intensities assigned to the same mass-to-charge ratio are integrated. A mass spectrum is created for each of a plurality of overtaking time-of-flight spectra obtained by changing the timing of deviation of ions from a loop orbit, and the plurality of mass spectra are displayed in a window of a display unit so that they can be compared. Thereby, the probability of missing an ion due to the ion deviation timing can be reduced.
US08258457B2	Scanning endoscope having an actuator and a force transmitter for bending a light transmitter A scanning endoscope comprising a light transmitter, an actuator, and a force transmitter, is provided. The light transmitter emits a beam of the light exiting the first emission end. The light transmitter is flexible. A longitudinal direction of the light transmitter is a first direction. The actuator is mounted near the first emission end. The actuator bends the light transmitter in a second direction by pushing a side of the light transmitter in the second direction. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. A force transmitter is oriented lengthwise in the first direction. The force transmitter is elastic. The force transmitter is positioned between the light transmitter and the actuator. The force transmitter exerts a pushing force supplied by the actuator on the side of the light transmitter while the force transmitter is deformed elastically toward the first direction.
US08258456B2	Image sensor The present invention provides an image sensor. The image sensor comprises: a substrate, a plurality of optical elements, a first insulation layer, an anti-reflective coating (ARC) layer, a second insulation layer, and a color filter array. The optical elements are disposed in the substrate. The first insulation layer is disposed on the substrate and the optical elements. The ARC layer is disposed on the first insulation layer. The second insulation layer is disposed on the ARC layer. The color filter array is disposed on the second insulation layer, and the color filter array comprises a plurality of color filters corresponding to a plurality of different colors of light, respectively. The ARC layer comprises a plurality of sections directly below the color filters in a vertical direction, respectively, and the sections have different inherent reflection characteristics. The image sensor of the present invention can increase sensitivity and reduce crosstalk.
US08258455B2	Automatic door system with sensor used therein A light-emitter emits light into a door opening of an automatic door system. A light-receiver receives light from the light-emitter which has passed through the door opening and develops a light-reception indicative signal. A door controller causes the light-emitter to stop emitting light and, thereafter, start emitting light. An auxiliary sensor is judged to be operating in order when the light-receiver does not develop light-reception indicative signal in a state where the light-emitter is not emitting light, and, thereafter, develops a light-reception indicative signal when the light-emitter resumes emitting light; otherwise, the auxiliary sensor is judged to be out of order.
US08258454B2	Luminaire and a method for controlling a luminaire This invention relates to a luminaire comprising an OLED device, where a light detecting function of the OLED device is employed for transmitting light setting commands to the luminaire from a remote position by means of a control light signal, which carries command information. The control light signal has a header portion, which can be recognized by the luminaire and makes it ready to receive a command, and a following control command portion.
US08258451B2	Image capture system including multipurpose photodetector In certain embodiments, a system is provided for image capture that includes a unit cell that includes a Capacitor TransImpedance Amplifier (CTIA) subcircuit, a Source Follower per Detector (SFD) subcircuit, and a Direct Injection (DI) subcircuit. The unit cell may operate using one of the subcircuits selected in response to a control signal. A column amplifier may be coupled to the unit cell. The column amplifier may be operable to receive an intermediate signal from the unit cell and couple components of the column amplifier corresponding to the selected subcircuit in response to the control signal. The column amplifier may generate an output signal from the intermediate signal using the coupled components of the column amplifier.
US08258444B2	Front cover for vehicle lighting fixture, method of manufacturing the front cover, and electric heating structure A front cover for a vehicle lighting fixture is attached to the front opening part of the vehicle lighting fixture having a lamp body and a light source installed in the lamp body. A part of the surface of the front cover opposed to the light source includes a heating element having a three-dimensional curved surface. The heating element includes a mesh pattern having intersections of a large number of grids formed of conductive metallic filaments and a first electrode and a second electrode formed at both opposed ends of the mesh pattern. The projection shape of the outline of the entire mesh pattern is formed in a rectangular shape having the longitudinal direction, for example, between the first electrode and the second electrode.
US08258440B2	Rethermalizing apparatus Apparatus for and methods of rethermalizing a package of refrigerated or frozen food are disclosed. In general, heating mechanisms are brought into conductive heat transfer contact with the package of food and operated for a duration of rethermalization time to rethermalize the package of food by heating the food to a rethermalized temperature, and then, if desired, to hold the rethermalized package of food at a desired holding temperature for a duration of holding time. The rethermalization time can be relatively short (e.g., thirty minutes or less), and the holding time can range from a very short period of time to a very long period of time (e.g., four, six, eight or more hours) without significant loss of food quality. Other features of the apparatus and methods are disclosed.
US08258439B2	Portable cooling or heating apparatus and method of using same A portable heating and cooling apparatus and method of using the same wherein a temperature-set material is secured in a housing with both rigid and expandable sides. The housing is placed within a container which is so configured such that there is little or no disruption of the contact between the rigid surface and an object to be heated or cooled, whether such contact is direct or via some thermal conductive material.
US08258436B2	Heating device The present invention provides a heating device including a heating compartment for holding an object-to-be-heated, an oven heater for heating the heating compartment, a circulation fan for supplying the heat of the oven heater to the heating compartment as hot air, a drive motor for driving the circulation fan, a grill heater in an upper part of the heating compartment, and a turntable on which the object-to-be-heated is mounted, the turntable being in the bottom of the heating compartment, in which the grill heater is disposed obliquely to a side surface of the heating compartment in a part of the upper part of the heating compartment.
US08258435B2	Dual fan convection oven A combination convection and radiant cooking appliance includes an oven cavity, broil and bake radiant heating elements, a convection cover defining a rear wall of the oven cavity, a back panel, and a dual fan convection heating system mounted between the convection cover and the back panel. Each combination fan/heater of the dual convection heating system includes a multi-speed fan and an associated electric heating element, with the fans being vertically disposed in the oven cavity. Controls are provided to enable a user to select between at least a bake mode, a no preheat convection bake mode, a rapid preheat convection bake mode, a preheat convection bake mode and a convection roast mode.
US08258433B2	Interior rearview mirror assembly A vehicular interior rearview mirror assembly includes an electro-optic reflective element, a photo sensor and a light concentrator. The electro-optic reflective element has a front substrate with a first surface and a transparent second surface electrically conductive coating disposed on a second surface, and the electro-optic reflective element has a rear substrate with a third surface transflective metallic reflector disposed at a third surface thereof. The photo sensor is disposed behind a fourth surface of the rear substrate and operable to detect light passing through the transflective metallic reflector and the electro-optic reflective medium disposed between the second and third surfaces. The light concentrator is disposed between the photo sensor and the fourth surface of the rear substrate, and the light concentrator receives light passing through the transflective metallic reflector of the electro-optic reflective element and concentrates light onto a light sensing surface of the photo sensor.
US08258430B2	Ascertaining a laser beam contact point A method of determining a contact point of a laser beam on an edge of a body and a system for performing the same, in which the method includes a) moving the laser beam relative to the edge in a spatial direction until the laser beam touches the edge, in which the spatial direction is at a right angle relative to an axis of the laser beam and in which the edge is formed at an opening, b) measuring acoustic oscillations produced photoacoustically during the movement of the laser beam, and c) determining the laser beam point of contact with the edge based on the measured acoustic oscillations.
US08258429B2	Laser working apparatus, and laser working method A first laser working method includes a step of irradiating the metallic work held by a rotation holding mechanism, with a nanosecond laser beam from a first laser oscillation mechanism, to form a through hole, and a step of irradiating, when the metallic work is rotated under the action of the rotation holding mechanism, the inner wall of the through hole with a picosecond laser beam from a second laser oscillation mechanism, thereby to finish the same. While forming the through hole, metal vapor is sucked from the outside of the metallic work. Then, the gas is fed from the outside of the metallic work, and the inside of the metallic work is suctioned. In a second laser working method, when a lower hole made through is radially enlarged, the exit side of the lower hole is kept lower in pressure than the laser incident (or entrance) side.
US08258428B2	Laser beam processing machine A laser beam processing machine comprising a chuck table for holding a workpiece, a laser beam application means for applying a laser beam to the workpiece held on the chuck table, a processing feed means for moving the chuck table and the laser beam application means relative to each other in a processing-feed direction and an indexing-feed means for moving the chuck table and the laser beam application means in an indexing-feed direction perpendicular to the processing-feed direction, wherein the laser beam application means comprises a first laser beam application means for applying a first pulse laser beam having an energy density per one pulse of 20 to 60 J/cm2 and a second laser beam application means for applying a second pulse laser beam having an energy density per one pulse of 3 to 20 J/cm2.
US08258422B2	Plunge adjustment mechanism for a stud welding tool The present technology relates to adjustment mechanisms for control settings on stud weld tools. Stud welding tools typically have a body that comprises a handle, a front end and a rear end. In one aspect, the present technology relates to plunge adjustment mechanisms for stud welding tools that are located at the front end of a stud welding tool and provide an adjustment knob for manual plunge adjustment. Another aspect of the present technology relates to weld heat adjustment mechanisms for stud welding tools that are located at the rear end of a stud welding tool and provide an adjustment knob for manual weld heat adjustment.
US08258417B2	Seating detection switch A thin, film-form seating switch able to detect whether an occupant sits on the seat or not, wherein, with a spacer (5) in-between, a film-form substrate (3) is disposed on one surface of the spacer and a film-form member (7) on the other surface, a first conductor (13) equipped with a first terminal (9) and a first electrode (11A) conductive with this and a second conductor (19) equipped with a second terminal (15) and a second electrode (17A) conductive with this are fixed to one surface of the film-form substrate, and a third conductor (21A) for letting the first electrode conduct with the second electrode when an occupant is seated is fixed to the film-form member (7). The above arrangement solves a conventional problem that it is troublesome to connect the connection terminals of wires or the like provided on a wiring harness or the like to respective terminals that are separately provided on a film-form substrate and a film-form member.
US08258414B2	Electronic weighing system and method for railcars with side bearing load cells adapted to be mounted to the bottom of the railcar body so as to flank the center plate load cell A railcar has an on-board system for weighing a load of the railcar. A center plate load cell is attached to the bottom of the railcar body and supports the first end of the railcar body on a truck assembly via the center bowl of the truck assembly. A pair of side bearing load cells are mounted to the bottom of the railcar body so as to flank the center plate load cell. A pair of side bearings are positioned on the top surface of the truck assembly bolster in alignment with the pair of side bearing load cells. Circuitry sums signals from the center plate load cell and the pair of side bearing load cells to provide a summed output corresponding to a weight of the railcar load. The summed output is conditioned and transmitted via a satellite and/or cable system to a remote receiving station.
US08258408B2	Electromagnetic interference noise reduction board using electromagnetic bandgap structure As a multi-layered board, an EMI noise reduction board, having an electromagnetic bandgap structure with band stop frequency properties inserted into an inner portion of the board, includes a first area, in which a ground layer and a power layer are formed, and a second area, placed on a side surface of the first area, in which it has the electromagnetic bandgap structure formed therein so as to shield an EMI noise radiated to the outside through the side surface of the first area. The electromagnetic bandgap structure includes a plurality of first conductive plates, placed along the edge of the board, a plurality of second conductive plates, disposed on a planar surface that is different from the first conductive plates such that the second conductive plates are alternately disposed with the first conductive plates, and a via, which connects the first conductive plates to the second conductive plates.
US08258406B2	Electrophoretic display device In at least one embodiment of the disclosure, a display device includes a first substrate and a second substrate. A layer is located between the first substrate and the second substrate. The layer includes a first region and a second region. The first region comprises an electrophoretic display layer having electrophoretic particles. The second region is located between the first region and an edge of the first substrate and includes a contact portion. The distance between the first substrate and the second substrate corresponding to the second region is smaller than the distance between the first substrate and the second substrate corresponding to the first region.
US08258405B2	Sensor for a hardware protection system for sensitive electronic-data modules protecting against external manipulations A hardware protection system for sensitive electronic-data modules protects against external manipulations. As a result, the sensor has a correspondingly adapted layout.
US08258404B2	Insulation of busbars using insulating members having corrugated sections Busbars of a busway system are insulated so as to minimize or eliminate air gaps between busbars. In an embodiment, an insulating sheath is provided with corrugations in regions corresponding to busbar bends. The corrugations allow the sheath to follow the busbar bends without the need to cut or interrupt the sheath. Busbars may therefore be fully insulated without the need for further insulating materials (e.g., tape). Good thermal contact between busbars throughout their length is achieved, improving heat dissipation and efficiency.
US08258402B2	Shielded wire-grounding construction The lead-out side end of a drain wire led out from a shield wire and either a conductor exposed to one end of a ground wire, to the other end of which a ground terminal is connected, or a conductor exposed to one end of a ground wire, to the other end of which a connector receiving terminal is connected, are collectively connected together by crimping by using a U-shape cross-sectioned intermediate crimp terminal formed by a pair of opposed barrels, or connected by twisting them together, or connected through a joint bus bar.
US08258396B2	Micro/nanostructure PN junction diode array thin-film solar cell and method for fabricating the same The present invention discloses a micro/nanostructure PN junction diode array thin-film solar cell and a method for fabricating the same, wherein a microstructure or sub-microstructure PN junction diode array, such as a nanowire array or a nanocolumns array, is transferred from a source-material wafer to two pieces of transparent substrates, which are respectively corresponding to two electric conduction types, to fabricate a thin-film solar cell. In the present invention, the micro/nanostructure PN junction diode array has advantages of a fine-quality crystalline semiconductor, and the semiconductor substrate can be reused to save a lot of semiconductor material. Besides, the present invention can make the best of sunlight energy via stacking up the solar cells made of different types of semiconductor materials to absorb different wavebands of the sunlight spectrum.
US08258395B2	Photovoltaic module and interlocked stack of photovoltaic modules One embodiment relates to an arrangement of photovoltaic modules configured for transportation. The arrangement includes a plurality of photovoltaic modules, each photovoltaic module including a frame having at least a top member and a bottom member. A plurality of alignment features are included on the top member of each frame, and a plurality of alignment features are included on the bottom member of each frame. Adjacent photovoltaic modules are interlocked by the alignment features on the top member of a lower module fitting together with the alignment features on the bottom member of an upper module. Other embodiments, features and aspects are also disclosed.
US08258393B2	Nanowire thermoelectric device A thermoelectric device is provided. The thermoelectric device includes a P-type thermoelectric component, an N-type thermoelectric component, and an electrically conductive layer. Each of the P-type thermoelectric component and the N-type thermoelectric component includes a substrate and a nanowire structure. The conductive layer connects the P-type thermoelectric component set with the N-type thermoelectric component set. The thermoelectric device is adapted for recycling heat generated by the heat source, and for effectively converting the heat into electrical energy.
US08258386B1	Maize variety hybrid 10905730 A novel maize variety designated 10905730 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 10905730 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into 10905730 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety 10905730, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety 10905730. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety 10905730.
US08258382B1	Maize variety hybrid X90A802 A novel maize variety designated X90A802 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 hybrid maize variety X90A802 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X90A802 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X90A802, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X90A802. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X90A802.
US08258377B1	Maize variety hybrid 10138200 A novel maize variety designated 10138200 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 10138200 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into 10138200 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety 10138200, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety 10138200. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety 10138200.
US08258376B1	Soybean cultivar 06021638 A soybean cultivar designated 06021638 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 06021638, to the plants of soybean cultivar 06021638, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 06021638, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 06021638. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 06021638. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 06021638, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar 06021638 with another soybean cultivar.
US08258375B1	Soybean variety XB55E10 A novel soybean variety, designated XB55E10 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB55E10, cells from soybean variety XB55E10, plants of soybean XB55E10, and plant parts of soybean variety XB55E10. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB55E10 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic, mutant trait, and/or native trait into soybean variety XB55E10, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB55E10. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB55E10 are further provided.
US08258373B2	Soybean cultivar S080189 A soybean cultivar designated S080189 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S080189, to the plants of soybean S080189, to plant parts of soybean cultivar S080189, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar S080189 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 S080189, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S080189, 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 S080189 with another soybean cultivar.
US08258371B2	Process for the production of arachidonic acid and/or eicosapentaenoic acid The present invention relates to a new process for the production of arachidonic acid and/or eicosapentaenoic acid in plants through the co-expression of a Δ-12-/Δ-15-desaturase, Δ-9-elongase, Δ-8-desaturase and a Δ-5-desaturase and a process for the production of lipids or oils having an increased content of unsaturated fatty acids, in particular ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids having at least two double bonds and a 18 or 20 carbon atom chain length. Preferably the arachidonic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid are produced in at least a 1:2 ratio. The invention furthermore relates to the production of a transgenic plants, preferably a transgenic crop plant, having an increased content of arachidonic acid and/or eicosapentaenoic acid, oils or lipids containing C18- or C20-fatty acids with a double bond in position 5, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15 or 17 of the fatty acid produced, respectively due to the expression of the Δ-12-/Δ-15-desaturase, of the Δ-9-elongase, of the Δ-8-desaturase and of the Δ-5-desaturase in the plant. The expression of the inventive Δ-12-/Δ-15-desaturase leads preferably to linoleic acid and linolenic acid as products having a double bond in the position 9, 12 and 15 of the fatty acid. The invention additionally relates to specific nucleic acid sequences encoding for proteins with Δ-12-/Δ-15-desaturase-, Δ-9-elongase-, Δ-8-desaturase- or Δ-5-desaturase-activity, nucleic acid constructs, vectors and transgenic plants containing said nucleic acid sequences.
US08258369B2	Method for preparing fish embryos An object of the invention is to effectively prepare a fish embryo with a correct chromosomal ploidy by nuclear transplantation in which an exogenous fish nucleus is transplanted in a cytoplasmic recipient. For this object, the invention comprises a step of preparing a fish embryo by transplanting a fish cell nucleus to an unfertilized egg. The step of preparing a fish embryo comprises a step of imposing physical and/or chemical stress to the unfertilized egg after activation. By imposing such stress, the stage of haplosis in a female nucleus which happens at the early stage of a series of developmental steps occurring in an unfertilized egg is suppressed and the correct ploidy of an obtained embryo is at least secured.
US08258364B2	Method for steam biomass reactor A method and apparatus for a steam biomass reactor converts organic waste placed inside a sealed steam injected reactor to biogas (methane CH4 and carbon dioxide CO2). The amount of liquid introduced into the reactor can be minimized, increased methane and CO2 can be produced, and the methane produced can have higher Btu values as compared to methane produced in other reactors. Some embodiments provide a method of injecting steam into a sealed vessel that is loaded with organic waste and collecting the methane produced by accelerated decomposition/biodegradation of the organic component of the waste within the vessel. The steam accelerates the decomposition of the organic refuse, thereby enhancing the production of methane gas and CO2.
US08258362B2	Method for the production of α, ω-olefins by using the copper catalyzed coupling reaction of a Grignard reagent with an allylic substrate A process for the synthesis of linear α,ω-diolefins from an allylic substrate comprises the steps of a) forming the bis-Grignard reagent XMgCH2(CH2)nCH2MgX from an α,ω-acyclic dihalide with X being a halogen; b) preparing a solution comprising an allylic substrate and a copper catalyst; c) catalyzing a coupling reaction by adding to the solution of step (b) the bis-Grignard reagent of step (a); and d) isolating and purifying the α,ω-olefin coupling reaction product.
US08258360B2	Multiphase alkylaromatics production A process for producing a monoalkylated aromatic product in a reactor by reacting a mixed phase mixture of an alkylatable aromatic compound feedstock with another feedstock comprising alkene component in a reaction zone containing an alkylation catalyst. An effluent comprising the monoalkylated aromatic product and polyalkylated aromatic compounds exits from the reaction zone in liquid phase. The polyalkylated aromatic compounds can be separated as feed stream for transalkylation reaction in a transalkylation reaction zone.
US08258354B2	Producing short chain perfluoroalkyl iodides An improved process for producing perfluoroalkyl iodides of formula (I) F(CF2CF2)n—I (I) wherein n is an integer from 2 to 3, wherein the improvement comprises contacting at least one perfluoroalkyl iodide of formula (II) and at least one perfluoroalkyl iodide of formula (III) F(CF2CF2)m—I (II) F(CF2CF2)p—I (III) wherein m is an integer greater than or equal to 3, and p is an integer equal to or lower than 2, at a) a molar ratio of formula (III) to formula (II) of from about 1:1 to about 6:1, b) a residence time of from about 1 to about 9 seconds, and c) a temperature of from about 450° C. to about 495° C.
US08258352B2	Production process for chlorine-containing fluorine-containing compound The production process of the present invention for a chlorine-containing fluorine-containing compound is characterized in that a reaction of adding chlorine atoms to a carbon-carbon unsaturated bond of a hydrogen-containing compound having a carbon-carbon unsaturated bond is carried out under the presence of a fluorine gas. The hydrogen-containing compound having a carbon-carbon unsaturated bond may be 3,4-dichlorobutene-1. Further, the present invention provides a process for producing efficiently and economically 1,2,3,4 -tetrachlorohexafluorobutane from 3,4-dichlorobutene-1 described above. According to the present invention, chlorination and fluorination of the hydrogen-containing compound having a carbon-carbon unsaturated bond are carried out in a single step, and therefore a chlorine-containing fluorine-containing compound can be more economically produced at a higher yield than in a conventional process in which two reactions are individually carried out.
US08258348B2	Process for production of carbonyl compound A process for producing a carbonyl compound corresponding to an olefin, the process comprising reacting the olefin with molecular oxygen in a water-containing liquid phase comprising a palladium catalyst, a vanadium compound, and a heteropoly acid having a heteropoly anion represented by the Formula: [XaMbM′cOd]n− wherein X is any of elements selected from P, Si, and S; a represents an integer of 1 or 2; M and M′ represent any of elements selected from Mo, W, V, Ta, and Nb; b and c represent an integer of 0 or more; d represents an integer of 1 or more; and n represents an integer of 1 or more.
US08258344B2	Plastic crystal The present invention relates to a conductor having high conductivity and electrochemical stability, which is in a solid state over a practically wide temperature range. Specifically disclosed is a plastic crystal containing a compound represented by Formula (I) or (IA) below: and at least one compound [BF3(CF3)] salt represented by Formula (II): Mn+[BF3(CF3)−]n (II) wherein M is an alkaline metal, alkaline earth metal, aluminum or H; and when M is an alkaline metal or H, n is 1; when M is an alkaline earth metal, n is 2; and when M is aluminum, n is 3.
US08258341B2	Polyfluorosulfonamido amine and intermediate Current methods for making polyfluorosulfonamido amines, which involve the use of a diamine reactant, provide low yields and produce an undesirable fluorine containing bis-sulfonamide by-product representing an economic loss. The bis-sulfonamide by-product is particularly undesirable because it shares very similar physical properties with the desired monoamine product thus making isolation of the desired polyfluorosulfonamido amine product difficult and costly. Furthermore, instead of the efficient incorporation of fluorine to make the desired polyfluorosulfonamido amine product, the bis-sulfonamide by-product constitutes a substantial loss of costly fluorinated starting material. The bis-sulfonamide by-product also constitutes an undesirable impurity that can worsen surfactancy, repellency, or other performance characteristics of the desired polyfluorosulfonamido amine product. The present invention provides a method of making a polyfluorosulfonamido amine without the production of a bis-sulfonamide by-product by reacting a polyfluoroalkylsulfonic compound with a monoamino amide rather than with a diamine reactant as in previously known methods.
US08258337B2	Method for producing isocyanates The present invention relates to a process for preparing isocyanates and an apparatus suitable for this purpose, and also its use. In the process, an amine and phosgene, both in the gas phase, react in the presence of an inert medium. A number, n, of amine streams are reacted with a number, n +1, of phosgene streams in a reactor. The number n is a positive integer of at least 1. All amine and phosgene streams are introduced into the reactor through annular gaps for mixing.
US08258334B2	N-alkanoyl-N,N′,N′-alkylenediamine trialkanoic acid esters A method of preparing a N-acyl-N,N′,N′-alkylenediamine trialkanoic acid ester comprising contacting a cyclic amidine with an ester of a haloalkanoic acid is provided. In some embodiments, the method involves preparing a N-acyl-N,N′,N′-ethylenediamine trialkanoic acid ester by contacting a 2-alkyl imidazoline with the ester of haloalkanoic acid. In some embodiments, the N-acyl-N,N′,N′-alkylenediamine trialkanoic acid ester is a synthetic intermediate in the preparation of a N-acyl-N,N′,N′-alkylenediamine trialkanoic acid or a salt thereof. In some embodiments, the method provides novel N-acyl-N,N′,N′-alkylenediamine trialkanoic acids and/or esters, which can be used, for example, as chelating agents.
US08258333B2	Method for production of N-(2-amino-1,2-dicyanovinyl)imidates, method for production of N-(2-amino-1,2-dicyanovinyl)formamidine, and method for production of aminoimidazole derivatives A method for producing N-(2-amino-1,2-dicyanovinyl)formamidine, including the steps of reacting an N-(2-amino-1,2-dicyanovinyl)formimidate and ammonia by adding aqueous ammonia to a solution or suspension of an N-(2-amino-1,2-dicyanovinyl)formimidate in ether, or alternatively directly adding an N-(2-amino-1,2-dicyanovinyl)formimidate or adding a solution or suspension of an N-(2-amino-1,2-dicyanovinyl)formimidate in ether to a liquid containing ether and aqueous ammonia.
US08258322B2	Synthesis of hexahydrodibenzopyranones An improved process is provided for the synthesis of hexahydrodibenzo[b,d]pyran-9-ones, such as nabilone.
US08258320B2	N alkylcarbonyl amino lactone compounds and their use The present invention generally relates to refreshing, soothing, and cooling compounds that affect sensory processes. More particularly, the present invention pertains to certain N-alkylcarbonyl-amino lactone compounds as described herein; compositions and articles comprising such compounds; and methods of treatment, for example, methods of alleviating the discomforts of irritation, itch, and pain in the skin and in the linings of the oral cavity and upper respiratory tract, for example, in methods of treatment of cough.
US08258316B2	Alkanoylamino benzamide aniline HDAC inhibitor compounds The present invention provides a compound of general Formula (I) having histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitory activity, a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound, and a method useful to treat diseases using the compound.
US08258305B2	Dopamine transporter inhibitors for use in treatment of movement disorders and other CNS indications The invention provides a class of dopamine transporter inhibitors of formula (I) (DAT inhibitors), packaged pharmaceuticals comprising such inhibitors, and their uses in treating, or manufacturing medicaments for treating disease conditions including Parkinson's disease, when assessed by one or more of Hoehn and Yahr Staging of Parkinson's Disease, Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), and Schwab and England Activities of Daily Living Scale. Related business methods such as marketing the inhibitors to healthcare providers are also provided.
US08258302B2	Method for producing benzazepinone It is an object of the present invention to provide 2-iminocarboxylic acid derivatives, and a practically suitable industrial method for producing benzazepinones in a short process under mild conditions. The present invention provides a method for producing a benzazepinone or a salt thereof, which comprises opening a ring of an isoquinoline derivative and subsequently converting the thus generated amine into a benzazepinone through lactamization reaction.
US08258300B2	Azo dyes The azo dyes relate to thiophene azo dyes of the general formula: where R1 is Cyano or C1-C5 alkoxy carbonyl; R2 is hydrogen, halogene, C1-C2 alkyl, phenyl, or substituted phenyl; and R3 is C1-C5 alkoxy carbonyl, C1-C4 alkanoyl, benzoyl, phenyl, alkyl substituted phenyl, or alkoxy phenyl; or R2 and R3 are fused cycloalkane with C3-C5.
US08258299B2	Process for preparation of temsirolimus The present invention provides two synthetic routes for the preparation of Temsirolimus (compound 1b and analog of Temsirolimus 1a). The first route includes the synthesis of CCI-779 by directly reacting rapamycin (4b) or Prolyl-rapamycin (4a) with substituent-2,2-bis(methoxy) propionic acid anhydride(11) in the presence of an organic base, followed by deprotection to give CCI-779 or Proline CCI-779. The second route includes a process involving a reaction of rapamycin-OH-31-sily ether (4d) or Prolyl-rapamycin-OH-31-sily ether (4c) with substituent-2,2-bis(methoxy) propionic acid anhydride(11) in the presence of an organic base and followed by subsequent hydrolysis step to obtain the desired CCI-779 or Proline CCI-779.Compound 11, as described in this invention, is stable at room temperature, cost effective and ease of processing.
US08258294B2	Process for the preparation of temozolomide and analogs A process for the preparation of compounds of formula IA, where R═CH3 (i.e. temozolomide): comprising diazotizing a compound of the formula IIA: where in R is as defined above in the presence of at least one metal halide, an acid and a source of nitrous acid, followed by conversion of acidic solution containing temozolomide. The conversion can be carried out by a liquid-liquid extraction technique in a water immiscible solvent. The temozolomide may be further purified in an acetone-water mixture.
US08258293B2	Tetrahydroquinoline derivatives The present invention relates to tetrahydroquinoline derivatives having general formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R1 is formyl, (1-6C)alkylcarbonyl or (1-6C)alkylsulfonyl; R2 and R3 are H or (1-4C)alkyl; R4 is phenyl; R5 is (1-4C)alkyl; Y—X is C(O)—O, S(O)2-O, NHC(O)—O, NHC(S)—O, OC(O)—O, bond-O, C(O)—NH, S(O)2-NH, NHC(O)—NH, NHC(S)—NH, OC(O)—NH, bond-NH, NH—C(O), O—C(O), NH—S(O)2, or O—S(O)2 or Y—X is a bond; R6 is H, trifluoromethyl, (1-6C)alkyl, 1- or 2-adamantyl(1-4C)alkyl, (2-6C)alkenyl, (2-6C)alkynyl, (3-9C)heteroaryl, (3-6C)cycloalkyl, (2-6C)heterocycloalkyl, (1-4C)alkylthio(1-4C)alkyl, (6-10C)aryl(1-4C)alkyl, (3-9C)heteroaryl(1-4C)alkyl, (3-6C)cycloalkyl(1-4C)alkyl, (2-6C)heterocycloalkyl(1-4C)alkyl, R8,R9-aminocarbonyl(1-4C)alkyl, R8,R9-amino(1-4C)alkyl, R8-oxycarbonyl(1-4C)alkyl, R8-oxy(1-4C)alkyl, R8-carbonyl(1-4C)alkyl or (6-10C)aryl; R7 is H, (1-4C)alkyl, (1-4C)alkoxy, halogen, trifluoromethyl, cyano, nitro, hydroxyl; and R8 and/or R9 is H, (1-4C)alkyl, (2-4C)alkenyl, (2-4C)alkynyl, (6-10C)aryl, (3-9C)heteroaryl, (6-10C)aryl(1-4C)alkyl, (3-9C)heteroaryl(1-4C)alkyl, (3-6C)cycloalkyl(1-4C)alkyl, (2-6C)heterocycloalkyl(1-4C)alkyl, (1-4C)(di)alkylamino(1-4C)alkyl, (1-4C)alkoxy(1-4C)alkyl, (1-4C)alkylthio(1-4C)alkyl, (1-4C)alkylcarbonylamino(1-4C)alkyl, (1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl(1-4C)alkyl, (1-4C)alkoxycarbonylamino(1-4C)alkyl, (3-6C)cycloalkyl, (2-6C)heterocycloalkyl, or R8 and R9 may be joined in a (2-6C)heterocycloalkyl ring. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising said derivatives and the use of these derivatives to control fertility.
US08258291B2	Process for the preparation of sucralose by the chlorination of sugar with triphosgene (BTC) In one embodiment of the invention a method to prepare sucralose-6 -acylate through chlorinating sucrose-6-acylate by BTC in the process of sucralose preparation is disclosed. In this embodiment a Vilsmeier reagent is firstly prepared below 0° C. by dissolving BTC in DMF or in component solvent, containing DMF, toluene, dichloroethane, chloroform and carbon tetrachloride. Consequently, sucrose-6-ester was chlorinated by Vilsmeier reagent. BTC can also be dissolved in one or several organic solvent such as toluene, dichloroethane, chloroform and carbon tetrachloride, and added to a DMF solution of sucrose-6-acylate for chlorination. Sucralose was prepared through de-esterifying the obtained sucralose 6-ester using sodium methoxide/methanol or sodium ethoxide/ethanol.
US08258290B2	Glycomimetic inhibitors of the PA-IL lectin, PA-IIL lectin or both the lectins from pseudomonas Compositions and methods are provided related to Pseudomonas bacteria. The compositions and methods may be used for diagnosis and therapy of medical conditions involving infection with Pseudomonas bacteria. Such infections include Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the lungs of patients with cystic fibrosis. A compound useful in the present methods may be used in combination with a therapeutic agent or may be linked to a therapeutic agent. Pseudomonas bacteria may be inhibited by blocking colonization, inhibiting virulence factors, arresting growth or killing the bacteria.
US08258289B2	Modulation of diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 expression Compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2. The compositions comprise oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acid encoding diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 expression and for diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions associated with expression of diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 are provided.
US08258287B2	Interfering RNAs targeting the morbillivirus nucleoprotein gene The invention relates to interfering RNAs (siRNAs, shRNAs or pre-miRNAs) directed against conserved regions of the mRNA of the N gene encoding the morbillivirus nucleoprotein. The invention also relates to the use of said interfering RNAs for the production of medicaments for use in the treatment or prevention of a morbillivirus infection.
US08258285B2	RNA molecules and vectors for gene silencing The invention relates to short RNA molecules of about 25 nucleotides in length, which comprise antisense RNA complementary to a targeted mRNA and corresponding sense RNA molecules. These short RNA molecules are effective in post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS).
US08258284B2	Kits and primers for diagnosing schizophrenia The invention relates to the identification and selection of novel biomarkers and the identification and selection of novel biomarker combinations which are differentially expressed in blood and useful in diagnosing schizophrenia and/or bipolar disorder as well as monitoring therapeutic efficacy of treatment for schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. The measurement of expression levels of the products of the biomarkers and combinations of biomarkers of the invention can be used to diagnose schizophrenia and/or bipolar disorder. Measurement of the expression level of products of biomarkers of the invention using polynucleotides and proteins which specifically and/or selectively hybridize to the products of the biomarkers of the invention are also encompassed within the scope of the invention as are compositions and kits containing said polynucleotides and proteins. Further encompassed by the invention is the use of the polynucleotides and proteins to monitor the efficacy of therapeutic regimens. The invention also provides for the identification of methods of using the products of the biomarkers of the invention in the identification of novel therapeutic targets of schizophrenia and/or bipolar disorder and a method of screening the genes of said biomarkers for additional markers of disease.
US08258283B2	Method for detection of HCV at the real time PCR with intercalating dye The present invention relates to a composition for detection of HCV by a single step reaction, comprising a specific primer and probe. In particular, the present invention relates to a composition for detection of HCV by a single step reaction, comprising the primer sequences of SEQ ID NOs:1 and 2; a composition for detection of HCV by a single step reaction, comprising both the primer sequences and a probe of SEQ ID NOs:5 or 9; a method for detecting HCV by a single step reaction, comprising the steps of obtaining a sample from a subject, and amplifying and detecting HCV using the primer and probe; and a kit comprising the primer and probe, in which the HCV detection method is characterized by a single step reaction.
US08258278B2	Methods and compositions for the treatment and prevention of cancer The instant invention provides compositions for the treatment of cancer. Specifically, the invention provides polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules comprising tumor-associated embryonic antigens, e.g., OFA-iLRP, and chemoattractant ligands, e.g., a proinflammatory chemokine such as MIP3α/CCL20 or β-defensin mDF2β. The invention further provides cancer vaccines and methods for treating subjects having, or at risk of developing, cancer.
US08258277B2	Luciferases and methods for making and using the same Briefly described, embodiments of this disclosure include polynucleotides that encode mutant Cnidarian luciferases that exhibit modulated properties as compared to the corresponding wild-type luciferases, and the modulated properties include at least one of: modulated stability; enhanced light output; and modulated emission maximum. Embodiments of the present disclosure also include polypeptides or fragments thereof encoded by the polynucleotides, constructs including the polynucleotide, expression cassettes, cells, methods of producing the polynucleotides and polypeptides, antibodies, transgenic cells and/or animals, kits, and the like.
US08258269B2	Method for producing high-purity soluble thrombomodulin It is an object of the present invention to obtain a soluble thrombomodulin substantially not containing a denatured product of soluble thrombomodulin that may be generated under acidic conditions. The present invention provides a method for producing soluble thrombomodulin substantially not containing a denatured product of the soluble thrombomodulin that may be generated under acidic conditions, from a soluble thrombomodulin-containing material that contains or is suspected to contain the denatured product of the soluble thrombomodulin, which comprises; a step of subjecting the soluble thrombomodulin-containing material to an anion exchanger or hydroxyapatite; and a step of carrying out linear gradient elution, stepwise gradient elution, or gradient elution in which linear gradient elution is combined with stepwise gradient elution under separation conditions in which the denatured product of the soluble thrombomodulin can be separated, wherein said gradient is a gradient of salt concentration, so as to obtain an elution fraction containing soluble thrombomodulin that does not substantially contain the denatured product of the soluble thrombomodulin, either (a) after the position of a fraction has previously been confirmed, or (b) while confirming the elution fraction.
US08258263B2	Interferon-antibody fusion proteins demonstrating potent apoptotic and anti-tumor activities Novel chimeric moieties that show significant efficacy against cancers are provided. In certain embodiments the chimeric moieties comprise a targeting moiety attached to an interferon. In certain embodiments, the chimeric moieties comprise fusion proteins where an antibody that specifically binds to a cancer marker is fused to interferon alpha (IFN-α) or interferon beta (IFN-β).
US08258259B2	Macromolecular compounds having controlled stoichiometry The following invention is directed to macromolecules having controlled stoichiometry and topology, processes for their production, and applications for their use. The macromolecules have a controlled functional moiety stoichiometry and include at least one dendritic motif having a surface layer formed from at least one surface building unit and at least one subsurface layer formed from at least one building unit, the surface building unit and building units having a hydrocarbon backbone bearing a carbonyl group and at least one amine group; and at least two different functional moieties on the building unit and/or surface building unit; where functional moiety stoichiometry refers to the number and type of functional moieties.
US08258257B2	Claudin-4 binding peptides, compositions and methods of use The disclosure provides methods and compositions useful for treating claudin-4 associated disorders including cell proliferative disorders. The disclosure also provide claudin-family binding peptides useful in the methods of the disclosure.
US08258256B2	Compositions and methods for the treatment of cancer The instant invention provides methods and compositions for the treatment and diagnosis of cancer, e.g., cancers characterized by the expression of prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA).
US08258248B2	Preparation of cationic terpolymers and personal care compositions comprising said terpolymers The present invention is directed to cationic terpolymers, methods to make them, and the use of compositions containing said terpolymers in personal care compositions. The polymers are useful in personal care applications. The cationic terpolymers of this present invention provide the extra conditioning benefits required in a personal care product. These cationic terpolymers also contribute useful conditioning properties to hair-care and skin-care products.
US08258244B2	Process for production of thermoplastic copolymer Disclosed is a process for producing a thermoplastic copolymer, which comprises step of supplying a monomer mixture (a) to a loop reactor continuously to produce a copolymer (A), the monomer mixture (a) comprising an aromatic vinyl monomer (a1), a vinyl cyanide monomer (a2) and an N-substituted maleimide monomer (a3). The process enables the production of a thermoplastic copolymer which has an excellent balance among physical properties such as heat resistance, color and flow property, reduces the amount of bleeding that may cause mold staining during molding processing and has excellent handleability and productivity.
US08258240B2	Pressure-sensitive adhesive composition and use thereof The present invention provides a water-dispersed acrylic PSA composition suitable for forming a PSA sheet. The PSA composition contains 0.5 to 15 parts by weight of an acrylic copolymer (polymer H) with a Tg of 30° C. to 120° C. in relation to 100 parts by weight of an acrylic copolymer (polymer L) with a Tg of −70° C. to −50° C. The polymer L is obtained by polymerization of a monomer starting material comprising 60 wt % or more of an alkyl (meth)acrylate with a C8-C12 alkyl group; and 0.5 to 10 wt % of a radical polymerizable monomer with a carboxyl group.
US08258238B2	Actuator comprising an electroactive polymer The invention relates to an actuator for converting between mechanical and electrical energy comprising—at least two electrodes; and—an electroactive polymer, comprising aromatic moieties in the chain and flexible moieties in the chain, the polymer further comprising side groups bound to the chain, which side groups are selected from the group consisting of polar side groups and side groups comprising an aromatic moiety. The invention further relates to a novel electroactive polymer comprising polar side groups bound to the chain.
US08258237B2	Peelable polyethylene films A homogeneous blend comprising from 10% to 90% by weight of a metallocene catalyzed polyethylene (mPE) and from 90% to 10% by weight of styrene-butadiene block copolymers comprising from 5% to 40% by weight of 1,3 butadiene monomer units and from 60% to 95% by weight of styrene monomer units. The blend of the invention is used to make peelable films for food packaging applications.
US08258233B2	Aqueous dispersion The invention provides an adhesive with an aqueous polymer dispersion. The aqueous polymer dispersion comprises a copolymer of a) esters of vinyl alcohol with C2 to C6 monocarboxylic acids, b) α,β-unsaturated C3 to C9 carboxylic acids or vinyl-substituted phosphonic or sulfonic acids, c) polyunsaturated monomers, and optionally d) non-polar, copolymerizable monomers and e) copolymerizable monomers that carry polar functional groups, where the ratio of c:b ranges from 1:10 to 1:400. The adhesive has high adhesion strength, stable viscosity during high-speed automatic application process and, is optionally, remoistenable with water or becomes water-soluble. The adhesive may be advantageous used as wood adhesive, remoistenable adhesive, label adhesive, bottle adhesive, and the like.
US08258231B2	Process for preparing a dispersion of a particulate solid A process for preparing a dispersion of a particulate solid comprising: dispersing a particulate solid with a dispersant and a liquid medium, wherein the dispersant is a random copolymer obtained or obtainable from the copolymerisation of a composition comprising: i) one or more monoethylenically unsaturated hydrophilic monomers, ii) one or more monoethylenically unsaturated hydrophobic monomers, iii) one or more di- and/or higher-ethylenically unsaturated monomers, and iv) one or more chain transfer agents; wherein the dispersion step is effected by a mechanical treatment which reduces the particle size of the particulate solid.
US08258230B2	Arborescent polymers and process for making same The present invention relates to arborescent polymers and to a process for making same. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to arborescent polymers formed from at least one inimer and at least one isoolefin that have been end-functionalized with a polymer or copolymer having a low glass transition temperature (Tg), and to a process for making such arborescent polymers. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to arborescent polymers formed from at least one inimer and at least one isoolefin that have been end-functionalized with less than about 5 weight percent end blocks derived from a polymer or copolymer having a high glass transition temperature (Tg), and to a process for making such arborescent polymers.
US08258229B2	Use of (meth)acrylic polymers in a method for manufacture of an aqueous suspension of calcium carbonate A method including first grinding, in aqueous media of natural calcium carbonate, an acrylic polymer having a molecular weight of between 8,000 g/mole and 15,000 g/mole and a molar content of less than 20% of polymeric chains of molecular weight less than 3,000 g/mole and second, optionally concentrating, leading to an aqueous suspension with an increased slope factor, which improves the opacity of the coated paper produced from such a suspension.
US08258228B2	Treatment compositions for fresh concrete or mortar surfaces which offer improved adhesion capacity and water retention power The invention relates to compositions intended to be applied to the surfaces of freshly poured mortars and/or concretes, before the beginning of the setting, in order simultaneously to prevent the evaporation of the water present in said mortars and/or concretes, which is necessary for their setting and then for their hardening, and in order to create, on said treated surfaces, high adhesiveness for the finishing materials intended to cover them, these compositions being provided in the form of aqueous emulsions comprising at least one paraffin wax (a), alone or in combination with at least one hydrocarbon compound (b) and/or with at least one other hydrocarbon compound (c) different from the hydrocarbon compound (b), and also comprising at least one latex (d) formed of a colloidal aqueous emulsion of at least one polymer, and at least one pulverulent inorganic or organic filler (e).
US08258223B2	Postcrosslinking of water-absorbing polymers The invention concerns a process for producing water-absorbing polymer, which comprises a base polymer A being mixed with a first aqueous solution B of at least one surface postcrosslinker and a second aqueous solution C of at least one polyvalent cation and thermally treated, wherein said base polymer A is based on at least 50% neutralized acid-functional monomer and said solutions B and C are metered wholly or partly concurrently through separate nozzles whereby a water-absorbing polymer having a high saline flow conductivity value is obtained.
US08258222B2	Composition for vulcanized rubber and vulcanization product A composition for epihalohydrin vulcanized rubber excellent in heat resistance while keeping good vulcanization rate and store stability, comprising (a) an epihalohydrin robber, (b) a metal soap, (c) an acid acceptor, and (d) a vulcanizing agent, the composition further preferably containing (e) a fatty acid for suppressing vulcanization, or preferably containing (f) an alcohol for accelerating vulcanization.
US08258221B2	Polylactic acid-based resin composition and molded article of polylactic acid-based resin A polylactic acid-based resin composition includes (A) a polylactic acid-based resin; (B) a flame retardant compound; and (C) an ammonium compound of organic acid.
US08258214B2	Polymers with low gel content and enhanced gas-fading A polymer stabilizing composition comprising a sterically hindered phenol and a phosphite that provides low gel content and enhanced resistance to gas-fading. The stabilizer composition is particular useful for stabilizing polyethylene homopolymers and copolymers, such as linear low density polyethylenes produced from metallocene catalyst. The sterically hindered phenol is, for example, selected from the group consisting of 1,3,5-tris-(4-tert-butyl-3-hydroxy-2,6-dimethylbenzyl)isocyanurate, 1,3,5-tris-(3,5-dicyclohexyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)isocyanurate, 1,3,5-tris-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)isocyanurate, 1,3,5-tris(4-t-butyl-3-hydroxy-2,6-dimethylbenzyl)-1,3,5-Triazine-2,4,6-(1H,3H,5H)-trione, and 1,3,5-tris-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)-2,4,6-trimethylbenzene.
US08258213B2	Rubber composition for breaker topping The present invention provides to a rubber composition for a breaker topping including 15 to 50 parts by weight of carbon black and 5 to 50 parts by weight of silica based on 100 parts by weight of a rubber component (provided that a butadiene rubber containing 1,2-syndiotactic polybutadiene crystals is not included) including 10 to 45% by weight of a modified butadiene rubber and/or a modified styrene-butadiene rubber and 55 to 90% by weight of a natural rubber and/or an isoprene rubber for the purpose of improving low fuel cost while keeping rigidity, elongation at break and peel strength at high level.
US08258212B2	Method for producing a polymer/bitumen compound, and polymer/bitumen and bitumen/polymer compounds obtained A method for producing a solid intermediate compound for incorporating into liquid bitumen obtained from petroleum or into mineral oils in order to produce liquid/polymer bitumen. According to the method, a polymer for producing the liquid/polymer bitumen is hot-mixed with solid bitumen, the mixture is then cooled, and the solid intermediate compound thus obtained is split. The intermediate compound obtained, the liquid/polymer bitumen formed from the intermediate compound, and a bitumen-coated material containing the intermediate compound or liquid/polymer bitumen are also disclosed.
US08258207B2	Blends of carbon blacks and products containing the same Blends of carbon black or other fillers is described. The blends of carbon black or other fillers are preferably pre-blended prior to introducing the blend into a product such as an elastomeric or polymeric product.
US08258205B2	Binders for pigmented ink formulations Disclosed herein are inks including an aqueous vehicle; at least one encapsulant-dispersed pigment; and at least one block copolymer binder dispersed throughout the aqueous vehicle and having Structure I and comprising a hydrophobic block (A) and a hydrophilic block (B);
US08258204B2	Latex polymer with specific composition for inkjet printing on vinyl media An inkjet printing composition comprises an aqueous liquid vehicle; at least one pigment having a concentration of about 1 to 5 wt %; and a latex polymer having a concentration of about 2.5 to 8 wt % and comprising a polymerized mixture of styrene, butyl acrylate, at least one of methacrylonitrile and acrylonitrile, methacrylic acid, and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate. An inkjet ink printing system comprises a vinyl medium; the at least one inkjet printing composition; and a heating device, wherein the system is configured such that upon applying heat from the heating device to the inkjet ink printed on the vinyl medium, the latex particles fuse, thereby forming a printed image with a film encapsulating at least a portion of the pigment on the vinyl medium. A method of forming a printed image of the latex polymer using the inkjet ink printing system is also provided.
US08258201B2	Photocurable composition and process for producing molded product having fine pattern on its surface To provide a photocurable composition whereby it is possible to obtain a cured product provided with both release property and high refractive index, and a process whereby it is possible to produce a molded product having a high refractive index and having on its surface a fine pattern having a reverse pattern of a mold precisely transferred. The photocurable composition comprising from 61 to 90 mass % of a compound (A) having a refractive index of at least 1.55 at a wavelength of 589 nm before curing and having at least two (meth)acryloyloxy groups, from 2 to 15 mass % of a compound (B) having fluorine atoms and at least one carbon-carbon unsaturated double bond (provided that compound (A) is excluded), from 5 to 35 mass % of a compound (C) having one (meth)acryloyloxy group (provided that compound (B) is excluded), and from 1 to 12 mass % of a photopolymerization initiator (D) (provided (A)+(B)+(C)+(D)=100 mass %).
US08258200B2	Polymer networks, process for producing same, and products made therefrom The present invention relates to the production of copolymer networks, or co-networks, and to methods for preparing copolymer or co-networks. Furthermore, the present invention relates to products and/or films made from the copolymer and/or co-networks produced in accordance with the synthesis methods of the present invention. Additionally, the present invention relates to crosslinked copolymer and/or co-networks comprising at least one hydrophilic segment and at least one hydrophobic segment. In one embodiment, the hydrophilic segments include at least one poly(vinyl alcohol) (e.g., a poly(vinyl alcohol) modified with acryl amide groups) and the hydrophobic segments include at least one polysiloxane having at least one terminal —OH group (e.g., polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)). In another embodiment, the copolymer and/or co-networks of the present invention are optically clear and highly oxophilic.
US08258199B2	Photoacid generators for the synthesis of oligo-DNA in a polymer matrix Compounds represented by the following structural formulas can be used as photoacid generators: Such compounds are useful, for example, in fabricating arrays of polymers.
US08258198B2	Fast demold/extended cream time polyurethane formulations Catalyst compositions for use in forming polyurethane products include a gelling catalyst, a trimerization catalyst, and a cure accelerator. The gelling catalyst is a tertiary amine, mono(tertiary amino) urea, bis(tertiary amino) urea, or a combination of any of these. Any known trimerization catalyst may be used. The cure accelerator may be a diol having at least one primary hydroxyl group, and having from five to 17 chain backbone atoms chosen from carbon, oxygen, or both between the hydroxyl groups, provided that at least five of the backbone atoms are carbon. Alternatively or in addition, the cure accelerator may be a polyol having three or more hydroxyl groups, at least two of which are primary, and having molecular weights between 90 g/mole and 400 g/mole. Delayed initiation of the polyurethane-forming reaction and/or reduced demold time for producing the polyurethane part can be obtained by using these catalyst compositions.
US08258197B2	Synthesis of a highly crystalline, covalently linked porous network Porous networks are described linked by boronates. Also described are processes for producing the porous networks. The porous networks are formed by reacting a polyboronic acid with itself or with a polydiol, a polydiamine, or a polyamino alcohol. The resulting boronate linkage is covalently bonded. The characteristics and properties of the resulting porous material can be varied and altered by changing the reactants and by incorporating functional groups into the reactants. Of particular advantage, the porous materials can be formed at or near atmospheric pressure and at low temperature in the presence of one or more solvents.
US08258196B2	Method for producing rigid polyurethane foam, and rigid polyurethane foam To provide a method for producing a rigid polyurethane foam, whereby it is possible to reduce the density without causing deterioration in dimensional stability, and a rigid polyurethane foam.A method for producing a rigid polyurethane foam, which comprises a step of reacting a polyol having a hydroxyl value of from 200 to 800 mgKOH/g with a polyisocyanate compound in the presence of an amino-modified silicone, a catalyst, a blowing agent and a surfactant.
US08258195B2	Acetylene enhanced conversion of syngas to Fischer-Tropsch hydrocarbon products A method is disclosed for converting syngas to Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) hydrocarbon products. A synthesis gas including carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas is provided to a F-T reactor. Also, acetylene is supplied to the F-T reactor. The ratio of the volume of acetylene to the volume of synthesis gas is at least 0.01. The synthesis gas and acetylene are reacted under suitable reaction conditions and in the presence of a catalyst to produce F-T hydrocarbon products. The F-T hydrocarbon products are then recovered from the reactor. The synthesis gas and acetylene may be provided in a combined feed stream or introduced separately into the reactor. The acetylene enhanced syngas conversion in a F-T reactor results in the synthesis of F-T products which have a tighter distribution of intermediate length carbon products than do F-T products synthesized according to conventional methods.
US08258194B2	Method and reactor for performing fischer-tropsch synthesis Method and reactor for performing Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis with controlled steam partial pressure by introducing cool points in the FT reactor, typically in form of cooled solid surfaces. At the surface, the low temperature will force condensation of the water into a liquid film. Thereby, the partial pressure of steam in the gas and reactor will not exceed significantly the vapor partial pressure at the liquid film and water from the gas stream will be removed as it is produced, i.e. steam induced deactivation is avoided. In addition, the decrease of hydrogen and carbon monoxide partial pressures due to dilution by steam will be kept low ensuring a constant high reaction rate.
US08258193B2	Process for removal of hydrogen cyanide and ammonia from synthesis gas The invention provides a process for removal of HCN and NH3 from synthesis gas, the process comprising the steps of: (a) contacting feed synthesis gas comprising HCN with a HCN hydrolysis sorbent in the presence of water, thereby obtaining synthesis gas comprising NH3; (b) contacting the synthesis gas comprising NH3 with an acidic cation exchange resin in the presence of water to remove NH3, thereby obtaining purified synthesis gas.
US08258188B2	Method of using punicic acid to enhance immune response and prevent metabolic disorders Disclosed is a method of enhancing the immune response of an animal, including mammals and humans, to prevent or ameliorate immunoinflammatory diseases such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease, increase immune system development, maintain or increase CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocyte levels, increase immune function, increase immune response against viruses and prevent or ameliorate the Metabolic Syndrome, Type 2 diabetes and obesity by administering orally or parenterally a therapeutically effective amount of punicic acid to the animal.
US08258184B1	Use of vegetable butter-based cetyl myristoleate for treating osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal disease conditions and injuries A vegetable butter based dietary supplement of cetyl myristoleate for use in the treatment of osteoarthritis and other joint inflammatory diseases of the musculoskeletal system in animals, especially equines. In its preferred form, the cetyl myristoleate is a vegetable butter-based and is administered in doses of about 1750 to about 6750 mg. The dosage may also include 3000 mg methylsulfonylmethane, 3000 mg glucosamine HCL and 1000 mg of Vitamin C.
US08258183B2	Composition and/or method for preventing recurrence of stroke By using a composition for preventing onset and/or recurrence of stroke which contains ethyl icosapentate as its effective component, onset and/or recurrence of stroke is prevented, or in particular, the onset and/or recurrence of stroke in a hyperlipidemia patient who has been treated with HMG-CoA RI, or in particular the recurrence of stroke in a patient who is beyond six months after the onset of stroke, is prevented.
US08258182B2	Substituted 1,3-diphenylpropane derivatives, preparations and uses thereof The present invention involves substituted 1,3-diphenylpropane derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions comprising them and the therapeutic uses thereof, in particular in the fields of human and animal health.
US08258179B2	Crystalline form of a (3S)-aminomethyl-5-methyl-hexanoic acid prodrug and methods of use A crystalline form of a (3S)-aminomethyl-5-hexanoic acid prodrug and methods of preparing a crystalline form of a (3S)-aminomethyl-5-hexanoic acid prodrug, and methods of using a crystalline form of a (3S)-aminomethyl-5-hexanoic acid prodrug are provided.
US08258178B2	Agents for preventing attachment of barnacle consisting of organic solvent extracts of red alga Laurencia sp. and compounds isolated therefrom An object of the present invention is to provide organic solvent extracts of red algae laurencia sp., compounds isolated and identified therefrom, and an agent for preventing attachment of barnacles comprising them.The present invention relates to a barnacle attachment preventive agent consisting of at least one selected from the group consisting of Laurencin, Thyrsiferol, Magireol A, Omaezallene, Hachijojimallene A and organic solvent extracts of red algae laurencia sp.
US08258177B2	4-((phenoxyalkyl)thio)-phenoxyacetic acids and analogs The invention features 4-((phenoxyalkyl)thio)-phenoxyacetic acids and analogs, compositions containing them, and methods of using them as PPAR delta modulators to treat or inhibit the progression of, for example, dyslipidemia.
US08258176B2	Dithiolopyrrolone compounds, the preparation and the use thereof The invention discloses a dithiolopyrrolone compound represented by formula I or its pharmaceutically acceptable salts, wherein X1, R1, R2, R3, R4 are defined as in the description. The invention also discloses the preparation of such compounds, and the use of such compounds in preparation of medicaments for increasing peripheral white blood cells and in preparation of ancillary medicaments for inhibiting the decrease of peripheral white blood cells in radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
US08258175B2	Isoindolin-1-one derivatives A compound of formula or a prodrug and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein X is O, N or S; R1 is hydrogen, halo, hydroxy, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted hydroxyalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkylamine, alkoxy, substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl, and substituted or unsubstituted aralkyl or heteroaralkyl; R2 is hydrogen, halo, hydroxy, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted hydroxyalkyl substituted or unsubstituted alkylamine, alkoxy, substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl, and substituted or unsubstituted aralkyl or heteroalkyl; R3 is hydrogen, halo, hydroxy, substituted or unsubstituted alloy substituted or unsubstituted hydroxyalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkylamine alkoxy, substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl, and substituted or unsubstituted aralkyl or heteroalkyl; and R4-R7, is used to represent groups R4, R5, R6 and R7 which are H, OH, alkyl, alkoxy, alkylamine, hydroxyalkyl, halo, CF3, NH2, NO2, COOH, C═O.
US08258174B2	Method of inhibiting apoptosis The invention disclosed is drawn to a method of inhibiting apoptosis comprising administration an effective amount of an indole derivative represented by formula (1) as described herein.
US08258173B2	Melatonin derivatives and their use as antioxidants The present subject matter relates generally to antioxidant compounds having the formula (I): wherein each of R1, R2, R3, and R4 are as defined below. These compounds are potentially useful as, for example, antioxidants.
US08258168B2	2H or 3H-benzo[E]indazol-1-YL carbamate derivatives, the preparation and therapeutic use thereof Compounds corresponding to the formula (I) as defined in the disclosure, as well as methods for making such compounds, intermediates employed in such methods, pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds of the invention, and methods of treatment using them.
US08258165B2	Pharmaceutical composition To provide a pharmaceutical composition containing a 2-nitroimidazole derivative, which has high solubility in an aqueous carrier and high stability.The pharmaceutical composition is characterized by containing 1-(1-hydroxymethyl-2,3-dihydroxypropyl)oxymethyl-2-nitroimidazole and creatinine, and containing creatinine of 0.001 to 1 part by mass with respect to 1 part by mass of 1-(1-hydroxymethyl-2,3-dihydroxypropyl)oxymethyl-2-nitroimidazole.
US08258154B2	Bicyclic heteroaryl inhibitors of PDE4 The present invention relates to compounds and methods which may be useful as inhibitors of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) for the treatment or prevention of inflammatory diseases and other diseases involving elevated levels of cytokines and proinflammatory mediators.
US08258143B2	Methods of using substituted pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines for targeting tumor cells and treating cancer A method for treating cancer tumors, particularly ovarian cancer tumors, is described, where fused cyclic pyrimidine having a cancer treating ability is selectively delivered to an FR expressing cancerous tumor.
US08258139B2	Method of treatment for mental disorders The invention relates to a medicament or a method for treating mental disorders, in detail, ADHD comprising lurasidone, or a combination of lurasidone and a D4 receptor agonist.
US08258137B2	Process for release of biologically active species from mesoporous oxide systems A process for the release of a biologically active species comprising the steps of: providing a mesoporous oxide-based material having structural order and at least one level of porosity; fixing or immobilizing said biologically active species in said ordered mesoporous oxide; and providing said ordered mesoporous oxide with said fixed or immobilized biologically active species in vivo thereby realizing intraluminally induced substantially pH-independent supersaturation of said biologically active species resulting in enhanced transepithelial transport; wherein said biologically active species is a poorly soluble therapeutic drug classified as belonging to Class II or Class IV of the Biopharmaceutical Classification System and said ordered mesoporous oxide has a pore size in the range of 4 to 14 nm.
US08258136B2	Pyridazine compound and use thereof A pyridazine compound of the formula: has an excellent plant disease controlling effect.
US08258131B2	Fused bicyclic compound The present invention provides a novel fused bicyclic compound having an affinity to a receptor of mineral corticoid (MR), shown by the formula [I]: wherein the ring A is a benzene ring having a substituent R1, fused to an adjacent 6-membered heterocyclic ring and further optionally having a substituent(s) other than R1, R1 is an alkylsulfonylamino group etc., R2 and R3 are (a) the same of different and a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, (b) combined each other to form an oxo group or (c) combined each other at its terminal together with the adjacent carbon atom to form a cycloalkyl group, X is a group of ═N—, ═C(R4)— or —CH(R4)—, R4 is (a) a hydrogen atom, (b) a cyano group, (c) a halogen atom, (d) an alkyl group, (e) an alkenyl group, (f) a cycloalkyl group (g) an alkanoyl group, (h) a carbamoyl group or (i) a cycloalkenyl group, Ar is an optionally substituted aromatic cyclic group and a dotted line means presence or absence of a double bond, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which is useful as an antihypertensive agent etc.
US08258130B2	Pyrimidine hydrazide compounds as PGDS inhibitors This invention is directed to a compound of formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3, R4 and L1 are as defined herein, a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound, and the use of the compound to treat allergic and/or inflammatory disorders, particularly disorders such as allergic rhinitis, asthma and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
US08258129B2	4-heterocycloalkylpyri(mi)dines, process for the preparation thereof and their use as medicaments The present invention encompasses compounds of general formula (1) wherein X and R1 to R3 are as defined in the disclosure, which are suitable for the treatment of diseases characterized by excessive or abnormal cell proliferation, and the use thereof for preparing a pharmaceutical composition having the above-mentioned properties.
US08258127B2	Methods for treating latent tuberculosis A method for treating individuals affected with latent tuberculosis comprising a step of administering an effective amount of one or more carbapenem compounds to the said individuals.
US08258126B2	Vitamin D3 analogues for the prevention and treatment of bone disorders Novel vitamin D analogues are useful for making pharmaceutical compositions for the prevention or treatment of bone disorders such as osteoporosis.
US08258124B2	Combination medicament The subject matter of this application relates to the combination of ciclesonide or an epimer thereof with R,R-formoterol or a salt, or a hydrate of a salt thereof.
US08258123B2	C-19 steroids for cosmetic and further uses The present invention relates to novel uses of C-19 steroid compounds, in particular C-19 steroids having an androsten-17-(OR4)-3-one structure for cosmetic and further uses, wherein R4 is hydrogen or an unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, aryl, acyl or any group leading to hydroxyl upon biological metabolization or chemical deprotection. The present invention particularly relates to selected C-19 steroids displaying properties of high binding affinity to androgen receptor to block dihydrotestosterone from binding, while at the same time providing anabolic effects, which is useful for certain applications, particularly for influencing or controlling problems of the skin and its skin-associated body structures like cellulite, wrinkles, adipose fat tissues, hair follicles or hair growth; for influencing or controlling gland function and activity such as the sebaceous gland and other glands affecting the skin and/or perspiration. The present invention also describes a composition comprising a combination of such a compound and dimethyl isosorbide.
US08258120B2	9-substituted minocycline compounds The present invention pertains, at least in part, to novel 9-substituted minocycline compounds. These minocycline compounds can be used to treat numerous tetracycline compound-responsive states, such as bacterial infections and neoplasms, as well as other known applications for minocycline and tetracycline compounds in general, such as blocking tetracycline efflux and modulation of gene expression.
US08258114B2	Modulation of glucose-6-phosphatase translocase expression Compositions and methods are provided for decreasing blood glucose levels in an animal, comprising administering to said animal an antisense inhibitor of glucose-6-phosphatase translocase expression alone or in combination with at least one glucose-lowering drug. Also provided are compositions and methods for treating diabetes and other metabolic disorders.
US08258113B2	Method for promoting angiogenesis, vascularization or vessel repair The invention relates to a method for influencing the miR-92 expression in a cell, comprising the following steps: (a) providing a cell; and (b1) reducing the miR-92 expression in the cell in order to promote the vascularization or vessel repair by introducing an antisense molecule against miR-92 into the cell, or (b2) increasing the miR-92 expression in the cell for an inhibition of the tumor angiogenesis by introducing a construct into the cell, wherein the construct includes an expressible miR-92 sequence. Furthermore, the invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition, comprising an agent for reducing the miR-92 activity or expression in a cell in the form of an antisense molecule against miR-92, or an agent for increasing the miR-92 expression in a cell in the form of a construct for expressing miR-92.
US08258108B2	Kinase suppressor of Ras inactivation for therapy of Ras mediated tumorigenesis The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the specific inhibition of kinase suppressor of Ras (KSR). In particular, the invention provides genetic approaches and nucleic acids for the specific inhibition of KSR, particularly of KSR expression. The invention relates to antisense oligonucleotides and the expression of nucleic acid which is substantially complementary to KSR RNA. Oligonucleotide and nucleic acid compositions are provided. The invention provides methods to inhibit KSR, including inhibition of KSR expression. Methods for blocking gfRas mediated tumorigenesis, metastasis, and for cancer therapy are provided. Methods for conferring radiosensitivity to cells are also provided.
US08258107B2	Immunostimulatory method The present invention makes it possible to enhance steroid efficacy in a steroid refractory or dependent patient afflicted with an inflammatory condition not responding or responding poorly or inadequately to anti-inflammatory treatment, by administering an oligonucleotide having the sequence 5 5′-Xm-CG-Yn-3′ in an effective amount to said patient and wherein X is A, T, C or G, Y is A, T, C, or G, m=1-100, n=1-100 and wherein at least one CG dinucleotide is ummethylated. The invention also encompasses the use of said oligonucleotide for the manufacture of pharmaceuticals.
US08258099B2	Pin1-modulating compounds and methods of use thereof The invention is directed to peptide modulators of Pin1 and Pin1-related proteins and the use of such modulators for treatment of Pin1 associated states, e.g., for the treatment of cancer or neurodegenerative disease.
US08258098B2	Antitumoral treatments The present invention relates to combinations of aplidine or aplidine analogues with other titumoral agents, and the use of these combinations in the treatment of cancer, in particular in the treatment of lung cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, renal cancer, melanoma, multiple myeloma, leukemia and lymphoma.
US08258095B2	Method of controlling glycemia by ultrarapid acting insulin without adjusting an insulin dose for meal content Disclosed herein are improved methods of treating hyperglycemia with a combination of an ultrarapid acting insulin and insulin glargine comprising prandial administration of the ultrarapid insulin, and administration of a first dose of insulin glargine within 6 hours of waking for a day.
US08258091B2	Oil composition and cleansing cosmetic containing the oil composition An oil composition contains 1 to 50 percent by weight of a glycerol monoether compound represented by following Formula (1): R1O—(C3H6O2)n1—H (1) wherein R1 represents an alkyl or alkenyl group which may be substituted, and “n1” denotes a number of repeating glycerol units ranging from 1 to 3; and 1 to 50 percent by weight of a polyglycerol monoether compound represented by following Formula (2): R2O—(C3H6O2)n2—H (2) wherein R2 represents an alkyl or alkenyl group which may be substituted, and “n2” denotes a number of repeating glycerol units ranging from 4 to 20. The oil composition is usable as a foamable cleansing agent that is mild to the skin, exhibits superior detergency for removing oily cosmetics, and is usable even when the skin is wet.
US08258090B2	Fluorinated lubricants Fluorinated lubricants of formula: T-O-[A-B]z-[A-B′]z′-A-T′ (I) wherein: A=—(X)a—O-A′-(X′)b wherein A′ is a perfluoropolyether chain comprising units (CF2O), (CF2CF2O), (CF2CF2CF2O), (CF2CF2CF2CF2O); X, X′=—CF2—, —CF2CF2—; a, b=0 or 1; B derives from olefins, of which at least one homopolymerizable by radical route, of formula: —[(CR1R2—CR3R4)j(CR5R6—CR7R8)j′]— (Ia) wherein j=1-5, j′=0-4 and 2<(j+j′)<5; R1-R8=halogen, H, C1-C6 (per)haloalkyl, C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 oxy(per)-fluoroalkyl; z≧2; z′ is 0 or an integer; z, z′ are such that the number average molecular weight of the polymer of formula (I) is in the range 500-500,000; B′=(Ia) but at least one of R1-R8 has a meaning different than that in B and 2≦(j+j′)<5; T, T′=C1-C3 perfluoroalkyl, C1-C6 alkyl and compositions thereof.
US08258088B2	Lubricating grease composition The invention relates to lubricating grease compositions having a base oil mixture based on oils having viscosities (ISO VG 2 to ISO VG 1500) that are standard for industrial lubricants, an ionic liquid, a thickening agent, e.g., based on a polyurea compound and conventional additives that can be used at current service temperatures that are higher than 120° C. to 260° C., in particular at a service temperature in the region of high service temperatures that are higher than 180° C. to 260° C. and also at low temperatures as low as −60° C. The invention also relates to a method for producing said type of lubricating grease compositions.
US08258087B2	Lubricating oil composition for internal combustion engine A lubricating oil composition for an internal combustion engine. The lubricating oil composition includes: (A1) a lubricant base oil as a main component having a kinematic viscosity at 100 degree C. being 1 to 8 mm2/s, pour point being −15 degree C. or less, aniline point being 100 degree C. or more, paraffinic content in saturates being 40 mass % or more, monocyclic naphthenic content being 25 mass % or less, bicyclic to hexacyclic naphthenic content being 35 mass % or less, iodine number being 2 or less, and ratio of tertiary carbon to the total carbon atoms composing the (A1) being 6.3% or more. The total mass of the composition is: (B) 0.005 to 0.5 mass % of a metallic detergent as metal content; (C1) 0.005 to 0.2 mass % of a boron-containing succinimide ashless dispersant as boron content; and (D) 0.005 to 0.2 mass % of a metal salt of phosphorus-containing acid as phosphorus content.
US08258086B2	Anti-seize composition with nano-sized lubricating solid particles An anti-seize composition includes lubricating solids and at least one of a material selected from a grease and an oil. The lubricating solids include at least 15 weight percent of nano-sized lubricating solid particles. The nano-sized lubricating solid particles each have at least one dimension, on average, of less than 500 nm.
US08258085B2	Oil-well cement fluid loss additive compostion The present invention relates to compositions and use of fluidized polymer suspensions containing allyloxy linkage and its functional derivatives, and water soluble polymers for use in oil field applications as fluid additives for drilling and cementing processes.
US08258081B2	Use of C3 to C14 aliphatic aldehydes, ketones and primary and secondary C3 to C7 aliphatic alcohols to inhibit sprouting of potato tubers Compositions and methods for inhibiting the sprouting of potato tubers are provided. The compositions comprise C3 to C14 aliphatic aldehydes and ketones, and/or C3 to C7 primary and secondary aliphatic alcohols.
US08258078B2	Image receiver elements An image receiving element is a composite of multiple layers on a support including, in order, an extruded compliant layer, an aqueous-coated subbing layer, and an image receiving layer that may also be extruded. The extruded compliant layer is non-voided and comprises from about 10 to about 40 weight % of at least one elastomeric polymer. This image receiving element can be disposed on a support to form a thermal dye transfer receiver element, an electrophotographic image receiver element, or a thermal wax receiver element. Excellent adhesion is provided between the extruded compliant layer and the image receiving layer by means of the aqueous-coated subbing layer.
US08258073B2	Process for preparing improved mixed metal oxide ammoxidation catalysts A process for the preparation of a catalyst comprising bismuth, molybdenum, iron, cerium and other promoter elements, wherein the elements in said catalyst are combined together in an aqueous catalyst precursor slurry, the aqueous precursor slurry so obtained is dried to form a catalyst precursor, and the catalyst precursor is calcined to form said catalyst, the process comprising: (i) combining, in an aqueous solution, source compounds of Bi and Ce, and optionally one or more of Na, K, Rb, Cs, Ca, a rare earth element, Pb, W and Y, to form a mixture, (ii) adding a source compound of molybdenum to the mixture to react with the mixture and form a precipitate slurry, and (iii) combining the precipitate slurry with source compounds of the remaining elements and of the remaining molybdenum in the catalyst to form the aqueous catalyst precursor slurry.
US08258072B2	Catalyst for electrochemical reduction of oxygen The invention relates to a sulphide catalyst for electrochemical reduction of oxygen particularly stable in chemically aggressive environments such as chlorinated hydrochloric acid. The catalyst of the invention comprises a noble metal sulphide single crystalline phase supported on a conductive carbon essentially free of zerovalent metal and of metal oxide phases, obtainable by reduction of metal precursor salts and thio-precursors with a borohydride or other strong reducing agent.
US08258070B2	Engine exhaust catalysts containing palladium-gold An emission control catalyst that exhibits improved CO and HC reduction performance includes supported precious group metal catalysts that are coated onto different layers of the substrate for the emission control catalyst. Zeolites of one or more types are added to the emission control catalyst as a hydrocarbon absorbing component to boost the low temperature performance of the emission control catalyst. Y zeolite is used by itself or mixed with other zeolites to enhance hydrocarbon storage at low temperatures.
US08258067B2	Treated nonwoven fabrics and window shades incorporating same A nonwoven fabric treated to provide pleat retention, static control, stain-resistance, and antimicrobial efficacy for a window shade application. The stain-resistant finish does not significantly interfere with the subsequent printing, as well as the pleating and gluing of the nonwoven fabric into a window shade. A test method to determine the degree of stain resistance to common household products is also described.
US08258066B2	Cleaning device This invention relates to a cleaning device comprising a cleaning composition and a substrate. The cleaning composition comprises an absorbent particulate, a binding agent, and optionally, a thickening agent. The cleaning composition may be applied to a substrate, such as a textile substrate, by applying the composition to at least one portion of the surface of the substrate or by incorporating the composition throughout the substrate. The absorbent particulate generally exhibits a high affinity for particles, color, grease, oil, and other staining materials and is a soft material which allows for gentle cleaning of most surfaces without detrimentally abrading and scratching soiled surfaces. The absorbent particulate also serves as an indicator providing a visual cue of its cleaning efficacy and may be used in either a wet or dry state.
US08258065B2	Passive elements, articles, packages, semiconductor composites, and methods of manufacturing same Systems and methods associated with semiconductor articles are disclosed, including forming a first layer of material on a substrate, etching trenches within regions defining a passive element in the first layer, forming metal regions on sidewalls of the trenches, and forming a region of dielectric or polymer material over or in the substrate. Moreover, an exemplary method may also include forming areas of metal regions on the sidewalls of the trenches such that planar strip portions of the areas form electrically conductive regions of the passive element(s) that are aligned substantially perpendicularly with respect to a primary plane of the substrate. Other exemplary embodiments may comprise various articles or methods including capacitive and/or inductive aspects, Titanium- and/or Tantalum-based resistive aspects, products, products by processes, packages and composites consistent with one or more aspects of the innovations set forth herein.
US08258059B2	High voltage-resistant semiconductor device and method of manufacturing high voltage-resistant semiconductor device High voltage-resistant semiconductor devices adapted to control threshold voltage by utilizing threshold voltage variation caused by plasma damage resulting from the formation of multilayer wiring, and a manufacturing method thereof. Exemplary high voltage-resistant semiconductor devices include a plurality of MOS transistors having gate insulating films not less than about 350 Å in thickness on a silicon substrate, and the MOS transistors have different area ratios between gate electrode-gate insulating film contact areas and total opening areas of contacts formed on the gate electrodes.
US08258058B2	Methods of forming metal patterns in openings in semiconductor devices A method of forming a semiconductor device is disclosed. A dielectric layer having a opening therein is formed on a semiconductor substrate. An inner surface of the opening is treated by plasma. A barrier metal layer is formed on the plasma-treated inner surface of the opening. A seed layer is formed on the barrier metal layer. A metal bulk layer is formed on the seed layer. High quality semiconductor devices can be fabricated by using these methods, which may stably fill the opening formed in the dielectric layer.
US08258050B2	Method of making light trapping crystalline structures A method of making a crystalline semiconductor structure provides a photonic device by employing low thermal budget annealing process. The method includes annealing a non-single crystal semiconductor film formed on a substrate to form a polycrystalline layer that includes a transition region adjacent to a surface of the film and a relatively thicker columnar region between the transition region and the substrate. The transition region includes small grains with random grain boundaries. The columnar region includes relatively larger columnar grains with substantially parallel grain boundaries that are substantially perpendicular to the substrate. The method further includes etching the surface to expose the columnar region having an irregular serrated surface.
US08258047B2	Nanostructures, methods of depositing nanostructures and devices incorporating the same A method for depositing nanowires is disclosed. The method includes depositing multiple nanowires onto a surface of a liquid. The method also includes partially compressing the nanowires. The method also includes dipping a substrate into the liquid. The method further includes pulling the substrate out of the liquid at a controlled speed. The method also includes transferring the nanowires onto the substrate parallel to a direction of the pulling.
US08258040B2	Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same It is disclosed a semiconductor device including a silicon substrate, provided with a plurality of cell active regions in a call region, an element isolation groove, formed in a portion, between any two of the plurality of cell active region, of the silicon substrate, a capacitor dielectric film, formed in the element isolation groove, a capacitor upper electrode, formed on the capacitor dielectric film, and configuring a capacitor together with the silicon substrate and the capacitor dielectric film. The semiconductor device is characterized in that a dummy active region is provided next to the cell region in the silicon substrate.
US08258039B2	Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof A manufacturing method of a semiconductor device includes: forming a wiring in a first interlayer insulating layer in a first region; etching an surface portion of the first interlayer insulating layer in a second region; forming a plurality of opening portions extended below in the etched region; and forming a lower electrode layer, a dielectric layer, and a common upper electrode in each of the plurality of opening portions to form a plurality of capacitance portions. The step of forming the plurality of capacitance portions, includes: forming the common upper electrode so that an upper surface of the first interlayer insulating layer and an upper surface of the common upper electrode approximately lie in the same plane.
US08258037B2	Nanopillar decoupling capacitor Techniques for incorporating nanotechnology into decoupling capacitor designs are provided. In one aspect, a decoupling capacitor is provided. The decoupling capacitor comprises a first electrode; an intermediate layer adjacent to the first electrode having a plurality of nanochannels therein; a conformal dielectric layer formed over the intermediate layer and lining the nanochannels; and a second electrode at least a portion of which is formed from an array of nanopillars that fill the nanochannels in the intermediate layer. Methods for fabricating the decoupling capacitor are also provided, as are semiconductor devices incorporating the decoupling capacitor design.
US08258035B2	Method to improve source/drain parasitics in vertical devices A method for making a transistor is provided which comprises (a) providing a semiconductor structure having a gate (211) overlying a semiconductor layer (203), and having at least one spacer structure (213) disposed adjacent to said gate; (b) removing a portion of the semiconductor structure adjacent to the spacer structure, thereby exposing a portion (215) of the semiconductor structure which underlies the spacer structure; and (c) subjecting the exposed portion of the semiconductor structure to an angled implant (253, 254).
US08258032B2	Power semiconductor devices and methods for manufacturing the same A power semiconductor device that realizes high-speed turnoff and soft switching at the same time has an n-type main semiconductor layer that includes lightly doped n-type semiconductor layers and extremely lightly doped n-type semiconductor layers arranged alternately and repeatedly between a p-type channel layer and an n+-type field stop layer, in a direction parallel to the first major surface of the n-type main semiconductor layer. A substrate used for manufacturing the semiconductor device is fabricated by forming trenches in an n-type main semiconductor layer 1 and performing ion implantation and subsequent heat treatment to form an n+-type field stop layer in the bottom of the trenches. The trenches are then filled with a semiconductor doped more lightly than the n-type main semiconductor layer for forming extremely lightly doped n-type semiconductor layers. The manufacturing method is applicable with variations to various power semiconductor devices such as IGBT's, MOSFET's and PIN diodes.
US08258026B2	Fabrication of semiconductor architecture having field-effect transistors especially suitable for analog applications An insulated-gate field-effect transistor (220U) is provided with an empty-well region for achieving high performance. The concentration of the body dopant reaches a maximum at a subsurface location no more than 10 times deeper below the upper semiconductor surface than the depth of one of a pair of source/drain zones (262 and 264), decreases by at least a factor of 10 in moving from the subsurface location along a selected vertical line (136U) through that source/drain zone to the upper semiconductor surface, and has a logarithm that decreases substantially monotonically and substantially inflectionlessly in moving from the subsurface location along the vertical line to that source/drain zone. Each source/drain zone has a main portion (262M or 264M) and a more lightly doped lateral extension (262E or 264E). Alternatively or additionally, a more heavily doped pocket portion (280) of the body material extends along one of the source/drain zones.
US08258021B2	Protecting semiconducting oxides In transistor structures such as thin film transistors (TFTs) in an array of cells, a layer of semiconducting oxide material that includes a channel is protected by a protective layer that includes low-temperature encapsulant material. The semiconducting oxide material can be a transition metal oxide material such as zinc oxide, and can be in an active layered substructure that also includes channel end electrodes. The low-temperature encapsulant can, for example, be an organic polymer such as poly(methyl methacrylate) or parylene, deposited on an exposed region of the oxide layer such as by spinning, spin-casting, evaporation, or vacuum deposition or an inorganic polymer deposited such as by spinning or liquid deposition. The protective layer can include a lower sublayer of low-temperature encapsulant on the exposed region and an upper sublayer of inorganic material on the lower sublayer. For roll-to-roll processing, a mechanically flexible, low-temperature substrate can be used.
US08258016B2	Semiconductor package having increased resistance to electrostatic discharge Embodiments of the invention include a semiconductor integrated circuit package that includes a substrate having an integrated circuit die attached thereto. The package includes a ESD shield attached to the substrate. The ESD shield configured to increase the ESD hardness of the package. The ESD shield can further serve to stiffen the package to prevent warping and operate as a heat spreader.
US08258014B2	Method of manufacturing a power transistor module and package with integrated bus bar According to an embodiment of a method of manufacturing a power transistor module, the method includes mechanically fastening a first terminal, a second terminal and at least two different DC bias terminals to an electrically conductive flange; connecting the flange to a source of a power transistor device; electrically connecting the first terminal to a gate of the power transistor device; electrically connecting the second terminal to a drain of the power transistor device; mechanically fastening a bus bar to the flange which extends between and connects the DC bias terminals; and electrically connecting the bus bar to the drain via one or more RF grounded connections.
US08258007B2	Package process A package structure and a package process are proposed in using pillar bumps to connect an upper second chip and through silicon vias of a lower first chip, wherein a gap between the first chip and the second chip can be controlled by adjusting a height of the pillar bumps. In other words, the pillar bumps compensate the height difference between the first chip and a molding compound surrounding the first chip so as to ensure the bondibility between the pillar bumps and the corresponding through silicon vias and improve the process yield. Furthermore, the pillar bumps maintain the gap between the second chip and the molding compound for allowing an underfill being properly filled into the space between the first chip and the second chip.
US08258005B2	Method of making a semiconductor device having a conductive particle on an electric pad A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming an electrode pad in a surface layer of an insulating layer; disposing a conductive particle, of which at least a portion of the surface is coated with a thermoplastic resin, over the electrode pad; and fixing the conductive particle over the electrode pad using the resin, by heating the resin to soften the resin, and then cooling and solidifying the resin after the conductive particle and the electrode pad are electrically connected to each other, to form the conductive particle as an external connection terminal.
US08258001B2	Method and apparatus for forming copper indium gallium chalcogenide layers A multilayer structure to form absorber layers for solar cells. The multilayer structure includes a base comprising a contact layer on a substrate layer, a first layer on the contact layer, and a metallic layer on the first layer. The first layer includes an indium-gallium-selenide film and the gallium to indium molar ratio of the indium-gallium-selenide film is in the range of 0 to 0.8. The metallic layer includes gallium and indium without selenium. Additional selenium is deposited onto the metallic layer before annealing the structure for forming an absorber.
US08258000B2	Bulk sodium species treatment of thin film photovoltaic cell and manufacturing method A method for forming a thin film photovoltaic device is provided. The method includes providing a transparent substrate comprising a surface region. A first electrode layer is formed overlying the surface region. A chalcopyrite material is formed overlying the first electrode layer. In a specific embodiment, the chalcopyrite material comprises a copper poor copper indium disulfide region. The copper poor copper indium disulfide region having an atomic ratio of Cu:In of about 0.95 and less. The method includes compensating the copper poor copper indium disulfide region using a sodium species to cause the chalcopyrite material to change from an n-type characteristic to a p-type characteristic. The method includes forming a window layer overlying the chalcopyrite material and forming a second electrode layer overlying the window layer.
US08257999B2	Method of zinc oxide film grown on the epitaxial lateral overgrowth gallium nitride template A growth method is proposed for high quality zinc oxide comprising the following steps: (1) growing a gallium nitride layer on a sapphire substrate around a temperature of 1000° C.; (2) patterning a SiO2 mask into stripes oriented in the gallium nitride <1 100> or <11 20> direction; (3) growing epitaxial lateral overgrowth of (ELO) gallium nitride layers by controlling the facet planes via choosing the growth temperature and the reactor; (4) depositing zinc oxide films on facets ELO gallium nitride templates by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Zinc oxide crystal of high quality with a reduced number of crystal defects can be grown on a gallium nitride template. This method can be used to fabricate zinc oxide films with low dislocation density lower than 104/cm−2, which will find important applications in future electronic and optoelectronic devices.
US08257996B2	Method of fabricating a radiation detector The present invention relates to a method of fabricating a radiation detector comprising a photosensitive sensor assembly (1, 4), a scintillator (6) that converts the radiation into radiation to which the photosensitive sensor assembly (1, 4) is sensitive, the scintillator (6) being fastened by adhesive bonding to the sensor assembly, the sensor assembly comprising a substrate (4) and several attached sensors (1), the sensors (1) each having two faces (11, 12), a first face (11) of which is bonded to the substrate (4) and a second face (12) of which is bonded to the scintillator (6). The method consists in linking the following operations: the sensors (1) are deposited via their second face (12) on an adhesive film (13); and the sensors (1) are bonded via their first face (11) to the substrate (4).
US08257994B2	Method for manufacturing solar cell by forming a high concentration P-type impurity diffusion layer The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a solar cell, including: diffusing p type impurity into at least a portion of a first surface, which is one surface of a silicon substrate, to form a high concentration p type impurity diffusion layer; and etching one of the first surface of the silicon substrate and a second surface of the silicon substrate opposite to the first surface, using as a mask at least one of the high concentration p type impurity diffusion layer and a film formed on the high concentration p type impurity diffusion layer upon forming the high concentration p type impurity diffusion layer.
US08257991B1	Process for manufacturing shell membrane force and deflection sensor A sensor for force is formed from an elastomeric cylinder having a region with apertures. The apertures have passageways formed between them, and an optical fiber is introduced into these passageways, where the optical fiber has a grating for measurement of tension positioned in the passageways between apertures. Optionally, a temperature measurement sensor is placed in or around the elastomer for temperature correction, and if required, a copper film may be deposited in the elastomer for reduced sensitivity to spot temperature variations in the elastomer near the sensors.
US08257990B2	Hybrid silicon vertical cavity laser with in-plane coupling A silicon vertical cavity laser with in-plane coupling comprises wafer bonding an active III-V semiconductor material above a grating coupler made on a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer. This bonding does not require any alignment, since all silicon processing can be done before bonding, and all III-V processing can be done after bonding. The grating coupler acts to couple the vertically emitted light from the hybrid vertical cavity into a silicon waveguide formed on an SOI wafer.
US08257989B2	Contact for a semiconductor light emitting device A semiconductor structure includes a light emitting layer disposed between an n-type region and a p-type region. A p-electrode is disposed on a portion of the p-type region. The p-electrode includes a reflective first material in direct contact with a first portion of the p-type region and a second material in direct contact with a second portion of the p-type region adjacent to the first portion. The first material and second material are formed in planar layers of substantially the same thickness.
US08257988B1	Method of making light emitting diodes A method of making a light emitting diode (LED) having an optical element is provided, comprising: providing a curable liquid polysiloxane/TiO2 composite, which exhibits a refractive index of >1.61 to 1.7 and which is a liquid at room temperature and atmospheric pressure; providing a semiconductor light emitting diode die having a face, wherein the semiconductor light emitting diode die emits light through the face; contacting the semiconductor light emitting diode die with the curable liquid polysiloxane/TiO2 composite; and, curing the curable liquid polysiloxane/TiO2 composite to form an optical element; wherein at least a portion of the optical element is adjacent to the face.
US08257984B2	Ferroelectric capacitor and method of manufacturing the same A ferroelectric capacitor and a method of manufacturing the same are provided, wherein the ferroelectric capacitor of a semiconductor device, which sequentially includes a lower electrode, a ferroelectric layer, and an upper electrode on a conductive layer connected to a transistor formed on a semiconductor substrate, includes an oxidation preventing layer between the conductive layer and the lower electrode. The oxidation preventing layer prevents the conductive layer from being oxidized during high-temperature heat treatment of the ferroelectric layer. Accordingly, the oxidation resistivity of the interfaces of the conductive layer, used as a storage node, and the lower electrode, which faces the conductive layer, increases, so a temperature at which a ferroelectric thin layer is formed can be also increased. Consequently, a ferroelectric thin layer having excellent characteristics may be obtained.
US08257979B2	Method for characterizing the porosity in fuel cell electrodes A method for evaluating the composition of an MEA for a fuel cell. The method includes soaking the MEA in an unsaturated organic compound for a predetermined period of time, and then allowing the MEA to dry. The method then includes staining the MEA with osmium tetroxide (OsO4) in a closed container. The stained MEA is then encased in an epoxy. Thin sections of the encapsulated MEA are then prepared, and the sections are viewed through a transmission electron microscope. The stained MEA will show dark regions where the ionomer and carbon particles are located and lighter regions that are epoxy filled pores.
US08257976B2	Monitoring of frying oil quality using combined optical interrogation methods and devices Herein are disclosed methods and devices for optically monitoring multiple parameters of an oil sample. In one embodiment, the methods and devices can be used for determining the quality of cooking or flying oil in terms of the free fatty acid content and total polar compound content of the oil. The methods use an optical absorbtive/reflective property in evaluating the free fatty acid content, and use optical fluorescence in evaluating the total polar compound content, with both measurements using a single sampling substrate and a single measuring device.
US08257975B2	Marker dyes for petroleum products The present invention relates to using a marker in a functional fluid, which survives the use of the functional fluid in an application, with a reagent solution to identify the functional fluid rapidly either before, during or after the functional fluid's use and which is a suitable method for identifying a functional fluid in the field, and which may employ the use of test wipe, or medium, that contains the reagent solution.
US08257973B2	Method for co-culture of human embryonic stem cells and fibroblast feeder cells using a polyester membrane The present invention relates to a method for co-culture of stem cells using feeder cells, more particularly to a method for culturing stem cells by using a membrane having a number of pores to separate stem cells and feeder cells. In the present invention, the culture condition of stem cells optimized is provided, in which stem cells and feeder cells are cultivated independently in separate spaces while permeating essential substances selectively. The stem cells prepared in the present invention continue to remain indifferent and be supported by feeder cells until needing being sub-cultured. In addition, the stem cells even for therapeutic use can be obtained without any contaminant since not pretreated with a cytostatic agent such as mitomycin or irradiated. Therefore, the method for co-culturing stem cells by using a membrane of the present invention can be widely used for clinical applications.
US08257971B2	In vitro tumor angiogenesis model Provided is a method of inducing tubulogenesis in normal endothelial cells comprising co-culturing the normal endothelial cells with tumor cells and forming tubules from the normal endothelial cells.
US08257970B2	Method for activating natural killer cells by tumor cell preparation in vitro The present invention provides a method for activating a Natural Killer (NK) cell by contacting the NK cell in vitro with an activating tumor cell preparation (ATCP). The invention also provides an activated NK cell produced by such a method and its use in the treatment of cancer.
US08257968B2	Method and apparatus for automatic staining of tissue samples The present invention concerns an apparatus (1) for staining tissue samples, said apparatus (1) including a reagent section (2) or reagent containers (3); at least one staining section or tissue samples, a robotic head (22) or robotic element (20) that may move reagent to a predetermined tissue sample, said robotic element (20) being moveable above the reagent and the staining sections, a control element (85) that may manage a staining process, a 2-D optical sensor (86) to detect two-dimensional image data of a relevant property and that can feed the captured image data to the control element (86). By providing the robotic element (20) with a 2-D optical sensor (86), a common image processor may be provided having multiple functions. By using a 2-D optical image processing system, the control system of the apparatus may easily be adapted to read various types of data presentations, just as actual images for sections of the apparatus may be identified in order to assess the condition of the apparatus. The optical sensor may be used to automatically identify the slides and the reagent containers present in the apparatus, just as the optical sensor may be used for checking if a slide is misplaced at or absent from a slide position, etc.
US08257957B2	Production of isoprenoids and isoprenoid precursors The present invention provides genetically modified host cells and use of same for producing isoprenoid compounds.
US08257953B2	Hyperthermophilic DNA polymerase and methods of preparation thereof The present invention relates to a hyperthermophilic DNA polymerase and a preparation method thereof. The invention provides a novel hyperthermophilic DNA polymerase isolated from a Thermococcus sp. strain, a functional equivalent thereof, a protein having the amino acid sequence thereof, and a preparation method thereof. The DNA polymerase according to the invention is a DNA polymerase, which is hyperthermophilic and has an elongation ability and fidelity higher than those of prior commercial DNA polymerases. Thus, the DNA polymerase according to the invention will be useful in precision analysis, precision diagnosis, identification and the like, which require accurate PCR.
US08257950B2	Bisulfite conversion of DNA The present invention provides an improved method for the bisulfite conversion of DNA, and facilitates the analysis of cytosine methylation of genomic DNA. Novel combinations of denaturing solvents, new reaction conditions and new purification methods provide surprisingly efficacious methods for bisulfite conversion of DNA relative to prior art methods. The converted DNA may subsequently be analyzed by many different methods.
US08257947B2	Extracellular matrix compositions produced under hypoxic culture conditions The present invention is directed to a method of producing compositions including embryonic proteins. The method includes culturing cells under hypoxic conditions on a biocompatible three-dimensional surface in vitro. The culturing method produces both soluble and non-soluble fractions, which may be used separately or in combination to obtain physiologically acceptable compositions useful in a variety of medical and therapeutic applications.
US08257944B2	Modified transketolase and use thereof The present invention relates to a improved process for the biotechnological production of compounds for which ribose-5-phosphate, ribulose-5-phosphate or xylulose-5-phosphate is biosynthetic precursor like riboflavin (vitamin B2), FAD, FMN, pyridoxal phosphate (vitamin B6), guanosine, GMP, adenosine, AMP. The invention further pertains to the generation of the organism producing those compounds. It furthermore relates to the generation of mutated transketolases that allow normal growth on glucose but reduced growth on gluconate when introduced into the production strains and to polynucleotides encoding them.
US08257932B2	Interfacing nanostructures to biological cells Disclosed herein are methods and materials by which nanostructures such as carbon nanotubes, nanorods, etc. are bound to lectins and/or polysaccharides and prepared for administration to cells. Also disclosed are complexes comprising glycosylated nanostructures, which bind selectively to cells expressing glycosylated surface molecules recognized by the lectin. Exemplified is a complex comprising a carbon nanotube functionalized with a lipid-like alkane, linked to a polymer bearing repeated α-N-acetylgalactosamine sugar groups. This complex is shown to selectively adhere to the surface of living cells, without toxicity. In the exemplified embodiment, adherence is mediated by a multivalent lectin, which binds both to the cells and the α-N-acetylgalactosamine groups on the nanostructure.
US08257929B2	Gene expression profiling of Parkinson's Disease The present invention identifies the changes in gene expression associated with Parkinson's Disease by examining multiregional gene expression from normal brain and brain of Parkinson's Disease. The present also identifies the changes in gene expression associated with Parkinson's Disease by examining the expression of genes from normal blood and from the blood of patients with Parkinson's Disease. In another aspect, the present invention identifies expression profiles which serve as useful diagnostic markers as well as markers that can be used to monitor disease states, disease progression, drug toxicity, drug efficacy and drug metabolism.
US08257926B2	Methods for detecting nucleic acid hybridization Chemically reactive carbocyanine dyes that are intramolecularly crosslinked between the 1-position and 3′-position, their bioconjugates and their uses are described. 1,3′-crosslinked carbocyanines are superior to those of conjugates of spectrally similar 1,1′-crosslinked or non-crosslinked dyes. The invention includes derivative compounds having one or more benzo nitrogens.
US08257922B2	Method of profiling gene expression in a subject having alzheimer's disease The present invention is directed to detection and measurement of gene transcripts in blood. Specifically provided is a RT-PCR analysis performed on a drop of blood for detecting, diagnosing and monitoring diseases using tissue-specific primers. The present invention also describes methods by which delineation of the sequence and/or quantitation of the expression levels of disease-associated genes allows for an immediate and accurate diagnostic/prognostic test for disease or to assess the effect of a particular treatment regimen.
US08257917B2	Salivary biomarkers for Sjögren's syndrome The present invention provides for the first time the identification of salivary protein and RNA factors that can be used in the detection of primary Sjögren's Syndrome. The present invention therefore provides methods of diagnosing and providing a prognosis for Sjögren's Syndrome, by examining relevant proteins (including certain autoantigens and autoantibodies) and RNA in a patient's saliva.
US08257915B2	Farnesyltransferase inhibitors for treatment of laminopathies, cellular aging and atherosclerosis Although it can be farnesylated, the mutant lamin A protein expressed in Hutchinson Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS) cannot be defarnesylated because the characteristic mutation causes deletion of a cleavage site necessary for binding the protease ZMPSTE24 and effecting defarnesylation. The result is an aberrant farnesylated protein (called “progerin”) that alters normal lamin A function as a dominant negative, as well as assuming its own aberrant function through its association with the nuclear membrane. The retention of farnesylation, and potentially other abnormal properties of progerin and other abnormal lamin gene protein products, produces disease. Farnesyltransferase inhibitors (FTIs) (both direct effectors and indirect inhibitors) will inhibit the formation of progerin, cause a decrease in lamin A protein, and/or an increase prelamin A protein. Decreasing the amount of aberrant protein improves cellular effects caused by and progerin expression. Similarly, treatment with FTIs should improve disease status in progeria and other laminopathies. In addition, elements of atherosclerosis and aging in non-laminopathy individuals will improve after treatment with farnesyltransferase inhibitors.
US08257913B2	Processing method of lithographic printing plate precursor A processing method of a lithographic printing plate precursor includes: exposing imagewise a lithographic printing plate precursor comprising a support on a surface of which at least one of: a hydrophilizing treatment; and an undercoat layer has been provided and an image-recording layer, to cure an exposed area of the image-recording layer; and undergoing developing processing with an aqueous solution having pH of from 2 to 10, wherein the aqueous solution comprises an amphoteric surfactant and an anionic surfactant selected from an anionic surfactant having an aliphatic chain and a total number of carbon atoms included in the aliphatic chain of 6 or more and an anionic surfactant having an aromatic ring and a total number of carbon atoms of 12 or more, and a content of the anionic surfactant is from 0.1 to 3.3% by weight of the aqueous solution.
US08257909B2	Method of manufacturing semiconductor device, and method of forming resist pattern The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device capable of highly detailed patterning using a resist pattern having smoothed wall surfaces and reduced roughness. The method includes the steps of: forming a resist pattern over a base layer; applying a resist pattern smoothing material onto a surface of the resist pattern, thereafter heating and developing; and etching the base layer using the smoothed resist pattern, wherein one of an application thickness and a heat temperature is adjusted so as to smooth at least wall surfaces of the resist pattern. Aspects in which a maximum opening dimension and a minimum opening dimension of the smoothed resist pattern are ±5% of a predetermined opening dimension D (nm), and an average opening dimension Dav. (nm) of the smoothed resist pattern satisfies Dav. (nm)≧D (nm)×(90/100), are preferable.
US08257900B2	Method for preparing toner, toner prepared by the method, and image forming apparatus using the toner A method for preparing a toner including primarily pulverizing a toner composition powder including at least a binder resin and a colorant using a mechanical pulverizer to prepare a first particulate material with a weight average particle diameter of 7 to 30 μm; secondarily pulverizing the first particulate material using a jet air pulverizer having a pulverization plate to prepare a second particulate material; and classifying the second particulate material in two steps to prepare particles of the toner with a weight average particle diameter of 2 to 6 μm and an average circularity of 0.93 to 0.96. A toner including toner particles including at least a binder resin and a colorant and prepared by the method. An image forming apparatus including an image bearing member configured to bear an electrostatic image thereon; and a developing device configured to develop the electrostatic image with a developer including the toner.
US08257896B2	Carrier A carrier which is capable of avoiding excess blocking of the carrier particles at the time of forming a covering layer and is excellent in durability, a developer containing the carrier, and a developer container containing the developer, as well as an image forming method and a process cartridge which use the developer are provided. A carrier including at least a core material particle and a covering layer, a surface of the core material particle being covered with the covering layer, wherein the covering layer contains a condensate which is obtained by condensation of a silicone resin having at least one of a silanol group and a functional group which can be converted to the silanol group by hydrolysis, using a titanium diisopropoxy bis(ethylaceto-acetate) catalyst.
US08257894B2	Toner having improved charge characteristics This invention provides a toner with improved charge and charge stability by suitable addition of extra particulate additives (EPA) such as aluminum cerium oxide and/or cerium zirconium oxide. The additives may be combined with toner in a conical mixer having selected temperature control. The invention also provides toner which may provide reduced print quality defects such as ghosting or residual image and fade-to-color.
US08257891B2	Electrophotographic photoconductor, process cartridge and image forming apparatus To provide an electrophotographic photoconductor including: a substrate; a charge generating layer; and a charge transporting layer, the charge generating layer and the charge transporting layer being disposed over the substrate, wherein the charge transporting layer contains a charge transporting material represented by General Formula (I) below and an additive represented by General Formula (II) below: where R1, R2 and R3 each independently denote any one of a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group which may contain a substituent, and an alkoxy group which may contain a substituent, where R4 and R5 each denote a tertiary butyl group, and R6 and R7 each independently denote one of an alkyl group which may contain a substituent, and an aryl group which may contain a substituent.
US08257888B2	Particle beam writing method, particle beam writing apparatus and maintenance method for same A first exposure dose for a shot area based upon layout data is determined. A correction dose compensating a dose deviation between a first point in time, at which a control unit configured to control a shot time period of a particle beam writing apparatus considers a charged particle beam as having reached a nominal current density, and a second point in time, at which the charged particle beam has actually reached a nominal current density, at a target substrate is determined.
US08257885B1	Recording reflection Bragg Gratings and apodizing reflection Bragg Gratings A system and method for producing a Bragg grating. A system and a method for apodization of gratings. The system and method for producing a grating include splitting a beam and reflecting one split beam an odd number of times and the other an even number of times before the two are allowed to interfere within a photosensitive target. When the original beam is scanned in predetermined directions, the split beams scan the target while interfering within the target. The original beam is scanned such that an intersection point of the reflected split beams moves along a bisector of the two split beams. In the system and method for apodizing, scanning of the interfering beams along a length of the target may be controlled to yield a substantially uniform average refractive index for the apodized grating that is being recorded in the photosensitive target medium.
US08257883B2	Durability for the MEA and bipolar plates in PEM fuel cells using hydrogen peroxide decomposition catalysts A fuel cell that employs a decomposition catalyst on one or more of the membrane, bipolar plates or diffusion media layers in the fuel cell that decomposes hydrogen peroxide, and thus reduces the generation of hydroxyl free radicals. In one embodiment, the decomposition catalyst is ruthenium oxide and is deposited on the structure by various processes, such as chemical vapor deposition process.
US08257881B2	Compliant feed region in stamped metal flowfield of a fuel cell plate to eliminate bias A fuel cell plate assembly is disclosed that comprises a first plate having a plurality of protuberances formed in a bottom of flow channels formed thereon, wherein the protuberances abut a bottom of flow channels formed on a second plate when the first plate and the second plate are disposed adjacent one another.
US08257880B2	Fuel cell and gas separator for fuel cell In at least one of flow distribution areas 35 provided on a separator 15, plurality of first projections 46 formed in a region corresponding to a first section (parted regions 32a and 32c) of a center area (including parted regions 32a through 32c) having a relatively high flow rate of a first fluid (refrigerant) are designed to have a larger diameter of a cross section than plurality of first projections 46 formed in a region corresponding to a second section (parted region 32b) of the center area having a relatively low flow rate of the first fluid. This arrangement effectively attains a substantially uniform flow rate distribution of a fluid in a fluid flow path formed on a separator, which is configured to have concavo-convex structures formed in a mutually reversed relation on two opposed sides thereof.
US08257878B2	Semi-passive type fuel cell system A semi-passive fuel cell system is provided. A stack in which a plurality of unit cells are laterally stacked with one another is provided. Each unit cell includes a membrane-electrode assembly and bipolar plates located on both sides of the membrane-electrode assembly. The membrane-electrode assembly includes an electrolyte membrane, a cathode electrode, and an anode electrode. The cathode and anode electrodes, respectively, are formed on each side of the electrolyte membrane. Also provided are a means for supplying fuel and a means for supplying air. Each of the bipolar plates has air paths formed on a surface facing the cathode electrode and extending from an upper end to a lower end of the bipolar plate. The air supply means includes ducts which are respectively installed on an upper end and a lower end of the stack, and includes a means for blowing air through the ducts.
US08257873B2	Fuel cell power generation system with valve on raw material gas supply passage and valve downstream of carbon monoxide decreasing unit, and method for operating fuel cell power generation system The fuel cell power generation system includes a fuel cell, a reformer, a carbon monoxide decreasing unit, a first raw material supply source, a first valve which is provided to a first raw material flow passage, a second valve which is provided downstream of the carbon monoxide decreasing unit, a second raw material supply source which supplies a raw material to the inside of a flow passage which is closed by the first valve and the second valve from downstream of the carbon monoxide decreasing unit, and a control unit which controls the first valve and the second valve, wherein the control unit, after the first valve and the second valve are closed, supplies the raw material fed from the second raw material supply source to the inside of the flow passage closed by the first valve and the second valve at the time of stopping the system.
US08257865B2	Electrode active material, electrode, lithium-ion secondary battery, method of making electrode active material, and method of making lithium-ion secondary battery The positive electrode active material in accordance with the present invention is used for a positive electrode for a lithium-ion secondary battery, includes Li, Mn, Ni, Co, and O atoms, and has a substantially halite type crystal structure. Specifically, it is preferably expressed by LiaMnbNicCodOe, where a is 0.85 to 1.1, b is 0.2 to 0.6, c is 0.2 to 0.6, d is 0.1 to 0.5, and e is 1 to 2 (the sum of b, c, and d being 1). Because of such composition and crystal structure, the positive electrode active material of the present invention reduces the amount of elution of the battery into the liquid electrolyte and enhances the stability at a high temperature.
US08257862B2	Alkaline storage battery Disclosed is an alkaline storage battery comprising a negative electrode, a positive electrode, a separator and an alkaline electrolyte solution in a package can. The negative electrode contains a hydrogen storage alloy represented by the following general formula: Ln1-xMgx(Ni1-yTy)z (wherein Ln represents at least one element selected from lanthanoid elements, Ca, Sr, Sc, Y, Ti, Zr and Hf; T represents at least one element selected from V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, Mn, Fe, Co, Al, Ga, Zn, Sn, In, Cu, Si, P and B; and 0
US08257858B2	Lithium ion secondary battery and method for forming negative electrode plate for lithium ion secondary battery An active material of silicon, tin or a compound containing silicon or tin is formed on a current collector of a negative electrode in form of a plurality of island regions so that the island regions are separated from one another. Furthermore, a conductive protective film is formed on the current collector so as to cover the island regions. The conductive protective film is formed so as to also cover exposed regions (space portions) of the current collector on which the island regions are not formed. Thus, expansion/shrink of the active region following charge/discharge can be absorbed by the conductive protective film formed in the space portions between the island regions. Also, adhesiveness of the active material with the current collector can be improved.
US08257856B2	Valve-regulated lead-acid battery and production method thereof To improve the penetration short-circuit resistance of a valve-regulated lead-acid battery. A mixed and scooped mat of glass fibers and organic fibers is used as a separator 3 of a battery comprising an electrode plate pack 4 obtained by inserting the separator 3 between a positive electrode plate 2 and a negative electrode plate 1 and housed in a container 5 and an electrolyte retained in the electrode plate pack 4 and the separator 3, wherein the separator is a mixed and scooped mat of glass fibers and organic fibers and the electrolyte is silica sol mixed with silica and silica sol is injected as the electrolyte.
US08257855B2	Prismatic battery module with scalable architecture A battery system including: a plurality of subunits each of which has a heatsink and a battery cell and two voltage terminals symmetrically positioned with respect to a centerline of that battery cell, wherein all of the battery cells are arranged so that their voltage terminals are aligned along two rows; a plurality of identical busbar supports equal in number to the plurality of subunits, each having two slots and mounted on a corresponding different one of the subunits with each of the terminals of the battery cell extending up through the two slots; and a plurality of bimetallic busbars, each one supported by a different corresponding subset of the busbar supports and electrically connected directly to either a first or second terminal of each of the battery cells of each of the modules on which those busbar supports are mounted.
US08257849B2	Winding electrode body, nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery, and method for manufacturing winding electrode body A winding electrode body is provided which includes a belt-shaped positive electrode, a belt-shaped negative electrode, and two belt-shaped separators. In the above winding electrode body, the two separators are laminated with the positive electrode and the negative electrode are wound in the state that positive electrode and the negative electrode are interleaved by the intermediate portions of the two separators in the longitudinal directions thereof, start edges of the two separators extending past the intermediate portions are disposed to face each other in a free edge state at a position at which the positive electrode and the negative electrode are not provided, and end edges of the two separators extending past the intermediate positions are disposed and fixed to each other at a position at which the positive electrode and the negative electrode are not provided.
US08257845B2	Magnetic recording medium utilizing a recording layer having more and less concentrated parts of a nonmagnetic element in an in-plane direction and a nonmagnetic layer Embodiments of the present invention help to produce discrete track media and bit patterned media having both excellent recording and reproducing performance and reliability. According to one embodiment, a manufacturing method forms a nonmagnetic layer mainly composed of the same element as a nonmagnetic element contained in magnetic recording layers and on the magnetic recording layers and a mask layer having apertures for forming more concentrated parts of the nonmagnetic element in the magnetic recording layers on the nonmagnetic layer. The method implants ions of the nonmagnetic element through the nonmagnetic layer masked by the mask layer to form the more concentrated parts of the nonmagnetic element in the magnetic recording layer.
US08257842B2	Zinc oxide-based multilayer structural body and its producing method A zinc oxide semiconductor has a zinc oxide-based laminated structure including two layers of a zinc oxide layer with a lattice volume of Va and a donor concentration of Na, and a zinc oxide or zinc oxide solid solution layer with a lattice volume of Vb and a donor concentration of Nb. The relationships of VaNb are satisfied. The layer with the lattice volume Va serves as a charge-supplying layer and the layer with the lattice volume Vb serves as a charge-receiving layer in the laminated structure. The charge is transferred from the layer serving as the charge-supplying layer to the layer serving as the charge-receiving layer even when no external electric field is applied to the laminated structure. A charge depletion layer is formed in the charge-supplying layer due to charge transfer from the charge-supplying layer to the charge-receiving layer.
US08257838B2	Organic electroluminescent device and platinum compound An organic electroluminescent device, which has a pair of electrodes, and at least one organic layer including a luminescent layer between the electrodes, wherein the organic layer contains at least one compound of formula (1): wherein Q11 are atoms for forming a nitrogen-containing hetero ring; Z11 to Z13 each independently represents CR, wherein R represents a substituent, CH or N; n11 is 0 or 1; M11 is a metal or boron ion that may further have a ligand(s); and a compound of formula (6): wherein R63 to R66 each is a hydrogen atom or a substituent; X61 to X64 and Z61 to Z66 each is CR, wherein R represents a substituent, CH or N.
US08257836B2	Di-substituted pyrenes for luminescent applications This invention relates to electroluminescent 4,9-di-substituted pyrenes that are useful in electroluminescent applications. It also relates to electronic devices in which the active layer includes such a pyrene composition.
US08257834B2	Process for joining stainless steel part and silicon nitride ceramic part and composite articles made by same A process for joining a stainless steel part and a silicon nitride ceramic part comprising: providing a stainless steel part, a SiN ceramic part, a Mo foil and a Fe foil; placing the SiN ceramic part, the Mo foil, the Fe foil, and the stainless steel part into a mold, the Mo foil and the Fe foil located between the SiN ceramic part and the stainless steel part, the Mo foil abutting the SiN ceramic part, the Fe foil abutting the stainless steel part and the Mo foil; placing the mold into a chamber of an hot press sintering device, heating the chamber and pressing the stainless steel part, the SiN ceramic part, the Mo foil, and the Fe foil at least until the stainless steel part, the SiN ceramic part, the Mo foil and the Fe foil form a integral composite article.
US08257829B2	Fluorescence material The present invention fluorescence material has a particle diameter of the crystal area defined as dc, and the scope of dc is: 150 nm≧dc≧10 nm. The coat of the outside of the fluorescence material has one sheet of coating medium at least. Of course, there is at least a geometrical etching layer on the particle of the fluorescence material. The above-described structures will promote the extraction efficiency of light.
US08257825B2	Polymer electrode membrane for fuel, and membrane-electrode assembly and fuel cell system comprising the same The present invention provides a polymer electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell, including a porous membrane including ceramic fibers crisscrossed in a network and pores formed by the ceramic fibers coalesced at intersection points, and a proton conductive polymer inside the pores.
US08257820B2	Circuit materials with improved bond, method of manufacture thereof, and articles formed therefrom A circuit subassembly, comprising: a conductive layer, a dielectric layer formed from a thermosetting composition, wherein the thermosetting composition comprises, based on the total weight of the thermosetting composition a polybutadiene or polyisoprene resin, about 30 to about 70 percent by weight of a magnesium hydroxide having less than about 1000 ppm of ionic contaminants, and about 5 to about 15 percent by weight of a nitrogen-containing compound, wherein the nitrogen-containing compound comprises at least about 15 weight percent of nitrogen; and an adhesive layer disposed between and in intimate contact with the conductive layer and the dielectric layer, wherein the adhesive comprises a poly(arylene ether), wherein the circuit subassembly has a UL-94 rating of at least V-1.
US08257819B2	Security element for safeguarding value-bearing documents The invention concerns a security element (1) and a value-bearing document safeguarded by such a security element. The security element (1) includes a strip-form multi-layer body (10) with a carrier film (11) and at least one decorative layer (12), as well as a first and a second adhesive layer (14, 15). The first adhesive layer (14) is provided on a first surface of the multi-layer body (10). The second adhesive layer (15) is provided on an opposite second surface of the multi-layer body. The security element has two or more first regions (21) in which the first adhesive layer (14) respectively covers the first surface of the multi-layer body and two or more second regions (22) in which the second but not the first surface of the multi-layer body is respectively covered by the second and the first adhesive layer respectively and in which a surface structure is respectively formed in the first surface. First and second regions (21, 22) are in this case arranged in mutually juxtaposed adjacent relationship.
US08257818B2	Apertured dusting wipe The present invention relates to a low oil and basis weight, apertured dusting wipe exhibiting improved particulate pick up performance.
US08257816B2	Signage construction method and apparatus A sign (20) for viewing by persons in a traffic area accessible by the random passage of persons through the area, the sign (20) including a label (22) formed of a thin layer of plastic material upon which the subject matter of the desired sign is printed. A planar substrate (24) of molded material is fused to the label (22). The planar substrate (24) includes a mounting feature (26) adapted to secure the sign (20) to a second object. During manufacture, an injection device (46) and ejector system (50) are associated with a first sign mold portion, a label is placed in a second sign mold portion, the first and second sign mold portions are closed together during injection, and the previously formed sign is removed from the first sign mold portion via the ejector system (50) prior to closing the mold portions together.
US08257807B2	Double-layer container and method for making the same A double-layer container includes an outer layer and an inner layer, both of which are formed by molding. The outer layer includes a 3-D pattern. The 3-D pattern has at least two pattern units each having at least one first groove which communicates with at least one through hole. The through hole is defined through the outer layer. At least one first slot is defined between the pattern units. The inner layer is fixed to an inner surface of the outer layer and the material of the inner layer is filled in the first groove via the through hole to form a first decoration portion.
US08257797B2	Silicone composition and process that is useful for improving the tear strength and the combing strength of an inflatable bag for protecting an occupant of a vehicle The general field of the invention is that of airbags. The invention relates to a process for improving the tear strength and the combing strength of coated fabrics intended for uses in the field of inflatable bags using a silicone composition comprising an additive containing a polyorganosiloxane resin (V) and a calcium carbonate. After coating the composition onto the fabric supports and curing, the coated supports not only have optimum adhesion and crease resistance properties, but also have good properties in terms of combing strength and tear strength.
US08257796B2	Amine functional adducts and curable compositions comprising same A process for applying a coating to a substrate and broadcasting solid decorative or protective materials onto the liquid surface of the coating before it completely cures or dries, wherein the coating is a multi-component curable composition which is reactive upon admixing of the components and wherein the composition comprises at least a first amine functional adduct and at least one compound reactive with amines.
US08257794B2	Capillary coating devices and methods A discontinuous capillary coating device is disclosed. A discontinuous capillary coating device. At least one capillary tube is filled with a coating material. At least one coating substrate receives a liquid coating film. At least one capillary tube holder holds the capillary tube, guiding movement of the capillary tube. At least one traversing mechanism drives the capillary tube holder or coating substrate to move.
US08257791B2	Process of manufacturing a wood fiberboard, in particular floor panels A wood fiberboard, in particular floor panel, includes an HDF support board with a top side and an underside, the top side having a decoration, preferably a wood or tile decoration, is distinguished in that the decoration is printed directly onto the top side of the support board and is covered by at least one layer of a transparent synthetic resin.
US08257788B2	Nanostructured layer and fabrication methods Nanostructured layers with 10 nm to 50 nm pores spaced 10-50 nm apart, a method for making such nanostructured layers, optoelectronic devices having such nanostructured layers and uses for such nanostructured layers are disclosed. The nanostructured layer can be formed using precursor sol, which generally includes one or more covalent metal complexes, one or more surfactants, a solvent, one or more optional condensation inhibitors, and (optionally) water. Evaporating the solvent from the precursor sol forms a surfactant-templated film. Covalently crosslinking the surfactant-templated film forms a nanostructured porous layer. Pore size is controlled, e.g., by appropriate solvent concentration, choice of surfactant, use of chelating agents, use of swelling agents or combinations of these.
US08257787B2	Method of using a carrier sheet in a continuous high internal phase emulsion foam forming process A method for continuous High Internal Phase Emulsion (HIPE) foam production. A HIPE is produced then extruded onto a carrier sheet positioned on a belt surface.
US08257785B2	Producing composite nanoparticles A method for producing a composite nanoparticle, including the steps of: changing the conformation of a dissolved polyelectrolyte polymer from a first extended conformation to a more compact conformation by changing a solution condition so that at least a portion of the polyelectrolyte polymer is associated with a precursor moiety to form a composite precursor moiety with a mean diameter in the range between about 1 nm and about 100 nm; and cross-linking the polyelectrolyte polymer of the composite precursor moiety to form a composite nanoparticle.
US08257784B2	Methods for identifying articles of manufacture In one embodiment, a method for identifying an article of manufacture may include: producing a plurality of multilayer photonic structures, wherein each of the plurality of multilayer photonic structures has a unique intensity profile; incorporating one of the plurality of multilayer photonic structures that produces the unique intensity profile into a coating; and generating an electronic code corresponding to the unique intensity profile of one of the plurality of multilayer photonic structures.
US08257782B2	Electrical cable for high voltage direct current transmission, and insulating composition Cable for high voltage direct current transmission having at least one conductor and at least one extruded insulating layer consisting of a polymeric composition of a polyethylene and at least one unsaturated fatty acid. Insulating composition having a polyethylene and at least one unsaturated fatty acid.
US08257779B2	Viscous material noncontact jetting system A viscous material noncontact jetting system has a jetting dispenser mounted for relative motion with respect to a surface. A control is operable to cause the jetting dispenser to jet a viscous material droplet that is applied to the surface as a viscous material dot. A device, such as a camera or weigh scale, is connected to the control and provides a feedback signal representing a size-related physical characteristic of the dot applied to the surface. The size-related physical characteristics of subsequently applied dots is controlled by heating and cooling, or adjusting a piston stroke in the jetting dispenser, in response to the size-related physical characteristic feedback. Dispensed material volume control and velocity offset compensation are also provided.
US08257777B2	Photoresist coating to apply a coating to select areas of a medical device Methods and devices for coating a medical device, such as a stent, including the steps of coating the medical device with a photoresist polymeric coating, irradiating a portion of the medical device, optionally applying a post-exposure bake step, and removing all or a portion of the coating from the irradiated portion of the medical device, if a positive photoresist coating material is used, or from a portion of the medical device not exposed to the radiation, if a negative photoresist coating material is used. The photoresist polymeric coating may optionally include a drug.
US08257775B2	Molded products based upon textured vegetable protein A molded animal chew toy or pet treat that is formed by molding of textured vegetable protein (TVP). The TVP may include fibrous material and may be combined with a resin (binder) and a plasticizer and formed by a heating molding machine, such as an injection molding or extrusion operation. The resin and plasticizer content may be selected to optimize the molding process.
US08257773B2	Cereal bars containing inulin and their methods of manufacture A cereal bar comprising identifiable ready-to-eat (RTE) cereal pieces; and a carbohydrate binder combined with the cereal pieces, wherein the carbohydrate binder contains inulin is provided. In one embodiment, the cereal bar comprises added protein. A method of making a cereal bar is also provided.
US08257763B2	Process for manufacture of feed for aquaculture species The present invention comprises a process for producing a feed and a feed product from proteins like fish meal, soybean meal, rape meal, feather meal etc, binders like wheat, starch containing sources etc, lipids being of marine and/or vegetable origin and containing at least one of the conventional additives like minerals, vitamins, enzymes and pigments like astaxanthin. A storage stable intermediate product is manufactured by mixing the protein material with binders and possibly also the minerals which then are extruded, pelletized, granulated and formed into porous pellets suitable for transport or storage. The intermediate product is further processed by introducing a gel containing water and lipids or an emulsion containing water and lipids into the pores in a vacuum chamber, and where vitamins and possibly pigments and enzymes have been mixed with the gel or emulsion prior to introduction to the vacuum chamber, and that the vacuum is released from said chamber and the thus produced feed is transferred to storage or directly to the consumption site, like a fish farm. The new feature of the feed product is that the major part of the water and lipids are present in the form of a gel or emulsion in the pores of an intermediate product containing the proteins, minerals and minor amounts of water and lipids.
US08257761B2	Polyphenol-containing products Fermentation product for adding to a food product, a food supplement or a diabetic food supplement. The product is obtained by fermentation of a medium containing pomegranate juice wherein the yeast Saccharomyces boulardii and Lactobacillus plantarum are used for the fermentation. The fermentation product contains 0.25% to 4% of one or more polyphenols, relative to the total weight of the ferment at the end of the fermentation process and before any optional other transformation, and the sugar content of the fermentation product, measured as percentage of glucose and of fructose, amounts to a maximum of 2% relative to the total weight of the ferment after the end of the fermentation process and before any optional other transformation.
US08257758B2	Process for the extraction, purification and enzymatic modification of soy 7S globulin alpha' subunit for use as hypocholesterolemizing agent A purified amino-terminal polypeptide fragment of the soy β-conglycinin α′ subunit is prepared by selective extraction of defatted soy with an aqueous solution of sodium bisulfite, precipitation with ethanol, and Metal Affinity Chromatography (MAC) under denaturing conditions to obtain the α′ subunit. The α′ subunit is then enzymatically treated with chymotrypsin and subjected to further MAC to recover the amino-terminal fragment of the polypeptide (MW 28,000 Da).
US08257757B1	Rodent control composition An environmentally safe rodent control composition for exterminating rodents such as mice and rats without the use of chemicals. The rodent control composition generally includes an attractant base, a digestive upset catalyst such as oleander leaves, a coma catalyst such as lily flowers, a paralysis catalyst such as water hemlock roots and a cardiac arrest catalyst such as lily of valley berries. The attractant base is generally comprised of materials which attract a rodent to the present invention and encourage a rodent to ingest the same. The attractant base may be comprised of such materials as peanut butter, mixed bird seed, mixed grains and the like. A rodent will generally die within 12-36 hours after ingestion of the present composition, which does not include any chemicals or additives which are damaging to the environment.
US08257756B2	Black soybean hull extract, method for obtaining, and use thereof Methods for preparing black soybean hull extracts and uses thereof. The methods can comprise: (1) extracting crushed black soybean hull with aqueous solution containing enzyme and filtering the extracted liquid; (2) ultrafiltration of the extract liquid with an ultrafiltration membrane; (3) absorbing the ultrafiltration liquid with an absorption resin or an ion exchange resin, and elution with ethanol to obtain purified extract liquid; (4) concentrating the purified extract liquid under vacuum; (5) spray drying the concentrated liquid. The extract can contain: 10-45% of cyanidin, 10-25% of catechin, and 40-80% of OPC, and with a total polyphenol content as high as 70-100%. The extract can be used for preparing drugs or food containing antioxidants, or used for improving metabolic syndrome or eyesight.
US08257751B2	Composition for the cosmetic treatment of age-related dermatological symptoms A composition comprising an extract of a deep sea fish; and an extract of rooibos aspalathus linearis); and optionally an extract of bearberry (arctostaphylos uva-ursi) as active components thereof; and optionally one or more fillers or ancillary agents conventionally used in the formulation of compositions is provided. Upon administration, the composition has beneficial effect in relation to the cosmetic treatment of age-related dermatological symptoms, such as wrinkled and/or aged skin as well as hair loss.
US08257747B2	Method to treat propolis A method to treat propolis includes conducting at least one first extraction of propolis performed on a batch of raw propolis with a first pure solvent to obtain a first extract having first properties. A second extraction may be performed with a second different pure solvent on the filtration residues obtained after the first extraction, so as to collect and make usable the entirety of the components of propolis using organic solvents only; and finally the method may include a third extraction following after the second extraction, performed on the filtration residues obtained after this second extraction, using a third pure solvent different from the two others; the first solvent then being water, the second being alcohol and the third being oil. The method applies to the production of extracts of propolis for use in the manufacture of hygiene, care, cosmetic products, food products and food supplements.
US08257743B2	Multi-functional nanoparticles partially-deposited with gold film Disclosed herein are multifunctional nanoparticles, comprising: polymer nanoparticles formed by loading a drug into a polymer; a gold thin film deposited on a portion of the surface of the polymer nanoparticles; and an antibody to a substance expressed on the surface of a cell to which the drug is to be delivered, the antibody being conjugated to the gold thin film. Also disclosed is a method for preparing multifunctional nanoparticles, the method comprising the steps of: loading a drug into a polymer to prepare polymer nanoparticles; depositing a portion of the surface of the polymer nanoparticles with a gold thin film; conjugating to the gold thin film an antibody to a substance expressed on the surface of a cell to which the drug is to be delivered; and separating from the resulting nanoparticles those in which a portion of the surface of the polymer nanoparticles is deposited with the gold thin film and conjugated with the antibody. Furthermore, disclosed are a composition containing the multifunctional nanoparticles and a method for diagnosing and treating disease using the composition.
US08257735B2	Method of increasing the bioavailability of recombinant human insulin isophane in a patient The instant invention is drawn to a hepatocyte targeted composition comprising a mixture of free recombinant human insulin isophane and free Recombinant human regular insulin insulin and a mixture of recombinant human insulin isophane and Recombinant human regular insulin insulin associated with a water insoluble target molecule complex, wherein the complex comprises multiple linked individual units and a supra-molecular lipid construct matrix. Recombinant human insulin isophane and Recombinant human regular insulin insulin are present within the complex in at least one form wherein the recombinant human insulin isophane and Recombinant human regular insulin insulin have regions of positive charge which interacts with a negative charge on the complex. The invention also includes methods for the manufacture of the composition and methods of managing blood glucose levels in individuals with Type I and Type II diabetes.
US08257732B2	Clay-based hemostatic agents and devices for the delivery thereof A device for promoting the clotting of blood comprises a clay material in particle form and a receptacle for containing the clay material. At least a portion of the receptacle is defined by a mesh. Another device comprises a gauze substrate and a clay material disposed on the gauze substrate. Another device is a bandage comprising a substrate, a mesh mounted on the substrate, and particles of a clay material retained in the mesh. A hemostatic sponge comprises a substrate, a hemostatic material disposed on a first surface of the substrate, and a release agent disposed on a second surface of the substrate. The release agent is disposed on the wound-contacting surface of the substrate. When treating a bleeding wound, application of the hemostatic sponge causes at least a portion of the hemostatic material to come into contact with blood through the release agent and through the substrate.
US08257729B2	Implants with membrane diffusion-controlled release of active ingredient An implant for implantation in a human or animal body having a structure comprising a) an implant base body; b) a primer layer which is partially or completely applied to the surface of the implant; c) an active ingredient layer consisting of one, two, three or more active ingredients applied entirely or partially to the surface of the primer layer; and d) a diffusion-controlling layer which is applied partially or entirely to the active ingredient layer, and optionally to the primer layer, wherein diffusion of the active ingredients of the active ingredient layer is controlled. Also disclosed is a manufacturing method for an implant.
US08257726B2	Compositions, systems, kits, and methods of administering rapamycin analogs with paclitaxel using medical devices A system and compositions including zotarolimus and paclitaxel are disclosed, as well as methods of delivery, wherein the drugs have effects that complement each other. Medical devices are disclosed which include supporting structures that include at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient, which carrier or excipient can include one or more therapeutic agents or substances, with the carrier including at least one coating on the surface thereof, and the coating associated with the therapeutic substances, such as, for example, drugs. Supporting structures for the medical devices that are suitable for use in this invention include, but are not limited to, coronary stents, peripheral stents, catheters, arterio-venous grafts, by-pass grafts, and drug delivery balloons used in the vasculature. These compositions and systems can be used in combination with other drugs, including anti-proliferative agents, anti-platelet agents, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-thrombotic agents, cytotoxic drugs, agents that inhibit cytokine or chemokine binding, cell de-differentiation inhibitors, anti-lipaedemic agents, matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors, cytostatic drugs, or combinations of these and other drugs.
US08257723B2	Fillers and methods for displacing tissues to improve radiological outcomes Certain embodiments include a method of improvising radiological outcomes by introducing a filler to between a first tissue location and a second tissue location to increase a distance between the first tissue location and the second tissue location, and administering a dose of radioactivity to at least the first tissue location or the second tissue location. Collagen and hyaluronic acid are examples of fillers. Certain embodiments include a medical device having a biocompatible, biodegradable filler material, wherein the device comprises at least a portion that has a shape that substantially conforms to Denovillier's space between the rectum and prostate. Certain embodiments include a kit, the kit comprising a filler and instructions for placing the filler between a first tissue location and a second tissue location to increase a distance between the first tissue location and the second tissue location.
US08257722B2	Local delivery of water-soluble or water-insoluble therapeutic agents to the surface of body lumens A method and device for local delivery of water-soluble or water-insoluble therapeutic agents to the surface of a normal or diseased body lumen is disclosed. An expandable structure of a medical disposable device, such as a balloon of a balloon catheter, is coated with an amphiphilic polymer coating comprising a therapeutic agent and an amphiphilic polymer or co-polymer. The medical disposable device is inserted into a body lumen, and expanded to contact the amphiphilic polymer coating against the body lumen. The total solubility of the polymer or co-polymer in vivo prevents any embolic hazard associated with the amphiphilic polymer coating.
US08257720B2	Stabilized cationic ammonium compounds and compositions comprising the same Stabilized cationic ammonium compounds are described. The compounds are stabilized with metal chelators that impede the generation of nitrogen comprising groups from the cationic ammonium compounds.
US08257719B2	Oral care layer and related method of manufacture An oral care composition including a hydrophilic, aliphatic, polyether-based thermoplastic polyurethane, a glycol polymer, and a poly(N-vinyl lactam). These components form a tacky film having a thickness of about 1 mils to about 50 mils. A whitening agent, such as a peroxide, can be absorbed into the tacky film, and adapted to desorb from the tacky film to whiten teeth to which the film is joined. A method is also provided in which the components are extruded through a twin screw extruder and output to a die to produce the film. The whitening agent can be deposited on the film and absorbed by the film to form a relatively stable oral care composition including the whitening agent.
US08257718B2	Apparatus and method for manufacture of cosmetic applicator A method of manufacturing a plurality of cosmetic applicators including providing an electrostatic control means for dissipating electrostatic charge or localizing electrostatic charge wherein the powder at least in part is retained on the cosmetic applicator surface with the assistance of electrostatic attraction between said surface and said cosmetics preparation.
US08257716B2	Anti-PDEF antibodies and uses thereof The present invention relates to an isolated antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that specifically binds with high affinity to at least a portion of a segment of human prostate-derived Ets transcription factor (PDEF). The anti-PDEF antibody of the present invention is effective in prognostic and diagnostic assays for detecting PDEF with immunohistochemistry. The present invention also relates to methods of making the anti-PDEF antibody disclosed herein. The present invention further relates to vaccines against cancers associated with positive expression of PDEF, as well as methods for treating those cancers. Vectors, diagnostic kits, and hybridomas are also disclosed.
US08257707B2	IL-18 receptor antigen binding proteins Provided herein are IL-18 receptor antigen binding proteins and polynucleotides encoding the same. Expression vectors and host cells comprising the same for production of the antigen binding proteins are also provided. In addition, provided are compositions and methods for diagnosing and treating diseases mediated by IL-18 receptor.
US08257703B2	Anti-ganglioside antibodies and compositions IgM can be obtained in the form of a pentamer by placing the genes encoding the H, L, and J chains on the same vector to transform appropriate host cells. The gene encoding the J chain may be introduced by co-transfection. When no J chain is expressed, the IgM is produced as a hexamer. The transformants obtained according to the present invention achieve a high yield of IgM. The present invention also provides methods which enable separation and quantification of polymeric IgM.
US08257696B2	Indefinite culture of human adult glia without immortalization and therapeutic uses thereof Cell culture conditions for the isolation, maintenance, and indefinite expansion of human glia are established favoring the growth of neural precursor cells. Cultured cells proliferate indefinitely, express catalytic telomerase, and retain a non-immortalized phenotype. Compositions allow for the indefinite expansion of non-immortalized neural tissue for bioassay applications and restorative neuroscience.
US08257695B2	Method for modulating satiety signaling with specific strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bacillus Use of at least one strain of a microorganism and/or a metabolite thereof in the manufacture of a support for administration to a subject for modulating satiety signalling, wherein the support is a pharmaceutically acceptable support or a food product. Suitably, the at least one strain of a microorganism and/or a metabolite thereof may be administered to the subject for the treatment and/or prevention of excess weight and/or a disease caused by excess weight. Likewise, the at least one strain of a microorganism and/or a metabolite thereof is administered to the subject for the treatment and/or prevention of obesity and/or a caused by obesity. Preferably, the microorganism is a probiotic microorganism. Suitably the microorganism may be a lactic acid bacterium. Li one embodiment the microorganism is a strain of Lactobacillus spp. and/or Bifidobacterium spp., for example a strain of Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. curvatus, L. salivarius and/or B. lactis.
US08257694B2	Nutritional compositions for reducing oxidative damage A nutritional composition for reducing oxidative damage and lipid peroxidation in humans, while allowing for the oxidative reactions necessary to sustain vital biological functions. The nutritional compositions comprise adaptogens comprising astragalus root, ashwagandha root, cordyceps, holy basil leaf, maca root, reishi mushrooms, schisandra, and suma root; superfoods comprising acerola, camu-camu, pomegranate, bilberry, blueberry, Goji berries, Acai, maitake, citrus bioflavonoids, rose hips, and Gingko biloba; probiotics comprising Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus casei, and Streptococcus thermophilus; and enzymes comprising amylase, papain, cellulase, lactase, lipase, protease, and bromelain. The nutritional compositions may also be provided as a meal replacement and further comprise one or more plant products, algae, vitamins, minerals, protein and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM).
US08257686B2	Compositions and methods relating to prevention of chemotherapy-induced alopecia The present invention relates to a method for protecting a human patient or a mammalian animal to be subjected to chemotherapy treatment of a tumor not residing in the scalp of the patient or the skin of the animal against chemotherapy-induced alopecia, comprising administering to the scalp of the patient or the skin of the animal an effective amount of a composition comprising a chemical inducer of the stress protein response sufficiently prior to the administration of a chemotherapeutic drug. It also relates to pharmaceutical compositions for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced alopecia. It further relates to a method for protecting a human patient or a mammalian animal to be subjected to chemotherapy treatment of a tumor not residing in the scalp of the patient or the skin of the animal against chemotherapy-induced alopecia, comprising administering to the scalp of the patient or the skin of the animal an effective heat dose sufficiently prior to the administration of a chemotherapeutic drug.
US08257685B2	Swellable particles for drug delivery Swellable particles for delivery of a drug or other working agent to the pulmonary system are provided. The swellable particles include a dehydrated (dry) aerodynamic particle diameter of 5 μm or less to enable delivery to the respiratory tract, such as for example to the tracheo-bronchial airways of the upper respiratory tract and/or to the alveolic regions of the deep lung, and a hydrated particle diameter that is greater than 6 μm volume mean diameter to retard or prevent their phagocytosis by the macrophages present in airways of the respiratory tract.
US08257683B2	Multicomponent assemblies having enhanced binding properties for diagnosis and therapy An organized mobile multicomponent conjugate (OMMC) and method of using to enhance binding of weakly binding compounds to a target. A lamellar structure containing at least two binding compounds is assembled under conditions in which the binding compounds self-regulate in or on the lamellar structure, forming a cooperative ensemble that is capable of binding with enhanced affinity to a complementary affinity site on a target. Each binding compound is bound to the lamellar surface, and may be connected by a linker. The OMMC may contain an effector molecule, such as a diagnostic or therapeutic agent, for administration to a patent who is then diagnosed or treated using the effector molecule.
US08257682B2	Compositions for delivery of therapeutics and other materials This disclosure relates to compositions for delivering agents to a subject, and in particular, to compositions for delivery of therapeutic agents or diagnostic agents in the presence or absence of targeting moieties. In part, this disclosure relates to compositions comprising a hydrophobic group with a first end and a second end, a first metal binding domain linked to the hydrophobic group, a metal ion capable of being chelated to the first metal binding domain, and an agent linked to a second metal binding domain capable of chelating to the metal ion.
US08257677B2	Dispersion method The invention relates to a method of dispersing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in a continuous phase, especially in at least one dispersion medium, the carbon nanotubes, especially without prior pretreatment, being dispersed in a continuous phase, especially in at least one dispersion medium, in the presence of at least one dispersant (dispersing agent), with introduction of an energy input sufficient for dispersing, and also to the dispersions that are obtainable in this way, and to their use. With the method of the invention it is possible for the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to be dispersed in high concentrations and with high storage stability.
US08257671B2	Method of leaching copper sulfide ore A method of leaching copper sulfide ore includes leaching copper from copper sulfide ore using a sulfuric acid solution comprising iodide ion and iron (III) ion surplus to the iodide ion as a leaching solution; reducing iodine in a solution obtained after the leaching step to less than 1 mg/L by an activated carbon treatment; and oxidizing iron (II) ion or newly added iron (II) ion in a solution obtained after the iodine reduction step by using iron oxidizing microbes to recover iron (III) ion.
US08257669B2	Multi-tube chemical reactor with tessellated heat transfer fins A chemical reactor is provided that includes: a plurality of tubes having a catalytic reactor substrate therein, each of the tubes having an inlet at one end for receiving a fluid flow and an outlet at an opposing end for discharging fluid flow, and a longitudinal axis parallel to the direction of fluid flow through the tube, the longitudinal axis of each tube being parallel to one another; and a plurality of heat exchange fins disposed on and extending radially from the exterior surface of each tube; the heat exchange fins on each tube independently having a profile along a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of each tube, and the tubes being arranged with respect to one another, such that the heat exchange fin profiles together form a tessellated pattern in a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the tubes.
US08257666B2	Integrated active flux microfluidic devices and methods The invention relates to a microfabricated device for the rapid detection of DNA, proteins or other molecules associated with a particular disease. The devices and methods of the invention can be used for the simultaneous diagnosis of multiple diseases by detecting molecules (e.g. amounts of molecules), such as polynucleotides (e.g., DNA) or proteins (e.g., antibodies), by measuring the signal of a detectable reporter associated with hybridized polynucleotides or antigen/antibody complex. In the microfabricated device according to the invention, detection of the presence of molecules (i.e. Polynucleotides, proteins, or antigen/antibody complexes) are correlated to a hybridization signal from an optically-detectable (e.g. fluorescent) reporter associated with the bound molecules. These hybridization signals can be detected by any suitable means, for example optical, and can be stored for example in a computer as a representation of the presence of a particular gene.
US08257657B2	Device and method for injecting fluid into a rotating fluidized bed A device for discharging, through a central rotating chimney, fluids from a fluidized bed driven in a rotational movement in the same direction by the rotation of the outer circular wall of a reaction chamber and/or by injection of part of these fluids along the circular wall of a fixed or rotating chamber, and methods for catalytic polymerization, drying, or other treatments of solid particles in suspension in a rotating fluidized bed or for cracking or other catalytic conversions of fluids using this device.
US08257654B2	Health monitoring and diagnostic device and network-based health assessment and medical records maintenance system A health monitoring and diagnostic device (LIFESTREAM cholesterol meter) configured as a self-contained testing and diagnostic unit in a clam-shell type case. One side of the case includes a spring-loaded finger stick and a compartment for carrying one or more packages of disposable items including a test strip, a needle for the finger stick, and an alcohol swipe. The other half of the case includes a test strip reader, a key pad, and a liquid crystal display. The meter reads a test strip carrying a droplet of blood and receives additional diagnostic information from the patient, such as age, gender, weight, and family history of heart disease. Within minutes, the meter displays test results, including total cholesterol levels. The meter also displays additional diagnostic results, such as the patient's “cardiac age,” recommended weight loss, and a cardiac risk assessment. The meter also works in connection with a network-based comprehensive health analysis and reporting system. The meter writes patient data to a smartcard. This patient data typically includes patient identification information, the test results, the diagnostic information, and the diagnostic results. A computer station reads the smartcard and establishes a network connection with a health report server over the Internet. The computer then downloads the patient data to the health report server, which prepares a comprehensive health report. Within minutes, this report is transmitted back to the computer station, where it is printed out and delivered to the patient.
US08257652B2	System for managing treatment of a particular health condition that includes graphing accumulated data A measurement module for glucose testing includes a glucose testing measurement module housing, a test strip receptacle formed in the housing, and a connector portion formed in the housing and shaped to permit mechanical removable attachment of the housing to a hand-held computer. Electronics determine the amount of glucose present in a sample of body fluid, when the test strip is positioned in the receptacle and the body fluid is placed on a test strip, and communicate the glucose amount to the hand-held computer via the connector portion.
US08257646B2	Components made of steels with an ultrahigh carbon content and with a reduced density and high scaling resistance UHC lightweight structural steel with improved scaling resistance, comprising the composition in % by weight C: 1 to 1.6, Al: 5 to 10, Cr: 0.5 to 3, Si: 0.1 to 2.8, the remainder iron and customary impurities accompanying steel, and a method for producing components hot-formed from this in air, wherein hot-forming temperatures of from 800 to 1050° C. are used, depending on the Si content.
US08257645B2	Insulation brick Presented are an insulation brick and the method of using an insulation brick to create a thermal lining. A set of corrugations are formed into a sidewall of the brick to increase the thermal insulation. A first end of the insulation brick has a convex portion while the second end of the insulation brick has a convex portion. This allows a first insulation brick to mate with another brick in an end to end configuration.
US08257642B2	Method for forming a chair The method of an embodiment of the present invention comprises the following steps: (A) filling a melted thermoplastic material for a first time; (B) closing the forming mold and blowing air into the forming mold; (C) opening the first forming mold and removing the chair legs; (D) placing at least two of the chair legs into a second forming mold; (E) filling the melted thermoplastic material for a second time; and (F) closing the second forming mold and blowing air into the second forming mold.
US08257634B2	Actuation sled having a curved guide member and method An apparatus for injection molding includes at least one mold part having at least one surface. The mold part includes at least one mold part having at least one substantially central, sloping, non-linear surface, the at least one mold part including at least one shaped portion. The mold part further includes at least one substantially closed cavity region disposed within the at least one substantially central, sloping, non-linear surface. The mold part further includes at least one gate disposed on a base portion of the mold part for providing fluid communication to the at least one cavity region, the base portion having a plurality of recesses/depressions extending longitudinally along the length of the mold part. Additionally, at least one flow restrictor may be positioned on the mold part for initially directing flow of injected fluid to the at least one shaped portion.
US08257633B2	Rotor of progressive cavity apparatus and method of forming Cast material rotor (200,300,500,800) with profiled helical outer surface (208,308,508,808). Cast material layer (502,802) can be disposed between core (504,804) and tube (506,806). Profiled helical outer surface (208,308) can be in tube 206 or cast material layer 302, respectively. Method of forming rotor 200 can include filling void between outer surface 212 of core 204 and longitudinal bore 210 of tube 206 having profiled helical outer surface 208 with cast material 202 in fluid state, and solidifying cast material 202. Tube 206 can be disposed within profiled helical bore 714 of mold 700, e.g., before solidifying cast material 202. Method of forming rotor 300 can include filling void between outer surface 312 of core 304 and profiled helical bore 714 in mold 700 with cast material 302 in fluid state, solidifying cast material 302 to impart profiled helical outer surface 308 thereto, and removing mold 700 from cast material 302.
US08257630B2	Method for fabricating 3D structure having hydrophobic surface using metal foil A method for fabricating a 3D (three-dimensional) structure such that the 3D structure has a surface with hydrophobicity by using a metal foil such as an aluminum foil is disclosed. The method includes preparing a metal foil base by attaching a metal foil on an outer surface of a predetermined-shaped 3D structure; anodizing the metal foil base; coating a polymer material on the outer surface of the metal foil base material to form a negative replica structure; forming an outer structure by covering an outer surface of the negative replica structure with an outer formation material; and removing the metal foil base.
US08257627B2	Rapid dissolve media A method for producing a pelletized material includes mixing a media powder with a treated water, the treated water comprising an additive for substantially preventing bacterial contamination, pouring a mixture of the media powder and the treated water on a non-binding surface, spreading the mixture into a wafer, drying the wafer, and grinding the wafer to produce the pelletized material.
US08257626B2	Felt body manufacturing method A method for the manufacture of spatial objects of a fleece or felt, wherein the fibers are deposited on a mold that is preferably air-permeable. The fibers may be attracted to the mold by a vacuum applied to the underside of said mold. Preferably, the mold has several spatial structures that define the shape of the fiber web that is being formed and that correspond at least approximately to the desired final shape. By subsequent compacting of the thusly obtained fiber web, a spatially three-dimensional felt object is obtained. In this method, subsequent deforming steps are unnecessary or reduced to a minimum, so that the material to be produced does not experience any substantial distortion.
US08257624B2	Porous nanosheath networks, method of making and uses thereof A method for making a porous material, includes melt-blending two or more non-miscible polymers to obtain a co-continuous melt, solidifying the melt to obtain a solid mass consisting of two co-continuous polymer phases, and selectively extracting one of the co-continuous phases thereby creating within the solid mass an essentially continuous pore network having an internal surface. The method further includes replicating the internal surface of the pore network within the solid mass by coating the internal surface with successive layers of materials, and selectively extracting the solid mass without extracting the layers of materials, to thereby yield the product porous material, formed of the layers of materials. The material has a void fraction higher than about 75%, and mainly having essentially fully interconnected sheath-like non-spherical pores and essentially non-fibrous walls.
US08257622B2	Muffle and method of using The invention proposes a muffle with a pressing channel and at least one mold cavity that is coupled to the pressing channel via at least one connection channel. In this case, in order to increase the pressing pressure and to improve the intermixing of the blank material, it is proposed to arrange at least two blanks (18) side by side in the pressing channel (12).
US08257619B2	Lead-free resistive composition A substantially lead-free thick-film resistor paste composition is disclosed including a resistor composition dispersed in an organic vehicle. The resistor composition includes (a) RuO2 conductive material; (b) an α-oxide selected from CuO, Na2O, K2O, Li2O and combinations thereof (c) a borosilicate glass composition having: (i) B2O3, (ii) SiO2, (iii) a δ-oxide selected from BaO, CaO, ZnO, SrO, MgO and combinations thereof, and optionally including any of (iv) P2O5, (v) ZrO2 and (vi) Al2O3. The CuO α-oxide and TiO2, Ta2O5, Nb2O5 β-oxide(s) and combinations thereof are present in the paste composition either separately, or in the borosilicate glass composition, or both. The Na2O, K2O, Li2O α-oxide(s) and combinations thereof are present in the borosilicate glass composition. TCR values in the range of +/−100 ppm/° C. and R values of 100 ohms to 10 mega-ohms per square are obtained by resistors made from the paste composition.
US08257612B2	Compositions having multiple responses to excitation radiation and methods for making same The present invention relates to a composition having a first response to a first electromagnetic radiation and, after intermediate exposure to a second electromagnetic radiation, a second response to the first electromagnetic radiation, different from the first response. In one aspect, the composition exhibits a regenerated first response to the first electromagnetic radiation after exposure to a third electromagnetic radiation.
US08257610B2	Water absorbing agent and production method thereof The present invention provides a water absorbing agent, and a method for producing the water absorbing agent. The water absorbing agent includes water absorbent resin particles, an organic acid and/or salt thereof having carbon number of 10 or more and not more than 30 in its molecule, and a water-soluble polyvalent cation. The method includes the step (i) of mixing the water absorbent resin particles, the organic acid and/or salt thereof having carbon number of 10 or more and not more than 30 in its molecule, and the water-soluble polyvalent cation with one another.
US08257604B2	Etching processing method The etching processing method is characterized in that, when performing an etching processing on a resin member by using a desmear liquid containing an alkaline permanganate etching liquid, the etching processing is performed by dipping the resin member into the desmear liquid of which an etching rate for a resin forming the resin member is adjusted by using at least one of an accelerator for accelerating the etching rate of the desmear liquid and a suppressor for suppressing the etching rate.
US08257598B2	Method using block copolymers for making a master mold with high bit-aspect-ratio for nanoimprinting patterned magnetic recording disks The invention is a method for making a master mold to be used for nanoimprinting patterned-media magnetic recording disks. The method uses conventional optical or e-beam lithography to form a pattern of generally radial stripes on a substrate, with the stripes being grouped into annular zones or bands. A block copolymer material is deposited on the pattern, resulting in guided self-assembly of the block copolymer into its components to multiply the generally radial stripes into generally radial lines of alternating block copolymer components. The radial lines of one of the components are removed and the radial lines of the remaining component are used as an etch mask to etch the substrate. Conventional lithography is used to form concentric rings over the generally radial lines. After etching and resist removal, the master mold has pillars arranged in circular rings, with the rings grouped into annular bands.
US08257593B2	Systems and methods of microfluidic membraneless exchange using filtration of extraction outlet streams A device, system and method for exchanging components between first and second fluids by direct contact in a microfluidic channel. The fluids flow as thin layers in the channel. One of the fluids is passed through a filter upon exiting the channel and is recycled through a secondary processor which changes the fluid's properties. The recycled fluid is reused for further exchange. The filter excludes blood cells from the recycled fluid and prevents or limits clogging of the filter. The secondary processor removes metabolic waste and water by diafiltration.
US08257591B2	Methodology for filtering a fluid using a plurality of surface filtration mediums A method is provided for filtering a fluid including contaminant and or sediment particles. The method includes the steps of: selecting a particle of a first size to be filtered; selecting a first mesh material having a pore size greater than the first size; and selecting a number of layers of the first mesh material for forming a filtration material having an absolute micron rating. The absolute micron rating has a value equal to or less than the first size. The method also includes the step of arranging the layers of first mesh material in a manner so as to form a stack of first mesh material. The method further includes the step of passing a fluid through the stack of first mesh material.
US08257589B2	Polymeric foam coalescing agent A coalescing agent for facilitating the separation of a non-aqueous phase from an aqueous phase of an aqueous medium, said agent consisting of particles of a polymeric foam material having: an IFD no. of 40 or higher (i.e. at least 40); a BR no. of 35 or higher (at least 35); a SF no. of 1.8 or higher (i.e. at least 1.8) and a density of 42 kg/m3 or less.
US08257588B2	Oil-water separator with self-priming pump An oil-water separator with a self-priming pump of high oil-water separation ability enables a mixed liquid to be introduced into the oil-water separator without causing emulsification. A separator portion separating a mixed liquid includes a rough cyclone separation portion. A main separation portion downstream of the rough separation portion performs main separation according to specific gravity. A water discharge portion connected to the main separation portion discharges water. An oil storage tank stores the oil separated from the water and overflowing the main separation portion. A self-priming liquid pump connected downstream of the separator portion and connected to the water discharge portion sucks the mixed liquid from an exterior to enable venting and discharging of air.
US08257586B2	Two-valve arrangement for liquid chromatography A valve arrangement is disclosed for providing a switchable fluid connection between a fluid delivery system for driving a mobile phase and a stationary phase adapted for separating compounds of a sample fluid comprised in the mobile phase. The valve arrangement comprises a first valve comprising a first port adapted to be coupled to the fluid delivery system, a second port, and a third port, wherein the first valve is adapted to switch, in a first switch transition, from a first state wherein the first port is coupled with the second port, over a second state wherein the first port, the second port and the third port are coupled altogether, to a third state wherein the first port is coupled with the third port, a second valve comprising a fifth port adapted to be coupled to the stationary phase, a sixth port, and a seventh port, wherein the second valve is adapted to switch, in a second switch transition from a fourth state wherein the fifth port is coupled with the sixth port, to a fifth state wherein the fifth port is coupled with the seventh port, a first fluid path connecting the second port and the sixth port, and a second fluid path connecting the third port and the seventh port, wherein the second fluid path comprises a sample introduction path adapted for introducing the sample fluid into the mobile phase.
US08257580B2	Dry, stackable tailings and methods for producing the same Methods for preparing solvent-dry, stackable tailings. The methods may include a primary leaching or extraction process that separates most of the bitumen from a material comprising bitumen and produces first solvent-wet tailings. The first solvent-wet tailings are washed with a second solvent that removes the first solvent from the tailings. Second solvent remaining in the tailings is removed to thereby produce solvent-dry, stackable tailings.
US08257578B2	Anomaly diagnosing apparatus and anomaly diagnosing method for gas sensor An anomaly diagnosing apparatus and method for a gas sensor which includes a heater control section; a measurement section which outputs a detection signal for detecting an internal resistance of the gas sensor through a solid electrolyte via connection terminals and the electrodes within the gas sensor and which measures the internal resistance of the gas sensor based on a response signal input via the connection terminals in response to the output of the detection signal; and a diagnosing section which heats the solid electrolyte by use of the heater control section, obtains, after the start of heating, a first time required to reach a first resistance and a second time required to reach a second resistance different from the first resistance, and determines whether or not the gas sensor is anomalous by comparing a predetermined threshold value and a ratio of the first to second times.
US08257575B2	Ammonia gas sensors with vanadium-based sensing electrode An ammonia gas sensor is disclosed that includes a reference electrode, an ammonia selective sensing electrode and an electrolyte disposed therebetween. The ammonia sensing electrode comprises vanadium silicide, vanadium oxysilicide, vanadium carbide, vanadium oxycarbide, vanadium nitride, or vanadium oxynitride.
US08257571B1	Dielectrophoresis device and method having nonuniform arrays for manipulating particles Microfluidic devices according to embodiments of the present invention include an inlet port, an outlet port, and a channel or chamber having a non-uniform array of insulating features on one or more surfaces. Electrodes are provided for generation of a spatially non-uniform electric field across the array. A voltage source, which may be an A.C. and/or a D.C. voltage source may be coupled to the electrodes for the generation of the electric field.
US08257567B2	Hemoglobin determination method An object of the present invention is to provide a method for measuring hemoglobin using electrophoresis, in particular a method for measuring hemoglobin that enables high accuracy measurement of stable hemoglobin A1c and a method for simultaneously measuring stable hemoglobin A1c and abnormal hemoglobins.The present invention provides a method for measuring hemoglobin using electrophoresis, which comprises: immobilizing an ionic polymer on an inner surface of a migration path; and using a buffer solution containing a sulfated polysaccharide.
US08257566B2	Nanotube device and method of fabrication A nanotube device and a method of depositing nanotubes for device fabrication are disclosed. The method relates to electrophoretic deposition of nanotubes, and allows a control of the number of deposited nanotubes and positioning within a defined region.
US08257564B2	Gas sensor, and gas sensor manufacturing method A gas sensor comprising: a gas detecting element extending in an axial direction and including a detecting electrode provided on an outer surface of a leading end side of the gas detecting element, and a lead portion connecting to the detecting electrode and extending toward a rear end side of the gas detecting element; a cylindrical metal shell housing the gas detecting element such that the gas detecting element protrudes from a leading end side of the metal shell; a powder layer filling a gap between the gas detecting element and the metal shell and covering at least a portion of the lead portion; and an insulating layer provided between the powder layer and the lead portion. Also disclosed is a method for manufacturing the gas sensor which includes forming the insulating layer by at least: applying a glass paste; drying the glass paste; and heat-treating the glass paste.
US08257563B2	High purity hydrogen and electric power co-generation apparatus and method An apparatus to produce high purity hydrogen and electricity is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including a fuel cell configured to convert the chemical energy of a fuel to electricity and heat. An electrolyzer cell is placed in electrical and thermal communication with the fuel cell and is configured to electrolyze an oxygen-containing compound, such as steam or carbon dioxide, using the electricity and heat generated by the fuel cell. In selected embodiments, the fuel cell and electrolyzer cell are physically integrated into a single electrochemical cell stack.
US08257562B2	Wettability switch The present invention relates to a wettability switch that comprises an electrochemically active element having a wetting surface with switchable wetting properties. The electrochemically active element comprises an electrochemically active polymer, and surface active molecules each having a lyophobic portion and a lyophilic portion. In the wettability switch, each of said surface active molecules exposes one of said lyophobic portion and said lyophilic portion towards said wetting surface, and the identity of said portion depends on an electrochemical state of said polymer.
US08257561B2	Methods of forming a conductive transparent oxide film layer for use in a cadmium telluride based thin film photovoltaic device Methods are generally provided for forming a conductive oxide layer on a substrate. In one particular embodiment, the method can include sputtering a transparent conductive oxide layer on a substrate at a sputtering temperature from about 10° C. to about 100° C. A cap layer including cadmium sulfide can be deposited directly on the transparent conductive oxide layer. The transparent conductive oxide layer can be annealed at an anneal temperature from about 450° C. to about 650° C. Methods are also generally provided for manufacturing a cadmium telluride based thin film photovoltaic device. An intermediate substrate is also generally provided for use to manufacture a thin film photovoltaic device.
US08257560B2	Patterned media and method of manufacturing the same, and magnetic recording apparatus A patterned media has a substrate, and a magnetic recording layer on the substrate including protruded magnetic patterns and a nonmagnetic material filled in between the protruded magnetic patterns. In the patterned media, a depth Db and a depth Da, which are defined that Db is a depth from a surface of the magnetic patterns to a surface of the nonmagnetic material filled in a first central part between the magnetic patterns adjacent to each other in a cross-track direction or a down-track direction, and Da is a depth from a surface of the magnetic patterns to a surface of the nonmagnetic material filled in a second central part in a portion surrounded by the magnetic patterns, have a relationship that the depth Da is greater than the depth Db.
US08257557B2	Dehydration method A dehydration method for removing water from a hydrolysis reaction mixture containing unreacted water generated when monochlorobenzene is hydrolyzed to produce phenol, the method for dehydrating the hydrolysis reaction mixture includes supplying a hydrolysis reaction mixture to a distillation tower, supplying a liquid containing monochlorobenzene to the tower top portion of the distillation tower, and removing the substantially whole amount of the water in the hydrolysis reaction mixture together with monochlorobenzene from the tower top portion by distillation.
US08257556B2	Felt for papermaking The present invention provides a papermaking felt which exhibits a good dewatering capability (water permeability) and resistance to flattening in a papermaking machine, and which is capable of improving surface smoothness of a wet paper web and has improved anti-dehairing property.A papermaking felt using a woven fabric in which at least one of an MD yarn and a CMD yarn arranged on a wet paper web side of a base body is a multifilament yarn which is a bundle of a plurality of filaments with fineness of 100 dtex or less and which is substantially without twisting or only loosely twisted and hence almost without twisting.
US08257552B2	Fabric creped absorbent sheet with variable local basis weight An absorbent cellulosic sheet having a variable local basis weight. The sheet includes a papermaking-fiber reticulum having (a) a plurality of fiber-enriched pileated regions of a relatively high local basis weight each extending a distance in the cross-machine direction (CD) of the sheet, and (b) a plurality of elongated densified regions of compressed papermaking fibers that interconnect the plurality of fiber-enriched pileated regions. The elongated densified regions (i) have a relatively low local basis weight and each extend a distance in the machine direction (MD) of the sheet, (ii) are arranged in a repeating pattern having leading and trailing edges, such that the elongated densified regions are longitudinally staggered with respect to each other, and (iii) have MD/CD aspect ratios of at least 1.5.
US08257549B2	Spin head, chuck pin used in the spin head, and method for treating a substrate with the spin head Provided is a spin head for supporting a substrate. The spin head includes a rotatable body, and chuck pins protruding upward from the body and configured to support an edge of a substrate placed at the body when the body is rotated. Each of the chuck pins includes a vertical rod vertically disposed at the body, and a support rod extending from a side of the vertical rod and configured to make contact with the edge of the substrate placed at the body when the body is rotated. When the substrate is rotated, the vertical rod is spaced apart from the edge of the substrate. The contact portion includes a streamlined side surface. The support rod includes a contact portion. The contact portion tapers toward the end of the support rod when viewed from the top of the support rod.
US08257547B2	Surface activation device A surface activation device comprises a holding compartment, a nozzle support, and a sealing assembly. The holding compartment defines a receiving chamber and defining a plurality of recesses for holding workpieces therein. The nozzle support is rotatably received in the receiving chamber and comprises an outer barrel, an inner barrel is received in the outer barrel, and at least one ultraviolet (UV) lamp is embedded in the outer barrel. The outer barrel and the inner barrel cooperatively define a first chamber therebetween, and the inner barrel defines a second chamber therein. The sealing assembly seals the first chamber and the second chamber, and comprises at least one first inlet tube communicated with the first chamber and at least one second inlet tube communicated with the second chamber.
US08257546B2	Method and system for monitoring an etch process A method and apparatus for monitoring an etch process. The etch process may be monitored using measurement information (e.g., critical dimensions (CD), layer thickness, and the like) provided ex-situ with respect to the etch process in combination with in-situ monitoring (e.g., spectroscopy, interferometry, scatterometry, reflectometry, and the like) performed during the etch process. The ex-situ measurement information in combination with the in-situ monitoring may be used to monitor for example, an endpoint of an etch process, an etch depth profile of a feature formed on a substrate, fault detection of an integrated circuit manufacturing process, and the like.
US08257543B2	Process for making a layered composite structure The invention relates to a process for the production of a layered composite structure comprising (1) a semi-permeable membrane made of a polymer composition comprising a polyetherester elastomer and (2) at least one web layer bonded to the membrane, wherein the process comprises a step wherein a melt layer of the polymer composition is applied onto the at least one web layer, and wherein the polyetherester elastomer comprises polyether soft segments formed from poly(alkylene-ether)glycols comprising alkylene-ether segments formed from ethylene oxide and polyester hard segments consisting of ester units derivable from short chain diols and dicarboxylic acid consisting of 98-65 mole % terephthalic acid (TPA), 2-35 mole % isophthalic acid (IPA) and optionally 0-20 mole % other dicarboxylic acids, wherein the mole % is relative to the total molar amount of dicarboxylic acid.
US08257540B2	Method of manufacturing liquid crystal device A method of manufacturing a liquid crystal device includes forming an alignment film on each of a first large-sized substrate and a second large-sized substrate each on which a plurality of substrates are arranged by an oblique evaporation method, dividing the plurality of substrates arranged on the first large-sized substrate while holding positional information of the plurality of substrates, and bonding one of the plurality of the divided substrates and a substrate arranged on the second large-sized substrate to each other in accordance with the held positional information.
US08257538B2	Device transfer method and display apparatus A device transfer method and a display apparatus are provided. A device transfer method and a display apparatus are provided by or in which, in transferring devices arranged on a substrate onto another substrate, it is possible to easily strip the substrate after the transfer of the devices, to lower the possibility of damaging of the substrate, and to additionally transfer devices onto the same substrate after the transfer of the devices. A plurality of devices arranged on a temporary holding substrate are embedded into and held in a pressure sensitive adhesive layer formed on a transfer substrate, and the devices are stripped from the temporary holding substrate. Other devices are further additionally embedded into the pressure sensitive adhesive layer before hardening the pressure sensitive adhesive layer, whereby the devices can be arranged on a transfer substrate having a large area. Besides, where the devices additionally embedded into the pressure sensitive adhesive layer are different in characteristics from the devices embedded in the pressure sensitive adhesive layer in advance, it is possible to easily obtain a display apparatus for multicolor display, a display apparatus having a driving circuit, and the like.
US08257536B2	Automated elongate insert wrapping system A method and apparatus for a tray, a folding section connected to the tray, and a tape application system. The tray has a channel for receiving an elongate insert for a composite material with a number of layers for a release system. The folding section is capable of folding a number of layers around the elongate insert to cover the elongate insert as the elongate insert is moved through the folding unit. The tape application system is capable of applying a tape to the number of layers for covering the elongate insert to form the release system.
US08257532B2	Method for producing a device for protecting an area of the human body A method for manufacturing a protection device includes the steps of forming a plurality of cells in a support strip, filling the cells with a non-cross-linked compound, cross-linking the compound to form at least one module made of viscoelastic gel in the plurality of cells, depositing an adhesive substance on each module, and depositing a strip of fabric on the support strip to obtain a final compound strip. The at least one module made of viscoelastic gel is glued onto the strip of fabric by the adhesive substance.
US08257523B1	Aluminum-based nanothermites and processes of making the same An apparatus and process for making thermite compositions. The process includes providing a fuel-based slurry and at least one oxidizer-based slurry, formulating combination of fuel-based slurry and oxidizer-based slurry in a solvent to a desired energetic dose depending on nanocomposites' use, circulating the fuel-based slurry/oxidizer-based slurry combination in a mixing device operating semi-continuously during mixing and dispensing cycles forming a homogeneous mixed slurry, agitating ultrasonically or by high shear rate mixers the mixed slurry, and drying of the mixed slurry forming compact structures.
US08257506B2	Pulsed chemical dispense system The present invention relates to a cost saving liquid-treatment unit (100). According to the invention, a control unit (152), which is connected to an input port of a control valve (118, 120, 122), is adapted to set, in dependence on the evaporation rate of a treatment liquid on the substrate at the given or desired temperature of the substrate and/or at the given or desired pressure of a gaseous ambient atmosphere at the substrate, a number of dispense pulses to be applied to the substrate for the liquid treatment, a respective pulse duration of individual dispense pulses, and respective dispense-interruption time spans between the individual dispense pulses. This way, the use of treatment liquid is reduced to a minimum amount, thus reducing costs for providing and cleaning treatment liquid.
US08257505B2	Method for megasonic processing of an article A method for megasonic processing of an article. In one aspect, the invention may be a method of processing semiconductor wafers comprising: supporting the semiconductor wafer substantially horizontally; positioning a rod-like probe above an upper surface of the semiconductor wafer in an orientation other than normal to the upper surface of the substrate; applying a fluid to the upper surface of the semiconductor wafer so that a film of the fluid is formed between at least a portion of the rod-like probe and the upper surface of the semiconductor wafer; and vibrating the rod-like probe to transmit energy to the upper surface of the semiconductor wafer via the film of the fluid to loosen particles on the upper surface of the semiconductor wafer.
US08257503B2	Method and apparatus for detecting plasma unconfinement A method for detecting plasma unconfinement in a reaction chamber during a bevel edge cleaning operation is provided. The method initiates with selecting a wavelength associated with expected by products of a bevel edge clean process. The method includes cleaning the bevel edge area of a substrate and monitoring the intensity of the selected wavelengths during the cleaning for deviation from a threshold wavelength intensity. The cleaning is terminated if the deviation from the threshold wavelength intensity exceeds a target deviation.
US08257499B2	Vapor phase deposition apparatus and vapor phase deposition method A vapor phase deposition apparatus includes: a chamber, a supply unit configured to supply a raw gas into the chamber, a support table disposed in the chamber and configured to support a substrate in the chamber, a rotatable bladed wheel configured to have a plurality of blades, to be arranged to surround the support table, and to discharge the raw gas from above the substrate, and a exhaust unit configured to exhaust the raw gas discharged by the bladed wheel after a vapor phase deposition reaction from the chamber.
US08257495B2	Crucible holding member and method for producing the same A crucible holding member includes a mesh body having an axis direction. The mesh body includes a hollow, an opening, and a plurality of strands. The hollow is provided inside the opening. The opening faces toward one end of the axis direction. The plurality of strands include a plurality of carbon fibers and are woven diagonally with respect to the axis direction to provide the hollow and the opening. The plurality of strands are folded inwardly or outwardly at an edge of the opening, thereby providing a two-layered portion along the edge of the opening. A matrix is filled between the plurality of carbon fibers of the mesh body.
US08257491B2	Rhombohedral cubic semiconductor materials on trigonal substrate with single crystal properties and devices based on such materials Growth conditions are developed, based on a temperature-dependent alignment model, to enable formation of cubic group IV, group II-V and group II-VI crystals in the [111] orientation on the basal (0001) plane of trigonal crystal substrates, controlled such that the volume percentage of primary twin crystal is reduced from about 40% to about 0.3%, compared to the majority single crystal. The control of stacking faults in this and other embodiments can yield single crystalline semiconductors based on these materials that are substantially without defects, or improved thermoelectric materials with twinned crystals for phonon scattering while maintaining electrical integrity. These methods can selectively yield a cubic-on-trigonal epitaxial semiconductor material in which the cubic layer is substantially either directly aligned, or 60 degrees-rotated from, the underlying trigonal material.
US08257488B2	Cementitious compositions having coarse ground blast furnace slag and methods of making and using the same A cementitious composition capable of forming a high, early-phase strength cement may comprise construction grade cement and ground blast furnace slag, the ground blast furnace slag having a Blaine fineness less than about 250 m2/kg. The cementitious composition may comprise, for each 100% by weight, greater than about 50% by weight construction grade portland cement and less than about 50% by weight ground blast furnace slag, and the cementitious composition may have a Blaine fineness less than about 300 m2/kg. Methods of making and using such a cementitious composition to cement a structure are also described.
US08257487B2	Hydraulic binding agent The invention relates to a hydraulic binding agent comprising a binding agent component having free-flowing or solidifying properties when water is added and an acceleration component which is used to accelerate solidification. The acceleration component contains ultrafine calcium hydroxide having a high specific surface and low grain size.
US08257485B2	Calcium enriched refractory material by the addition of calcium carbonate The composition applied to the refractory structure has a magnesia-based refractory material, calcium carbonate and a binder. After application of the refractory material to a refractory structure and upon application of heat to the applied refractory material a matrix is formed which protects against penetration of the slag into the refractory material. The resulting refractory material has improved hot strength, slag resistance and durability.
US08257482B2	Water base ink for ink-jet recording and water base ink set for ink-jet recording A water base ink for ink jet recording contains a self-dispersible pigment; water; at least one glycol ether selected from the group consisting of diethylene glycol butyl ether, dipropylene glycol propyl ether and triethylene glycol butyl ether; and methyl cellulose in an amount of 0.01% by weight to 0.5% by weight. The water base ink is capable of preventing the strike-through to the back surface of a recording paper, and further the water base ink is excellent in the printing density and drying property on the paper surface.
US08257478B2	Use of marine fungus originated compounds as antifouling agents Compounds originally isolated from marine fungi are useful as antifouling (antibacterial and/or anti-larval settlement) agents. The compounds are 3-chloro-2,5-dihydroxy benzyl alcohol, cyclo-(Pro-Phe),3-methyl-N-(2-phenylethyl) butanamide, and succinic acid. The compounds are non-toxic or low-toxic. They can be used alone or in combination, as active ingredients for making environment-friendly antifouling formulations/coatings.
US08257477B1	Dust control system A dust control system for efficiently collecting dust laden air within and around a mining area. The dust control system generally includes a support structure, a duct assembly supported by the support structure, wherein the duct assembly includes an inlet for receiving dust laden air, an outlet for discharging a dust slurry, and a passageway connecting the inlet with the outlet and an injection pipe assembly directed within the passageway for injecting a mixture of a compressed air and a liquid within the passageway to mix with the dust laden air. The outlet of the injection pipe assembly is positioned forward the inlet of the duct assembly relative travel of the dust laden air through the passageway for generating a suction to force the dust laden air within the inlet.
US08257475B2	Method of bulk transport and storage of gas in a liquid medium An integrated ship mounted system for loading a gas stream, separating heavier hydrocarbons, compressing the gas, cooling the gas, mixing the gas with a desiccant, blending it with a liquid carrier or solvent, and then cooling the mix to processing, storage and transportation conditions. After transporting the product to its destination, a hydrocarbon processing train and liquid displacement method is provided to unload the liquid from the pipeline and storage system, separate the liquid carrier, and transfer the gas stream to a storage or transmission system.
US08257474B2	Sorbent fiber compositions and methods of temperature swing adsorption The various embodiments of the present invention relate to compositions, apparatus, and methods comprising sorbent fibers. More particularly, various embodiments of the present invention are directed towards sorbent fiber compositions for temperature swing adsorption processes. Various embodiments of the present invention comprise sorbent fiber compositions, apparatus comprising a plurality of sorbent fibers, and methods of using the same for the capture of at least one component from a medium, for example CO2 from flue gas.
US08257473B2	Sieve bed A sieve bed including an inlet end, an outlet end, a retainer disposed toward the inlet end and including an interior portion, an exterior portion, a plurality of openings disposed toward the exterior portion, and a passage disposed toward the interior portion, an inlet cap and an inlet port configured to receive a feed stream, wherein the inlet cap includes at least a portion spaced from the retainer thereby defining an inlet chamber in fluid communication with the inlet port and the plurality of openings, an outlet lid disposed toward the outlet end, an exterior wall extending from the inlet cap to the outlet lid, an intermediate wall spaced from the exterior wall and extending from the retainer toward and terminating short of the outlet lid and an interior wall spaced from the intermediate wall and extending from the retainer proximate the passage to at least the outlet lid.
US08257471B2	Exhaust-gas converting apparatus A moisture adsorbing device 1 comprising a type Y zeolite, and an NOx adsorbing device 2 being put in place on an exhaust-gas downstream side of the moisture adsorbing device 1, and comprising a zeolite that includes a transition metal ion in the cation exchange sites are included. In NOx adsorbing apparatuses, since the less the moisture content in exhaust gases is the more the NOx adsorbing capability improves, the NO adsorbing capability in low-temperature region is improved especially by means of the combination with a moisture adsorbing device that comprises a type Y zeolite whose Al2O3 proportion is great and whose moisture adsorbing amount is great compared with the other zeolites.
US08257469B2	Electrostatic filter An electrostatic filter for the separation of dust particles has collecting electrodes fixed in a housing through which the gas flows and discharge electrodes arranged parallel to them and held stretched between insulators. For the cleaning of the collecting electrodes, a cleaning equipment is fixed to a cable having the discharge electrodes, which can be moved along the surface of the collecting electrodes to be cleaned by using a pulling device having a coiling drum.
US08257468B2	Carbon membrane and method of manufacturing the same A porous carbon membrane has as a loaded component water, alcohol, ether, or ketone loaded on a surface or in a pore, or on the surface and in the pore thereof. The carbon membrane has the loaded component preferably having a molecular weight of 100 or less. The carbon membrane has the loaded component preferably being linear alcohol or linear ether. The carbon membrane has the loaded component preferably being at least one selected from methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, and n-butanol. There is provided a carbon membrane having high separation performance and little change in the separation performance with the passage of time.
US08257453B2	Method and device for gasifying gasification fuel An object of the invention is to enhance gasification efficiency of flammable solid content when high fuel ratio fuel having fixed carbon content in large quantity is to be gasified. A material downcomer 11 for introduction of bed material 10 separated in a material separator 9 and a fuel supply port 21 for introduction of gasification fuel 12 are arranged at one side of a gasification furnace 2; a solid content supply port 19 for supply of flammable solid content 18 and the bed material 10 in the gasification furnace 2 to the combustion furnace 1 is arranged at the other side of the gasification furnace 2. In the gasification furnace 2 and between the one and the other sides of the furnace 2, vertical partition plates 22 are arranged to provide a zigzag curved flow passage 23 with upper and lower turns.
US08257451B2	Preparation of fuel usable in a fossil-fuel-fired system A fossil-fuel-fired system, which includes an emissions-control-agent dispenser, a furnace, an emissions monitor and, optionally, a controller, is disclosed. The emissions-control-agent dispenser provides a prescribed amount of organic-emissions-control agent, such as, for example, an opacity-control agent to the fossil-fuel-fired system. The furnace includes an exhaust communicating with the atmosphere. The emissions monitor is capable of measuring at least one property of the flue-gas communicated through the exhaust to the atmosphere. For example, when an organic-emissions-control agent is an opacity-control agent, the emissions monitor has the capability of at least measuring opacity. When included, the controller communicates with at least the emissions-control-agent dispenser and the emissions monitor.
US08257450B2	Manganese compounds to inhibit both low-and high-temperature corrosion in utility and industrial furnace systems The present invention relates to the reduction or inhibition of corrosion in an atmospheric burner unit by adding to a combustion system an effective amount of manganese, or a manganese precursor source, or derivative. The system may further include a catalyst package that may be composed of one or more individual organometallic compounds of Li, Na, K, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Mo, Fe, Co, Pt, Ce, and combinations, mixtures or precursors thereof. The manganese component of the catalyst package of the present invention reduces or eliminates the poisoning of the combustion system, whereby improved combustion and reduced emissions result. In addition, this invention inhibits both high- and low-temperature corrosion that occurs on the hot surfaces of burner furnace walls and tubes, and on cooler surfaces of the burner unit exhaust stack.
US08257447B2	Composition comprising an alkanolamine, an amino acid and a cationic polymer Compositions for treating keratin fibers comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, at least one alkanolamine, at least one amino acid, and at least one cationic polymer. Also provided are methods of bleaching and/or coloring keratin fibers and multiple-compartment devices or kits for the implementation of these methods.
US08257439B2	Intervertebral disc prosthesis The present invention relates to an intervertebral disc prosthesis comprising at least three pieces including an upper plate, a lower plate, and a movable core at least in relation to a plate, wherein it also comprises two anatomic adaptation elements of which each has, on one hand, a surface in contact with a surface of a vertebra and, on the other hand, a face of which at least a part has a surface in contact with at least a part of the plate opposite to which the anatomic adaptation element is mounted, the anatomic adaptation elements being fixed onto the plates via fixation means.
US08257436B2	Convex spinal fusion interbody spacer A convex spinal fusion interbody space device includes spaced apart superior and inferior abutment surfaces which are effectively medially convex. The peak of such convexity is displaced anteriorly of a central plane through the device. The spacer device has a height which is greater than the width of the device. The spacer device is implanted between a pair of adjacent vertebrae by insertion in a tipped-over orientation and then reoriented to an upright orientation for engagement by facing surfaces of the vertebrae. Fusion promoting bone material is packed between the vertebrae and about and within the spacer device subsequent to implantation.
US08257434B2	Prosthetic tissue valve A prosthetic tissue valve for aortic, pulmonary, mitral or tricuspid valve replacement is described herein. A sewing ring for use with the prosthetic tissue valve is also described. The valve can have a circumference that is a predetermined distance larger than the circumference of an annulus in a defective valve. The valve can be substantially planar in an unstressed position before attachment at the annulus and substantially non-planar upon attachment in a biased position at the annulus. Methods are provided for placing the valve as described herein in the biased position within the annulus of the defective valve.
US08257433B2	Coated implantable medical device A coated implantable medical device 10 includes a structure 12 adapted for introduction into the vascular system, esophagus, trachea, colon, biliary tract, or urinary tract, and at least one layer 18 of an immunosuppressive agent posited over at least one surface of the structure 12. Optionally, the device 10 can include at least one porous, preferably polymeric layer 20 posited over the layer 18 of immunosuppressive agent, and can alternatively or additionally include at least one coating layer 16 posited on one surface of the structure 12, the at least one layer 18 of immunosuppessive agent being posited in turn on at least a portion of the coating layer 16. The porous layer 20 and the coating layer 16 each provide for the controlled release of the bioactive material from the device 10. The structure 12 is preferably configured as a coronary stent. The polymer of the porous layer 20 is preferably applied by vapor or plasma deposition. It is particularly preferred that the polymer is a polyamide, parylene or a parylene derivative which is deposited without solvents, heat or catalysts, but rather by condensation of a monomer vapor.
US08257432B2	Vascular bifurcation prosthesis with at least one frond An embodiment of the invention provides a prosthesis for placement at an Os opening from a main body lumen to a branch body lumen. The prosthesis comprises a radially expansible support and at least one frond extending axially from an end of the support. The support is configured to be deployed in at least a portion of a first body lumen, which can be a branch body lumen. At least one frond is extendable into across an ostium, e.g., from the first body lumen into a second body lumen, which may be a main body lumen.
US08257427B2	Expandable stent An expandable stent comprising a tubular body made up of a plurality of separated tubular elements (1) arranged along a common longitudinal axis. Each tubular element (1) comprises a plurality of rhombic-shaped closed cell elements (2) joined by circumferentially extending linking members (3). The closed cell elements (2) are expandable to allow the tubular elements, and hence the stent itself, to expand. In the direction of the longitudinal axis of the stent, the extremities of each of the closed cell elements has an enlarged loop (30) with waisted portions (33) which allow the tubular elements to interlock to create a stable structure, at least when in the unexpanded condition.
US08257426B2	Intravascular stent with a plurality of first and second peaks The invention is directed to an expandable stent for implanting in a body lumen, such as a coronary artery, peripheral artery, or other body lumen. The invention provides for an intravascular stent having a plurality of cylindrical rings connected by undulating links. The stent has a high degree of flexibility in the longitudinal direction, yet has adequate vessel wall coverage and radial strength sufficient to hold open an artery or other body lumen. The stent can be compressed or crimped onto a catheter to a very low profile since the peaks that are adjacent the curved portion of the undulating link are shorter than other peaks in the same cylindrical ring to prevent overlap yet still achieve a very low profile, tightly crimped stent onto a catheter.
US08257424B2	Radially expandable vascular stent The present invention is directed to a radially expandable vessel support having a multitude of annular elements flexibly connected to each other, defining a vascular support with a proximal and a distal end and a longitudinal axis. The annular elements are arranged side by side transversely to the longitudinal axis of the vascular support and connected to each other by means of bending elements. At least two marginally standing annular elements each are linked among each other by a pair of dumbbell shaped bending elements and centrally standing annular elements are linked among each other and to marginally standing annular elements by two S-shaped bending elements each, with at least the centrally standing annular elements being of a zigzag-shaped configuration.
US08257418B2	Balloon catheter with stent and method for manufacturing it A balloon catheter includes a catheter tube, an inflatable balloon, the ends of which are attached to the catheter tube, and a stent attached around the balloon. The stent extends at least partly along the length of the balloon. In an uninflated state, at least the outside surface of the balloon not covered by the stent is provided with a relief structure which is substantially disappeared in an inflated state of the balloon. A related method involves manufacturing a balloon catheter.
US08257415B2	Warming device A warming device includes a clinical garment having an inside surface supporting a convective apparatus with an inflatable dog-bone shaped section framed by an outline section.
US08257413B2	Modification of airways by application of energy This relates to methods and devices for treating reversible chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and more particularly, relates to a device for exchanging energy with airway tissue such as that found in the airway of human lungs. The exchange of energy with this airway tissue in the airways reduces the ability of the air ways to constrict and/or reduces the resistance within the airway to the flow of air through the airway. This also relates to a method for decreasing responsiveness or decreasing resistance to airflow of airways involves the transfer of energy to or from the airway walls to prevent or reduce airway constriction and other symptoms of lung diseases. The treatment reduces the ability of the airway to contract during an acute narrowing of the airways, reduces mucus plugging of the airways, and/or increases the airway diameter. The methods according to the present invention provide a longer duration and/or more effective treatment for lung diseases than currently used drug treatments, and obviate patient compliance issues. This also includes additional steps that reduce the ability of the lung to produce at least one of the symptoms of reversible obstructive pulmonary disease and to reduce the resistance to the flow of air through a lung.
US08257411B2	Method for treatment of varices A minimally invasive method for treating varices including pelvic varices in females, varicoceles, and also oesophageal varices is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of inserting a catheter device into the blood vessels of a patient and advancing the distal end of the catheter to reach the varix or varices. The insertion may be made in the femoral vein or in other vessels as appropriate. Preferably, x-ray, angiography, or other imaging techniques are used to visualize and position the catheter. An optical fiber or optical fiber bundle is then inserted into the catheter and the distal end is advanced to a predetermined point near the varix or varices. Laser energy of preferably 980 nm is then transmitted to the varix to close the blood vessel. Imaging techniques such as angiographies may again be performed to confirm closure of the vein. The method is an out-patient procedure that requires no incision or general anesthesia, requires no recovery time, and does not require that any foreign objects be left in the body. This method has been shown to have a higher success rate than previous embolization and surgical procedures.
US08257406B2	Orthopedic plate for use on a single ray in the midfoot An orthopedic plate is specifically configured for implantation at the mid-foot and can be used for a variety of indications. The plate has a set of tabs comprising one longer tab and one shorter tab opposing each other along the length of the plate. In each set of tabs, one tab includes a compression slot that extends in a direction toward a screw hole in the opposing tab.
US08257404B2	Bone plate with dynamic compression An orthopedic bone plate, suitable for internally fixating and stabilizing fractured bones, includes: an elongated structure, capable of contraction in a longitudinal direction and having at least two ends, the structure having at least two fixation points adapted to be fixated to a fractured bone with the fixation points on opposing sides of a fracture. An elastic, polymer cable is longitudinally stretched and coupled in tension to the elongated structure, capable of causing the structure to contract in the longitudinal direction.
US08257399B2	Anchoring device for anchoring a rod in bones or vertebrae An anchoring device for anchoring a rod in a bone or a vertebra and for use with at least two rods having a different diameter is provided. The anchoring device includes a shaft and a head for connection to one of said rods. The head is connected to said shaft and has a recess with a base and two substantially vertically extending legs defining a channel for receiving the rod in said channel. The anchoring device further includes a fixation element for clamping said rod in said channel. The fixation element and said base each have a contact surface contacting said rod, the contact surfaces being shaped so as to be able to clamp any of the different rods.
US08257393B2	Active suture for the delivery of therapeutic fluids An active suture that can be used for both wound closure and the delivery of therapeutic fluids to the tissue surrounding a wound is disclosed. The active suture may include a connector designed to join a fluid source, such as a syringe or conventional IV delivery system, to an internal passageway that is embedded within a braided suture. The internal passageway may be comprised of a fine polymeric tube and is capable of conducting and emitting a fluid into at least a portion of the braided suture and surrounding tissue. The invention enables delivery of an efficacious volume of drug bearing solution on the order of milliliters per day, provides a high level of fluid delivery rate control enabling the physician to start or stop drug administration at his/her discretion, and offers a means of providing more than one type of medication that may be selected post-surgically in accord with unexpected patient symptoms that may arise.
US08257391B2	Annular support structures Reinforcing lumen rings are configured and adapted for use in conjunction with a circular endoscopic stapling instrument having a staple cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly. The reinforcing lumen rings maintain anastomotic lumen, e.g. as formed by the circular endoscopic stapling apparatus, in an open condition. The reinforcing lumen rings can include an annular ring having an outer terminal edge and an inner terminal edge, the outer terminal edge having a diameter which is substantially equal to an outer diameter of the staple cartridge assembly and the inner terminal edge having a diameter which is substantially equal to an inner diameter of the staple cartridge assembly.
US08257390B2	Closure device and methods for making and using them A clip for engaging tissue includes a generally annular-shaped body defining a plane and disposed about a central axis extending normal to the plane. The body includes alternating inner and outer curved regions, defining a zigzag pattern about a periphery of the clip. The body is biased towards a planar configuration lying in the plane and deflectable towards a transverse configuration extending out of the plane. Tines extend from the inner curved regions, the tines being oriented towards the central axis in the planar configuration, and parallel to the central axis in the transverse configuration. The tines may include primary tines and secondary tines that are shorter than the primary tines. The primary tines may be disposed on opposing inner curved regions and oriented towards one another such that they overlap in the planar configuration.
US08257388B2	Surgical instrument and method A surgical instrument, e.g. forceps, and method to be used for suturing tissue are provided, the surgical instrument comprising a first arm and a second arm that are spring-connected at a proximal end, while at a distal end the first arm and the second arm can be moved towards each other, and wherein at least the first arm and/or the second arm can be provided with a bullet that is suitable for receiving and affixing a surgical needle, wherein the bullet is designed for being positioned at the distal end, at an inside and/or lower side of the end of an arm.
US08257387B2	Method of transferring pressure in an articulating surgical instrument An end effector for a surgical instrument includes a fixed bearing member with mounting surfaces for attachment to a distal end of the surgical instrument. At least one jaw member of the end effector is configured to move relative to an opposing jaw member between open and closed configurations, and a force transfer member is configured for longitudinal motion with respect to the fixed bearing member. The force transfer member includes a pivot channel therein. The end effector also includes a reactive member coupled between the fixed bearing member and the at least one jaw member. The reactive member is constructed from a thin strip of conformable material and extends through the pivot channel such that relative longitudinal motion between the fixed bearing member and the force transfer member causes the reactive member to flex and the at least one jaw member to move relative to the opposing jaw.
US08257386B2	Surgical instrument A medical instrument having a proximal control handle and a distal tool that are intercoupled by an elongated instrument shaft that is meant to pass internally of an anatomic body, proximal and distal movable members that respectively intercouple the proximal control handle and the distal tool with the instrument shaft, cable control means disposed between the movable members, an actuation member at the handle for controlling the distal tool through the movable members, and a coupler for selectively engaging or disengaging separable cable segments of the actuation member.
US08257385B2	Facelift device A cosmetic device for naturally toning the facial and the upper neck muscles of a user. The device includes a pair of adhesive pads for adhering to the user's facial skin, a pair of supporting earpieces connected to the adhesive pads, and a strap connecting the pair of earpieces. The length of the strap is to be adjusted until a desired tension is placed on the pads. The tension causes the pads to stretch the skin and thereby tone the facial and upper neck muscles naturally over a period of time for creating a more youthful look.
US08257379B2	Tissue structure perforation system and method A surgical treatment can involve creating a pattern of perforations in a tissue structure to allow lengthening of that tissue structure. For example, a pattern of perforations can be created in the transverse carpal ligament of a patient suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) that allows the carpal ligament to lengthen slightly. This lengthening can relieve pressure on the median nerve, thereby reducing the symptoms of CTS while maintaining the structural integrity of the wrist. A surgical instrument for use in perforating a tissue structure (such as the transverse ligament) can be an elongate structure with one or more retractable blades. Such a tool can be used in either an open or minimally invasive procedure to create a desired pattern of perforations in the tissue structure.
US08257376B2	Device, a kit and a method for treatment of disorders in the heart rhythm regulation system A tissue lesion creating device is structured and arranged to be inserted through the vascular system into a body vessel adjacent the heart and to be subsequently subjected to a change of shape in order to penetrate into the heart tissue. The tissue lesion creating device may thus be used for treating disorders to the heart rhythm regulation system. A kit of devices provides a plurality of devices for creating a lesion pattern for treating such disorders.
US08257374B2	Methods and devices for treating obesity and GERD by intussuscepting a portion of stomach tissue Described here are devices and methods for intussuscepting a portion of stomach tissue. Typically the intussusception is created at a position near, but distal to the gastroesophageal junction, and a pouch capable of storing a volume (from about 0 cc up to about 100 cc) is created proximal the intussuscepted tissue. In this way, the amount of food that may be ingested is reduced, helping to ameliorate GERD symptoms, and aiding in weight loss efforts. Some of the devices described here include an expandable member and at least one suction inlet. In these devices, the expandable member is expanded to create a proximal cavity into which the stomach tissue is pulled (e.g., using suction), thereby creating the intussusception.
US08257371B2	Limited access suturing devices, system, and methods Medical suturing devices, systems, and methods will be useful for endoscopic (with or without access ports) or other surgeries in which access is limited, including ear, nose, and throat procedures. Articulation motions may be transferred from a handle to needle grasping jaws using an axial movement of a shaft that has axial stiffness (such as being stiff in compression) and lateral flexibility or an axial movement of a cable. An extension body (within which the shaft or cable moves) between the handle and jaws can be pre-bent or custom bent by the user. Portions of the devices may be disposable, replaceable, and/or reusable. A spring adjacent the clamp may open the clamp or impose a gripping force.
US08257370B2	Posterior cervical and lumbar interarticulating joint staples, stapling guns, and devices for spinal fusion A staple gun for a lumbar facet joint staple, including a puller disposed in and extending through the hollow cylinder body, wherein the puller has a puller tip coupled to the first end of the puller, wherein the first end of the puller and at least a part of the puller tip are disposed inside the first end of the hollow cylinder body when the handle is in the closed position, and wherein the first end of the puller and at least a part of the puller tip extend outside the first end of the hollow cylinder body when the handle is in the open position. A posterior lumbar facet joint staple for engaging the puller tip, and staple guns for a posterior cervical facet joint staple also are provided.
US08257369B2	Suturing instrument with pivotable distal portion Suturing instruments in accordance with the invention are dimensioned and configured to apply sutures to approximate; ligate, or fixate tissue in, for example, open; mini-incision, trans-vaginal, laparoscopic, or endoscopic surgical procedures. In some embodiments, the suturing instruments include a distal portion that is deflectably and/or pivotally coupled to the remainder of the instrument for improved maneuverability and functionality during surgery. In other embodiments, the suturing instruments are capable of housing multiple needle and suture assemblies and/or reloading the needle and suture assembly without removing the instrument from the surgical site.
US08257367B2	Surgical cable tensioning apparatus and method A cable tensioning apparatus and method are provided for positioning and tensioning a surgical cable to skeletal tissue or to implants. The invention is most applicable for securing surgical cable and/or orthopedic implants to bone in orthopedic surgery. A linearly translated drive rod attached to cable is driven by a friction drive to create tension on the surgical cable.
US08257362B2	Distance measuring instrument for pedicle screws The invention relates to a distance measuring instrument for pedicle screws which detects the spacing between two pedicle screws (3, 3′) with the ends (26, 27) of two crossing limbs (11, 12) and displays it on a crossbar (25) fixedly connected to one of the limbs at a scale (22). Since the second limb (12) is divided into a pointer (16a) and into a flexural spring extending parallel to it at which a pronounced thumb grip (21a) is fastened, and since the thumb grip is connected to a scale (24) via which a pre-determined pre-tension can be read off relative to the pointer (16a), a spacing measurement can take place under a controlled pre-tension.
US08257360B2	Determining femoral cuts in knee surgery There is provided a method and system for determining a distal cut thickness and posterior cut thickness for a femur in a knee replacement operation, the method comprising: performing a tibial cut on a tibia; performing soft tissue balancing based on a desired limb alignment; measuring an extension gap between the femur and said tibial cut while in extension; measuring a flexion gap between the femur and the tibial cut while in flexion; calculating a distal cut thickness and a posterior cut thickness for the femur using the extension gap and the flexion gap and taking into account a distal thickness and posterior thickness of a femoral implant; and performing said femoral cut according to the distal cut thickness and posterior cut thickness.
US08257357B2	Combination of a motor driven oscillating orthopedic reshaping and resurfacing tool and a surface-matching sheet metal prosthesis The combination of a motor driven oscillating orthopedic reshaping and resurfacing tool and multiple surface-matching sheet metal prostheses minimally resurface bones of the knee and other joints. Said resurfacing tool incorporates multiple interchangeable cutting heads, each configured to conform to the anatomical surface of a different bone end of the knee joint or other joint, and incorporates a replaceable elastomeric cover having an annular containment cup with an incoming sterile-liquid tube and an out-going waste-liquid tube to flush debris from the surgical site. Each said prostheses, stamped from orthopedic metal sheet and having at least one mounting attachment, is configured to conform to the anatomical surface of a different bone end of the knee joint, or other joint, after said tool has resurfaced that bone end. When implanted onto said bone end, a prefect fit is achieved.
US08257351B2	Ablation catheter assembly with radially decreasing helix and method of use A catheter assembly for treatment of cardiac arrhythmia. The catheter assembly includes a catheter body and an ablative energy source. The catheter body includes a proximal portion, an intermediate portion, and a distal portion. The intermediate portion extends from the proximal portion and defines a longitudinal axis. The distal portion extends from the intermediate portion and includes an ablation section and a tip. The ablation section forms a loop defining a diameter greater than an outer dimension of a pulmonary vein ostium. The tip extends distally from the ablation section and is configured to locate a pulmonary vein. Finally, the ablative energy source is associated with the ablation section. With this configuration, upon activation of the energy source, the ablation section ablates a desired lesion pattern. In one preferred embodiment, the ablation section forms a distally decreasing radius helix, whereas the tip includes a relatively linear leader section. With this one preferred configuration, the tip readily locates a pulmonary vein and guides the ablation section to a seated relationship about a pulmonary vein ostium (or extra-ostial).
US08257348B2	Selective delivery of cryogenic energy to intervertebral disc tissue and related methods of intradiscal hypothermia therapy The present invention relates to devices and methods for altering the tissue in and around an intervertebral disc through localized hypothermia therapy to restore function of the disc and reduce pain. Hypothermia therapy is defined as the reduction of tissue temperature to below that of the equilibrium temperature. Target therapeutic temperatures and times are varied according to the desired treatment effect. Intended effects of hypothermia of the intervertebral disc include cellular disruption leading to cell death and or structural and chemical denaturation within the anulus fibrosus, nucleus pulposus, or nerve fibers, temporary or permanent deadening of the nerves within or surrounding the disc, induction of a healing response, angiogenesis, or accelerated degeneration and/or drying of the nucleus pulposus and/or anulus fibrosus. Various effects can be achieved by reaching different temperatures for differing periods of time or by the proximity of the hypothermia therapy device to the treatment target. Accordingly, it is an object of one or more the embodiments of the invention to provide hypothermic therapy to selected locations within an intervertebral disc utilizing a flexible and guidable cryogenic device.
US08257345B2	Reservoir connector A method and apparatus for a connection interface between a reservoir or syringe, infusion set tubing, and an infusion pump is provided. The elements of the apparatus are organized so that it is capable of being inserted and secured in an infusion pump housing.
US08257340B2	Multi-lumen heat transfer catheter systems Heat transfer catheter apparatus and methods of making and using same are disclosed wherein fluid connection means is provided between the distal portions of two adjacent, thin-walled, high strength fluid lumens to define a closed loop fluid circulation system capable of controlled delivery of thermal energy to or withdrawal of thermal energy from remote internal body locations.
US08257338B2	Medical microbubble generation Medical apparatus and processes controllably generate medically useful micro or nano bubbles of medically desirable and controllably selectable size, size distribution, homogeneity and concentration (and/or other key bubble parameters) for patient infusion, and/or which may incorporate therapeutic or other agents for patient infusion and/or may be combined with therapeutic or other agents prior to infusion into patients. The bubble generation apparatus and processes controllably permit the adjustment and selection of key bubble parameters through bubble generation actuation and orientation techniques and through selection of bubble fluid compositions in order to facilitate medical research and/or to optimize treatment for imaging, therapy, sonoporation, inertial and non-inertial cavitation, and acoustic activation, among other medical uses. Disposable cartridges containing such bubbles are provided and may include means for patient infusion.
US08257337B2	Intravenous fluid container An IV product comprises a flexible fluid bag and a container housing for supporting and protecting the fluid bag. The IV product may include an information element such as a bar code, RFID or the like which provides information. The IV product may also include a mechanism for expelling fluid from the fluid bag, such as an inflatable bellows. In one embodiment, the IV product may be mated to a docking station or receptacle. One or more elements may be provided for aligning and connecting the IV product to establish a fluid connection with the fluid bag.
US08257336B2	System and device for removing pharmaceutical products A system for removing or tranferring a pharmaceutical product from a reservoir including an ampoule with a moveable piston therein and an adaptor which includes, generally along a longitudinal axis, a reservoir connector and an ampoule connector for coupling to the ampoule, wherein the ampoule connector includes at least one locking mechanism which, in a side wall, includes a resilient element generally corresponding to a portion of the side wall which extends along the periphery thereof and, at opposing ends, merges with the side wall.
US08257331B2	Absorbent product In a pants-type absorbent product, a first middle elastic member is located along a horizontal direction in a middle front part between a pair of leg openings in an outer covering sheet. The first middle elastic member contracts a first sheet and a second sheet, and middle gathers are formed. Thus, it is possible to improve fitting of a middle part to a wearer. In the middle front part, both ends of the first middle elastic member are apart from edges of the pair of leg openings, and a pair of non-contracted parts are provided between the both ends of the first middle elastic member and the edges of the pair of leg openings, to thereby improve flexibility of portions in the vicinities of the leg openings in the outer covering sheet.
US08257330B2	Absorbent article The absorbent article provides a signal viewable from the top surface of the absorbent article which gives a perception of depth within the absorbent article. This creation of depth perception is accomplished by the use of at least two tones within a color and/or by the use of multiple tones and multiple colors operating together to create a perception of depth within the absorbent article.
US08257322B2	Tip protector for a safety catheter A safety catheter includes a catheter hub, a catheter tube, a needle hub, a needle cannula having a tip, and a tip protector. The tip protector includes an outer member having a flexible tab configured to releasably engage with the catheter hub and release therefrom upon inward flexing of the tab. An inner member is positioned entirely within the outer member and has a portion that impedes inward flexing of the tab when disposed adjacent the tab. The inner member is axially shiftable relative to the outer member between a first position wherein the needle tip is distal of the tip protector and the inner member portion is disposed adjacent the tab to impede release from the catheter hub, and a second position wherein the tip is within the outer member and the inner member portion is no longer adjacent the tab and no longer impedes release from the catheter hub.
US08257313B2	Integrated septum and needle tip shield for a catheter assembly An integrated septum and needle tip shield for use in a catheter assembly includes a septum configured to removably engage with an inner surface of a catheter hub and a tip shield secured inside the septum. The tip shield is configured to move between an open position in which a tip of a needle is distal of the tip shield and a closed position in which the tip of the needle is protected inside the tip shield.
US08257311B2	Method and device for treatment of the spine A device and method of positioning materials in a spine using an arcuate tool and introducer. Materials may be positioned as desired, such as against an inner annular wall of an intervertebral disc or vertebral body. The arcuate tool retains its predetermined arcuate shape when no pressure or force is applied to the tool, and is positioned by manipulating the tool relative to an introducer and the spine, with the introducer manipulated relative to the spine.
US08257305B2	Medical device for dispensing medicaments For selective treatment of diseased tissue sections or organ parts, the surface of medical devices entering into contact with areas thereof under pressure is coated with lipophilic substantially water-insoluble medicaments binding to various tissue components with good adherence thereto, said medicaments having an effect thereupon a short time after entering into contact therewith without exerting a harmful influence upon adjacent healthy tissue.
US08257303B2	Robotic catheter system and methods The apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention is comprised of a flexible sheath instrument, a flexible guide instrument, and a tool. The flexible sheath instrument comprises a first instrument base removably coupleable to an instrument driver and defines a sheath instrument working lumen. The flexible guide instrument comprises a second instrument base removably coupleable to the instrument driver and is threaded through the sheath instrument working lumen. The guide instrument also defines a guide instrument working lumen. The tool is threaded through the guide instrument working lumen. For this embodiment of the apparatus, the sheath instrument and guide instrument are independently controllable relative to each other.
US08257294B2	Blood treatment device comprising rod-shaped means for holding articles A blood treatment machine has a housing and a blood treatment module to hold components of an extracorporeal blood circulation. The machine simplifies access to a securing means for securing objects, in particular containers such as bags containing medicinal fluids, that is attached to a rod-shaped means attached to the blood treatment machine. Vertical and horizontal directions are defined by the orientation of the housing during the use of the blood treatment machine. The rod-shaped means has at least one first section and a second section, whereby the axial extent in the second section runs in a different direction than in the first section. In another embodiment, the rod-shaped means has a cropped course.
US08257293B2	Knee brace and method for securing the same A method for securing a knee brace having first and second frame members onto a leg includes the steps of: connecting a first end of a first stability strap to a buckle assembly and a second end to the first frame member so that the buckle assembly has locked and unlocked configurations. The method includes the additional steps of adjusting the length of the first stability strap; connecting a first end of a first force strap to the buckle assembly and a second end of the first force strap to the second frame member; adjusting the length of the first force strap; securing the buckle assembly to the first frame member in the unlocked configuration; and closing the buckle assembly against the first frame member so as to place the buckle assembly in the locked configuration.
US08257290B2	Temporary splint assembly with semi-rigid wrap around supports in combination with intermediately positioned joint cast A splint assembly for use with an individual's limb including an assembleable and rigid member positioned in surrounding fashion about an intermediate joint associated with the limb. A pair of support subassemblies secure about a location of the individual's limb contiguous to the joint, an extending edge of each support subassembly securing to a perimeter extending edge of the rigid member. Upper and lower wraparound support subassemblies secure to first and second perimeter extending edges associated with the rigid member, each further including a generally grid and web-shaped foam template with a hardened plastic backing being configured to match the configuration of the foam template. Edge extending straps provided for each of the hardened plastic backings overlap and engage opposite extending edge locations of each wraparound support subassembly.
US08257289B2	Fitting of compression garment Optimizing fit of a compression garment for use with a patient receiving compression therapy. Sensors formed on the garment detect characteristics of the fit of the garment in the vicinity of each sensor. The fit sensors may be capacitive disks imprinted on the garment. A controller computes overall fit of the garment on the patient based on signals from the sensors.
US08257284B2	Training device for muscle activation patterns A training device isolates muscular force direction from force magnitude to provide improved feedback to a user over conventional exercise equipment which implicitly conflates magnitude and force direction in producing purely kinematic feedback.
US08257283B2	Method and apparatus for providing a dynamically loaded force and/or a static progressive force to a joint of a patient A method and a continuous passive motion device for providing a dynamically loaded force and a static progressive force to a joint of a patient.
US08257278B2	Metal composite guide wire A guide wire for guiding a medical device within a patient is disclosed. The guide wire has a solid inner core made of high modulus material such as Conichrome® or a rhenium alloy, and an outer shell made of a flexible, kink resistant material such as a nickel-titanium alloy. Preferably, the modulus of elasticity of the inner core material is at least about 20 percent greater than that of the outer shell material. The outer shell is mechanically joined to the inner core through a drawing or cladding process. In various embodiments, the distal end of the guide wire can be tapered by grinding away the outer shell to expose the inner core. Because of its stiffness, it can be manually shaped by the physician or cardiologist.
US08257275B2	Biopsy device with strainer The present application is directed to an image-guided, vacuum assisted, percutaneous, coring, cable driven breast biopsy instrument which may be conveniently mounted to an x-ray machine wherein the biopsy instrument incorporates a rotation knob at the proximal end of the instrument to manually rotate the distal end of the probe, thus allowing the clinician to conveniently position the tissue port next to the tissue to be sampled.
US08257273B2	Device for determining cardiopulmonary volumes and flows of a living being The invention relates to a device for determining cardiopulmonary volumes and flows of a living being. According to the invention, the evaluation unit (14) of a transpulmonary measurement arrangement, preferably having a central-vein catheter and an arterial catheter (11, 12), is set up, in terms of program technology, for the purpose of taking a possible short-circuit current from the right to the left half of the heart (RL shunt) and/or from the left to the right half of the heart (LR shunt) of the living being into consideration, without the use of a right-heart catheter being required in this connection, or any recourse to pulmonary artery measurement values having to take place at all. In this connection, a model is used as the basis, which contains the function y (system response) corresponding to a dilution curve as the convolution of a disruption function I with several terms that contain characteristic times as model parameters. The terms correspond to ideally mixed volumes or delay elements that are assumed as simplifications for the right atrium (RA), the right ventricle (RV), the pulmonary blood volume (PBV), the extravasal thermal volume (ETV), the left atrium (LA), and the left ventricle (LV).
US08257272B2	Implantable sensor for measuring physiologic information An implantable sensor is provided that includes a piezopolymer sensor element including a body having a plurality of layers of a piezopolymer, and an attachment device configured to hold the piezopolymer sensor element in direct contact with at least one of a bodily fluid and bodily tissue such that the piezopolymer sensor element is configured to bend in response to motion of the at least one of bodily fluid and bodily tissue. A pair of electrodes is attached to the piezopolymer sensor element and the electrodes are configured to collect an electrical charge that is generated within the piezopolymer sensor element due to the bending of the piezopolymer sensor element.
US08257271B2	Physiological event detection systems and methods Systems and methods using constant false alarm rate techniques for event detection. One example of an event detection method includes collecting a first distribution of measurements for a first physiological parameter. In another example, the first distribution of measurements includes only non-event measurements. One or more values are determined corresponding to at least a first tail area of the first distribution from at least one measurement of the first physiological parameter toward an end point of the distribution. A threshold is established based on a specified false alarm rate. The one or more values are compared to the threshold. The method includes determining if the measurement is representative of a detected event using the comparison.
US08257270B2	Pulse wave measuring apparatus and method for measuring a pulse wave A pulse wave measuring apparatus includes a pulse wave measuring unit measuring a pulse wave; a first detection unit detecting first maximum and minimum values; a second detection unit detecting second maximum and minimum values; an update unit updating the first maximum and minimum values with the second maximum and minimum values after time periods; an initialization unit initializing the second maximum and minimum values after updating the first maximum and minimum values; a timing detection unit detecting a time determined by the first maximum and minimum values; and an interval calculation unit calculating a pulse wave interval using the timing.
US08257269B2	Apparatus for analysing pulse using array of pressure sensors Disclosed is an apparatus for analyzing pulse using an array of pressure sensors comprising: an array of pressure sensors that measures the pulse data with a plurality of piezoresistive pressure sensors; a moving part that moves the array of pressure sensors; a controller that controls the moving part, so that the array of pressure sensors can be positioned at the pulse diagnosis site, and analyzes the pulse data measured by the array of pressure sensors; and a display that displays the pulse profile analyzed by the controller. Since both the applied pressure and the pulse pressure can be measured simultaneously using the piezoresistive pressure sensors, various pulse diagnosis techniques can be applied and since pulse length, pulse thickness, etc. can be displayed in four dimensions, softness or roughness of the pulse and other pulse information can be conveyed visually.
US08257265B1	Method of diagnosing and treating CVD A method of diagnosing an obstructive lesion in the iliac venous system. The method includes the steps of identifying the presence of chronic venous disease from clinical evaluation alone of a patient, and without any further evaluation, undertaking an IVUS procedure on the patient to identify any non-thrombotic or thrombotic iliac vein lesions.
US08257260B2	System and method for amplifying transmit waveforms generated by an ultrasonic system An ultrasonic imaging system has an ultrasonic probe which improves poor harmonic performance of existing transmit circuits through the use of a linear high-voltage transmit amplifier on each sub-channel to amplify low-voltage arbitrary shape transmit waveforms generated by the ultrasonic system. The linear high-voltage amplifier of the ultrasonic probe amplifies low-voltage arbitrary shape transmit waveforms beamformed by a micro-beamformer of the ultrasonic system.
US08257255B2	Surgical retractor with locking blade Certain embodiments provide surgical retractors that include an arm and a blade, the arm including an opening and a first notched surface comprising a plurality of notches that extend radially outward from the opening, the blade including a nipple and a second notched surface comprising a plurality of notches that extend radially outward from the nipple. Attaching the blade to the arm such that the notched surfaces mate can secure the blade relative to the arm such that the blade cannot swivel radially about the opening. Certain embodiments provide methods for securing a retractor blade that can include inserting a nipple on a retractor blade into an opening and mating a first notched surface comprising a plurality of notches that extend radially outward from the opening with a second notched surface comprising a plurality of notches that extend radially outward from the nipple.
US08257252B2	Elongated seal anchor for use in surgical procedures A surgical apparatus for positioning within a tissue tract accessing an underlying body cavity includes a seal anchor member comprising a compressible material and being adapted to transition between a first expanded condition to facilitate securing of the seal anchor member within the tissue tract and in substantial sealed relation with tissue surfaces defining the tissue tract and a second compressed condition to facilitate at least partial insertion of the seal anchor member within the tissue tract. The seal anchor member has proximal and distal ends defining elongated perimeters. At least one port extends between the proximal and distal ends and is adapted for reception of an object whereby compressible material defining the at least one port is adapted to deform to establish a substantial sealed relation with the object.
US08257251B2	Methods and devices for providing access into a body cavity Methods and devices are provided for providing surgical access into a body cavity. In one embodiment, a surgical access device is provided that includes a proximal housing and a distal retractor. At least one stability thread can extend around a perimeter of at least a portion of the distal retractor. In some embodiments, the stability thread can be mechanically adjustable to change a diameter of the distal retractor.
US08257246B1	Penile prosthetic system and pump having inlet valve with high velocity closure mechanism A pump includes a pump body and a pump bulb that is connected to the pump body, an inlet valve assembly, and an exhaust valve assembly. The pump bulb is operable to move fluid between the reservoir and the cylinder. The inlet valve assembly includes a valve and a tubular sleeve that provides an exit valve seat. The inlet valve assembly is operable to allow a portion of fluid to be drawn from the reservoir through the tubular sleeve and through the inlet channel for delivery into the pump bulb. The exhaust valve assembly is operable to allow the portion of the fluid delivered into the pump bulb to be moved into the cylinder. The valve is movable to contact the exit valve seat and prevent fluid that is flowing from the cylinder to the reservoir from flowing through the inlet channel.
US08257245B2	Adjustable sling as a support of internal organs or anatomical tissues Adjustable sling as a support of internal organs or anatomical tissues that can be properly positioned into the patient's body without any special instrument, just by using a standard surgical forceps, and it allows to be repositioned, which is provided with a cavity in each of the laterals of the sling, with an opening to be able to introduce a standard surgical forceps to push the sling into the target place, said cavities formed by folding a part of the extremes of the sling inwards and after that sealing them by thread knots or thermal fixation.
US08257244B2	Intrauterine device, method of making such a device and method for putting active elements within the uterine cavity A retrievable intrauterine device for placing within a uterine cavity one or more encapsulated elements capable of having interactions with uterine fluid comprising an intrauterine device loaded with the encapsulated elements.
US08257243B2	Frequency altered feedback for treating non-stuttering pathologies Methods and devices treat treating non-stuttering pathologies having impaired or decreased communication skills by administering a frequency altered auditory feedback signal to a subject having a non-stuttering pathology while the subject is speaking or talking to thereby improve the subject's communication skills.
US08257242B2	Magnetic therapy device Various example embodiments are disclosed. According to one example embodiment, a magnetic therapy device may include a power source, a motor, a tachometer, and a microprocessor. The power source may be configured to supply power to the motor. The motor may be configured to control a disk upon which is mounted a plurality of magnets. The tachometer may be configured to monitor a magnetic field generated by the plurality of magnets and provide a signal to a microprocessor based on the monitored magnetic field. The microprocessor may be configured to control the motor based on the signal received from the tachometer.
US08257236B2	Method and apparatus for making bags A machine and method for making bags is described and includes a web traveling from an input section to a rotary drum, to an output section. The rotary drum includes at least one seal bar, having a first sealing zone, and an adjacent weakening zone. The weakening zone may be a heated perforator, includes a heating wire, or be disposed to create an auxiliary sealed area. The heating wire can have, connected thereto, a source of power that is at an adjustable voltage or magnitude, and/or pulsed, and/or a feedback loop. The heating wire may be an NiCr wire and make intermittent contact with the web and be disposed in an insert. The weakening zone may create a line of weakness that is uniform or varies in intensity, is a separating zone, or includes a heat film, a toothed blade, a row of pins, a source of air, or a source of vacuum. The sealing zones may include temperature zones, cartridge heaters, cooling air, or heated air, or a source of ultrasonic, microwave or radiative energy.
US08257229B2	Play gyms and methods of operating the same Play gyms and methods of operating the same are disclosed. A disclosed example includes a floor mat dimensioned to be positioned within a play yard and/or a bassinet. It also includes a play gym to suspend an object above the mat when the mat is positioned in the play yard and/or the bassinet, and at least one connector to couple the play gym to the mat when the mat is removed from the play gym and/or the bassinet.
US08257223B2	Method for carrying out a shift during hybrid operation in a parallel hybrid vehicle A method of carrying out a shift with traction force interruption during hybrid operation in a parallel hybrid vehicle having an automated transmission. The method comprises the steps of maintaining the coupling between the internal combustion engine (1) and the electric machine (2), eliminating the load before disengaging the old gear, and synchronizing to the new gear by the operation of the electric machine (2).
US08257221B2	Method of operating a hybrid drive system and hybrid drive system with two partial drives A method of operating a hybrid drive system with an internal combustion engine and a supplemental electric machine for a motor vehicle including first and second gear changing partial drives each with gear changing gearwheels, wherein during operation there is torque flow from one gear changing partial drive to the other partial drive results in a gear change between gearwheels.
US08257220B2	Clutch type reversible transmission bicycle with bidirectional input and one-way output The present invention is applied to pedal vehicles, or mixture of electric and pedal vehicles, or combination of electric and pedal auxiliary vehicles, especially to a bicycle capable of being pedaled bidirectionally and driven to move in unidirectional, and through releasing the connectable or releasable clutch device, the clutch type reversible transmission bicycle with bidirectional input and one-way output is prevented from lock status.
US08257218B2	Multi-speed transmission A multi-speed automatic transmission of a planetary design for a motor vehicle, the transmission comprises an input shaft and an output shaft; first, second, third and fourth planetary gear sets; and at least third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth rotatable shafts and first and second brakes and first, second and third clutches whose selective engagement defines different gear ratios between the input shaft and the output shaft such that at least eight forward gears and at least one reverse gear can be implemented. When shifting from one forward gear into one of a successive higher and a successive lower forward gear, only a single one of the first and second brakes and the first, second and third clutches is disengaged and only a single one of the first and second brakes and the first, second and third clutches is engaged.
US08257210B2	Rotation urging mechanism and pulley device A rotation urging mechanism includes: an outer member which has an outer raceway surface on its inner periphery and is rotatable about a first axis; an inner member which has on its outer periphery an inner raceway surface disposed in face-to-face relation to a radially inner side of the outer raceway surface over an entire circumference thereof and is rotatable about the first axis; and a plurality of balls disposed rollably between the outer raceway surface and the inner raceway surface. The outer raceway surface is formed about a second axis which is inclined with respect to the first axis, and the inner raceway surface is formed about a third axis which is inclined with respect to the first axis.
US08257208B2	Spin nock A nock for promoting a natural spin on an arrow shaft prior to the nock separating from a bowstring includes a nock segment possessing a bowstring rest portion, and a base portion which is coupled to a retaining portion which is attached to the end of an arrow shaft. The nock segment freewheels independently of the retainer and the arrow shaft to permit the fletching moving through the air to act on the shaft producing a natural spin to the shaft prior to its release from the bow.
US08257207B2	Baseball bat having artificially fiber-fused core and method of manufacturing the same A baseball bat has a core section formed of wood fibers artificially fused together and an outer section substantially surrounding the core section. The core section can be made exclusively of bamboo fibers artificially fused together. The core section can be substantially square having opposite front and rear sides and opposite top and bottom sides. The outer section has opposite side subsections, adhered to the sides of the core section. The side subsections have material strips arranged substantially in a first direction. The outer section further has a top subsection and a bottom subsection, adhered to the top and bottom of the core section, respectively. The top and bottom subsection have material strips arranged substantially in a second direction. The first direction and the second direction can be perpendicular to each other.
US08257206B2	Ball game racket with variable vibration length A ball game racket according to the present invention comprises a racket head and a racket shaft, wherein the racket head comprises a stringing having transverse strings and longitudinal strings each having a vibration length. The racket head comprises a means which reduces the vibration length of a plurality of strings on both sides of the stringing depending on the deflection of the strings. The means is attached as a separate part to the racket head.
US08257198B2	Iron-type golf club Disclosed herein is a golf club including a club head having a muscle back shell or a lightweight muscle back.
US08257194B2	Device for stiffening a golf club shaft A device for stiffening a golf club shaft which includes a strip of material configured to engage the exterior of the golf club shaft. The longitudinal axis of the strip may be configured to extend in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the golf club shaft when the strip engages the golf club shaft. The strip may be configured to increase the stiffness of a portion of the golf club shaft when the strip engages the portion of the golf club shaft. The strip may include longitudinal fibers configured to extend in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the golf club shaft when the strip is engaged to the exterior of the golf club shaft. An associated method for fitting a golf club with a shaft stiffening device is also described.
US08257193B2	Interchangeable shaft for a golf club A golf club (20) having a club head (22) with an interchangeable shaft (40) is disclosed herein. The golf club (20) includes a tube (44, 144) mounted in the club head (22), and a sleeve (46, 146) mounted on a tip end (50) of the shaft (40). The tube (44, 144) includes a tapered portion (60, 160) and a rotation prevention portion (62, 162). The sleeve (46, 146) has a frustoconical portion (72, 172) and a keyed portion (74, 174) that are respectively received in the tapered portion (60, 160) and the rotation prevention portion (62, 162) of the tube (44, 144). The golf club (20) further includes a mechanical fastener (48, 148) for removably securing the shaft (40) to the club head (22).
US08257186B2	Sliding-type tripod-shaped constant-velocity universal joint A sliding-type tripod-shaped constant-velocity universal joint capable of being downsized while reducing induced thrust force. The constant-velocity universal joint includes: an outer race; a tripod including a boss portion and three tripod-shaft portions being inserted into roller grooves; and rollers. And, a shaft-axis-wise width of the tripod-shaft portions is formed smaller as it goes from the root side to the leading-end side in a torque transmission region of the tripod-shaft portions. Further, a torque-transmission-wise width of the tripod-shaft portions is formed greater as it goes from the root side to the leading-end side in the torque transmission region when defining a direction that intersects with the shaft axis and the tripod-shaft portions orthogonally as a torque transmission direction.
US08257185B2	Metal and plastic Oldham coupler with added retraction spline and plastic over molded features An Oldham coupler assembly capable of transferring rotary power between two shafts in a developer unit of an image forming apparatus that includes an input plate and an output plate made of metal and a star plate made in plastic mechanically coupled and positioned in between the input plate and the output plate. A spline component made of metal is rigidly and integrally attached to the input plate, the spline component including a tubular spline portion that includes a plurality of wear strips made of plastic, the output plate having a plastic material coated along a portion of an outside diameter of the output plate. The input and output plates further include a plurality of openings to receive a plurality of wheels and pins. This structure allows a sufficiently stiff drive system to substantially eliminate fine line jitter by raising the natural frequency of the drive system.
US08257182B2	Torque transmitting shaft A torque transmitting cardan shaft including within the shaft an adapted intermediate member or shaft, which has a first end section, that is intended for a rotationally rigid co-action with a first universal joint yoke and a second end section, opposite the first end section, intended for a rotationally rigid co-action with a second universal joint yoke. The intermediate member or shaft and its end section is configured as and comprises two parts or subsections, which are mutually joined via a safety coupling arrangement, by means of which a free coupling of the subsections from one other can be ensured immediately after the torque, between the subsections, exceeds a predetermined value, determined by the construction of the safety coupling arrangement. An end section and its universal joint yoke includes an axially orientated cylindrical groove or recess, which has a center axis that is co-ordinated with or aligned with a rotational axis of the first end section and its co-ordinated universal joint yoke. The circular groove or recess is dimensioned to enable the enclosure of a major cylindrical part of the safety coupling arrangement and its safety unit first part and co-operate with a second part formed as a disc. The end section or extension and its yoke are integrally formed in one single piece.
US08257180B2	Reconfigurable gaming display and system A gaming system having one or more reconfigurable gaming machines and reconfigurable gaming displays is disclosed herein. Each gaming machine includes three reconfigurable video screens, wherein the reconfigurable first video screen displays a first game located on the gaming machine, and wherein the second reconfigurable video screen and the third reconfigurable video screen display pay tables associated with the first game, artwork associated with the first game, or combinations thereof. The one or more gaming machines are reconfigurable to display a second game on the three reconfigurable video screens in response to receiving a reconfiguration command and downloading the second game from a server via a network so that the second game is displayed on the first reconfigurable video screen, and wherein the second reconfigurable video screen and the third reconfigurable video screen display pay tables associated with the second game, artwork associated with the second game, or combinations thereof.
US08257173B2	System and method for driving artificial intelligence (AI) characters having continuous reevaluation of current goals and navigation path A method for driving an artificial intelligence (AI) character involving computing a navigational graph for a virtual environment and moving the AI character along a current path for an AI character from a current location to a current destination is disclosed. While moving the AI character along the current path the potential alternative destinations are continuously evaluated and a new destination or the current destination based upon a heuristic analysis of the alternative destinations and the current destination. The system also continuously determines whether the AI character can leave the current path.
US08257169B2	Gaming system having expected value indicators A gaming system comprises a wager input device for receiving at least one wager and at least one display for displaying a randomly selected outcome of a wagering game. The at least one display further displays an expected value indicator. The gaming system further comprises a controller operative to (i) add a portion of the at least one wager to an actual turnover, (ii) randomly select a trigger amount from a range of available trigger amounts, (iii) update the expected value indicator to indicate the actual turnover relative to the range, and (iv) award a mystery prize in response to the actual turnover becoming equal to or greater than the trigger amount.
US08257167B2	Gaming system for playing common game in groups and control method thereof A gaming system includes a plurality of gaming machines and a control device connected to the gaming machines. Each of the gaming machines has: a display device, which displays a plurality of symbols; a controller, which performs a process of rearranging symbols arranged on the display devices after gaming mediums are betted, and thereafter, executing a base game in which a payment is made in accordance with the rearranged symbols; and a communication interface, which transmits information pertinent to the betted gaming mediums to the control device, together with information for identifying a transmission source. The control device has: a memory, which stores identification information for identifying a gaming machine participated in a common game executed simultaneously in groups and identification information for identifying a group to which the gaming machine belongs in association with each other; a communication interface, which receives information transmitted from each of the gaming machines; and a controller, which executes a process of specifying a group to which a transmission source of information received by the communication interface, based upon the information stored in the memory and a process of accumulatively summing up a reserved amount by the specified group, and then, storing the sum in the memory in order to reserve part of the gaming mediums betted at the gaming machine as the transmission source in groups to which the gaming machines belong.
US08257160B2	Wagering game with modified award expected value A gaming machine for playing a wagering game includes a wager input device for receiving a wager to play a wagering game. The gaming machine further includes a display arrangement that is in communication with a controller. The display arrangement displays a plurality of positions and a range of awards associated with each of the symbol position. The controller is programmable to successively populate the plurality of positions with respective symbols, and, in response to the symbol at any of the plurality of positions being a special award symbol, provide an award randomly selected from the range associated with that position, and modify an expected value of the award randomly selected from the range as a result of each subsequent occurrence of the special award symbol.
US08257159B1	Slot machine with synchronized spinning reels A slot machine that can spin two or more of the reels in unison. Thus, the machine can spin and stop the reels in a standard fashion. If a special trigger occurs, then two or more reels can further spin with an identical offset. The further spin can generate additional rewards for the player.
US08257158B2	Gaming machine with various game styles The present invention relates to a gaming machine which has a display screen or physical reel mechanism and one or a plurality of types of features provided on said display screen, wherein said one or more features are activated when an extra bet wager is made separately of the initial wager amount, and can be adjusted independently. Also, the gaming machine of the present invention has one or more bonus games, and a player can change a bet amount at any time during the course of said bonus game.
US08257157B2	Physical data building blocks system for video game interaction A system for video game physical interaction is provided for a host device with an associated interactive application by a plurality of physical building blocks each having at least one input connection point and one output connection point operable for connection to one or more of the remaining blocks. Detectable connection paths through the plurality of blocks allow determination of the shape of a structure created by the blocks and interfacing of the connection paths of the plurality of blocks to the host device creates an input to the interactive application. The application is then altered responsive to the connection paths.
US08257156B2	Increasing air inlet/outlet size for electronics chassis Provided are electronics chassis having air inlets with increased cross-sectional area that facilitate airflow through the chassis and thereby provide improved cooling. As electronics chassis are often stacked, it has been determined that the upper surfaces of a lower chassis may be utilized to at least partially define the air inlet of the upper chassis. In this regard, an upper portion of the lower chassis may be removed to increase the size of an air inlet. That is, portions of an upper wall and/or the top wall of a lower chassis are removed and connected by a connecting wall (e.g. a tapered and/or a chamfered wall). Likewise, the bottom wall of an upper chassis may be removed. When stacked, the air inlet of the upper chassis may be disposed above the truncated portion of the lower chassis. In such an arrangement, the size of the resulting air intake is significantly increased.
US08257154B2	Puller for use in animal carcass boning or cutting An apparatus for pulling a section of an animal carcass from the carcass wherein the carcass is held using means for holding. The apparatus includes means for anchoring to the section of the carcass, and means for forcibly separating the means for anchoring from the means for holding, preferably in a substantially vertical downwards direction, and thereby remove the section from the carcass. According to preferred embodiments, the means for anchoring may be a hook or a gripper which clamps to the section of the carcass. A system including the apparatus and a corresponding method are also provided.
US08257153B2	Polishing pad and a method for manufacturing the same A polishing pad of excellent durability and adhesion between the polishing layer and the base material layer includes a polishing layer arranged on a base material layer, wherein the polishing layer includes a thermosetting polyurethane foam having roughly spherical interconnected cells having an average cell diameter of 20 to 300 μm The polyurethane foam includes an isocyanate component and an active hydrogen-containing compound as starting material components, and the active hydrogen-containing compound includes 30 to 85% by weight of a high-molecular-weight polyol having 2 to 4 functional groups and a hydroxyl value of 20 to 100 mg KOH/g.
US08257150B2	Pad dresser, polishing device, and pad dressing method Elastic member bundled by pencil band is mounted to the lower edge of support part. Elastic member is composed with tungsten wires which are 25 mm in the length and 0.15 mm in diameter bundled with every 30 wires in one bundle. The tip part of each element wire of elastic member contacts polishing pad with the tip end cut round and performs dressing of polishing pad. The wire size of the tip part of each element wire of elastic member is made to be fine and the cutting width on polishing pad is made to be narrow, and at the same time, the rigidity of elastic member is made to be enhanced by bundling each element wire of elastic member with pencil band, and a large pressure is made to be pressed to the fine tip part of each element wire. Therefore, the tip part of elastic member can give an effective incision depth to polishing pad.
US08257148B1	Knife insert with bottom edge relief for cutting edge alignment A grinding head of a grinder is provided with a knife assembly that includes a knife holder with a number of arms, each having a knife insert slot, for receiving a matching number of knife inserts. The knife inserts have a blade or cutting edge and a bottom edge. The bottom edge, rather than being a straight edge, is shaped to define a pair of bearing portions that fit within the slot of the knife holder arm and allow the knife insert to be firmly retained in the slot. A recessed area is located between the bearing portions. The recessed area accommodates any imperfections in the floor of the insert slot, and provides a void area within which any material contained within the slot can be received when the knife insert is engaged within the slot.
US08257145B2	Epoxy terrazzo flooring and method for polishing the same A method of polishing a marble terrazzo floor, including shaving the surface with a first plurality of first diamond abrasive particles, and shaving the surface with a second plurality of second diamond abrasive particles. The first diamond abrasive particles are MBG-type mesh crystals characterized by a first average size, wherein the second diamond abrasive particles MBG-type mesh crystals characterized by a second, smaller average size, and wherein the diamond abrasive particles substantially laterally impact surface protrusions.
US08257143B2	Method and apparatus for polishing object A method can effectively eliminate a surface level difference (irregularities) in a film formed on an object without producing scratches in a surface of the film, and can polish and remove the film into a flat surface with greatly increased productivity. The method comprises carrying out a first polishing step by pressing a polishing pad of a polishing device, having a diameter which is smaller than the radius of the object, against the surface of the object at a first pressure while moving the polishing pad and the object relative to each other at a first relative speed. The first polishing step is terminated at a point in time when a surface level difference in the object is eliminated to a targeted level. The method further comprises carrying out a second polishing step by pressing a polishing pad of a polishing device, having a diameter which is larger than the diameter of the object, against the surface of the object at a second pressure while moving the polishing pad and the object relative to each other at a second relative speed.
US08257137B2	Simulated eye for toy A simulated eye capable of being changed between a normal and a dilated state. The simulated eye includes a simulated pupil, a circuit board, and at least one cylindrical portion. The circuit board is configured for supplying the at least one cylindrical portion with power. The at least one cylindrical portion is electrically connected to the circuit board. When the circuit board is operated to power on or power off the at least one cylindrical portion, the at least one cylindrical portion is driven to move toward or away from the eyeball, such that a size of a colored area consisting of the simulated pupil is changed between a normal state and a dilated state.
US08257133B2	Travelling toy system A traveling toy system is provided, in which it becomes possible to reduce the amount of information transmitted to a video display device. In the traveling toy system, a video camera, a video camera controller which is adjustably controls at least a frame rate of the video camera, a signal transmission device which transmits a video signal outputted from the video camera to a video display device, and electric storage means for power supply are mounted on the traveling toy which travels on a traveling lane using a potential energy. The traveling toy system further includes a traveling toy carrier device which carries the traveling toy from a position where the potential energy is low to a position where the potential energy is high. The video camera controller changes the frame rate so that when a traveling speed of the traveling toy is higher than a given speed, the frame rate may be increased from the frame rate at the time that the traveling speed is lower than the given speed.
US08257132B2	Doll kit A toy kit for creating a three-dimensional object such as an Easter egg, or a doll having a humanoid or animal appearance is described. The kit has at least two parts formed of resiliently deformable material. One of the part or parts includes posts extending outwardly from a surface thereof for mating with corresponding holes formed in the other part or parts.
US08257131B2	Modular toy and writing instrument A modular combination toy and desktop writing accessory apparatus comprising a plurality of structural elements each having at least one nodal connector portion to which a complementary connector portion of another structural, element can be coupled. The structural elements can be assembled into a barrel-like form that is configured with a passageway for carrying a writing component of the invention. The writing component can be a pen, pencil, marker, crayon, eraser or the like. The modular combination toy and writing instrument has multiple functions in playtime as well as in everyday desk-bound activities.
US08257130B2	Manufacturing method of hermetic container A manufacturing method of a high-reliability hermetic container includes an assembling step of arranging, between first and second glass substrates, a sealing material including first and second straight line portions stretching in different directions and a coupling portion connecting these straight line portions, with a viscosity of the sealing material having a negative temperature coefficient, and a scanning sealing step of performing scanning to the first straight line portion and the coupling portion while irradiating local heating light at least once. Scanning to the second straight line portion and the coupling portion is performed while irradiating the local heating light at least once, and the assembling step further forms at least a part of the sealing material at the coupling portion with a film thickness thinner than the sealing material in a region adjacent to the coupling portion of the first straight line portion.
US08257123B1	Quadrimanual forward-rowing device with semi-independent oars Disclosed is a device for facilitating direct arm-and-leg tandem (quadrimanual) production of the power stroke in forward-facing rowing that allows the placing of the oars into the water for the power strode and the clearing of the oars from the water in the recovery stroke to be done with the arms independently of the legs. Starboard side pivotable vertical axis (100 and port side pivotable vertical axis (11) provide the means for starboard side off-set pedal bar (4) and port side off-set pedal bar (5) to pivot in a horizontal dimension along with starboard side off-set oar (6) and port side off-set oar (7). By pushing forward on the off-set pedal bars and off-set oars denoted, one engages the power stroke in rowing the device. By moving said pedal bars and oars backward, one repositions the oars in the horizontal dimension during the recovery stroke for a subsequent power stroke. Starboard side pivotable horizontal axis (12) and port side pivotable horizontal axis (13) provide the means for starboard side off-set oar (6) and port side off-set oar (7) to pivot in the vertical dimension, independently of starboard side pedal bar (4) and port side pedal bar (5). By pushing up and down on said oars one positions them for the power and recovery strokes respectively.
US08257119B2	Systems and methods for affixing a silicon device to a support structure A plurality of ribbon suspenders affix a device to a support structure. Each ribbon suspender is defined by a thickness and a width that is greater than the thickness, and has a first connection portion affixed to the support structure, a second connection portion affixed to the device, and a support portion between the first and second connection portions. The support portion is elastic and flexes to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction of the support structure. A first bond affixes the first connection portion to the support structure and a second bond affixes the second connection portion to the device.
US08257115B2	Sensor assembly for an electrical device A sensor assembly includes a jack having a mounting end and a mating. The mounting end is configured to be mounted to a card assembly. The mating end has jack contacts. A plug is provided having a mating end and a sensor end. The mating end has plug contacts. The mating end of the plug is configured to be inserted into the mating end of the jack such that the plug contacts engage the jack contacts. A sensor is provided having a lead. The lead is configured to be inserted into the sensor end of the plug to electrically couple the sensor to the card assembly.
US08257109B2	Lever waterproof wire connectors A lever push-in wire connector having a sealant therein to enable formation of a waterproof electrical connection by axial insertion of a wire into a chamber contained a resilient conductor protected by the sealant with the resilient conductor displaceable into a waterproof electrical contact with the wire while both the resilient conductor and the wire remain in the presence of the sealant.
US08257108B2	Electrical connector with scoop proof dome A socket electrical connector adapted to receive a portion of a mating plug electrical connector. The socket electrical connector includes a housing, at least two electrical contact terminals, and a contact shorting member. The housing includes a first housing member and a second housing member. The second housing member is located in the first housing member and forms a scoop proof dome having a height extending above a top side of the first hosing member. The second housing member forms at least one receiving area for receiving the portion of the mating plug electrical connector.
US08257103B2	Submersible pothead system for use in a well application A technique enables protection of electrical conductors in a submerged environment, such as a wellbore environment. A connector system is deployed at the end of an electric cable to enable connection of the electric cable with a submersible component. The connector system comprises a connector body formed of a moldable material that is molded around at least one conductor of the electric cable. The moldable material insulates and protects the at least one conductor when the connector body is engaged with the submersible component.
US08257102B2	Busbar electrical power connector A dual pole busbar power connector including opposing elements configured to form a slot configured to receive a dual-pole blade therebetween. The slot extends from busbars to opposing element distal ends. The opposing elements each includes: a first contact extending into the slot from the opposing element; and a second contact extending into the slot from the opposing element and disposed farther from a slot busbar end than the first contact. When the dual-pole blade is inserted in the slot the first contact contacts a respective blade element at a location in the slot more proximate the slot busbar end than a slot distal end.
US08257100B2	Card connector A card connector includes an insulating housing, a plurality of contacts, a projection and a detecting contact set. The insulating housing includes a bottom wall, a right wall and a left wall for defining a receiving space. The contacts are received in the insulating housing. The projection is protruded from the right wall and into the receiving space, which includes a slanting surface slanted relative to the right wall. The detecting contact set is fixed in the insulating housing, which includes a contacting arm protruding from the slating surface of the projection and into the receiving space. Due to the contacting arm of the detecting contact set is protruded from the slanting surface of the projection in the receiving space, the detecting contact set will be actuated while a card is inserted into the receiving space correctly and completely. Since, the detecting accuracy of the card connector is improved.
US08257092B2	Redundant clock channel for high reliability connectors A memory module configured to connect to a slot of a data processing system. A set of tabs is connected to the module and configured to electrically connect the module to the slot and to electrically connect the module to a clock of the data processing system. The set of tabs includes a first tab, a second tab, a third tab, and a fourth tab. The first tab and the second tab are opposite the third tab and the fourth tab. The first tab comprises a positive type tab, the second tab comprises a negative type tab, the third tab comprises a positive type tab, and the fourth tab comprises a negative type tab. The first and third tabs are configured to provide a first electrical connection to the clock. The second and fourth tabs are configured to provide a second electrical connection to the clock. Together, the first, second, third, and fourth tabs comprise two dual tabs.
US08257083B2	Methods for placing an implant analog in a physical model of the patient's mouth A method of placing a dental implant analog in a physical model for use in creating a dental prosthesis is provided. The physical model, which is usually based on an impression of the patient's mouth or a scan of the patient's mouth, is prepared. The model is scanned. A three-dimensional computer model of the physical model is created and is used to develop the location of the dental implant. A robot then modifies the physical model to create an opening for the implant analog. The robot then places the implant analog within the opening at the location dictated by the three-dimensional computer model.
US08257079B1	Orthodontic appliance A dental appliance that includes at least a first member presenting a first sloped surface and configured for attachment to a first tooth of a patient. Preferably, the first member interacts with a second member presenting a second sloped surface and configured for attachment to a second tooth of the patient. The preferred embodiment includes the interaction between the first and second member's sloped surfaces re-align the patient's jaw to correct mandibular disharmonies. In the preferred embodiment, each of the first and second members includes a laterally extending extraction feature to facilitate separation of the first and second members from the patient's teeth.
US08257078B2	Orthodontic corrective appliance, especially for correcting malpositioned molars An orthodontic corrective appliance for correcting malpositioned molars, wherein one end of the appliance is mounted on a supporting device, and the other end is applied to the given molar with spring loading includes a pusher element which is guided axially in a sleeve and is acted upon by a compression spring, and the free end of the pusher element extends from the sleeve and is provided with a connecting piece which is applied to the supporting device. Several small tubes on the outer surface of the sleeve have inner bores that guide and support a spacer bar that extends parallel to the sleeve. The end of the spacer bar that points towards the connecting piece is supported on one of the tubes, and the end of the spacer bar that faces away from the connecting piece is supported on a transpalatal arch, a Goshgarian lock or similar element.
US08257077B2	Orthodontic corrective appliance, especially for correcting malpositioned molars An orthodontic corrective appliance for correcting malpositioned molars, wherein one end of the appliance is mounted on a supporting device, and the other end is applied to the given molar with spring loading includes a pusher element which is guided axially in a sleeve and is acted upon by a compression spring, and the free end of the pusher element extends from the sleeve and is provided with a connecting piece which is applied to the supporting device. Several small tubes on the outer surface of the sleeve have inner bores that guide and support a spacer bar that extends parallel to the sleeve. The end of the spacer bar that points towards the connecting piece is supported on one of the tubes, and the end of the spacer bar that faces away from the connecting piece is supported on a transpalatal arch, a Gashgarion lock or similar element.
US08257072B2	Vane compressor with improved vanes A vane-type compressor includes: a cylinder block; a rotor rotating within the cylinder block; vane slots provided on the rotor; vanes each provided slidably within each of the vane slots; coil springs provided within the vane slots for pushing the vanes; guide pins each provided along each of the coil springs and directly fixed on the vanes or the rotor; and guide holes each provided for each of the guide pins and formed on the rotor or the vane. The guide holes are formed on the vanes in case where the guide pins are directly fixed on the rotor. Alternatively, the guide holes are formed on the rotor in case where the guide pins are directly fixed on the vanes. The compressor prevents chattering of the vanes and also prevents a complex structure and cost rise.
US08257071B2	Vane pump A vane pump includes a casing and a rotary unit rotatably held within the casing. The rotary unit includes a base portion with radially outwardly opened slits extending radially with respect to a rotational axis of the rotary unit and vanes slidably fitted in the respective slits. An annular chamber is formed around the base portion within the casing and divided into a plurality of pump chambers by the vanes. Each of the pump chambers has a volume cyclically expanded and contracted during rotation of the rotary unit to discharge the fluid drawn into each of the pump chambers. The casing includes an inlet port through which to draw the fluid into the annular chamber. The inlet port is arranged to face a portion of the annular chamber extending between a middle position and a terminating position of an expanding section in which each of the pump chambers expands.
US08257066B2	Tubing misload detection mechanism for an infusion pump An infusion tube misloading detection mechanism for an infusion pump is provided at a low cost with a safety feature of detecting misloading of infusion tube. When a door unit is to be closed with respect to a pump body in a misloaded state of an infusion tube, a misload detection inner door is pressed by the misloaded infusion tube. Accordingly, an interlock part is prevented from being closed with the pump body. Therefore, the misloaded state can be easily identified.
US08257064B2	Electric fuel pump capable of supplying fuel at high flow rate An electric fuel pump is disclosed which includes a pump portion, a motor portion, a housing, and a fuel passage. The pump portion pressurizes fuel. The motor portion drives the pump portion. The motor portion includes a rotor with a rotating shaft and a stator that surrounds an outer periphery of the rotor. The housing surrounds, at least, an outer periphery of the stator of the motor portion. The fuel passage, through which the fuel pressurized by the pump portion passes the motor portion, is made up of a clearance between the outer periphery of the stator of the motor portion and an inner periphery of the housing. The clearance extends, at least, in the axial direction of the rotating shaft of the rotor of the motor portion.
US08257062B2	Electric thrust piston pump device A thrust piston pump apparatus PM1 can be driven by an electric motor 110 and is provided with a pump housing 120, a reciprocating piston 130 assembled into the pump housing 120, and a motion conversion mechanism 40 provided between the reciprocating piston 130 and a rotor 113 of the electric motor 110. In the electric motor 110, a tubular rotor 113 is disposed in a stator (magnet 112), and a cylinder portion 121A of the pump housing 120 is coaxially housed in the rotor 113. The reciprocating piston 130 is assembled into the cylinder portion 121A of the pump housing 120 in such a manner as to be able to reciprocate along a cylinder axis. The motion conversion mechanism 140 converts a rotary motion of the rotor 113 of the electric motor 110 in relation to the pump housing 120 and the reciprocating piston 130 to a reciprocating motion of the reciprocating piston 130.
US08257061B2	Hermetic compressor with internal thermal insulation A hermetic compressor with internal thermal insulation, comprising: a compression cylinder having one end closed by a valve plate provided with a discharge orifice and having a front face against which is mounted a cylinder cover internally defining a discharge chamber; and a spacing duct having one inlet end hermetically mounted to the front face of the valve plate and open to the discharge orifice and an outlet end hermetically mounted to the cylinder cover and open to the interior of the discharge chamber, said spacing duct defining a hermetic fluid communication between the interior of the compression cylinder and the discharge chamber maintaining the cylinder cover spaced from the valve plate and defining, with the latter, an annular plenum around said spacing duct.
US08257059B2	Air supply system for a vehicle The present invention relates to an air supply system for a vehicle, which includes a curved diffuser passageway and a volute formed on upper portion of the diffuser passageway to sufficiently secure a length of the diffuser passageway, thereby enhancing a pressure conversion efficiency and reducing a size of the entire system, and which further includes a guide for guiding an air flow toward an input of an impeller, thereby minimizing a loss occurring when air passing through a motor housing flows to the inlet of the impeller, and reducing a weight of an outlet duct.
US08257058B2	Electric ventilator with unit for controlling speed located in a container surrounding the motor An electric ventilator (1) comprises a frame (2), a pair of centrifugal fans (3) mounted on the frame (2), an electric motor (4) for driving the fans (3) and axially interposed between the fans (3), and a unit (5) for controlling the speed of the motor (4); the speed control unit (5) comprises a plurality of electrical switching resistors (7) housed in a box-shaped container (8) that can be closed and sealed; the container (8) is mounted on the frame (2) and has the shape of a bridge so as to surround the casing (13) of the motor (4) without touching it.
US08257051B2	Stiff-in-plane gimbaled tiltrotor hub A rotor-hub for a rotary-wing aircraft is disclosed. The rotor-hub comprises a yoke comprising a plurality of yoke arms and a plurality of yoke straps, wherein the yoke arms are joined together by the yoke straps, and wherein a plurality of inner walls of the yoke define a central void space. A pitch horn is movably connected to the yoke and a portion of the pitch horn is located within the central void space. A connecting shell is fixedly attached to the yoke.
US08257050B2	Apparatus and method for electric spark peening of gas turbine components Peening provides compression of component surfaces in order to create residual surface compressions to resist crack propagation in components such as aerofoils. Previously peening techniques have had problems with respect to achieving adequate treatment depths, speed of treatment and with respect to effectiveness. By the present method arrangement an electrical conductor in the form of a wire is subject to electrical pulses to cause evaporation and subsequent breakdown with high power ultrasound (HPU) propagation in a volume of dielectric fluid towards a component and so peening. The electrical conductor ensures that there is limited possibility of electrical discharge to the component surface while the positioning of the wire relative to the surface can be adjusted to achieve best effect particularly if reflector devices are utilized to concentrate (HPU) pulse presentation to the component. Furthermore, the component can be surface treated in order to provide protection from potentially damaging emissions from evaporation and electrical discharge to the wire.
US08257046B2	Turbine rotor blade, turbine rotor and steam turbine equipped with the same A turbine rotor blade according to the present invention includes a cover provided at the top of an effective blade portion and a blade-fitting portion provided at the bottom of the effective blade portion. A turbine wheel is provided with a turbine-wheel engagement portion to which the blade-fitting portion is fittable. The turbine rotor blade is a portion of a blade array structure formed by arranging the cover and a neighboring cover in contact with each other. The blade-fitting portion is provided with an anti-twist segment, and the turbine-wheel engagement portion is provided with an untwist restraining segment engageable to the anti-twist segment.
US08257045B2	Platforms with curved side edges and gas turbine engine systems involving such platforms Platforms with curved side edges and gas turbine engine systems involving such platforms are provided. In this regard, a representative airfoil assembly for a gas turbine engine includes: a platform having a gas path side, a non-gas path side, a leading edge, a trailing edge, a first side edge extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge and exhibiting a first curve along a length thereof, and a second side edge extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge and exhibiting a second curve along a length thereof; and an airfoil extending from the gas path side of the platform; the platform and the airfoil exhibiting a unitary construction such that a continuous exterior surface blends from the airfoil to the platform.
US08257040B2	System and method for wind condition estimation A wind power generation system includes a wind turbine at a wind turbine location, a measuring device for providing a wind condition signal at a test location, a sensor for providing a wind condition signal at the wind turbine, and a controller. The controller is configured for receiving the wind condition signals, using a wind correlation database and the wind condition signal at the test location for providing a wind condition estimation at the wind turbine location, obtaining a difference between the wind condition signal at the wind turbine location and the wind condition estimate at the wind turbine location, and using the difference for adjusting the wind condition signal at the wind turbine location.
US08257037B2	Nozzle guide vane arrangement A nozzle guide vane arrangement comprising a vane member having a platform portion extending forwards of a leading edge of the vane member, the platform portion having a first securing member and a second securing member to provide at least part of the means to retain the vane member in use, the arrangement characterized in that the first securing member and the second securing member are staggered with an axial displacement relative to each other upon the platform portion in the direction from the leading edge to a trailing edge of the vane member.
US08257035B2	Turbine vane for a gas turbine engine A turbine vane for a gas turbine engine having an outer wall of non-uniform thickness. The turbine vane may be formed from a generally elongated airfoil formed from an outer wall having a leading edge, a trailing edge, a pressure side, a suction side, a first endwall at a first end, a second endwall at a second end opposite the first end, and an internal cooling system positioned internally of the outer wall. The outer wall may be formed of a non-uniform thickness such that aspects of the outer wall positioned between an outboardmost portion of the outer wall and an inboardmost portion of the outer wall are thinner than the outboardmost and inboardmost portions of the outer wall.
US08257034B2	Radial fan A radial fan comprises a casing having a side portion and a pot-like casing portion, an impeller wheel arranged therein and having radially extending blades, an electric motor arranged at the side portion, and a pressure chamber which is formed by the casing portion and the side portion. The pressure chamber with the impeller wheel space between the blades forms in cross-section a nozzle in the manner of a venturi nozzle. The ratio of the greatest blade height H/greatest diameter D of the scroll is substantially between H/D=0.08 and H/D=0.3.
US08257031B2	Turbo compressor and refrigerator A position adjustment device of a turbo compressor that supports an annular member of which at least a portion is capable of being disposed in a diffuser flow path and that can be disposed in and adjusts the height of the annular member. The position adjustment device has a plurality of lever mechanisms that each have a rod connected to the annular member and are disposed separated from each other in the circumferential direction; and a transmission mechanism that transmits a drive force that at least one of the plurality of lever mechanisms has received to the other lever mechanisms. The transmission mechanism has a substantially circumferential linkage in which an open section is partially provided.
US08257030B2	Gas turbine engine systems involving fairings with locating data Gas turbine engine systems involving fairings with locating data are provided. In this regard, a representative a fairing assembly for a gas turbine engine includes: a first locating component having a leading edge, first and second sides extending from the leading edge, and a recess oriented parallel to the leading edge, the recess having a first datum surface, the first locating component being operative to be positioned between a portion of a strut and a portion of an interior surface of a fairing sheath such that the first datum surface establishes a desired orientation of the fairing sheath relative to the strut.
US08257029B2	Turbine ring assembly for gas turbine A turbine ring assembly for a gas turbine includes a one-piece split ring (10) of ceramic matrix composite (CMC) material, a CMC wedge-shaped part (20) having flanks in contact with the ends of the ring, on either side of the split, so as to close the ring, and an annular metal support structure (40) surrounding the CMC ring and in contact therewith over the major fraction of its outline, the CMC ring being mounted with prestress in the metal structure, at least one element (26) exerting a resilient return force on the wedge-shaped part to keep it in contact with the ends of the CMC ring when the split opens under the effect of differential expansion between the annular metal structure and the CMC ring, and at least one element for preventing the CMC ring from turning about its axis.
US08257028B2	Turbine nozzle segment A turbine nozzle segment includes a band having a plurality of tabs, an airfoil extending from the band and a support structure attached to the tabs. The support structure has a plurality of biasing structures.
US08257027B2	Exhaust-driven turbocharger for a motor vehicle An exhaust-driven turbocharger for a motor vehicle may include a bearing housing and a turbine housing, which are mounted in the bearing house by means of a common shaft. A guide vane cage surrounds the turbine wheel. The guide vane cage may have at least two arms. The arms may be used to help secure the guide vane cage between the bearing housing and the turbine housing such that it can move in the radial direction.
US08257023B2	Fan blade The present invention relates to the field of blades, particularly fan blades, intended for turbojets, particularly of the aeronautical type. Its objective is to provide a fan blade the features of which will enable the number of fan blades to be reduced while at the same time providing satisfactory performance. According to the invention, the fan blade comprises a plurality of aerodynamic parts which are superposed in a radial direction Z and the number of aerodynamic profiles varies from one aerodynamic part to the other.
US08257022B2	Fluid flow machine featuring a groove on a running gap of a blade end A fluid-flow machine has at least one row of blades 5 having blade ends moving relative to one of a hub 3 and a casing 1, with a gap 11 positioned therebetween. At least one groove 7 extends essentially in a circumferential direction of the machine is in an area of the gap 11 along at least part of the circumference, with the extension of the groove 7 in the circumferential direction being large as compared to the extension of the groove 7 in the meridional flow direction. A cross-sectional area of the groove 7, in meridional view of the fluid-flow machine, essentially departs from a parallelogrammic shape and, due to its contour, is inclined in an upstream direction. A centroid of the groove cross-sectional area is provided upstream of the center of the groove aperture 12 on the main flow path.
US08257020B2	Wind turbine system for buildings Systems and methods for capturing the energy of wind currents by placing wind-driven turbines in vortices formed near one or more edges of a building's roof, where the wind currents are concentrated by deflection of the wind off the horizontal faces of the building. In one embodiment, a cylindrical wind turbine is placed near the edge of a building's rooftop. The turbine structure drives an electrical generator. The axis of rotation of the turbine is parallel to the ground and to the edge of the building. A concentrator may be used to concentrate vortex winds into the turbine. Turbines can be installed on multiple sides of the building to optimize the system for variations in wind direction with changes in seasons or weather conditions.
US08257018B2	Wind energy conversion devices A wind turbine for harvesting energy from both horizontal and vertical wind currents having an open frame structure and a central passage through the structure with at least three wind energy harvesting generally vertically disposed and rotatably mounted blades positioned about the central passage and at least three wind energy harvesting generally horizontal blades projecting radially from the central vertical axis of the device. The open frame structure includes a unique rod and cable central structure offset from the periphery of the frame. In one embodiment, the frame structure is suspended from a rotatable hub at the top of a stationary mast.
US08257013B2	Substrate treatment apparatus The present invention provides a substrate treatment apparatus which sets substrate loading intervals to treatment chambers to a fixed value and prevents the occurrence of stagnancy of substrates in the treatment chambers. The substrate treatment apparatus includes a substrate conveyance chamber 5 which has a substrate conveyance device 11, a plurality of treatment chambers 6 to 9 in which a treatment time of at least one treatment chamber differs from treatment times of other treatment chambers and the respective treatment chambers are communicated with the conveyance chamber, and a control part 12 which controls a conveyance operation of the substrate conveyance device by setting treatment schedules of the substrates. In sequentially treating a plurality of substrates by the treatment chambers based on the preset same treatment schedule, the control part, using a time corresponding to a sum of the treatment time of the treatment chamber having the longest treatment time out of the treatment chambers predetermined during the treatment schedule and conveyance times before and after the treatment time with respect to the treatment chamber as a reference substrate loading interval, sets the substrate loading interval of respective substrates to the firstly loaded treatment chamber.
US08256996B2	Process and equipment for the conveyance of powdered material Process and a device (2) for the pneumatic conveyance of powdered material (4), in which a cylindrical chamber (10, 12), which can be connected with a reservoir (6) by a sealable inlet (14, 16) and with a delivery line (28) by a sealable outlet (18, 20), is alternately filled with material from the reservoir (6) and emptied of this material by applying a negative pressure to the chamber with its outlet (18, 20) closed and its inlet (14, 16) open through a bordering wall formed by a gas-permeable filter element (50) to draw material into the chamber (10, 12) from the reservoir (6), and by then admitting a gas under pressure into the chamber (10, 12) with its inlet (14, 16) closed and its outlet (18, 20) open to force the material previously drawn into the chamber (10, 12) out of the chamber and into the delivery line (28).

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10