Document Document Title
US08299354B2 Luminescent solar collector
Disclosed are fluorescent dye compounds of Formula (I) or (II): where R, R′, m and k are as described herein. The dye compounds are suitable for use in luminescent solar collectors. Methods of making the dye compounds and luminescent solar collectors comprising them are also described.
US08299353B2 Solar cell
A solar cell including a photovoltaic layer, a first electrode layer, a second electrode layer, an insulating layer and a light-transparent conductive layer is provided. The photovoltaic layer has a first surface and a second surface. The first electrode layer having at least one gap is disposed on the first surface, wherein the at least one gap exposes a portion of the photovoltaic layer. The second electrode layer is disposed on the second surface. The insulating layer having a plurality of pores is located on the photovoltaic layer exposed by the at least one gap, wherein the holes expose a portion of the photovoltaic layer. The light-transparent conductive layer covers the insulating layer and is connected with the first electrode layer. The transparent electrode is connected with the photovoltaic layer through at least a part of the pores. A method of fabricating a solar cell is also provided.
US08299349B2 Thermoelectric materials and chalcogenide compounds
A thermoelectric material is disclosed. The thermoelectric material is represented by the following formula; (A1-aA′a)4-x(B1-bB′b)3-y. A is a Group XIII element and A′ may be a Group XIII element, a Group XIV element, a rare earth element, a transition metal, or combinations thereof. A and A′ are different from each other. B may be S, Se, Te and B′ may be a Groups XIV, XV, XVI or combinations thereof. B and B′ are different from each other. a is equal to or larger than 0 and less than 1. b is equal to or larger than 0 and less than 1. x is between −1 and 1 and wherein y is between −1 and 1.
US08299348B2 Thermoelectric module and method for manufacturing the same
Disclosed is a thermoelectric module, including: a first substrate; a plurality of thermoelectric elements arranged on a first surface of the first substrate; and a temperature detector disposed on the first surface or a second surface of the first substrate via a thermal transfer member.
US08299347B2 System and method for a simplified musical instrument
A system and method is described for a novel, simplified electronic musical instrument. By combining a simplified user input controller with a musical instrument synthesizer, a new simple to learn musical instrument is created allowing anyone to perform music without mastering the skills required to play traditional instruments. Traditional instruments require significant skills by users to even make sounds considered musical. The invention described herein allows any unskilled player to pick up the instrument and make music. Additionally, the user will be able to collaborate with others over the Internet, record, playback and edit their compositions, as well as publish the compositions.
US08299345B2 Polyphonic tuner
The present invention relates to a musical instrument tuner, e.g. a guitar tuner, featuring different levels of detail for displaying monophonic and polyphonic characteristics of an input signal.
US08299339B1 Inbred maize variety PH13AM
A novel maize variety designated PH13AM and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH13AM with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH13AM through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH13AM or a locus conversion of PH13AM with another maize variety.
US08299338B2 Plants and seeds of corn variety CV557377
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV557377. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV557377, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV557377 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV557377 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV557377.
US08299337B2 Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH468487
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH468487. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH468487, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH468487 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH468487.
US08299326B1 Soybean cultivar 06JR207629
The present invention is in the field of soybean cultivar 06JR207629 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean cultivar 06JR207629 and its progeny, and methods of making 06JR207629.
US08299325B1 Soybean cultivar 04RM185092
The present invention is in the field of soybean cultivar 04RM185092 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean cultivar 04RM185092 and its progeny, and methods of making 04RM185092.
US08299318B2 Nucleotide sequences and corresponding polypeptides conferring modulated plant characteristics
The present invention relates to isolated nucleic acid molecules and their corresponding encoded polypeptides. The present invention further relates to the uses of these nucleic acid molecules and polypeptides. For example, the nucleic acid molecules and polypeptides could be used in making enzymes or used to make plants, plant cells, plant materials or seeds of a plant having such modulated growth or phenotype characteristics that are altered with respect to wild type plants grown under similar conditions.
US08299313B2 Olefin production process
A process is provided which is capable of producing olefins stably and efficiently by a metathesis reaction of identical or different olefins while preventing the lowering in metathesis catalyst activity due to trace impurities such as heteroatom-containing compounds that are contained in a starting olefin.The olefin production process includes supplying a starting olefin containing more than 0 ppm by weight to not more than 10 ppm by weight of one or more kinds of heteroatom-containing compounds to a reactor that contains a metathesis catalyst and an isomerization catalyst, the metathesis catalyst including at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of tungsten, molybdenum and rhenium, the isomerization catalyst including calcined hydrotalcite or yttrium oxide, and performing a metathesis reaction of identical or different olefins.
US08299304B2 Alignment material for liquid crystal display device of vertical alignment mode and method of preparing the same
This invention provides alignment materials for liquid crystal display device of vertical alignment mode and methods for the preparation of the same, and more particularly, it provides diaminobenzene derivatives represented by the following formula 1 (shown in description), capable of aligning liquid crystal in uniform and vertical way and remarkably improving clarity and solubility against organic solvents, methods for the preparation of the same and liquid crystal alignment films using the same.
US08299298B2 Pharmaceutical-grade ferric organic compounds, uses thereof and method of making same
The present invention discloses pharmaceutical-grade ferric organic compounds, including ferric citrate, which are soluble over a wider range of pH, and which have a large active surface area. A manufacturing and quality control process for making a pharmaceutical-grade ferric citrate that consistently complies with the established Manufacture Release Specification is also disclosed. The pharmaceutical-grade ferric organic compounds are suitable for treating disorders characterized by elevated serum phosphate levels.
US08299295B2 Polymorphs of bromfenac sodium and methods for preparing bromfenac sodium polymorphs
Different polymorphs of bromfenac sodium may be prepared and interconverted using crystallization/recrystallization, drying and/or hydration techniques.
US08299274B2 Process for producing carnosol from carnosic acid using hydrogen peroxide or peracids
Novel catalytic processes for the production of carnosol from carnosic acid using hydrogen peroxide or a peracid are presented. The carnosic acid may be in pure form, in an impure form, part of a plant extract, or may be present in rosemary needles. The catalyst may be iron, iron salts, a minor amount of water, rosemary needles, or a mixture thereof.
US08299273B2 Biphenyltetracarboxylic acid dianhydride and process for producing the same, and polyimide formed from the same and process for producing the same
To provide a process for producing BPDA whereby high productivity is attained while high purity is maintained.A process for producing biphenyltetracarboxylic acid dianhydride, which comprises heating biphenyltetracarboxylic acid to produce biphenyltetracarboxylic acid dianhydride, characterized in that the heating is carried out at a pressure of from 1×102 Pa to 1.1×105 Pa to a maximum temperature in a range of from 210° C. to 250° C. in such a manner that the temperature rising rate is higher than 50° C./hr for a period of at least ¼ of the time for the temperature rise from 60° C. to 210° C., and the temperature is maintained to be from 150° C. to 250° C. for from 0.5 to 10 hours.
US08299267B2 (3-hydroxy-4-amino-butan-2-yl) -3- (2-thiazol-2-yl-pyrrolidine-1-carbonyl) benzamide derivatives and related compounds as beta-secretase inhibitors for treating
The present invention provides novel beta-secretase inhibitors and methods for their use, including methods of treating of Alzheimer's disease.
US08299266B2 Processes for making epothilone compounds and analogs
A process for making aziridinyl epothilone compounds according to formula G, starting from a compound according formula C where R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R12, R13, Z1 and Z2 in formulae (G) and (C) are as defined herein. The aziridinyl epothilone compounds of formula (G) are useful for the treatment of cancer.
US08299261B2 1-heterocyclylsulfonyl, 3-aminomethyl, 5-(hetero-) aryl substituted 1-H-pyrrole derivatives as acid secretion inhibitors
The present invention provides a compound having a superior acid secretion inhibitory effect and showing an antiulcer activity and the like. The present invention provides a compound represented by the formula (I) wherein R1 is a nitrogen-containing monocyclic heterocyclic group optionally condensed with a benzene ring or a heterocycle, the nitrogen-containing monocyclic heterocyclic group optionally condensed with a benzene ring or a heterocycle optionally has substituent(s), R2 is an optionally substituted C6-14 aryl group, an optionally substituted thienyl group or an optionally substituted pyridyl group, R3 and R4 are each a hydrogen atom, or one of R3 and R4 is a hydrogen atom and the other is an optionally substituted lower alkyl group, an acyl group, a halogen atom, a cyano group or a nitro group, and R5 is an alkyl group or a salt thereof.
US08299260B2 Process for preparing aryl-substituted pyrazoles
The present invention relates to a process for preparing 1-aryl-substituted pyrazoles, comprising the reaction of alkoxy enones and enamino ketones with arylhydrazine derivatives to give 1-aryl-substituted dihydro-1H-pyrazoles, the further reaction thereof with elimination of water to give 1-aryl-substituted trihalomethylpyrazoles, and the further processing thereof.
US08299257B2 Compounds which have activity at M1receptor and their uses in medicine
Compounds of formula (I) or a salt thereof are provided: wherein R4, R5, R6, Q, A, Y and R are as defined in the description. Uses of the compounds as medicaments and in the manufacture of medicaments for treating psychotic disorders, cognitive impairments and Alzheimer's Disease are disclosed. The invention further discloses pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds.
US08299255B2 3,8-diaminotetrahydroquinoline derivative
To provide a compound which has a potent agonistic activity on GHS-R and which is useful as a therapeutic agent for systemic wasting diseases such as cachexia.A 3,8-diaminotetrahydroquinoline derivative represented by formula (1a) (wherein X represents CH2, C═O, CH—OR, CH—SR, or CH—NRR′; m is a number of 1 or 2; Ar represents a phenyl group, a naphthyl group, a 5-membered or 6-membered aromatic heterocyclic group having one or two elements selected from S, N, and O, or a similar group; R1 and R2, which may be identical to or different from each other, each represent a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; R3 represents a C1 to C6 alkyl group or a similar group; n is a number of 0 or 1; R4 and R5, which may be identical to or different from each other, each represent a hydrogen atom, or a C1 to C6 alkyl group, etc.; and R6, R7, R, and R′, which may be identical to or different from one another, each represent a hydrogen atom or a C1 to C6 alkyl group), or a salt thereof.
US08299252B2 Pyrazolopyridine and pyrrolopyridine multikinase inhibitors
It is intended to provide a compound represented by the formula (1): [wherein Ar is an arylene group to be attached selected from the following formula (2): (wherein * represents a binding site to a nitrogen atom and ** represents a binding site to T); T represents —(O)n—R; R represents a C1-C6 alkyl group or the like; n represents 0 or 1; X represents O or the like; R2, R3 and R4 are independently selected from a hydrogen atom or C1-C3 alkyl; or R2 and R3 may join together with an urea structure containing the nitrogen atoms to which they bind to form a 5- or 6-membered heterocycle; Y represents CH or N], or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a prodrug thereof and a pharmaceutical composition containing the same.
US08299251B2 Method for producing camptothecin derivatives
The invention offers a method of hydrogenating camptothecin in inert solvent in the presence of nickel catalyst, whereby selective hydrogenation of camptothecin can be very efficiently accomplished using the low-cost catalyst.
US08299250B2 Chiral tridentate compounds, corresponding organometal complexes, method for preparing same and use of said compounds and complexes as ligands in asymmetrical catalysis
The invention relates to a compound of the formula (I) or the formula (II) in which: W is an oxygen atom or a radical of the formula NH; X is hydrogen or an alkaline cation or a C1-C8 alkyl or a —(CH2)n3—C(R4)(R5)(R6) radical; X and R on the one hand and X and R1 on the other hand may independently form an optionally substituted cycle with 5, 6 or 7 links. The invention also relates to complexes of said compounds with at least one metal selected from the group comprising copper, palladium, ruthenium, iridium and rhodium, and to a method for the synthesis of these compounds. These compounds and complexes can be used in various asymmetrical catalysis methods.
US08299243B2 Indazole, benzisoxazole, and benzisothiazole kinase inhibitors
Compounds having the formula are useful for inhibiting protein tyrosine kinases. The present invention also discloses methods of making the compounds, compositions containing the compounds, and methods of treatment using the compounds.
US08299241B2 Processes for preparing (R)-8-chloro-1-methyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine and intermediates thereof
The present invention provides processes and intermediates for the preparation of (R)-8-chloro-1-methyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine and salts thereof which are useful as serotonin-2C (5-HT2C) receptor agonists for the treatment of, for example, obesity.
US08299240B2 Method of producing a metal phthalocyanine compound, and method of producing a phthalocyanine compound and an analogue thereof
A method of producing a metal phthalocyanine compound, which contains: conducting a reaction between at least two compounds selected from among Compounds A to F of formula (I), and a metal compound, in a buffer solution of an organic base or an inorganic base and an acid, in the presence of a dehydrating agent: wherein R is a hydrogen atom or a substituent; l is an integer of 0 to 4; a plurality of Rs may be the same or different from each other when l is 2 to 4; and G is a group of atoms necessary for forming at least one of a 5- or 6-membered aromatic ring and a 5- or 6-membered hetero ring.
US08299238B2 Steroidogenesis modified cells and methods for screening for endocrine disrupting chemicals
An isolated steroidogenesis modified cell comprising one or more steroid biosynthesis knock down nucleic acid operatively linked to a promoter, wherein the steroid biosynthesis knock down nucleic acid reduces the expression of a gene selected from the group CYP21A2, CYP11A1, CYP17A1, CYP19A1, 3-βHSD1, 3-βHSD2, 17-βHSD1, StAR, HMGR, CYP11B2, CYP11B1, 5α-Reductase 2, SULT1E1, CYP3A4 and UTG1A1, wherein the cell comprises reduced expression of one or more of said genes. The cells are useful for identifying endocrine disruptors. Accordingly, the disclosure includes in a further aspect a screening assay for identifying an endocrine disruptor comprising: a) contacting a cell described herein with a test substance; b) determining a level of at least one steroid or steroidogenic gene mRNA or enzyme activity; wherein a modulation in the level of the at least one steroid or steroidogenic gene mRNA or enzyme activity compared to a control is indicative that the test substance is an endocrine disruptor.
US08299237B2 Nucleic acid sequences comprising NF-κB binding site within O(6)-methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter region and uses thereof for the treatment of cancer and immune-related disorders
The invention relates to nucleic acid sequences comprising NF-κB binding sites derived from the MGMT promoter region and uses thereof as decoy molecules in the treatment of cancer and immune-related disorders. More particularly, the invention relates to nucleic acid sequences as well as to modified oligonucleotides (ODNs) comprising NF-κB binding sites derived from the MGMT promoter region, and uses thereof as decoy molecules for inhibiting NF-κB enhanced expression of MGMT. The invention further relates to compositions, kits and screening methods using the NF-κB binding sites of the invention or ODNs comprising the same for treating cancer and immune related disorders.
US08299232B2 Constructing a DNA chimera for vaccine development against leishmaniasis and tuberculosis
A novel recombinant chimera of DNA construct having esat-6 region of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and kinesin region of Leishmania donovani cloned together on two sides of self cleaving peptide in a DNA vaccine vector pVAX-1 wherein the chimeric construct is operatively linked to a transcriptional promoter thus capable of self replication and expression within the mammalian cell, and the process of preparation thereof comprising: analysis of the predicted protein sequence of kinesin motor domain and esat-6 domain using Promiscuous MHC Class-1 Binding Peptide Prediction Servers; amplification of gene coding for kinesin motor domain and esat-6 domain; cloning of kinesin esat-6 gene region in pGEM-T™ vector for sequence analysis; generation of chimeric construct by directional cloning in pVAX-1 vector. In-vitro expression analysis of kinesin motor domain and esat-6 domain from the clones using cell free translation system and immunogenicity studies; and splenocyte proliferation and cytokines studies using the above mentioned constructs.
US08299231B2 Nucleic acid sequences encoding AN1-like zinc finger proteins
Isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides encoded thereby are described, together with the use of those products for making transgenic plants.
US08299229B2 Mucin antigen vaccine
Provided are expression vectors for generating an immune response to a mucin. The vectors comprise a transcription unit encoding a secretable polypeptide, the polypeptide comprising a secretory signal, a mucin antigen and CD40 ligand. Also provided are methods of generating an immune response against cells expressing a mucin by administering an effective amount of the vector. Further provided are methods of generating an immune response against cancer cells expressing a mucin in an individual by administering an effective amount of the vector. Still further provided are methods of overcoming anergy to a mucin self antigen by administering an effective amount of the vector.
US08299227B2 Method of immobilizing and stretching a nucleic acid on a substrate
The present invention relates to a method of immobilizing and stretching a nucleic acid on a silicon substrate, to nucleic acids and substrates prepared according to this method, to uses of the method and to uses of the nucleic acid and the substrate.
US08299224B2 High-purity Rebaudioside D
The invention provides methods of purifying Rebaudioside D from the Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni plant extract along with Rebaudioside A. The methods are useful for producing high purity Rebaudioside D and Rebaudioside A. The high purity Rebaudiosides are useful as non-caloric sweeteners in edible and chewable compositions such as any beverages, confectionaries, bakeries, cookies, chewing gums, and alike.
US08299219B2 Polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding same, antibodies thereagainst and methods of using same for diagnosing and treating cancer and skeletal disorders
An isolated polypeptide is provided, comprising an amino acid sequence being at least 88% homologous to SEQ ID NO: 15 (human) as determined by BlastP using default parameters, the isolated polypeptide being capable of promoting cell adhesion and/or cell homing.
US08299217B2 Variant AXMI-R1 delta endotoxin genes and methods for their use
Compositions and methods for conferring pesticidal activity to bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions comprising a coding sequence for pesticidal polypeptides are provided. The coding sequences can be used in DNA constructs or expression cassettes for transformation and expression in plants and bacteria. Compositions also comprise transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues, and seeds. In particular, nucleic acid molecules encoding variant AXMI-R1 sequences are provided. Additionally, amino acid sequences corresponding to the polynucleotides are encompassed.
US08299216B2 Biomarkers for melanoma
The present invention relates to methods of determining melanoma status in a subject. The invention also relates to kits for determining melanoma status in a subject. The invention further relates to methods of identifying biomarker for determining melanoma status in a subject.
US08299210B2 Methods for purifying pertussis toxin and peptides useful therefor
The present invention relates to reagents and methods for purifying pertussis toxin (PT).
US08299204B2 Polyester compositions which comprise cyclobutanediol and certain thermal stabilizers, and/or reaction products thereof
Described as one aspect of the invention are polyester compositions containing: (I) at least one polyester which comprises: (a) dicarboxylic acid component comprising: (i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues; (ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having up to 20 carbons atoms; and (iii) 0 to 10 mole % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues having up to 16 carbon atoms; and (b) a glycol component comprising: (i) 1 to 99 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues; and (ii) 1 to 99 mole % of cyclohexanedimethanol residues; and (II) at least one thermal stabilizer chosen from at least one alkyl phosphate esters, aryl phosphate esters, mixed alkyl aryl phosphate esters, reaction products thereof, and mixtures thereof; wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole %, and wherein the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %.
US08299203B2 High IV melt phase polyester polymer catalyzed with antimony containing compounds
A melt phase process for making a polyester polymer melt phase product by adding an antimony containing catalyst to the melt phase, polycondensing the melt containing said catalyst in the melt phase until the It.V. of the melt reaches at least 0.75 dL/g. Polyester polymer melt phase pellets containing antimony residues and having an It.V. of at least 0.75 dL/g are obtained without solid state polymerization. The polyester polymer pellets containing antimony residues and having an It.V. of at least 0.70 dL/g obtained without increasing the molecular weight of the melt phase product by solid state polymerization are fed to an extruder, melted to produce a molten polyester polymer, and extruded through a die to form shaped articles. The melt phase products and articles made thereby have low b* color and/or high L* brightness, and the reaction time to make the melt phase products is short.
US08299201B2 Bismuth-catalyzed polyurethane composition
A one-component polyurethane composition includes at least one polyurethane prepolymer having terminal isocyanate groups which is prepared from at least one polyisocyanate and at least one polyol, and to at least one catalyst system which is obtainable from at least one bismuth compound and at least one aromatic nitrogen compound. The polyurethane composition may be used as an adhesive, sealant, coating or lining. Finally, catalysts for polyurethane compositions are disclosed which represent coordination compounds between bismuth and at least one aromatic nitrogen compound.
US08299198B2 Polysiloxane composition, molded body obtained from the same, and optodevice member
The present invention provides a polysiloxane composition maintaining high transparency over a wide wavelength region and a wide temperature region and being excellent in heat resistance, low-dielectric characteristics, workability, and the like. A polysiloxane composition includes (A) a polysiloxane which is composed of a polysiloxane compound having a polyhedral skeleton having 6 to 24 Si atoms in its molecule and which has at least one alkenyl group bonded directly or indirectly to a Si atom constituting the polyhedral skeleton, (B) a polysiloxane having a hydrosilyl group, and (C) a hydrosilylation catalyst.
US08299196B2 Adhesive composition
An adhesive composition is provided comprising (A) a fluorinated amide compound containing at least two vinyl groups and having a polyfluoro structure, (B) a fluorinated organosilicon compound containing a fluorinated organic group, at least two SiH groups, and an alkyl, aryl or aralkyl group, and (C) a platinum catalyst, and (D) an organosiloxane containing a SiH group and an epoxy and/or trialkoxysilyl group. The composition is cured on brief heating into a product which achieves adhesion to various substrates and has solvent resistance, chemical resistance, heat resistance, low-temperature properties, low moisture permeability, electric insulation, and acid resistance.
US08299195B2 Ethylene homopolymer
The object is to provide an ethylene homopolymer which is high in proportion of unsaturated group at one terminal of polymer chain and proportion of vinylidene group in the number of unsaturated group at one terminal of polymer chain and controlled in branching structure. The ethylene homopolymer satisfies the following requirements (1)-(4): (1) the number of ethyl branch per 1000 carbon atoms is 8 or more, (2) the number of alkyl branches other than ethyl branch is 0.1 or less, (3) the proportions of terminal vinyl group and terminal vinylene group in terminal unsaturated group (sum of terminal vinyl group, terminal vinylene group and terminal vinylidene group) are as shown by terminal vinyl group/terminal unsaturated group<0.01 and terminal vinylene group/terminal unsaturated group<0.01, and (4) the ratio of terminal vinylidene group and terminal methyl group is terminal vinylidene group/terminal methyl group>0.90.
US08299193B2 Film or laminate comprising ethylene-based resin or ethylene-based resin composition
The present invention provides a film including, in at least a part thereof, a layer comprising an ethylene-based resin, which is a copolymer of ethylene and an α-olefin of 4 to 10 carbon atoms, and satisfies the following requirements (1) to (5) at the same time or an ethylene-based resin composition containing the resin; (I) the melt flow rate at 190° C. under a load of 2.16 kg is in the range of 0.1 to 50 g/10 min, (II) the density is in the range of 875 to 970 kg/m3, (III) the ratio of a melt tension at 190° C. to a shear viscosity at 200° C. and an angular velocity of 1.0 rad/sec is in the range of 1.00×10−4 to 9.00×10−4, (IV) the sum of the number of methyl branches and the number of ethyl branches, each number being based on 1000 carbon atoms and measured by 13C-NMR, is not more than 1.8, and (V) the zero shear viscosity [η0(P)] at 200° C. and the weight-average molecular weight (Mw) as measured by a GPC-viscosity detector method (GPC-VISCO) satisfy the following relational formula (Eq-1): 0.01×10−13×Mw3.4≦η0≦4.5×10−13×Mw3.4  (Eq-1).
US08299190B2 Colored polymer particles, method for producing the same, and toner and developer using the same
A method for producing colored polymer particles, including adding a colorant-containing composition containing a radically polymerizable monomer and a colorant in a supercritical fluid or a subcritical fluid and polymerizing the radically polymerizable monomer, so as to produce colored polymer particles which are insoluble in the supercritical fluid or subcritical fluid, wherein the supercritical fluid or subcritical fluid is a supercritical fluid or subcritical fluid in which at least the radically polymerizable monomer is soluble, but polymer particles resulted from polymerization of the radically polymerizable monomer are insoluble, and wherein the colorant is at least one selected from the group consisting of a pigment, a dye and a polymer dye.
US08299188B2 Supported metallocene catalysts
Method employing a supported metallocene catalyst composition in the production of an isotactic ethylene propylene co-polymer. The composition comprises a metallocene component supported on a particulate silica support having average particle size of 10-40 microns, a pore volume of 1.3-1.6 ml/g, a surface area of 200-400 m2/g. An alkylalumoxane cocatalyst component is incorporated on the support. The isospecific metallocene is characterized by the formula: B(CpRaRb)(FlR′2)MQn  (1) or by the formula: B′(Cp′R′aR′b)(Fl′)M′Q′n′  (2) In the formulas Cp and Cp′ are substituted cyclopentadienyl groups, Fl and Fl′ are fluorenyl groups, and B and B′ are structural bridges. R′ are substituents at the 2 and 7 positions, Ra and R′a are substituents distal to the bridge, and Rb and R′b are proximal to the bridge. M and M′ are transition metals, Q′ is a halogen or a C1-C4 alkyl group; and n′ is an integer of from 0-4.
US08299184B2 Rubber composition for tire sidewall and tire
A rubber composition for tire sidewall which comprises a rubber component, which comprises polybutadiene rubber having a content of the cis-1,4-bond of 92% or greater and a content of the vinyl bond of 1.5% or smaller and natural rubber and/or at least one other diene-based synthetic rubber, and 10 to 70 parts by mass of carbon black having a specific surface area by nitrogen adsorption of 20 to 100 m2/g per 100 parts by mass of the rubber component and does not comprise a softener having an aniline point of 50° C. or lower and a tire using the rubber composition for sidewall. Excellent resistance to cut growth is obtained while sufficient workability is surely exhibited.
US08299176B2 Thermosetting poly(thio)urethane formulation comprising at least one block copolymer and use thereof in optics for the production of organic lenses having improved toughness
The invention relates to a polymerisable liquid mixture comprising: (a) a polymerisable thermosetting composition which is a precursor by polymerization of a first thermoset polymer material, said composition containing at least one polythiol and/or one polyol, preferably a polythiol, and at least one polyiso(thio)cyanate; and (b) a second polymer material solubilized in the aforementioned polymerisable thermosetting composition, whereby the second material (i) contains at least one block copolymer comprising at least two polymer blocks A and B, namely an elastomer block A and a hydrophilic block B, and, following polymerization of the polymerisable mixture, (ii) forms domains which are rich in elastomer block A and which are dispersed throughout the first material, said domains being smaller than 80 nanometers and preferably smaller than 50 nanometers. The invention also relates to a transparent article having improved toughness, which is produced by means of polymerization of the above-mentioned polymerisable mixture, comprising an alloy of a first thermoset polymer material forming the matrix of said article and of a second polymer material which is dispersed throughout said first material. The aforementioned articles have improved resistance to impact and to crack propagation. The invention is suitable for use in ophthalmic optics.
US08299175B2 Method of preparing thermoplastic resin having superior gloss, impact strength and whiteness
Disclosed is a method for preparing a thermoplastic resin with superior impact resistance, chemical resistance and processability as well as excellent gloss and whiteness. The method includes emulsion-polymerizing a conjugated diene compound monomer to prepare a rubber latex having an average particle diameter of 1,800 Å to 5,000 Å, a polymerization conversion ratio of at least 90% and a swelling index of 12 to 40, an average gel content of 70 to 95%, emulsion-polymerizing 45 to 75 parts by weight of the rubber latex with 17 to 40 parts by weight of an aromatic vinyl compound and 4 to 20 parts by weight of a vinyl cyanide compound to prepare a graft copolymer latex, and coagulating the graft copolymer latex with a coagulant at 60 to 80° C., and aging the graft copolymer latex at 80 to 99° C. to obtain a graft copolymer powder.
US08299173B2 Method involving 1-benzotriazolyl carbonate esters of polymers
The invention provides a method comprising the steps of (i) reacting a water-soluble and non-peptidic polymer having two or more terminal hydroxyl groups with di(1-benzotriazolyl)carbonate to form a water-soluble and non-peptidic polymer having two or more 1-benzotriazolylcarbonate ester groups; and (ii) reacting the water-soluble and non-peptidic polymer having two or more 1-benzotriazolylcarbonate ester groups with a water-soluble and non-peptidic polymer having three or more primary amino groups under conditions effective to form a cross-linked polymer composition.
US08299168B2 Siloxane-containing binder dispersions
The invention relates to aqueous formulations comprising organic binders having a siloxane content and inorganic nanoparticles, a process for the preparation thereof and the use thereof for the preparation of aqueous coating compositions.
US08299166B2 Crosslinkable polyolefin composition comprising high molecular weight silanol condensation catalyst
The present invention relates to a composition comprising (i) a crosslinkable polyolefin with hydrolysable silane groups (A), and (ii) a silanol condensation catalyst comprising an organic sulphonic acid (B) which comprises the structural element Ar—R1 (I) wherein Ar is an aromatic group, which may e.g. be a benzene, naphthalene, phenantrene or anthracene group, and R1 is an organic residue comprising at least 21 C-atoms, the organic sulphonic acid (B) further comprising one, two or more sulphonic acid groups, to an article, in particular a wire or cable, comprising such a composition, and to the use of such a composition for the production of an article.
US08299161B2 Defatted soy flour/natural rubber blends and use of the blends in rubber compositions
There is disclosed a composition comprising defatted soy flour and a natural rubber in aqueous or dried form. There is also disclosed rubber compositions comprising the compositions comprising defatted soy flour and a natural rubber. There is further disclosed use of the compositions comprising defatted soy flour and a natural rubber, as well as use of rubber compositions including the compositions comprising defatted soy flour and a natural rubber, in the production of various products such as pneumatic tires and tire components, and the like.
US08299155B2 Aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion
An object of the present invention is to provide an aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion inhibited from viscosity rising and excellent in mechanical stability in spite of a low fluorinated surfactant concentration. The invention provides an aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion comprising particles of a fluoropolymer as dispersed in an aqueous medium wherein a fluorinated surfactant (A) having a molecular weight lower than 1000 amounts to not higher than 100 ppm of the mass of the fluoropolymer, the aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion containing an anionic surfactant (B) other than the fluorinated surfactant (A) as well as a water-soluble polymer (C).
US08299153B2 Curable aqueous compositions
A curable composition useful as a thermosetting binder, comprising a polycarboxy polymer or copolymer, a polyol, and, optionally, a phosphorous containing compound.
US08299152B2 Tire for vehicle wheels comprising crosslinked elastomeric composition
A tire for vehicle wheels, includes at least one structural element obtained by crosslinking a crosslinkable elastomeric composition including at least one vulcanized rubber in a subdivided form surface treated with at least one oxidizing agent; at least one diene elastomeric polymer, and at least one sulfur-based vulcanizing agent. A surface treatment process of vulcanized rubber and crosslinkable elastomeric composition is obtained with the vulcanized rubber in a subdivided form surface treated with at least one oxidizing agent.
US08299148B2 Polylactic acid fiber and manufacturing method thereof
An object of the present invention is to provide a fiber made of polylactic acid and having excellent strength, heat resistance and heat shrinkage resistance and a manufacturing method thereof. The present invention relates to the fiber is made of a composition which includes (i) poly(L-lactic acid) having a weight average molecular weight of 50,000 to 300,000 (component A), (ii) poly(D-lactic acid) having a weight average molecular weight of 50,000 to 300,000 (component B) and (iii) 0.01 to 5 parts by weight of a phosphate metal salt (component C) based on 100 parts by weight of the total of the components A and B and has a strength of 2.5 to 10 cN/dTex and a manufacturing method thereof.
US08299145B2 Method of producing a vinyl chloride resin formed article
A method of producing a nonfoamed formed article of a vinyl chloride resin by mixing a hydrated water-containing gypsum powder and a vinyl chloride resin powder together, and heating the obtained mixture at a temperature lower than a temperature at which the vinyl chloride resin starts decomposing thereby to remove the hydrated water of the gypsum and to form the mixture. The method makes it possible to obtain a nonfoamed formed article free of defective appearance by directly adding the hydrated gypsum (specifically dihydrate gypsum) to the vinyl chloride resin without converting it to the anhydrous gypsum, without requiring wasteful energy cost, without causing foaming or defective forming stemming from the hydrated water and maintaining stability.
US08299144B2 TPO nanocomposites and methods of use
Disclosed is a thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) nanocomposite composition, more particularly a TPO nanocomposite composition including a polypropylene resin, a polyethylene resin, a rubber resin, a nanoclay master batch and a glass bubble master batch. Since the disclosed TPO nanocomposite composition has low specific gravity and superior gloss reducing effect and scratch resistance, it may be usefully applied to light automobile parts, uncoated automobile exterior parts, or the like.
US08299139B1 Process and reactor for synthesis of ultra-high molecular weight acrylic polymers
This invention relates to a process for producing high molecular weight (HMW) and ultra-high molecular weight (UHMW) acrylic polymers having unique polymer tacticity and exhibiting enhanced thermal and mechanical properties. This process comprises polymerizing ethylenically unsaturated monomer in the presence of a free radical initiator that results in a “living-like polymer” utilizing a multi-step approach. In conducting the process of this invention the “living-like polymer” is further dissolved in a liquid carrier, wherein the said liquid carrier is a reactive diluent that can be reacted subsequently by an addition polymerization process to create a block- or multi-block, copolymer or homopolymer. This process can be progressively repeated with the same or various different reactive diluents to generate desired architecture and molecular weight polymer(s) which can be used in further processing procedures to be manufactured directly into finished articles.
US08299138B2 Process for producing flexible polyurethane foam
A process for producing a flexible polyurethane foam having a low transmissibility at resonance frequency, of which a rebound resilience can be suppressed, without using a foam stabilizer, is provided.In production of a flexible polyurethane foam; an isocyanate containing TDI as the main component is used as an isocyanate; and a polyol containing from 20 to 50 mass % of a polyol (A) having an oxyethylene group content of from 10 to 20 mass % and having a hydroxyl value of from 15 to 56 mgKOH/g, which is obtained by subjecting propylene oxide to ring opening addition polymerization to an initiator by using a double metal cyanide complex catalyst, and further subjecting ethylene oxide to ring opening addition polymerization by using an alkali metal compound catalyst or a phosphazenium catalyst, is used as a polyol.
US08299137B2 Compositions and use of cis-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene foam-forming composition in the preparation of polyisocyanate-based forms
A foam-forming composition is disclosed which includes both cis-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene and a poorly compatible active hydrogen-containing compound having two or more active hydrogens. Also disclosed is a closed-cell polyurethane or polyisocyanurate polymer foam prepared from reaction of effective amounts of the foam-forming composition and a suitable polyisocyanate. Also disclosed is a process for producing a closed-cell polyurethane or polyisocyanurate polymer foam by reacting an effective amount of the foam-forming composition with a suitable polyisocyanate.
US08299135B2 Vapor phase assisted post-consumer polymer processing apparatus and method
Embodiments of the invention provide a process for processing post-consumer polymer. The polymer is contacted with a control medium having a carrier gas and a reactive vapor. Such a process is useful for processing post-consumer polymers with lower energy and reactants than with liquid reactants, and also promotes decontamination of the recycled polymer during the reaction.
US08299133B2 Process for the conversion of hydrocarbons to oxygenates
Process for converting a hydrocarbon feedstock into alcohol(s) wherein the hydrocarbons are first converted into syngas, which is converted into alcohols, by converting hydrocarbon feedstock in a steam reformer into stream A′ of carbon oxide(s), hydrogen and water, feeding stream A′ with hydrocarbon and oxygen feedstocks into an auto-thermal reformer to produce stream A, converting stream A in an oxygenate synthesis reactor into stream B containing methanol, ethanol, propanol(s), H2, C1-C3 alkanes, CO, CO2 and water, separating stream B, into stream C containing CO, C1-C3 alkanes, H2 and methanol, stream D containing CO2, recovering stream B containing the ethanol, propanol(s) and water, treating stream C to separate into a stream comprising CO and a stream comprising H2 and C1-C3 alkanes, reintroducing part of stream C with the stream comprising CO into the oxygenate synthesis reactor. At least part of stream D is reintroduced into the steam reformer.
US08299130B2 Aqueous dispersion; recording liquid, image-forming method, and image-forming apparatus, using the same; and production method of the aqueous dispersion, and inkjet ink obtained from the method
An aqueous dispersion, having particles of a water-insoluble colorant containing at least one pigment, with the particles being dispersed in a medium containing therein both water and a dispersing agent, wherein the water-insoluble colorant has a crystalline structure, and an average particle diameter of the particles is in the range of from 5 nm to 40 nm, and a monodispersity of the particles is 1.5 or less.
US08299121B2 Softgel of NLKJ for treating prostate diseases
A softgel of NLKJ for the treatment of prostate diseases, comprising 0.05˜1.0 g of NLKJ and 0.05˜1.5 mg of an antioxidant, said NLKJ having the following physicochemical parameter: acid value<0.56, iodine value 95.0-107.00, saponification value 185.00-195.00, specific gravity 0.914-0.918 (20° C.), and refractive index 1.470-1.475 (20° C.). The inhibition of the softgel of NLKJ on the growth of prostate cancer in combination with the injection of Lupron is stronger than that of each of them used alone.
US08299120B2 Therapy for multiple sclerosis
The invention relates to a method of ameliorating multiple sclerosis and/or the symptoms of multiple sclerosis in a mammal, which comprises administering or having self administered to the mammal an effective amount of (a) cetyl myristate or (b) cetyl myristate and cetyl palmitate. In preferred embodiments the mode of administration is oral and both cetyl myristate and cetyl palmitate are administered.
US08299119B2 Biologically active compounds
Compounds having useful biological activity, particularly antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, derived from Centipeda cunninghamii, and biologically active derivatives thereof, pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds, and prophylactic and therapeutic use of the compounds.
US08299115B2 Pyrrole-2-carboxamide derivatives as glucokinase activators, their process and pharmaceutical application
Pyrrole-2-carboxamide derivatives, their polymorphs, stereoisomers, prodrugs, solvates, pharmaceutically acceptable salts and formulations thereof, beneficial for prophylaxis, management, treatment, control of progression, or adjunct treatment of diseases and/or medical conditions where the activation of glucokinase would be beneficial, are disclosed. The disclosure also provides process of preparation of these pyrrole-2-carboxamides.
US08299114B2 Bicyclic derivatives of azabicyclic carboxamides, preparation thereof and therapeutic use thereof
The disclosure relates to compounds of formula (I): wherein X1, X2, X3, X4, Y, n, A, and W are as defined in the disclosure, or a salt thereof, or a hydrate or solvate thereof, and to processes for the preparation of these compounds and the therapeutic use thereof.
US08299112B2 Estrogen receptor modulators and uses thereof
Described herein are compounds that are estrogen receptor modulators. Also described are pharmaceutical compositions and medicaments that include the compounds described herein, as well as methods of using such estrogen receptor modulators, alone and in combination with other compounds, for treating diseases or conditions that are mediated or dependent upon estrogen receptors.
US08299111B2 Compounds which modulate the CB2 receptor
Compounds of formula (I) are disclosed. Compounds according to the invention bind to and are agonists, antagonists or inverse agonists of the CB2 receptor, and are useful for treating inflammation. Those compounds which are agonists are additionally useful for treating pain.
US08299110B2 2-(2-hydroxybiphenyl-3-yl)-1H-benzoimidazole-5-carboxamidine derivatives as factor VIIa inhibitors
The present invention relates to novel inhibitors of Factors VIIa, IXa, Xa, XIa, in particular Factor VIIa, pharmaceutical compositions comprising these inhibitors, and methods for using these inhibitors for treating or preventing thromboembolic disorders, cancer or rheumatoid arthritis. Processes for preparing these inhibitors are also disclosed.
US08299103B2 Compounds which selectively modulate the CB2 receptor
Compounds of formula (I) are disclosed. Compounds according to the invention bind to and are agonists, antagonists or inverse agonists of the CB2 receptor, and are useful for treating inflammation. Those compounds which are agonists are additionally useful for treating pain.
US08299098B2 Piperidinyl derivative as a modulator of chemokine receptor activity
The present application describes the compound of formula (I): or stereoisomers or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. In addition, methods of treating and preventing inflammatory diseases such as asthma and allergic diseases, as well as autoimmune pathologies such as rheumatoid arthritis and arthrosclerosis using the compound of the invention are disclosed.
US08299088B2 Compositions and methods for treating cancer
Hypoxia-activated prodrugs can be used to treat cancer when administered alone or in combination with one or more anti-neoplastic agents.
US08299085B2 Quinazoline derivatives
The present invention relates to 1H-Quinazoline-2,4-dione derivatives of formula(I) wherein the substituents are defined as in the specification, their preparation, their use as pharmaceuticals, and pharmaceutical compositions containing them.
US08299084B2 Piperidine inhibitors of Janus kinase 3
The present invention relates to new piperidine inhibitors of Janus kinase 3 activity, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods of use thereof.
US08299083B2 PDE5 inhibitor compositions and methods for treating cardiac indications
The invention features methods and compositions featuring a PDE5 inhibitor for treating or preventing a cardiac indication in a subject.
US08299082B2 1,2,4-triazolylaminoaryl (heteroaryl) sulfonamide derivatives
1,2,4-Triazolylaminoaryl(heteroaryl)sulfonamide derivatives of formula (I), pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, processes for the manufacture of 1,2,4-triazolylaminoaryl(heteroaryl)sulfonamide derivatives and pharmaceutical compositions containing 1,2,4-triazolylaminoaryl(heteroaryl)sulfonamide derivatives are disclosed: The 1,2,4-triazolylaminoaryl(heteroaryl)sulfonamide derivatives of formula (I) possess cell cycle inhibitory activity and are accordingly useful for their anti cell proliferation (such as anti cancer) activity.
US08299078B2 Treatment of T-cell lymphoma using 10-propargyl-10-deazaaminopterin
T cell lymphoma is treated by administering to a patient suffering from T cell lymphoma a therapeutically effective amount of 10-propargyl-10-deazaaminopterin. Remission is observed in human patients, even with drug resistant T cell lymphoma at weekly dosages levels as low as 30 mg/m2. In general, the 10-propargyl-10-deazaaminopterin is administered in an amount of from 30 to 275 mg/m2 per dose.
US08299076B2 Crystalline forms of 2-(2-flouro-4-iodophenylamino)-N-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-1,5-dimethyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyridine-3-carboxamide
Disclosed are crystalline forms of 2-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-N-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-1,5-dimethyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyridine-3-carboxamide useful in the treatment of hyperproliferative diseases, such as cancer and inflammation, in mammals, and inflammatory conditions. Also disclosed are methods of using such compounds in the treatment of hyperproliferative diseases in mammals and pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds.
US08299075B2 Substituted thiomorpholine derivatives
The present invention relates to morpholine and thiomorpholine derivatives of the general formula I or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof and their use.
US08299067B2 5-demethoxyfumagillol and derivatives thereof
Provided herein are 5-demethoxyfumagillol and its derivatives. Also provided herein are methods of making the 5-demethoxyfumagillol and derivatives. Also provided herein are biological activities of the 5-demethoxyfumagillol and derivatives and methods of using same for treating diseases.
US08299066B2 Compounds having NPY Y5 receptor antagonistic activity
This invention provides a compound of the formula (I): a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein R1 is substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or the like, R2 is hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, Ring A is monocyclic or bicyclic aromatic heterocycle, R3 is substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl or substituted or unsubstituted heterocycle, R4 is halogen, cyano, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl or the like, m is an integer between 0 and 2, n is an integer between 0 and 5, R is halogen, oxo, cyano, nitro, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or the like, and p is an integer between 0 and 2 as novel compounds having NPY Y5 antagonistic activity.
US08299065B2 Antibacterial condensed thiazoles
Compound of formula (I) have antibacterial activity: wherein: m is 0 or 1; Q is hydrogen or cyclopropyl; AIk is an optionally substituted, divalent C1-C6 alkylene, alkenylene or alkynylene radical which may contain an ether (—O—), thioether (—S—) or amino (—NR)— link, wherein R is hydrogen, —CN or C1-C3 alkyl; X is —C(═O)NR6—, or —C(═O)O— wherein R6 is hydrogen, optionally substituted C1-C6 alkyl, C2-C6 alkenyl or C2-C6 alkynyl; Z1 is —N═ or —CH═Z2 is —N═ or —C(R1)═; R1 is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, ethenyl, ethynyl, methoxy, mercapto, mercaptomethyl, halo, fully or partially fluorinated (C1-C2)alkyl, (C1-C2JaIkoxy or (C1-C2)alkylthio, nitro, or nitrile (—CN); R2 is a group Q1-[Alk1]q-Q2-, wherein q is 0 or 1; AIk1 is an optionally substituted, divalent, straight chain or branched C1-C6 alkylene, or C2-C6 alkenylene or C2-C6 alkynylene radical which may contain or terminate in an ether (—O—), thioether (—S—) or amino (—NR)— link; Q2 is an optionally substituted divalent monocyclic carbocyclic or heterocyclic radical having 5 or 6 ring atoms or an optionally substituted divalent bicyclic carbocyclic or heterocyclic radical having 9 or 10 ring atoms; Q1 is hydrogen, an optional substituent, or an optionally substituted carbocyclic or heterocyclic radical having 3-7 ring atoms.
US08299057B2 Substituted indazole derivatives active as kinase inhibitors
Substituted indazole derivatives of formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, as defined in the specification, process for their preparation and pharmaceutical compositions comprising them are disclosed; the compounds of the invention may be useful in therapy in the treatment of diseases associated with a deregulated protein kinase activity, like cancer.
US08299053B2 Cyclic nitro compounds, pharmaceutical compositions thereof and uses thereof
The present invention provides cyclic nitro compound, pharmaceutical compositions of cyclic nitro compounds and methods of using cyclic nitro compounds and/or pharmaceutical compositions thereof to treat or prevent diseases or disorders characterized by abnormal cell proliferation, such as cancer, inflammation, cardiovascular disease and autoimmune disease.
US08299050B2 Method for treating uterine fibroids
The invention relates to a method for treating uterine fibroids, which method comprises administering to a patient in need thereof, an effective amount of 17α-acetoxy-11β-[4-N,N-dimethylamino-phenyl)-19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione (ulipristal acetate) or any metabolite thereof. More particularly, the method is useful for reducing or stopping bleeding in a patient afflicted with uterine fibroids, and/or for reducing the size of uterine fibroids.
US08299049B2 Compositions comprising an extract of Tiarella polyphylla or compounds isolated therefrom for preventing and treating cancer diseases
The present invention relates to an anoikis-inducing agent comprising a Tiarella polyphylla extract, a tiarellic acid compound isolated therefrom or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which is specific to cancer cells expressing a tumor-associated antigen L6 or a homolog thereof. The Tiarella polyphylla extract, the tiarellic acid compound isolated therefrom or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof of the present invention leads to loss of cell adhesion to reduce cancer cell proliferation and exhibits the effect of inducing cell death in cancer cells expressing a tumor-associated antigen L6 or a homolog thereof, thereby being used for preventing and treating cancer diseases due to a tumor-associated antigen L6 or a homolog thereof.
US08299048B2 Hexahydrocyclopentyl[f]indazole sulfonamides and derivatives thereof as selective glucocorticoid receptor modulators
The present invention is directed to hexahydrocyclopentylf]indazole carboxamides and derivatives thereof as selective glucocorticoid receptor ligands useful for treating a variety of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases or conditions. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use are also included.
US08299044B2 Apoptosis inducer for cancer cell
The present invention revealed that by suppressing the expression of the WRN gene, the BLM gene, or the RecQ1 gene, which belong to the RecQ helicase family, apoptosis is induced in various cancer cells and their proliferation is suppressed. Compounds that suppress the expression of RecQ helicase family genes or the functions of RecQ helicase proteins are thought to have the activity of inducing apoptosis.
US08299039B2 Modulation of growth hormone receptor expression and insulin-like growth factor expression
Compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of growth hormone receptor and/or insulin like growth factor-I (IGF-I). The compositions comprise oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acid encoding growth hormone receptor. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of growth hormone receptor expression and for diagnosis and treatment of disease associated with expression of growth hormone receptor and/or insulin-like growth factor-I are provided. Diagnostic methods and kits are also provided.
US08299037B2 Feed or pharmaceutical composition comprising apramycin or an adequate salt thereof
An apramycin containing supplement feeding stuff for poultry and is used for the prophylaxis and/or the treatment of histomoniasis.
US08299036B2 Active agent combinations with insecticidal and acaricidal properties
The invention relates to novel insecticidal active compound combinations comprising, firstly, cyclic ketoenols or other acaricidally active compounds and, secondly, further insecticidally active compounds from the group of the anthranilamides, which combinations are highly suitable for controlling animal pests, such as insects and unwanted acarids.
US08299035B2 10a-azalide compound having 4-membered ring structure
A 10a-azalide compound having a 4-membered ring structure crosslinked at the 10a- and 12-positions, which is represented by the formula (I), and is effective on even Haemophilus influenzae, or erythromycin resistant bacteria (e.g., resistant pneunococci and streptococci).
US08299034B2 Nutritional compositions for promotion of bone growth and maintenance of bone health comprising extracts of for example rosemary or caraway
Compositions and methods for maintenance of bone health or prevention, alleviation and/or treatment of bone disorders are presented. The present invention also provides the manufacture of a nutritional product, a supplement or a medicament for promoting bone growth or for the maintenance of bone health and methods regarding same. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a composition comprising an active ingredient having an effective amount of a plant or plant extract containing at least one phytochemical having the ability to induce bone morphogenic protein expression.
US08299033B2 Iodo-hexose compounds useful to treat cancer
Methods of treating glioblastoma and pancreatic cancer are provided by the administration of a therapeutically effective amount of a iodo-hexose compound to a subject in need thereof. The subject disclosure includes methods of treating glioblastoma and pancreatic cancer comprising the administration of a therapeutically effective amount of a 2-deoxy-2-iodo-D-hexose compound including 2-deoxy-2-iodo-D-mannose, 2-deoxy-2-iodo-D-glucose, 2-deoxy-2-iodo-D-galactose, and/or 2-deoxy-2-iodo-D-talose to a subject in need thereof.
US08299031B2 Human semen enhancer of viral infection peptides (SEVI) and their use
Subject of the invention are peptides corresponding to a fragment of amino acids 240-290 of human prostatic acid phosphatase. The invention also relates to nucleic acids, antibodies, medicaments and diagnostics and their use and use of the peptides for the treatment and diagnosis of viral diseases, especially HIV disease.
US08299026B2 Derivatisation of erythropoietin (EPO)
The present invention relates to a compound which is a polysaccharide derivative of EPO, or of an EPO like protein, wherein the polysaccharide is anionic and comprises between 2 and 200 saccharide units. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the novel compounds, and methods for making the novel compounds.
US08299024B2 Methods to restore glycemic control
Provided herein are methods and compositions to achieve a sustained delay in the progression of, or an amelioration of diabetes in a subject, or a delay in diabetes onset in a subject at risk for diabetes, comprising an abbreviated course of administration of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an exendin or an exendin agonist analog in an amount effective to induce cell regeneration.
US08299019B2 Uses of modified ELR-CXC chemokine G31P to treat cancer
Described herein is the use of a modified human chemokine, GS-CXCL8(3-72)K11R/G31P or G31P in the treatment of a number of cancers, including but by no means limited to prostate cancer, liver cancer and melanoma.
US08299017B2 Use of tight junction antagonists to treat inflammatory bowl disease
The present invention provides materials and methods for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis). Materials of the invention may include compositions comprising one or more tight junction antagonists and optionally one or more therapeutic agents. Methods of the invention may comprise treating a subject in need thereof with a composition comprising one or more tight junction antagonists and, optionally one or more therapeutic agents.
US08299016B2 ILT3 polypeptides and uses thereof
This invention provides a method for inhibiting the rejection of transplanted islet cells, comprising administering to the subject a polypeptide comprising all or a portion of the extracellular domain of ILT3, wherein the polypeptide is water soluble. This invention further provides a method of treating diabetes, by inhibiting the rejection of transplanted islet cells through the administration of the polypeptide to the subject.
US08299014B2 Material for facilitating thermal treatments of biological tissues and method of energy targeting leading to thermal treatment of biological tissues
A method includes positioning an effective amount of a thermal target material at a treatment site of a patient. The treatment site, that is, the location of the thermal target material, comprises a location adjacent to biological tissue to be treated. The thermal target material includes carbon molecules preferably in a carrier fluid. Regardless of the particular structure of the carbon, the carbon molecules in the material heat very rapidly in response to incident microwave radiation and radiate heat energy. The heat energy radiated from an effective amount of the thermal target material when subjected to an effective quantity of microwave energy causes localized heating around the thermal target material. This localized heating may be applied for therapeutic purposes. However, the microwave radiation necessary to produce therapeutically effective heating is insufficient to cause cellular damage in the biological tissue by direct absorption in the tissue.
US08299011B2 Encapsulated active materials
The invention relates to products for washing and cleaning and/or care and protection of animate or inanimate surfaces that comprise micro-encapsulated benefit agents. The invention also relates to polyurethane and polyurea microcapsules.
US08299006B2 Compressor oil composition
The present invention provides a refrigerating machine oil, a compressor oil composition, a hydraulic oil composition, a metalworking oil composition, a heat treating oil composition, a lubricating oil composition for machine tools and a lubricating oil composition which comprise a lubricating oil base oil having % CA of not more than 2, % CP/% CN of not less than 6 and an iodine value of not more than 2.5.
US08299004B2 Hydraulic fluid and hydraulic system
A hydraulic fluid of the present invention contains, as a base oil, an ester having two or more ring structures, the two or more ring structures being at least one selected from an aromatic ring and a saturated naphthenic ring. Particularly, the hydraulic fluid contains an ester having two or more aromatic rings as the base oil. The hydraulic fluid has low energy loss due to compression and exhibits excellent responsiveness when being used in a hydraulic circuit. Consequently, the hydraulic fluid realizes energy-saving, high-speed operation and high precision of control in the hydraulic circuit.
US08298996B2 Low toxicity shale hydration inhibition agent and method of use
A low toxicity composition and method of reducing the swelling of clay in well comprising circulating in the well a water-based fluid comprising a functionally effective concentration of the additive formed from the following reaction of a tertiary amine of the following general formula: wherein R1 and R2 are alkyl or hydroxyalkyl groups with one to three carbon atoms or combinations thereof, and R3 is a hydroxyalkyl group with one to three carbon atoms, with an alkylating agent of the following general formula: R-A wherein R is an alkyl radical with one to three carbon atoms, and A is an organic or inorganic anion selected from the group consisting of sulfate, phosphate, carbonate, and combinations thereof.
US08298989B2 Active ingredient combinations with insecticidal properties
Agrochemical compositions comprising at least one active compound from the class of the anthranilamides and at least one further active compound selected from the group consisting of insecticides, fungicides, and/or acaricides have excellent synergistic activity.
US08298986B2 Structures for capturing CO2, methods of making the structures, and methods of capturing CO2
Briefly described, embodiments of this disclosure, among others, include carbon dioxide (CO2) sorption structures, methods of making CO2 sorption structures, and methods of using CO2 sorption structures.
US08298982B2 Ultradispersed catalyst compositions and methods of preparation
The present invention relates generally to ultradispersed catalyst compositions and methods for preparing such catalysts. In particular, the invention provides catalyst composition of the general formula: BxMyS[(1.1 to 4.6)y+(0.5 to 4)x] where B is a group VIIIB non-noble metal and M is a group VI B metal and 0.05≦y/x≦15.
US08298979B2 Zirconium oxalate sol
A sol of the present invention is a sol comprising zirconium oxalate compound as a dispersoid, wherein a mol ratio of oxalic acid to Zr (oxalic acid/Zr) is from 1.2 to 3 and a particle diameter D50 of the dispersoid is from 10 to 100 nm. This sol is produced by adding oxalic acid to a dispersion liquid of zirconium hydroxide, and the addition of oxalic acid is carried out in twice.
US08298976B2 Pathogen-resistant fabrics
A pathogen-resistant fabric comprising one or more photocatalysts capable of generating singlet oxygen from ambient air. The pathogen-resistant fabric may optionally include one or more singlet oxygen traps.
US08298975B2 Sintered compact, process for production thereof, and optical element
There is provided a sintered body that does not readily deform during use and that allows a high flexibility for the design of surface layers, a method for manufacturing the sintered body, and an optical component including the sintered body. The method for manufacturing a sintered body includes a sintered body having a predetermined shape, the sintered body having a ceramic base material, the method for manufacturing a sintered body comprising a step for preparing a ceramic preform, a step for using a predetermined mold having an upper die and a lower die to hot-press the ceramic preform to form a pressure-sintered body, and a step for cooling the pressure-sintered body while applying a pressure load of approximately 5% or more and 100% or less (and preferably approximately 20% or more and 40% or less) of the pressure load applied during the step for forming the pressure-sintered body.
US08298974B2 Optical glass
An optical glass having a high refractive index (particularly preferably a refractive index of 1.6 or more), low dispersion (an Abbe number of 45 or more), a low deformation point, and improved resistance to devitrification upon molding, and suitable for precision-mold press molding or other molding processes and also suitable for transfer of a fine structure is provided. The optical glass contains 1.0-4.5 wt. % SiO2, 30.5-50.0 wt. % B2O3, 1.1-8.0 wt. % Li2O, 10.1-19.5 wt. % BaO, 15.5-30.0 wt. % ZnO, 3.0-15.0 wt. % Y2O3, and 10.0-19.5 wt. % La2O3.
US08298967B2 Exterior finishing system and building wall containing a corrosion-resistant enhanced thickness fabric
A corrosion-resistant lath is provided for use in exterior finishing systems, such as stucco systems and exterior insulation and finish systems (“EIFS”). The lath includes in a first embodiment an open, woven fabric comprising weft and warp yarns containing non-metallic fibers, such as glass fibers. A portion of the weft yarns are undulated, resulting in an increased thickness for the fabric. The fabric is coated with a polymeric resin for substantially binding the weft yarns in the undulated condition. This invention also includes methods for making an exterior finish system and building wall including an exterior finish system using such a lath.
US08298963B2 Semiconductor device and manufacturing method of the same
With a recent shrinking semiconductor process, insulating layers formed between interconnect layers are becoming thin. To avoid parasitic capacitance between them, materials of a low dielectric constant have been used for an insulating layer in a multilevel interconnect. Low-k materials, however, have low strength compared with the conventional insulating layers. Porous low-k materials are structurally fragile. The invention therefore provides a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device having a multilevel interconnect layer including a low-k layer. According to the method, in a two-step cutting system dicing in which after formation of a groove in a semiconductor water with a tapered blade, the groove is divided with a straight blade thinner than the groove width, the multilevel interconnect layer portion is cut while being covered with a tapered face and then the wafer is separated with a thin blade which is not brought into contact with the multilevel interconnect layer portion. The wafer can be diced without damaging a relatively fragile low-k layer.
US08298962B2 Device made of single-crystal silicon
A device made of single-crystal silicon having a first side, a second side which is situated opposite to the first side, and a third side which extends from the first side to the second side, the first side and the second side each extending in a 100 plane of the single-crystal silicon, the third side extending in a first area in a 111 plane of the single-crystal silicon. The third side extends in a second area in a 110 plane of the single-crystal silicon. Furthermore, a production method for producing a device made of single-crystal silicon is described.
US08298959B2 Method and apparatus for etching
Embodiments of the invention relate to a substrate etching method and apparatus. In one embodiment, a method for etching a substrate in a plasma etch reactor is provided that includes a) depositing a polymer on a substrate in an etch reactor, b) etching the substrate using a gas mixture including a fluorine-containing gas and oxygen in the etch reactor, c) etching a silicon-containing layer the substrate using a fluorine-containing gas without mixing oxygen in the etch reactor, and d) repeating a), b) and c) until an endpoint of a feature etched into the silicon-containing layer is reached.
US08298958B2 Organic line width roughness with H2 plasma treatment
A method for reducing very low frequency line width roughness (LWR) in forming etched features in an etch layer disposed below a patterned organic mask is provided. The patterned organic mask is treated to reduce very low frequency line width roughness of the patterned organic mask, comprising flowing a treatment gas comprising H2, wherein the treatment gas has a flow rate and H2 has a flow rate that is at least 50% of the flow rate of the treatment gas, forming a plasma from the treatment gas, and stopping the flow of the treatment gas. The etch layer is etched through the treated patterned organic mask with the reduced very low LWR.
US08298957B2 Plasma etchimg method and plasma etching apparatus
The present invention is a plasma etching method comprising: a cleaning step (a) in which a cleaning gas is supplied into a processing vessel and the cleaning gas is made plasma, so that a deposit adhering to an inside of the processing vessel is removed by means of the plasma; a film depositing step (b), succeeding the cleaning step (a), in which a film depositing gas containing carbon and fluorine is supplied into the processing vessel and the film depositing gas is made plasma, so that a film containing carbon and fluorine is deposited on the inside of the processing vessel by means of the plasma; an etching step (c), succeeding the film depositing step (b), in which a substrate is placed on a stage inside the processing vessel, and an etching gas is supplied into the processing vessel and the etching gas is made plasma, so that the substrate is etched by means of the plasma; and an unloading step (d), succeeding the etching step (c), in which the substrate is unloaded from the processing vessel; wherein, after the unloading step (d) has been finished, the cleaning step (a) to the unloading step (d) are repeated again.
US08298956B2 Method for fabricating fine pattern
A method for fabricating a fine pattern includes forming a first photomask including first light transmission regions set in a line shape over a first phase shift mask (PSM) region and a first binary mask (BM) region adjacent to the first phase shift mask region. A second photomask may be formed to include second light transmission regions set in a line shape over a second phase shift mask region and a second binary mask region adjacent to the second phase shift mask region, wherein the second light transmission regions intersect the first light transmission regions. A resist layer may first be exposed using the first photomask and secondly exposed using the second photomask. The first and secondly exposed resist layer may be developed to form resist patterns with open regions corresponding to portions where the first light transmission regions intersect the second light transmission regions.
US08298952B2 Isolation structure and formation method thereof
An isolation structure comprising a substrate is provided. A trench is in the substrate. A sidewall of the trench has a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface. The first inclined surface is located on the second inclined surface. The slope of the first inclined surface is different from the slope of the second inclined surface. A length of the first inclined surface is greater than 15 nanometers.
US08298951B1 Footing reduction using etch-selective layer
A method of forming side spacers upwardly extending from a substrate, includes: providing a template constituted by a photoresist formed on and in contact with an etch-selective layer laminated on a substrate; anisotropically etching the template in a thickness direction with an oxygen-containing plasma to remove a footing of the photoresist and an exposed portion of the underlying layer; depositing a spacer film on the template by atomic layer deposition (ALD); and forming side spacers using the spacer film by etching. The etch-selective layer has a substantially lower etch rate than that of the photoresist.
US08298950B2 Method of etching sacrificial layer
An exemplary method of etching sacrificial layer includes steps of: providing a substrate formed with a sacrificial layer and defined with a first region and a second region, the sacrificial layer disposed in both the first and second regions; forming a hard mask covering the first region while exposing the second region; performing a first etching process on the sacrificial layer to thin the sacrificial layer while forming a byproduct film overlying the thinned sacrificial layer; performing a second etching process on the byproduct film to remove a portion of the byproduct layer for exposing a portion of the thinned sacrificial layer, while another portion of the byproduct film disposed on sidewalls of the thinned sacrificial layer being remained; and performing a third etching process on the thinned sacrificial layer, to remove the portion of the thinned sacrificial layer exposed in the second etching process.
US08298949B2 Profile and CD uniformity control by plasma oxidation treatment
A method of forming spacers from a non-silicon oxide, silicon containing spacer layer with horizontal surfaces and sidewall surfaces over a substrate is provided. A plasma oxidation treatment is provided to form a silicon oxide coating over the spacer layer, wherein the silicon oxide coating provides a horizontal coating on the horizontal surfaces and sidewall coatings on the sidewall surfaces of the spacer layer. An anisotropic main etch that selectively etches horizontal surfaces of the spacer layer and silicon oxide coating with respect to sidewall surfaces of the spacer layer and the sidewall coatings of the silicon oxide coating is provided. The spacer layer is etched, wherein the sidewall coatings of the silicon oxide coating protect sidewall surfaces of the spacer layer.
US08298944B1 Warpage control for die with protruding TSV tips during thermo-compressive bonding
A method of fabricating through silicon via (TSV) die includes depositing a first dielectric layer on a substrate that includes a plurality of TSV die. The TSV die have a topside including active circuitry, a bottomside, and a plurality of TSVs including an inner metal core that reaches from the topside to protruding TSV tips that extend out from the bottomside. The first dielectric layer covers the TSV tips. A portion of the first dielectric layer is removed to expose the TSV tips. At least one metal layer is deposited on the TSV tips to form metal caps on the TSV tips to provide metal capped TSV tips. A second dielectric layer is deposited on the bottomside of the substrate to cover the metal capped TSV tips. A portion of the second dielectric layer is removed to expose a portion of the metal capped TSV tips.
US08298942B2 Method for forming electric vias
A method for forming through vias connecting the front surface to the rear surface of a semiconductor substrate, including the steps of: forming openings in the substrate, thermally oxidizing walls of the openings, filling the openings with a sacrificial material, forming electronic components in the substrate, etching the sacrificial material, filling the openings with a metal, and etching the rear surface of the substrate all the way to the bottom of the openings.
US08298940B2 Semiconductor memory device and manufacturing method thereof
A semiconductor memory device has a plurality of core chips and an interface chip, whose specification can be easily changed, while suppressing the degradation of its reliability. The device has an interposer chip. First internal electrodes connected to core chips are formed on the first surface of the interposer chip. Second internal electrodes connected to an interface chip and third internal electrodes connected to external electrodes are formed on the second surface of the interposer chip. The interface chip can be mounted on the second surface of the interposer chip whenever desired. Therefore, the memory device can have any specification desirable to a customer, only if an appropriate interface chip is mounted on the interposer chip, as is demanded by the customer. Thus, the core chips do not need to be stocked in great quantities in the form of bare chips.
US08298937B2 Interconnect structure fabricated without dry plasma etch processing
An interconnect structure within a microelectronic structure and a method for fabricating the interconnect structure within the microelectronic structure use a developable bottom anti-reflective coating layer and at least one imageable inter-level dielectric layer located thereupon over a substrate that includes a base dielectric layer and a first conductor layer located and formed embedded within the base dielectric layer. Incident to use of the developable bottom anti-reflective coating layer and the at least one imageable inter-level dielectric layer, an aperture, such as but not limited to a dual damascene aperture, may be formed through the at least one imageable inter-level dielectric layer and the developable anti-reflective coating layer to expose a capping layer located and formed upon the first conductor layer, absent use of a dry plasma etch method when forming the interconnect structure within the microelectronic structure.
US08298936B1 Multistep method of depositing metal seed layers
Metal seed layers are deposited on a semiconductor substrate having recessed features by a method that involves at least three operations. In this method, a first layer of metal is deposited onto the substrate to cover at least the bottom portions of the recessed features. The first layer of metal is subsequently redistributed to improve sidewall coverage of the recessed features. Next, a second layer of metal is deposited on at least the field region of the substrate and on the bottom portions of the recessed features. The method can be implemented using a PVD apparatus that allows deposition and resputtering operations. This sequence of operations can afford seed layers with improved step coverage. It also leads to decreased formation of voids in interconnects, and to improved resistance characteristics of formed IC devices.
US08298934B2 Structure and method of creating entirely self-aligned metallic contacts
The semiconductor structure is provided that has entirely self-aligned metallic contacts. The semiconductor structure includes at least one field effect transistor located on a surface of a semiconductor substrate. The at least one field effect transistor includes a gate conductor stack comprising a lower layer of polysilicon and an upper layer of a first metal semiconductor alloy, the gate conductor stack having sidewalls that include at least one spacer. The structure further includes a second metal semiconductor alloy layer located within the semiconductor substrate at a footprint of the at least one spacer. The structure also includes a first metallic contact comprising a metal from Group VIII or IB of the Periodic Table of Elements and at least one of W, B, P, Mo and Re located on, and self-aligned to the first metal semiconductor alloy layer and a second metallic contact comprising a metal from Group VIII or IB of the Periodic Table of Elements and at least one of W, B, P, Mo and Re located on, and self-aligned to the second metal semiconductor alloy layer.
US08298933B2 Conformal films on semiconductor substrates
A layer of diffusion barrier or seed material is deposited on a semiconductor substrate having a recessed feature. The method may include a series of new deposition cycles, for example, a first net deposition cycle and a second net deposition cycle. The first net deposition cycle includes depositing a first deposited amount of the diffusion barrier or seed material and etching a first etched amount of the diffusion barrier or seed material. The second net deposition cycle including depositing a second deposited amount of the diffusion barrier or seed material and etching a second etched amount of the diffusion barrier or seed material. At least one of the process parameters of the first cycle differs from that of the second allows providing a graded deposition effects to reduce a risk of damaging any under layers and dielectric. A deposited layer of diffusion barrier or seed material is generally more conformal.
US08298931B2 Dual damascene with amorphous carbon for 3D deep via/trench application
A method for fabricating a 3-D monolithic memory device in which a via and trench are etched using an amorphous carbon hard mask. The via extends in multiple levels of the device as a multi-level vertical interconnect. The trench extends laterally, such as to provide a word line or bit line for memory cells, or to provide other routing paths. A dual damascene process can be used in which the via is formed first and the trench is formed second, or the trench is formed first and the via is formed second. The technique is particularly suitable for deep via applications, such as for via depths of greater than 1 μm. A dielectric antireflective coating, optionally with a bottom antireflective coating, can be used to etch an amorphous carbon layer to provide the amorphous carbon hard mask.
US08298930B2 Undercut-repair of barrier layer metallurgy for solder bumps and methods thereof
A method of making a semiconductor structure includes patterning a barrier layer metallurgy (BLM) which forms an undercut beneath a solder material, and forming a repair material in the undercut and on the solder material. The method also includes removing the repair material from the solder material, and reflowing the solder material.
US08298928B2 Manufacturing method of a semiconductor device and method for creating a layout thereof
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device of one embodiment of the present invention includes: forming an insulation layer to be processed over a substrate; forming a first sacrificial layer in a first area over the substrate, the first sacrificial layer being patterned to form in the first area a functioning wiring connected to an element; forming a second sacrificial layer in a second area over the substrate, the second sacrificial layer being patterned to form in the second area a dummy wiring; forming a third sacrificial layer at a side wall of the first sacrificial layer and forming a fourth sacrificial layer at a side wall of the second sacrificial layer, the third sacrificial layer and the fourth sacrificial layer being separated; forming a concavity by etching the insulation layer to be processed using the third sacrificial layer and the fourth sacrificial layer as a mask; and filling a conductive material in the concavity.
US08298924B2 Method for differential spacer removal by wet chemical etch process and device with differential spacer structure
By removing an outer spacer of a transistor element, used for the formation of highly complex lateral dopant profiles, prior to the formation of metal silicide, employing a wet chemical etch process, it is possible to position a stressed contact liner layer more closely to the channel region, thereby allowing a highly efficient stress transfer mechanism for creating a corresponding strain in the channel region, without affecting circuit elements in the P-type regions.
US08298919B2 Manufacturing method of semiconductor device and semiconductor device
A method to prevent contamination of the principal surface side in a process of grinding the back surface side of a semiconductor wafer. At an intersection of a scribe region of a semiconductor wafer whose back surface side is to be ground, a plurality of insulating layers is laminated over the principal surface in the same manner as an insulating layer constituting a wiring layer laminated over a device region. Moreover, in the same layer as an uppermost wiring disposed at the uppermost layer among a plurality of the wiring layers formed for a device region, a metal pattern is formed. Furthermore, a second insulating layer covering the uppermost wiring is also formed over the metal pattern so as to cover the same.
US08298916B2 Process for fabricating a multilayer structure with post-grinding trimming
The invention relates to a process for fabricating a multilayer structure comprising: bonding a first wafer onto a second wafer, at least the first wafer having a chamfered edge; and thinning the first wafer so as to form in a transferred layer, the thinning comprising a grinding step and a chemical etching step. After the grinding step and before the chemical etching step, a trimming step of the edge of the first wafer is carried out using a grinding wheel, the working surface of which comprises grit particles having an average size of less than or equal to 800-mesh or greater than or equal to 18 microns, the trimming step being carried out to a defined depth in the first wafer so as to leave a thickness of the first wafer of less than or equal to 35 μm in the trimmed region.
US08298913B2 Devices with gate-to-gate isolation structures and methods of manufacture
Devices having gate-to-gate isolation structures and methods of manufacture are provided. The method includes forming a plurality of trenches in a pad film to form raised portions. The method further includes depositing a hard mask in the trenches and over the upper pad film. The method further includes forming a plurality of fins including the raised portions and a second plurality of fins including the hard mask deposited in the trenches, each of which are separated by a deep trench. The method further includes removing the hard mask on the plurality of fins including the raised portions and the second plurality of fins resulting in a dual height fin array. The method further includes forming gate electrodes within each deep trench between each fin of the dual height fin array, burying the second plurality of fins and abutting sides of the plurality of fins including the raised portions. The plurality of fins including the raised portions electrically and physically isolate adjacent gate electrode of the gate electrodes.
US08298910B2 Method of fabricating semiconductor device
Provided is a method for fabricating a semiconductor device, including forming an interconnect structure including first and second interconnects and an insulating material between the first and second interconnects, forming a first mask layer and a second mask layer having a plurality of micropores sequentially on the interconnect structure, coalescing the plurality of micropores in the second mask layer with each other and forming a plurality of first microholes in the second mask layer, forming a plurality of second microholes in the first mask layer using the plurality of first microholes, and removing the insulating material using the first mask layer with the plurality of second microholes as an etch mask so as to form an air-gap between the first and second interconnects.
US08298909B2 Semiconductor device and method for fabricating the same
A capacitor includes a lower electrode, a dielectric layer, an upper electrode, and a ruthenium oxide layer. At least one of the lower electrode and the upper electrode is formed of a ruthenium layer, and the ruthenium oxide layer is disposed next to the ruthenium layer.
US08298907B2 Structure and method of forming enhanced array device isolation for implanted plate eDRAM
A method for forming a memory device in a semiconductor on insulator substrate is provided, in which a protective oxide that is present on the sidewalls of the trench protects the first semiconductor layer, i.e., SOI layer, of the semiconductor on insulator substrate during bottle etching of the trench. In one embodiment, the protective oxide reduces back channel effects of the transistors to the memory devices in the trench that are formed in the semiconductor on insulator substrate. In another embodiment, a thermal oxidation process increases the thickness of the buried dielectric layer of a bonded semiconductor on insulator substrate by oxidizing the bonded interface between the buried dielectric layer and at least one semiconductor layers of the semiconductor on insulator substrate. The increased thickness of the buried dielectric layer may reduce back channel effects in devices formed on the substrate having trench memory structures.
US08298906B2 Trench decoupling capacitor formed by RIE lag of through silicon via (TSV) etch
A trench decoupling capacitor is formed using RIE lag of a through silicon via (TSV) etch. A method includes etching a via trench and a capacitor trench in a wafer in a single RIE process. The via trench has a first depth and the capacitor trench has a second depth less than the first depth due to RIE lag.
US08298905B2 Method for forming functional element using metal-to-insulator transition material, functional element formed by method, method for producing functional device, and functional device produced by method
A method for forming a functional element includes a first step of forming an insulating layer composed of an insulator phase of a transition metal oxide serving as a metal-to-insulator transition material, the transition metal oxide being mainly composed of vanadium dioxide, and a second step of causing part of the insulating layer to transition to a metallic phase, in which the insulator phase differs from the metallic phase in terms of electrical resistivity and/or light transmittance.
US08298903B2 Monitor pattern of semiconductor device and method of manufacturing semiconductor device
A plurality of diffused resistors and a plurality of wirings (resistive elements) are alternately disposed along a virtual line, and those diffused resistors and wirings are connected in series by contact vias. In the same wiring layer as that of the wirings, a dummy pattern is formed so as to surround a formation region of the wirings and the diffused resistors. A space between the dummy pattern and the wirings is set in accordance with, for example, a minimum space between wirings in a chip formation portion.
US08298902B2 Interconnect structures, methods for fabricating interconnect structures, and design structures for a radiofrequency integrated circuit
Interconnect structures that include a passive element, such as a thin film resistor or a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor, methods for fabricating an interconnect structure that includes a passive element, and design structures embodied in a machine readable medium for designing, manufacturing, or testing an integrated circuit, such as a radiofrequency integrated circuit. A top surface of a dielectric layer is recessed relative to a top surface of a conductive feature in the dielectric layer. The passive element is formed on the recessed top surface of the dielectric layer and includes a layer of a conductive material that is coplanar with, or below, the top surface of the conductive feature.
US08298901B1 Method for manufacturing bipolar transistors
An improved method for manufacturing bipolar transistors is disclosed. The method for forming a PNP transistor comprises the steps of forming a P type collector on a substrate, forming a PNP epitaxial base on the P type collector, forming a PNP extrinsic base in the PNP epitaxial base, and forming a PNP emitter in contact with the PNP extrinsic base. The method for forming an NPN transistor comprises the steps of forming an N type collector on a substrate, forming a NPN epitaxial base on the N type collector, forming an NPN extrinsic base in the NPN epitaxial base, and forming an NPN emitter in contact with the NPN extrinsic base. The PNP and NPN transistors may be manufactured in the same control flow process.
US08298900B2 Nonvolatile semiconductor storage device with charge storage layer and its manufacturing method
A method of manufacturing a nonvolatile semiconductor storage device includes sequentially forming a charge storage film, a conductive film, and a mask film on a semiconductor substrate, sequentially removing the mask film, the conductive film, and the charge storage film at a given portion to form a groove, forming a word gate electrode to fill in the groove whose inside is covered with an insulating film, after said forming the word gate electrode, removing the mask film, after said removing the mask film, forming a spacer film to cover the conductive film and the word gate electrode, etching back the spacer film to form a spacer layer on both sides of the word gate electrode through the insulating film, removing the conductive film and the charge storage film to form a control gate electrode, and forming a source drain diffusion layer.
US08298897B2 Asymmetric channel MOSFET
A field effect transistor includes a partial SiGe channel, i.e., a channel including a SiGe channel portion, located underneath a gate electrode and a Si channel portion located underneath an edge of the gate electrode near the drain region. The SiGe channel portion can be located directly underneath a gate dielectric, or can be located underneath a Si channel layer located directly underneath a gate dielectric. The Si channel portion is located at the same depth as the SiGe channel portion, and contacts the drain region of the transistor. By providing a Si channel portion near the drain region, the GIDL current of the transistor is maintained at a level on par with the GIDL current of a transistor having a silicon channel only during an off state.
US08298895B1 Selective threshold voltage implants for long channel devices
In a replacement metal gate process flow, sacrificial gates are exposed and removed subsequent to the formation of source and drain regions for various transistor devices. Sidewalls formed adjacent to the sacrificial gates remain. By using an angled implant such that, for a short-channel device, the remaining sidewalls shadow and protect the exposed short-channel region, a designer may adjust the threshold voltage on long-channel devices without affecting the threshold voltage of the short-channel device.
US08298894B2 Work function adjustment in high-k metal gate electrode structures by selectively removing a barrier layer
In a replacement gate approach in sophisticated semiconductor devices, a tantalum nitride etch stop material may be efficiently removed on the basis of a wet chemical etch recipe using ammonium hydroxide. Consequently, a further work function adjusting material may be formed with superior uniformity, while the efficiency of the subsequent adjusting of the work function may also be increased. Thus, superior uniformity, i.e., less pronounced transistor variability, may be accomplished on the basis of a replacement gate approach in which the work function of the gate electrodes of P-channel transistors and N-channel transistors is adjusted after completing the basic transistor configuration.
US08298891B1 Resistive-switching memory element
A resistive-switching memory element is described. The memory element includes a first electrode, a porous layer over the first electrode including a point defect embedded in a plurality of pores of the porous layer, and a second electrode over the porous layer, wherein the nonvolatile memory element is configured to switch between a high resistive state and a low resistive state.
US08298884B2 Method to reduce threshold voltage variability with through gate well implant
The present disclosure provides a semiconductor device that may include a substrate including a semiconductor layer overlying an insulating layer. A gate structure that is present on a channel portion of the semiconductor layer. A first dopant region is present in the channel portion of the semiconductor layer, in which the peak concentration of the first dopant region is present within the lower portion of the gate conductor and the upper portion of the semiconductor layer. A second dopant region is present in the channel portion of the semiconductor layer, in which the peak concentration of the second dopant region is present within the lower portion of the semiconductor layer.
US08298883B2 Method of forming photoresist burr edge and method of manufacturing array substrate
A method of forming a photoresist burr edge and a method of manufacturing an array substrate are provided in the present invention. The method of manufacturing an array substrate comprises: forming a gate line and a gate electrode on a substrate; forming a data line, a source electrode, a drain electrode and a TFT channel region without removing the photoresist on the data line, the source electrode and the drain electrode; depositing a passivation layer; removing the remained photoresist and the passivation layer thereon by a lifting-off process; applying a photoresist layer; forming a photoresist burr edge of peak shape; depositing a transparent conductive film; forming a pixel electrode by a lifting-off process, wherein the pixel electrode is directly connected with the drain electrode.
US08298880B2 Method for manufacturing coating film with coating liquid
Method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, which may include (a) forming a coating film on a substrate by applying a coating liquid including a polymer conductive material dissolved in an insulating solvent on the substrate after the step (a); (b) heat-treating the coating film; and (c) forming, before or after the steps (a) and (b), a gate electrode on the substrate. Herein, a surface layer portion is an insulating layer, and an inner layer portion is an organic semiconductor layer, and the surface layer portion and the inner layer portion are formed separate from each other to allow the surface layer portion and the inner layer portion to be used as a gate insulating film and a channel of a field-effect transistor, respectively.
US08298879B2 Methods of fabricating metal oxide or metal oxynitride TFTS using wet process for source-drain metal etch
The present invention generally relates to thin film transistors (TFTs) and methods of making TFTs. The active channel of the TFT may comprise one or more metals selected from the group consisting of zinc, gallium, tin, indium, and cadmium. The active channel may also comprise nitrogen and oxygen. To protect the active channel during source-drain electrode patterning, an etch stop layer may be deposited over the active layer. The etch stop layer prevents the active channel from being exposed to the plasma used to define the source and drain electrodes. The etch stop layer and the source and drain electrodes may be used as a mask when wet etching the active material layer that is used for the active channel.
US08298870B2 Method for connecting integrated circuit chip to power and ground circuits
In a method for transferring at least one of power and ground signal between a die and a package base of a semiconductor device, a connector is formed there between. The connector, which is disposed above the die attached to the package base, includes a center pad electrically coupled to the die by a plurality of conductive bumps and a finger extending outward from the center pad towards the package base. The finger is electrically coupled to the package base by a conductive pad. A plurality of bond wires are formed to electrically couple the package base and the die. A resistance of a conductive path via the connector is much less than a resistance of a conductive path via any one of the plurality of bond wires to facilitate an efficient transfer of the at least one of power and ground signal.
US08298868B2 Method of making a semiconductor chip assembly with a post/base heat spreader and a plated through-hole
A method of making a semiconductor chip assembly includes providing a post and a base, mounting an adhesive on the base including inserting the post into an opening in the adhesive, mounting a conductive layer on the adhesive including aligning the post with an aperture in the conductive layer, then flowing the adhesive upward between the post and the conductive layer, solidifying the adhesive, then providing a conductive trace that includes a pad, a terminal, a plated through-hole and a selected portion of the conductive layer, mounting a semiconductor device on the post, wherein a heat spreader includes the post and the base, electrically connecting the semiconductor device to the conductive trace and thermally connecting the semiconductor device to the heat spreader.
US08298867B2 Method for fabricating a circuit substrate assembly and a power electronics module comprising an anchoring structure for producing a changing temperature-stable solder bond
A power semiconductor module is fabricated by providing a circuit substrate with a metal surface and an insulating substrate comprising an insulation carrier featuring a bottom side provided with a bottom metallization layer. An anchoring structure is provided comprising a plurality of oblong pillars each featuring a first end facing away from the insulation carrier, at least a subset of the pillars being distributed over the anchoring structure in its entirety, it applying for each of the pillars of the subset that from a sidewall thereof no or a maximum of three elongated bonding webs each extend to a sidewall of another pillar where they are bonded thereto. The anchoring structure is positioned between the insulation carrier and metal surface, after which the metal surface is soldered to the bottom metallization layer and anchoring structure by means of a solder packing all interstices between the metal surface and bottom metallization layer with the solder.
US08298863B2 TCE compensation for package substrates for reduced die warpage assembly
A method for assembling die packages includes attaching contacts on a first side of a plurality of first die to substrate pads on a top surface of a composite carrier. The composite carrier includes a package substrate including at least one embedded metal layer having its bottom surface secured to a semiconductor wafer. The composite carrier minimizes effects of the CTE mismatch between the die and the package substrate during assembly reduces warpage of the die. After the attaching, the semiconductor wafer is removed from the package substrate. Electrically conductive connectors are attached to the bottom surface of the package substrate, and the package substrate is sawed to form a plurality of singulated die packages.
US08298862B2 Method of manufacturing layered chip package
A layered chip package includes a main body and wiring. The main body includes a plurality of layer portions stacked. The wiring is disposed on at least one side surface of the main body. In the method of manufacturing the layered chip package, first, a plurality of substructures each of which includes an array of a plurality of preliminary layer portions are used to fabricate a layered substructure that includes a plurality of pre-separation main bodies arranged in rows. Next, the layered substructure is cut into a plurality of blocks each of which includes a row of a plurality of pre-separation main bodies, and the wiring is formed on the plurality of pre-separation main bodies included in each block simultaneously. The plurality of pre-separation main bodies are then separated from each other. Each of the plurality of blocks includes a row of three, four, or five pre-separation main bodies.
US08298859B2 Semiconductor connection component
There is a need for providing a technology capable of decreasing on-resistance of a power transistor in a semiconductor device that integrates the power transistor and a control integrated circuit into a single semiconductor chip. There is another need for providing a technology capable of reducing a chip size of a semiconductor device. A semiconductor chip includes a power transistor formation region to form a power transistor, a logic circuit formation region to form a logic circuit, and an analog circuit formation region to form an analog circuit. A pad is formed in the power transistor formation region. The pad and a lead are connected through a clip whose cross section is larger than that of a wire. On the other hand, a bonding pad is connected through the wire.
US08298854B2 Method of manufacturing PIN photodiode
The objective of this invention is to provide a type of photodiode and the method of manufacturing the photodiode characterized by the fact that it has a higher photoelectric conversion efficiency (sensitivity) than that in the prior art. PIN photodiode 100 has a p-type silicon substrate, p-type silicon layer 112, n-type silicon layer 114 formed on p-type silicon layer 112 and having a junction plane with silicon layer 112, n-type low-resistance silicon region 116 that is formed to a prescribed depth from the surface of silicon layer 114 and has an impurity concentration higher than that of silicon layer 114, silicon oxide film 120 formed on silicon region 116, and silicon nitride film 122 formed on silicon oxide film 120.
US08298849B2 Nitrogen reactive sputtering of Cu-In-Ga-N for solar cells
Methods for forming Cu—In—Ga—N (CIGN) layers for use in TFPV solar panels are described using reactive PVD deposition in a nitrogen containing atmosphere. In some embodiments, the CIGN layers can be used as an absorber layer and eliminate the need of a selenization step. In some embodiments, the CIGN layers can be used as a protective layer to decrease the sensitivity of the CIG layer to oxygen or moisture before the selenization step. In some embodiments, the CIGN layers can be used as an adhesion layer to improve the adhesion between the back contact layer and the absorber layer.
US08298847B2 MEMS devices having support structures with substantially vertical sidewalls and methods for fabricating the same
Embodiments of MEMS devices include support structures having substantially vertical sidewalls. Certain support structures are formed through deposition of self-planarizing materials or via a plating process. Other support structures are formed via a spacer etch. Other MEMS devices include support structures at least partially underlying a movable layer, where the portions of the support structures underlying the movable layer include a convex sidewall. In further embodiments, a portion of the support structure extends through an aperture in the movable layer and over at least a portion of the movable layer.
US08298844B2 Method of forming organic thin film pattern and method of manufacturing organic light-emitting display device by using the method of forming organic thin film pattern
A method of manufacturing an organic thin film pattern, the method including: forming a dummy organic thin film on a substrate; radiating light on the dummy organic thin film pattern the dummy organic thin film; forming a main organic thin film, having a sublimation temperature is higher than that of the dummy organic thin film, on the substrate and the patterned dummy organic thin film; and heating patterned the dummy organic thin film and the main organic thin film, to sublimate the dummy organic thin film and thereby pattern the main organic thin film.
US08298838B2 Method for staining sample
A method for staining a sample includes the following steps. A test device is provided. The test device is sampled to obtain a sample. The sample includes a substrate, an active area disposed within the substrate and having a first doped substrate region and a second doped substrate region, at least one gate disposed between the first doped substrate region and the second doped substrate region, and an exposed shallow trench isolation embedded in the substrate and surrounding the active area. A first staining procedure is then carried out to selectively remove the shallow trench isolation to form a first void and to entirely expose the active area. A second staining procedure is subsequently carried out to selectively stain the first doped substrate region and the second doped substrate region to form a second void.
US08298836B2 Isolated Polynucleotide encoding modified fab' antibody, expression vector, and transformed host cell
Disclosed is an isolated polynucleotide encoding a modified Fab' antibody, which includes an Fd chain and an L chain with the Fd chain including a CH1 region and the L chain including a CL region, wherein the modified Fab' antibody further includes a cysteine for binding to a fluorescent dye, and the polynucleotide includes an Fd chain coding region and an L chain coding region linked therebetween in a manner that will allow expression of the modified Fab' antibody. Also disclosed are an expression vector containin the isolated polynucleotide, an isolated transformed host cell containing the expression vector, and a cell culture including the transformed host cell.
US08298835B2 Proteolytic markers as diagnostic biomarkers for cancer, organ injury and muscle rehabilitation/exercise overtraining
The present invention identifies biomarkers that are diagnostic of nerve cell injury, organ injury, and/or neuronal disorders. Detection of different biomarkers of the invention are also diagnostic of the degree of severity of nerve injury, the cell(s) involved in the injury, and the subcellular localization of the injury.
US08298834B2 Assay modules having assay reagents and methods of making and using same
We describe assay modules (e.g., assay plates, cartridges, multi-well assay plates, reaction vessels, etc.), processes for their preparation, and method of their use for conducting assays. Reagents may be present in free form or supported on solid phases including the surfaces of compartments (e.g., chambers, channels, flow cells, wells, etc.) in the assay modules or the surface of colloids, beads, or other particulate supports. In particular, dry reagents can be incorporated into the compartments of these assay modules and reconstituted prior to their use in accordance with the assay methods. A desiccant material may be used to maintain and stabilize these reagents in a dry state.
US08298832B2 Method of agitating solution
The method of stirring a solution according to the present invention is a method of stirring a solution comprising contacting a selective binding substance immobilized on the surface of a carrier with a solution containing an analyte substance reactive with the selective binding substance, and mixing the fine particles or air bubbles into the solution containing an analyte substance, and moving the fine particles or air bubbles without allowing contact thereof with the selective binding substance-immobilized surface.The present invention provides a stirring method that accelerates the reaction of a carrier-immobilized selective binding substance with an analyte substance and detects a trace amount of analyte at high signal intensity and high S/N ratio.The present invention enables diagnosis and examination in the clinical setting by using a selective binding substance-immobilized carrier such as DNA chip.
US08298831B2 Differentially encoded biological analyzer planar array apparatus and methods
A method of probing a plurality of analyzer molecules distributed about a detection platform is disclosed. The method includes contacting a test sample to the plurality of analyzer molecules, scanning the plurality of analyzer molecules at a rate relating to a carrier frequency signal, and detecting the presence or absence of a biological molecule based at least in part upon the presence or absence of a signal substantially at a sideband of the carrier frequency signal. A molecule detection platform including a substrate and a plurality of targets positioned about the substrate is also disclosed. Specific analyzer molecules adapted to bind a specific analyte are immobilized about a first set of the targets. Nonspecific analyzer molecules are immobilized about a second set of the targets. The targets positioned about the substrate along at least a segment of a scanning pathway alternate between at least one of the first set and at least one of the second set. A method including providing a substrate for supporting biological analyzer molecules the substrate including at least one scanning pathway is also disclosed. The scanning pathway includes a plurality of scanning targets. Specific biological analyzer molecules adapted to detect a specific target analyte are distributed about a first set of the targets which alternate in groups of at least one with a second set of the targets the second set of the targets not including the specific biological analyzer molecules.
US08298826B2 Chimaeric vector system
This invention relates to a process for producing a Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV) encoding a heterologous gene, which process comprises infecting a host cell with a first vector which is capable of producing SIV capsid and a second vector comprising a Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 2 (HIV-2) packaging signal sufficient to package the second vector in the SIV capsid and a heterologous gene capable of being expressed by the vector; and culturing the host cell.
US08298820B2 Influenza nucleic acid molecules and vaccines made therefrom
Provided herein are nucleic acid sequences that encode novel consensus amino acid sequences of HA hemagglutinin, as well as genetic constructs/vectors and vaccines expressing the sequences. Also provided herein are methods for generating an immune response against one or more Influenza A serotypes using the vaccines that are provided.
US08298813B2 Method for preparing an expanded product for fermentation
The invention pertains to a method for preparing a product for fermentation comprising the steps: i. sterilizing and expanding a substrate to obtain a sterile expanded substrate, ii. cooling and inoculating the sterile expanded substrate by contacting the sterile expanded substrate with a cooling medium and an inoculum to obtain a cooled inoculated substrate. The expansion step can be performed using techniques from the state of the art known as popping or puffing.The method can be performed in standard equipment and is very flexible in its use. Furthermore, the method allows reducing the time and energy necessary to obtain a product for fermentation, such as solid state fermentation.
US08298811B2 Expression of Class 2 mannosidase and Class III mannosidase in lower eukaryotic cells
A method for producing human-like glycoproteins by expressing a Class 2 α-mannosidase having a substrate specificity for Manα1,3 and Manα1,6 glycosidic linkages in a lower eukaryote is disclosed. Hydrolysis of these linkages on oligosaccharides produces substrates for further N-glycan processing in the secretory pathway.
US08298808B2 Production of peracids using an enzyme having perhydrolysis activity
A process is provided for producing peroxycarboxylic acids from carboxylic acid esters. More specifically, carboxylic acid esters are reacted with an inorganic peroxide, such as hydrogen peroxide, in the presence of an enzyme catalyst having perhydrolysis activity. The present perhydrolase catalysts are classified as members of the carbohydrate esterase family 7 (CE-7) based on the conserved structural features. Further, disinfectant formulations comprising the peracids produced by the processes described herein are provided.
US08298801B2 Methods and compositions for the treatment of cancer
The present invention is directed toward the delivery of toxic agents to pathogenic cells, particularly cancer cells. In some embodiments, the toxic agent is a human ribonuclease or similar agent that is toxic to cells.
US08298794B2 Cinnamyl-alcohol dehydrogenases
The invention relates to nucleic acid and amino acid sequences for sorghum CAD alleles and truncated CAD polypeptides. Sorghum plants having such truncations or combinations thereof, methods of genotyping sorghum plants for CAD truncations, and methods for breeding sorghum plants having truncated CAD sequences or combinations thereof are described.
US08298793B2 Methods for isolating proteons from plasma samples
Compositions and methods for the isolation and manipulation of misfolded, or partially misfolded, proteins present in blood and other biological materials are provided. In one aspect of the invention, the compositions, hereinafter termed “proteons” are misfolded or partially misfolded proteins surrounding a metallic nanocluster, termed “proteon nucleation center” (PNC). Also provided are compositions and methods for the isolation and manipulation of proteon nucleation centers (PNCs) upon which the proteons of the present in blood and other biological materials form.
US08298788B2 Nucleic acid and amino acid sequences relating to Streptococcus pneumoniae for diagnostics and therapeutics
The invention provides isolated polypeptide and nucleic acid sequences derived from Streptococcus pneumoniae that are useful in diagnosis and therapy of pathological conditions; antibodies against the polypeptides; and methods for the production of the polypeptides. The invention also provides methods for the detection, prevention and treatment of pathological conditions resulting from bacterial infection.
US08298787B2 Methods for enhancing a secretion efficiency of recombinant foreign protein in yeast expression system
Provided is a method for improving secretion efficiency of a recombinant foreign protein in a yeast expression system. The method includes transforming a yeast host with a recombinant foreign gene construct containing a galactose-inducible promoter, a secretion signal sequence and a gene encoding the foreign protein to construct a transformed yeast strain; and culturing the transformed yeast strain under the condition that the activity of the galactose-inducible promoter is controlled. Improved secretion efficiency of the foreign protein can be achieved by decreasing overexpression-induced insoluble precipitation of the recombinant foreign protein suffered by a conventional galactose-inducible promoter-based yeast expression system, via appropriate control of a level of galactose functioning as an inducer of the galactose-inducible promoter in cells. Due to improved secretion efficiency of the recombinant foreign protein, present invention makes a contribution to improvement in productivity of recombinant foreign proteins in the yeast expression system and reduction in production costs.
US08298786B2 Colorimetric method and relative device for bacterial load detection
A method for detecting a bacterial load comprising adding a sample for analysis to an analysis reagent in a sterilized reaction container, thermostatting the reaction container at a temperature of between 25 and 45° C., and verifying the change in colouring of the analysis reagent. The analysis reagent is an aqueous solution comprising amino acids chosen from the group consisting of meat peptones, vegetable peptones, casein hydrolysates, tryptose, tryptones and yeast extract; glucides chosen from monometric or oligomeric glucides metabolisable by micro-organisms; a buffer system suitable for maintaining the pH between 5.5 and 8.5; a redox indicator with potential between −250 and +250 mV and/or a pH indicator with colour change interval between pH 4.0 and pH 9.0; and a water-immiscible organic liquid compound having a lower density than water and suitable for separating the aqueous phase from a gaseous phase existing prior to the analysis or formed during the reaction.
US08298785B2 Use of ribozymes in the detection of adventitious agents
The present invention provides a method of detecting adventitious agents in a composition comprising a microorganism by using ribozyme-expressing indicator cells, as well as indicator cells useful in such detection.
US08298770B2 Methods, kits, and antibodies for detecting parathyroid hormone
The present invention relates to novel methods and compositions useful for detecting whole parathyroid hormone at a physiological level and parathyroid fragments in a mammalian sample. Such detections may be useful to different parathyroid diseases or disorders in a subject, such as hyperparathyroidism and related bone diseases, from normal or non-disease states. One detects whole or non-fragmented (1 to 84) parathyroid hormone in a biological sample and optionally one or more of a selection of non-whole parathyroid hormone peptide fragments that may or may not function as a parathyroid hormone antagonists. By either comparing values or using independently the value of either the one or more of a selection of non-whole parathyroid hormone peptide fragments, the whole parathyroid hormone, or the combination of these values one is able to differentiate parathyroid and bone related disease states, as well as differentiate such states from normal states.
US08298769B2 Epitope regions of a thyrotrophin (TSH) receptor, uses thereof and antibodies thereto
The present invention is concerned with epitope regions of thyrotrophin (TSH) receptor, uses thereof and antibodies thereto.
US08298765B2 Multifunctional nucleic acid nano-structures
Compositions and methods are provided for constructing multi-functional nucleic acid nano-structures. Nano-structures are provided incorporating a built-in modularity, including nucleic acid modules. Modules contain moieties including detectible labels, nanoparticles, reactive moieties and other functional groups. Nano-structures can be used for delivery of target compounds, as well as identification of target nucleic acid molecules.
US08298764B2 Selection method for cell internalizing nucleic acids
The present invention includes compositions and methods for contacting one or more cells with a random RNA-containing library, treating the contacted cells and with a denaturing agent or digestion with one or more nucleases, and extracting from the cells one or more internalized nucleic acids resistant to the nucleases or denaturants.
US08298762B2 Specific DNAS for Epigenetic Characterisation of cells and tissues
The present invention provides methods, nucleic acids and molecular markers for the characterization of cells, tissues and heterogeneous mixtures of cells. Specifically, it describes particular genes and genomic regions in which DNA methylation patterns are a consistent and characteristic property of different cell types, states and stages of differentiation. The invention is useful in determining the identity, composition, quality and potency of cells and cell populations. Furthermore, the invention will be useful in monitoring the differentiation of cells.
US08298760B2 Secondary structure defining database and methods for determining identity and geographic origin of an unknown bioagent thereby
The present invention relates generally to the field of investigational bioinformatics and more particularly to secondary structure defining databases. The present invention further relates to methods for interrogating a database as a source of molecular masses of known bioagents for comparing against the molecular mass of an unknown or selected bioagent to determine either the identity of the selected bioagent, and/or to determine the origin of the selected bioagent. The identification of the bioagent is important for determining a proper course of treatment and/or irradication of the bioagent in such cases as biological warfare. Furthermore, the determination of the geographic origin of a selected bioagent will facilitate the identification of potential criminal identity.
US08298756B2 Isolation, gene expression, and chemotherapeutic resistance of motile cancer cells
Methods of isolating motile cells of interest from an animal tissue is provided. Also provided are methods of determining mRNA or protein expression of a gene in motile cells of interest from an animal tissue. Additionally, methods of determining whether a cancer in a tissue of a mammal is likely to metastasize are provided. Methods are also provided for inhibiting metastasis of a cancer in a tissue of a mammal. Further provided are methods of determining resistance of a motile cancer cell population in an animal tissue to a chemotherapeutic agent.
US08298755B2 Methods for producing organic nanocrystals
Methods for producing small crystals on islands formed on specialized substrates by, inter alia, subjecting the substrate to a hydrophilic SAMs solution for self-assembling hydrophilic SAMs on certain portions of the substrate surface and subjecting the substrate to a hydrophobic SAMs solution for self-assembling hydrophobic SAMs on certain other portions of the substrate surface.
US08298750B2 Positive-working radiation-sensitive imageable elements
Positive-working imageable elements having improved sensitivity, high resolution, and solvent resistance are prepared using a water-insoluble polymeric binder comprising vinyl acetal recurring units that have pendant hydroxyaryl groups, and recurring units comprising carboxylic acid aryl ester groups that are substituted with a cyclic imide group. These imageable elements can be imaged and developed to provide various types of elements including lithographic printing plates.
US08298749B2 Directly imageable waterless planographic printing plate precursor and method for producing same
Provided is a directly imageable waterless planographic printing plate precursor that comprises at least a heat sensitive layer and a silicone rubber layer formed on a substrate in this order and has a high sensitivity not only immediately after the precursor production but also after the passage of time. In the directly imageable waterless planographic printing plate precursor, the heat sensitive layer contains liquid bubbles filled with a liquid with a boiling point in the range of 210 to 270° C. Also provided is a production method for making a directly imageable waterless planographic printing plate precursor.
US08298748B2 Positive resist composition, method of forming resist pattern, and polymeric compound
A positive resist composition including a base component (A′) which exhibits increased solubility in an alkali developing solution under action of acid and generates acid upon exposure, the base component (A′) including a polymeric compound (A1′) having a structural unit (a5-1) represented by general formula (a5-1), a structural unit (a0-1) represented by general formula (a0-1) and a structural unit (a0-2) that generates acid upon exposure, the structural unit (a0-2) containing a group represented by general formula (a0-2′) (wherein X− represents an anion moiety represented by one of general formulas (1) to (5)).
US08298746B2 Chemically amplified positive resist composition
The present invention provides a chemically amplified resist composition comprising: a resin (A) which itself is insoluble or poorly soluble in an aqueous alkali solution but becomes soluble in an aqueous alkali solution by the action of an acid and which comprises a structural unit having an acid-labile group in a side chain and a structural unit represented by the formula (I): wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, ring X1 represents an unsubstituted or substituted C3-C30 cyclic hydrocarbon group having —COO— and k represents an integer of 1 to 4, a resin (B) which comprises a structural unit represented by the formula (II): wherein R2 represents a hydrogen atom, a methyl group or a trifluoromethyl group, and an acid generator.
US08298744B2 Coating material for photoresist pattern and method of forming fine pattern using the same
A coating material for a photoresist pattern includes a water-soluble polymer and an additive mixed with the water-soluble polymer. The additive may be at least one selected from the group represented by Formulas 1 and 2: wherein X and Y respectively represent one selected from a heteroatom group consisting of N, O and S, and R1 to R8 respectively represent one selected from an electron donating group consisting of an alkyl group and —H, and wherein X and Y respectively represent one selected from a heteroatom group consisting of N, O and S, and R1 to R7 respectively represent one selected from an electron donating group consisting of an alkyl group and —H.
US08298740B2 Toner for developing electrostatic latent image and method of preparing the same
Provided are toner for developing an electrostatic latent image and a method of preparing the same. The toner has G′(60) of about 4.0×107 Pa to about 4.0×108 Pa, G′(60)/G′(80) of about 100 to about 500, and G′(100, 140) of about 3.0×103 Pa to about 1.5×105 Pa. The G′(60) and G′(80) are storage moduli Pa at about 60° C. and about 80° C. under measurement conditions of an angular velocity of about 6.28 rad/s and a heating rate of about 2.0° C./minute, respectively. The G′(100, 140) is a storage modulus Pa at a temperature of about 100° C. to about 140° C. under measurement conditions of an angular velocity of about 6.28 rad/s and a heating rate of about 2.0° C./minute.
US08298737B2 White toner for electrostatic charge image development, electrostatic charge image developer, toner cartridge, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus
A white toner for electrostatic charge image development is disclosed. The white toner for electrostatic charge image development includes a binder resin, a first white pigment, a second white pigment, and a release agent, a specific gravity D1 of the first white pigment satisfying a condition of 3.5
US08298727B2 Multi-color holographic optical trapping
A method and apparatus for selecting a specific fraction from a heterogeneous fluid-borne sample using optical gradient forces in a microfluidic or fluidic system are presented. Samples may range in size from a few nanometers to at least tens of micrometers, may be dispersed in any fluid medium, and may be sorted on the basis of size, shape, optical characteristics, charge, and other physical properties. The selection process involves passive transport through optical intensity field driven by flowing fluid, and so offers several advantages over competing techniques. These include continuous rather than batch-mode operation, continuous and dynamic tunability, operation over a wide range of samples, compactness, and low cost.
US08298726B2 Volume phase hologram recording material and optical information recording medium
Disclosed is a volume phase hologram recording material of high sensitivity, high contrast, and excellent record retention properties and also disclosed is a volume phase hologram recording medium using the said material. The volume phase hologram recording material mainly contains a three-dimensional crosslinked polymer matrix, a radically polymerizable monomer, and a photoradical polymerization initiator. The three-dimensional crosslinked polymer matrix is formed from a matrix-forming compound having two photoradically polymerizable unsaturated groups and two non-photoradically polymerizable hydroxyl groups represented by the following general formula (1) and another matrix-forming compound having no photoradically polymerizable group.
US08298720B2 Proton conductor
A proton conductor is formed of a porous body as a substrate and proton-conducting polymer covalently bonded to inner surfaces of pores of the porous body. The proton-conducting polymer comprises a main chain and a plurality of branched side chains extending radially therefrom. The branched side chains are each bonded to a proton-conducting salt at the end. The proton-conducting polymer has a substantially cylindrical structure in which the salts can be circumscribed by a virtual circle having a center on the cross-sectional center of the main chain such that a radial direction of the virtual circle is perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the main chain. The salts are located on the peripheral wall of the substantially cylindrical structure. Protons are transferred between the adjacent salts, so that a conduction channel is formed on the peripheral wall of the cylindrical structure.
US08298717B2 Fuel cell body, fuel cell unit, fuel cell stack, and fuel cell device including each of them
A fuel cell unit (1) according to the present invention comprises a fuel cell (6) having an inner electrode layer (16), an outer electrode layer (20) and a through passage (15); and inner and outer electrode terminals (24, 26) fixed at the opposite ends (6a, 6b) of the fuel cell (6). The fuel cell (6) has an inner electrode peripheral surface (21) electrically communicating with the inner electrode layer (16) and an outer electrode peripheral surface (22) electrically communicating with the outer electrode layer (20). The inner and outer electrode terminals are respectively disposed so that they cover over the inner and outer electrode peripheral surfaces (21, 22) and they are electrically connected thereto. The inner and outer electrode terminals have respective connecting passages which are communicated with the through passage (15).
US08298712B2 Fuel cell system, and control method for fuel cell
At the time of start-up of a fuel cell, the anode and the cathode are supplied with a fuel gas containing hydrogen and an oxidant gas (e.g., air) containing oxygen and an impurity gas, respectively, and the output of the fuel cell is restricted (e.g., prohibited). After a difference between the partial pressure of the impurity gas in the anode and the partial pressure of the impurity gas in the cathode becomes less than a predetermined value, the restriction of the output of the fuel cell is lifted, and the output of the fuel cell is controlled according to the requested output.
US08298711B2 Method of operating fuel cell system and fuel cell system
In a fuel cell power source system comprising a fuel cell, a fuel supplier for supplying a fuel to the fuel cell, an electricity storing member capable of charging and discharging an energy, and a control circuit for controlling outputs of the fuel cell and the electricity storing member and the fuel supplier for supplying a power to an external load, there are provided a method of operating the fuel cell power source system and a fuel cell system promoting safety of the fuel cell system and reducing a deterioration in the fuel cell by removing the fuel remaining at inside of the fuel cell after stopping the fuel supplier. At an initial stage of supplying the power to the external load and inside of the fuel cell system, the power is supplied from the electricity storing member, and the electricity storing member is charged by using an output outputted from the fuel cell by generating the power by the fuel cell by using the fuel remaining at inside of the fuel cell system after stopping the external load.
US08298710B2 Humidifier for fuel cell and process for warming the same
A humidifier for humidifying a fuel cell composed of an anode side humidifier and a cathode side humidifier each possessing a plurality of hollow fiber membrane modules for migrating moisture between a supply gas, which is supplied to a fuel cell, and an exhaust gas, which is exhausted from the fuel cell to thereby humidify the supply gas, the humidifier comprising: a pair of heads which hold both ends of the hollow fiber membrane modules, a connecting member which connects each of heads, and a device for warming the supply gas composed of conduits through which a cooling medium exhausted from the fuel cell is passed. The device for warming the supply gas is configured so that first warms a humidifier at an outlet side of the supply gas, and then warms a humidifier at an inlet side of the supply gas.
US08298709B2 Secondary battery
A secondary battery capable of improving the cycle characteristics while securing the initial charge and discharge characteristics is provided. The secondary battery includes a cathode, an anode, and an electrolytic solution. The anode has an anode active material layer containing a plurality of anode active material particles having silicon (Si). The anode active material layer contains at least one of an oxide-containing film covering a surface of the anode active material particles and a metal material not being alloyed with an electrode reactant provided in a gap in the anode active material layer. The electrolytic solution contains a solvent containing an organic acid that has a portion including an electron attractive group such as —(O═)C—C(═O)— bond in the center and a hydroxyl group on the both ends.
US08298708B2 Lithium secondary battery
A negative electrode mixture layer containing CMC and a hydroxy group-modified PVP. The mass ratio of CMC is greater than that of the hydroxy group-modified PVP. The hydroxy group-modified PVP has low affinity with a solvent for a solvent-system slurry that forms an inorganic particle layer. Adhesion strength is prevented from degrading after forming the inorganic particle layer on the negative electrode mixture layer.
US08298703B2 Battery module of improved safety against external impact
Disclosed herein is a battery module including at least one battery cell constructed in a structure in which an electrode assembly of a cathode/separator/anode structure is mounted in a battery case such that electrode leads of the electrode assembly protrude outside, wherein, when external impacts are directly or indirectly applied to the battery cell, with the result that the electrode leads move toward the electrode assembly of the battery cell, the external impacts are absorbed by the deformation of the electrode leads or the deformation of predetermined regions (‘electrode lead facing parts’) of the module in direct contact with or adjacent to the electrode leads, whereby the occurrence of a short circuit due to the contact between the electrode assembly and the electrode leads is prevented.
US08298702B2 Spiral electrode rectangular battery
A spiral electrode rectangular battery has a first electrode plate and second electrode plate, which are the positive and negative electrodes, laminated together with a separator sandwiched in between, rolled into an electrode unit, and housed in an exterior casing. The electrode unit has flat surfaces on opposite sides, and edges on both sides of those flat surfaces are curved with a prescribed radius of curvature to form rounded edge regions. The first and second electrode plates are wound around flat surfaces and rounded edge regions in a continuous fashion, and the end of the outer-most electrode plate is disposed at a rounded edge region. In addition, corner cuts are provided to truncate corner regions formed between the edges at both sides and the end of the outer-most electrode plate.
US08298700B2 Prismatic sealed rechargeable battery, battery module, and battery pack
A prismatic sealed rechargeable battery includes a substantially prismatic battery case that accommodates an electrode plate assembly and an electrolyte solution. The battery case is formed of metal. On a side face of the battery case, a thin plate is provided which has a plurality of protruding portions formed in parallel at appropriate intervals. The protruding portion and the side face form spaces opened at both ends therebetween. The thin plate is bonded to the side face of the battery case by making flat portions between the protruding portions into surface-contact with the side face, thereby improving cooling capability of the battery.
US08298697B2 MEA member and polymer electrolyte fuel cell
In an MEA member constituted by a polymer electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) and a frame and in a polymer electrolyte fuel cell including this MEA member, the MEA and the frame can be easily separated from each other without using any special tool. An MEA member 7 includes an MEA 5 and a plate-shaped resin frame 6, and a separating portion for separating the MEA 5 from the frame 6 is formed in the MEA member 7. The MEA 5 includes a polymer electrolyte membrane 2 and a pair of electrodes 3 and 4 respectively disposed on both main surfaces of the polymer electrolyte membrane 2. The frame 6 sandwiches and holds a peripheral portion of main surfaces of the MEA 5 such that the MEA 5 is located inside the frame. The separating portion is a broken-line cutoff line 50 formed on the frame 6 to divide the frame 6 into two or more parts or a partial sandwiching portion 55 located at an inner peripheral portion of the frame 6 to partially sandwich the peripheral portion of the MEA 5.
US08298696B1 Battery systems and methods thereof
Battery systems and kits are disclosed and provide improved merchandizing opportunities. Battery systems comprise an adaptor including a recess having one or more walls and a base located in a portion of the adaptor. One or more batteries may be received by the recess. The batteries may include one or more battery contacts and may be sized to a depth substantially equivalent to a depth of the walls of the recess. At least one of the walls may include one or more first electrical contacts corresponding to the battery contacts. A portion of the adaptor may have one or more second electrical contacts corresponding to one or more electrical contacts of a portable electronic device or circuit board. The first electrical contacts are in communication with one or more of the second electrical contacts. These battery systems replace one or more dedicated battery systems associated with a portable electronic device.
US08298692B2 Collection, storage and use of metal-air battery pack effluent
A system and method for collecting, storing and using the oxygen-rich effluent generated when charging a metal-air battery pack is provided.
US08298688B2 Magnetic recording medium using layers having higher- and lower-HK anisotropic magnetic fields
According to one embodiment, a magnetic recording medium includes a magnetic recording layer formed above a substrate, comprising: a first magnetic layer formed from a [Co/Pt]n multilayered film, wherein the first magnetic layer has a face-centered cubic (fcc) (111) crystal structure, the (111) direction being perpendicular to a film surface thereof, and a second magnetic layer comprising a CoCrPt or CoCrPt alloy film formed above the first magnetic layer, wherein the second magnetic layer has a hexagonal close packed (hcp) (00.1) crystal structure, the (00.1) direction being perpendicular to a film surface thereof. According to another embodiment, a system includes a magnetic recording medium as described above, a magnetic head for reading from and/or writing to the magnetic recording medium, a magnetic head slider for supporting the magnetic head, and a control unit coupled to the magnetic head for controlling operation of the magnetic head.
US08298687B2 Anthracene derivative, material for light emitting element, light emitting element, light emitting device, and electronic device
It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel material capable of realizing excellent color purity of blue, and a light emitting element and a light emitting device using the novel material. Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide which is highly reliable, and a light emitting element and a light emitting device using the novel material. The structure for solving the above problems in accordance with the present invention is an anthracene derivative simultaneously having a diphenylanthracene structure and a carbazole skeleton in a molecule as represented by structural formula (I):
US08298682B2 Metal bodies containing microcavities and apparatus and methods relating thereto
Monolithic metal bodies (e.g., hard aluminum alloys) comprising a continuous microcavity contained within the body are disclosed. The ratio of the cross-sectional area of the metal body to the cross-sectional area of the microcavity may be not greater than 10. The produced metal bodies may be used in structural applications (e.g., aerospace vehicles) to monitor or test the integrity of the metal body.
US08298673B2 Vibration-damping reinforcement composition, vibration-damping reinforcement material, and method for vibration damping and reinforcement of thin sheet
A vibration-damping reinforcement composition contains 30 to 300 parts by weight of butyl rubber, 30 to 300 parts by weight of acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, 100 parts by weight of epoxy resin, and 0.5 to 30 parts by weight of an epoxy resin curing agent.
US08298665B2 Power transmission belt
A power transmission belt comprising a polyester tensile cord having a heat shrinkage at 100° C. of less than 1% and/or a heat shrinkage at 150° C. of less than about 1.5% and/or a dimensional stability index of less than about 6%. The belt has a heat shrinkage after 24 hours at 100° C. of less than 1%. The polyester may be that sold under the trade name A360 or A363 by Performance Fibers, Inc. or equivalent polyethylene terephthalate. The tensile cord is particularly suited for use in V-belts for variable speed drives.
US08298661B2 Waterproofing membrane
Disclosed is a waterproofing membrane that performs well at both high and low temperatures. The waterproofing membrane comprises a carrier support layer and an adhesive layer, wherein the adhesive layer comprises a pressure sensitive bitumen composition comprising bitumen (asphalt), synthetic rubber, high density polyethylene, ground vulcanized crumb rubber and, optionally, a plasticizer. The waterproofing membrane also may optionally include a removable release sheet on the adhesive layer.
US08298660B2 Flame-retardant polyolefin resin composition and adhesive tape substrate composed of the composition, and adhesive tape
The present invention provides a flame-retardant polyolefin resin composition having superior molding processability, a resistance to thermal deformation and suitable stretchability and intensity, which is rich in elastic deformation. The present invention provides a flame-retardant polyolefin resin composition comprising component A (a thermoplastic resin having a carbonyl oxygen atom in the molecular skeleton), component B (a polymer alloy containing an ethylene component and a propylene component), component C: a modified polyolefin polymer containing an acidic functional group and having a weight average molecular weight of 10,000-80,000 and component D (an inorganic metal compound), and substantially free of a halogen atom.
US08298659B2 Polysiloxane coatings doped with aminosilanes
A polysiloxane coating composition comprises (a) about 5 to about 50 wt % of solids complementally comprising about 2 to about 30 wt % of a silica; about 0.25 to about 7 wt % of a partial condensate of an aminosilane; and about 2 to about 90 wt % of a partial condensate of a tri-functional silane having the formula RSi(OR′)3, wherein R is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, vinyl, and aryl radicals and R′ is selected from the group consisting of H., alkyl radicals having 1 to 4 carbons, and alkylcarbonyl radicals having 1 to 4 carbons; and (b) about 50 to about 95 wt % of solvent comprising about 10 to about 90 wt % of a lower aliphatic alcohol and about 10 to about 90 wt % of water. The coating composition has a pH level in the range of about 2 to about 6.
US08298658B2 Developer carrying member and developing assembly
A developer carrying member is provided which, even in continuous copying over a long term and also even under different environmental conditions, do not cause any charge-up of toner, and prevent the toner from melt-adherent to the developer carrying member surface and developer layer thickness control member surface to maintain the state of uniform coating of a developer having a toner and to make the toner uniformly and quickly triboelectrically charged, so as to obtain high-grade images free of any image density decrease, image density non-uniformity, sleeve ghosts, fog and vertical streaks during running service. Provided are a developer carrying member having a substrate and a resin coat layer on the surface of the substrate, which resin coat layer contains at least a binder resin and a carbon black, where the graphite (002) plane obtained from X-ray diffraction of the carbon black has a lattice spacing of from 0.3370 nm or more to 0.3450 nm or less; and a developing assembly having such a developer carrying member.
US08298657B2 Porous interpenetrating polymer network
A functional, porous, interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) includes a first polymer network in the form of a porogenic support fabric (PSF) composed of linear polymers in the form of a pre-formed network comprising a fibrous composite and a second polymer network synthesized, gelated, and/or cross-linked in the presence of the first polymer network to form a system of polymers which have their respective chains held in place by means of permanent physical entanglements produced by the interweaving of the component polymer networks. The IPN is modified by dissolving and dispersing a portion of the PSF fibers, the dispersible fiber network (DFN) to form a pre-designed interconnected pore structure. The resultant porous, supported, second polymer network has convective flow, diffusive flow, and high capacity, and may include functional capture chemistries to provide an adsorptive media for chromatography and filtration of various compounds including biomolecules.
US08298655B2 Solar heat responsive exterior surface covering
An exterior surface covering has a colored outer layer that transmits infrared radiation and an inner layer with a thermochromic pigment that absorbs heat at low temperature and reflects at high temperatures. The outer layer conceals the color change of the thermochromic pigment.
US08298653B2 Recording medium
A recording medium contains a support, and an antistatic agent-containing layer, and the antistatic agent-containing layer contains a binder resin and tin oxide-coated titanium oxide particles.
US08298652B2 Injection molding die for producing molded product having appearance surface, injection molding method for producing molded product having appearance surface, and resin molded product molded by the injection molding method
An injection molding die for producing a molded product having an appearance surface, an injection molding method for producing a molded product having an appearance surface, and a resin molded product molded by the injection molding method which is free from occurrence of appearance deficiency such as a flow mark or the like that is a drawback in appearance. A molten thermoplastic resin material is injected into a cavity defined by a molded product's appearance surface forming portion (4a) and a molded product's rear surface forming portion (6a) through one or more direct gates and one or more hot runners to fill the cavity with the molten resin material, thereby performing injection molding.
US08298650B2 Hollow base decorative surface covering
This invention describes a decorative surface covering comprising at least one decorative layer and a backing layer comprising a patterned array of elastomeric, geometric projections, wherein each geometric projection comprises a concave exposed surface, an outside wall surface and an inside wall surface wherein the inside wall surface defines a hollow area within the projection. When the decorative surface covering is installed over an underlying surface, and pressure is applied to the decorative surface covering, a vacuum is created within the hollow area of the projections and the underlying surface. The vacuum increases the amount of frictional drag between the surface covering and the underlying surface, and thus allows the surface covering to remain in place without the need for an adhesive.
US08298645B2 Multi-layer flame retardant fabric
A composite velour fabric garment includes a laminate consisting of an outer woven shell layer, an inner thermal layer of knit construction, and an intermediate layer disposed between and laminated to each of the shell layer and the thermal layer. The outer woven shell layer contains spandex in at least a weft direction for stretch and recovery in a width direction. The knit construction of the inner thermal layer provides stretch in at least a width direction, in harmony with the shell layer, and the inner thermal layer has a raised surface facing inwardly, away from the shell layer. The raised surface includes a plurality of discrete pillar regions of sinker loop yarn arranged in a grid or box pattern and configured to form a plurality of intersecting channels between a wearer's body and the inner thermal layer. The intermediate layer has controlled air permeability, including zero air permeability. One or more of the outer, inner, and intermediate layers include flame retardant material.
US08298643B2 Method of manufacturing an optical data carrier
A method of manufacturing an optical data carrier, wherein an essentially uncured resin layer is provided on a side of said optical data carrier. The essentially uncured resin layer is embossed with a relief pattern, wherein the relief pattern defines a graphic.
US08298640B2 Manufacturing method and system and associated rolls of sheets with alternating cuts and pre-cuts
The present invention relates to a roll made of a succession of single-use absorbing paper sheets separated along at least one side thereof, perpendicular to the unwinding direction of the roll by parallel pre-cuts, the sheets being further separated by cuts extending along at least 80% of the cut side of the sheets, and the cuts and pre-cuts alternating in the roll unwinding direction.
US08298637B2 Photopolymer assembly
The invention relates to an element, in particular a photopolymer unit, with a rear layer and a top layer which are joined to one another to form a sealed bag in which a precursor of a plastic which can be polymerised with electromagnetic radiation is contained, in particular a photopolymer. The top layer is made from a cast plastic. The invention further relates to the production of a printing plate from this element.
US08298633B1 Multi-positional, locking artificial tree trunk
A locking artificial tree trunk including a first generally cylindrical, hollow trunk portion including an upper end, the upper end defining a notch, and a second generally cylindrical trunk portion including a body portion, a lower end having an insertable portion, and an upper end. The locking artificial tree trunk also includes a coupling mechanism having a body portion and an upper portion having a tab, and defining a channel for receiving the insertable portion of the lower end of the second trunk portion. The body portion is inserted substantially into the upper end of the first trunk portion with the tab of the upper portion aligned with the notch, thereby preventing rotation of the coupling mechanism within the upper end of the first trunk portion.
US08298632B2 Liquid crystal compound having negative dielectric anisotropy, liquid crystal composition using this and liquid crystal display device
The invention provides a liquid crystal compound having a suitable value of refractive index anisotropy, a suitable value of dielectric anisotropy, steep characteristics electro-optic characteristics, a wide temperature range of a nematic phase and an excellent compatibility with other liquid crystal compounds, and a liquid crystal compounds especially having a wide temperature range of a nematic phase.A compound represented by formula (1). For example, R1 and R2 are each independently alkyl having 1 to 9 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 9 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 8 carbons or alkenyloxy having 2 to 8 carbons; Q1 and Q4 are each independently fluorine or chlorine; Q2 and Q3 are each independently hydrogen, fluorine or chlorine, and one of Q2 and Q3 is hydrogen; Z is —CH2 O— or —COO—; and h is 1 or 2.
US08298629B2 High throughput multi-wafer epitaxial reactor
An epitaxial reactor enabling simultaneous deposition of thin films on a multiplicity of wafers is disclosed. During deposition, a number of wafers are contained within a wafer sleeve comprising a number of wafer carrier plates spaced closely apart to minimize the process volume. Process gases flow preferentially into the interior volume of the wafer sleeve, which is heated by one or more lamp modules. Purge gases flow outside the wafer sleeve within a reactor chamber to minimize wall deposition. In addition, sequencing of the illumination of the individual lamps in the lamp module may further improve the linearity of variation in deposition rates within the wafer sleeve. To improve uniformity, the direction of process gas flow may be varied in a cross-flow configuration. Combining lamp sequencing with cross-flow processing in a multiple reactor system enables high throughput deposition with good film uniformities and efficient use of process gases.
US08298623B2 Method for making composite material
A method for fabricating a composite material includes providing a free-standing carbon nanotube structure having a plurality of carbon nanotubes, introducing at least two reacting materials into the carbon nanotube structure to form a reacting layer, activating the reacting materials to grow a plurality of nanoparticles, wherein the nanoparticles are spaced from each other and coated on a surface of each of the carbon nanotubes of the carbon nanotube structure.
US08298622B2 Silica aerogel coating and its production method
Methods for producing a silica aerogel coating by: producing a wet gel formed by the hydrolysis and polymerization of an alkoxysilane having an ultraviolet-polymerizable unsaturated group; organically modifying the wet gel with an organic-modifying agent to obtain an organically modified silica having a modification ratio of 10-30% based on a total amount of Si—OH in the wet gel; coating a dispersion of the organically modified silica on a substrate to form a layer; and subjecting the layer of the organically modified silica to ultraviolet irradiation and baking, wherein the silica aerogel coating includes the organically modified silica and wherein the silica aerogel coating has a refractive index in the range of 1.05-1.2.
US08298618B2 Preparation method of composite luminescent thin film of sulfonated poly (p-phenylene) and layered double hydroxides
A preparation method of composite blue luminescent thin film of sulfonated poly(p-phenylene) (i.e. poly[2,5-bis(3-sulfonatopropoxy)-1,4-phenylene-alt-1,4-phenylene]) and LDHs (Layered Double Hydroxides) is disclosed. The preparation method comprises the following steps: preparing delaminated LDHs colloidal solution using formamide solvent, preparing sulfonated poly(p-phenylene) aqueous solution, and performing alternate assembling on hydrophilically treated substrate in the two solutions to give the composite thin film of sulfonated poly(p-phenylene)/LDHs multilayer. The preparation method has the advantages of simple preparation process, and film thickness controllable at nanoscale precision, in addition, this method also achieves the immobilization of luminescent polymer via restricted space among LDHs layers and host-guest interaction, effectively improves thermal stability, and reduces fluorescence quenching caused by aggregation.
US08298615B2 Rapid generation of carbon filament structures of controlled geometries at low temperatures
Exemplary embodiments provide methodologies for generating structures of filamentous carbon (or carbon filaments) with controlled geometries. In one exemplary embodiment of forming the carbon filament structure, a metal template can be exposed to a fuel rich gaseous mixture to form a carbon filament structure at an appropriate gas flow and/or at an appropriate temperature on the metal template. The metal template can have one or more metal surfaces with controlled geometries. Carbon filament structures can then be grown on the metal surfaces having corresponding geometries (or shapes) in the growth direction. The carbon filament structure can be two or three dimensional and can have high density. In various embodiments, the metal template can be removed to leave a self-supporting carbon filament structure.
US08298613B2 Method of spray lining a pipe with an environmentally compatible impervious membrane
A method and apparatus is disclosed for remotely and robotically installing an organic, monolithic, structural and non structural, circumferential and partial radius membranes in conduits, pipelines or passageways. The method of spray lining a pipe, conduit, structure or passageway comprises connecting a liner supply umbilical to an in situ pipe spray liner device, connecting equipment control cables, air supply hose, electrical supply and controls for the two part liner, connecting an air supply to motors, connecting the liner supply hoses to the impingement block, connecting the air supply to one or more air motors powering a servo drive and maintaining the nozzle in the center of the pipe using a remotely controlled rotation table or scissor leg table. This method and apparatus will allow for continuous lining applications of any thickness in one pass, in conduits and passageways employing multi component liquid polymers with rapid mechanical properties formation.
US08298610B2 Process for inhibiting oxide formation on copper surfaces
This invention provides processes for inhibiting the formation of copper oxides on substantially oxide-free copper surfaces by contacting a substantially oxide-free copper surface with a bifunctional ligand that contains both a metal-coordinating group and a tertiary amine group in an aqueous solution of pH about 2 to about 5.5. A thin layer of the bifunctional ligand formed by coordination of the dialkylaminoacetonitrile to the copper surface can be removed by heating under vacuum to regenerate a substantially oxide-free copper surface.
US08298607B2 Method for electrostatic coating of a medical device
A method for electrostatic coating of medical devices such as stents and balloons is described. The method includes applying a composition to a polymeric component of a medical device which has little or no conductivity. The polymeric component could be a material from which the body or a strut of the stent is made or could be a polymeric coating pre-applied on the stent. The polymeric component could be the balloon wall. A charge can then be applied to the polymeric component or the polymeric component can be grounded. Charged particles of drugs, polymers, biobeneficial agents, or any combination of these can then be electrostatically deposited on the medical device or the coating on the medical device. One example of the composition is iodine, iodine, iodide, iodate, a complex or salt thereof which can also impart imaging capabilities to the medical device.
US08298605B2 Process for producing chocolate
A process for producing a chocolate or chocolate-like product comprising: (i) dry grinding a mixture of solid components of chocolate or a chocolate-like product; and (ii) homogenizing the ground mixture with fat to form a liquid chocolate or chocolate-like product.
US08298603B2 Process for manufacturing a sweetener and use thereof
Highly purified Stevioside and Rebaudioside A were prepared from sweet glycoside extracts obtained from Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni leaves. The resulting sweeteners are suitable as non-calorie, non-cariogenic, non-bitter, non-lingering sweeteners, which may be advantageously applied in foods, beverages, and milk products.
US08298600B2 Process for manufacturing a sweetener and use thereof
Highly purified Stevioside and Rebaudioside A were prepared from sweet glycoside extracts obtained from Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni leaves. The resulting sweeteners are suitable as non-calorie, non-cariogenic, non-bitter, non-lingering sweeteners, which may be advantageously applied in foods, beverages, and milk products.
US08298596B2 Lactase formulation
A particulate composition comprising a plurality of particles comprising lactase and a protective material are provided. The particles have a size that is not perceptible or is minimally perceptible on the human tongue. The particulate composition can be made by a method that comprises the steps of providing a lactase, providing a protective material, and forming a particulate composition comprising a plurality of particles comprising the lactase and the protective material in a size that is not perceptible or barely perceptible on the human tongue. The particulate composition can be used by applying the lactase composition to a food article or by using the lactase composition in the course of consuming the food article.
US08298592B2 Hair growth stimulants adn the manufacturing method thereof
A hair growth stimulant having excellent hair growth stimulation and hair growth effects without any side effects, which contains a carbonized pine cone. The inventive hair growth stimulant has an excellent hair growth stimulation effect without causing any side effects or toxicity to the human body, while it can stimulate hair roots to greatly influence the growth of hair so as to prevent hair loss and white hair. Also, it can be provided in the form of creams or ointments having an excellent effect on hair growth stimulation, and thus can considerably shorten a treatment period. It can keep the anagen-stage hair by increasing the blood flow of the scalp, and it consists of a vegetable preparation, and so has no side effects to the human body. In addition, it can be used through smooth application to a head, and thus is easy to use.
US08298591B2 Anti-fever botanical composition and uses thereof
According to at least one aspect of the present invention, a botanical anti-fever composition is provided. In at least one embodiment, the botanical composition comprises a therapeutically effective amount of admixture of parts or extracts of at least one plant species from each of genus Baptisia and genus Swertia. In at least one particular embodiment, the botanical composition contains Baptisia Tinctoria. In at least another particular embodiment, the botanical composition contains Swertia Chirata.
US08298589B1 Nitrite formulations and their use as nitric oxide prodrugs
Compositions comprising a nitrite salt, a nitrate salt, and ascorbic acid are provided in several embodiments. Use of said composition in a method of enhancing cardiovascular performance or treating adverse cardiovascular event in a mammal is also provided.
US08298588B2 Dietary supplement containing alkaline electrolyte buffers
An improved dietary and/or therapeutic supplement composition comprising a quantity of a dietary and/or therapeutic supplement agent having a pH that upon ingestion with food or a beverage would limit the effectiveness of the agent and a sufficient amount of an alkaline electrolyte additive is provided in combination with the agent to raise the pH of the composition to a level of from about 8 to about 12.5 to increase the effectiveness and functional utilization of the agent while the composition is in the person's stomach. The supplement composition is designed to provide for optimum utilization of a dietary and/or therapeutic supplement agent when taken orally with food or a beverage.
US08298585B2 Cellulose-based fine core particle and process for producing the same
It is an object of the present invention to provide a fine core particle, which comprises a coating layer having a uniform thickness, and which can be used to produce, at a high yield, a small granule causing no sandy feeling in the oral cavity when the fine core particle is applied to a fine granule or an orally-disintegrating tablet. According to the present invention, there is provided a core particle, which comprises 50% by mass or more of microcrystalline cellulose, and which has a mean particle diameter of less than 100 μm, a relative flow index of 7.0 to 30.0, a specific surface area of less than 0.15 m2/g, and a tapped bulk density of 0.80 g/mL or more.
US08298584B2 Biopolymeric membrane for wound protection and repair
The present invention relates to a conformable and semi-permeable biopolymeric membrane suitable for tissue repair and protection. This membrane contains a first layer made from randomly oriented, reconstituted biopolymer fibers and, on top of the first layer, a coating layer made from biopolymer fibers.
US08298582B2 Polysaccharide-based impregnated solid material with improved stability, processes for the preparation thereof and impregnating solutions used
A polysaccharide-based solid material including, in its mass, at least one active agent having bactericidal, fungal, insecticidal and/or flame-retardant properties, and at least one complexing agent and/or at least one polymeric matrix having a complexing agent. The active agent includes at least one compound selected from the group including boron, silica, aluminum, phosphorus, iodine, derivatives thereof, aluminosilicate derivatives, and mixtures thereof. The solid material is characterized by an improved stability and by reduced environmental impact, and makes it possible to prepare materials based on wood particles and woods having a particular resistance against environmental attacks such as moisture.
US08298579B2 Tamper resistant dosage form comprising an adsorbent and an adverse agent
Pharmaceutical compositions and dosage forms comprising an adsorbent, and an adverse agent, such as an opioid antagonist. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the adverse agent is on the surface or within the micropore structure of an adsorbent material. The pharmaceutical compositions and dosage forms comprising the adsorbent and the adverse agent are useful for preventing or discouraging tampering, abuse, misuse or diversion of a dosage form containing an active pharmaceutical agent, such as an opioid. The present invention also relates to methods for treating a patient with such a dosage form, as well as kits containing such a dosage form with instructions for using the dosage form to treat a patient. The present invention further relates to process for preparing such pharmaceutical compositions and dosage forms.
US08298577B2 Effervescent oral opiate dosage forms and methods of administering opiates
Opiate containing dosage forms and methods using same are described. These dosage forms include substantially less opiates by weight than known oral formulations. These dosage forms are intended for oral administration across the oral mucosa.
US08298575B2 Two-part capsule to accept pharmaceutical preparations for powder inhalers
The present invention relates to capsules for holding pharmaceutical preparations for powder inhalers with increased drug safety and capsules for pharmaceutical preparations for powder inhalers with improved adaptation to their use in powder inhalers. The capsules consist of water-insoluble hydrophobic synthetic materials which do not significantly affect the pharmaceutical quality of the contents themselves, but which improve the usability of the filled capsules with regard to their function, their longevity, and/or the geographic location of their use, and are advantageous at various stages from manufacture up to utilization.
US08298570B2 Sustained release intraocular implants and related methods
Biocompatible intraocular implants include a steroid and a polymer associated with each other to facilitate release of the steroid into an eye for a period of time greater than about two months. The steroid may be associated with a biodegradable polymer matrix, such as a matrix of a two biodegradable polymers. Or, the steroid may be associated with a polymeric coating having one or more openings effective to permit the steroid to be released into an external environment. The implants may be placed in an eye to treat one or more ocular conditions. The steroid is released from the implant for more than about two months, and may be release for more than several years.
US08298567B2 Hyperbranched polyurea delivery system for binding and release of growth factors
The present invention provides a polymer delivery system for the in vivo binding and release of growth factors, preferably orthobiologic GF, comprising a hyperbranched polymer having physiologically-acceptable anionic phosphorous groups. The hyperbranched polymer is preferred to be a polyurea with phosphonate anions. This polymer can be cross-linked to form a network and provide a coating for implanted devices.
US08298564B2 Two part antimicrobial boot
A system comprising an implantable medical device and a second polymeric layer configured to be disposed on or about the implantable medical device is described. The device includes a first polymeric layer into which a first therapeutic agent is incorporated. A second therapeutic agent is incorporated into the second polymeric layer. The device is sterilized by a first sterilization method. The second polymeric layer is sterilized by a second sterilization method. A method for making a sterile implantable medical system is also described. The method includes incorporating a first therapeutic agent in a first polymeric material and disposing the first polymeric material on or about an implantable medical device. The first polymeric material and the implantable medical device are sterilized by a first sterilization method. The method further includes incorporating a second therapeutic material in a second polymeric material and disposing the second polymeric material on or about the sterilized first polymeric material and implantable medical device. The second polymeric material is sterilized by a second sterilization method.
US08298563B2 Polymer no donor predrug nanofiber coating for medical devices and therapy
The present invention relates to nanofibers that produce therapeutic amounts of nitric oxide after a delay period, which allows time to install or implant the device into a patient. The nitric oxide release is thus localized to the area of the organism where NO dosing is indicated. The delay time is achieved by cospinning the NO-producing fiber with a fiber that tends to sequester the former's NO-producing functional groups. Fibers of the present invention may be incorporated into medical devices such as stents or other implantable medical devices to prevent the formation of adhesions or scarring in the area of the implant.
US08298557B2 Cleansing cosmetic composition
It is intended to provide a cleansing cosmetic composition that quickly removes makeup from the skin, is easily applicable onto the skin without dripping from the hand or running on the face during application, and can freshen the skin because of being washed off thoroughly. The present invention provides a cleansing cosmetic composition comprising (1) 1 to 15% by mass of silicone oil, (2) 1 to 15% by mass of volatile hydrocarbon oil, (3) 5 to 20% by mass of dihydric glycol, (4) 5 to 40% by mass of polyoxyethylene glyceryl fatty acid ester, and (5) 15 to 88% by mass of water, wherein the weight ratio between the silicone oil (1) and the volatile hydrocarbon oil (2) ((1)/(2)) falls within the range of 0.3 to 3 and the composition has a viscosity of 100 to 500 mPas at 25° C.
US08298556B2 Methods and related compositions for the non-surgical removal of fat
Compositions and methods useful in the non-surgical removal of localized fat deposits in patients in need thereof using pharmacologically active detergents are disclosed. The pharmacologically active detergent compositions can additionally include anti-inflammatory agents, analgesics, dispersion agents and pharmaceutically acceptable excipients but do not contain phosphotidylcholine. The pharmacologically active detergent compositions are useful for treating localized accumulations of fat including lower eyelid fat herniation, lipodystrophy and fat deposits associated with cellulite and do not require surgical procedures such as liposuction.
US08298554B2 Stable pharmaceutical composition and methods of using same
The present invention relates to, inter alia, pharmaceutical compositions comprising a polyunsaturated fatty acid and to methods of using the same to treat or prevent cardiovascular-related diseases.
US08298544B2 CEACAM based antibacterial agents
Prophylactic and/or therapeutic antipathogen agents are provided that disrupt or prevent the formation of at least one homotypic and/or heterotypic protein-protein interaction that has at least one CEA-family protein and that is involved in the establishment and colonization of a pathogen in a suitable host.
US08298543B2 Identification and application of antibiotic synergy
The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition useful for treating bacterial infections in humans and animals which comprises administering to a human or animal in need thereof, an antibacterially effective combination of a β-lactam antibiotic and an inhibitor of any bacterial peptidoglycan biosynthesis enzyme, especially GlmU, GlmU, MurA, MurB, MurC, MurD, MurE, MurF, MurG, MraY, and UppS. Further provided is a method of discovering synergists for antibiotics including: a) expressing in a cell an antisense nucleic acid against a nucleic acid encoding a gene product so as to reduce the activity or amount of the gene product in the cell, thereby producing a cell sensitized to an antibiotic; b) characterizing the sensitization of the cell to the antibiotic and selecting pairs of antibiotics and genes that result in antibiotic efficacy at one-fifth or less the concentration required in the absence of the antisense gene; c) screening for chemical compounds that inhibit the gene product corresponding to the selected synergistic gene; and d) selecting or creating chemical analogs that inhibit the gene product corresponding to the selected synergistic gene such that the inhibition occurs in the bacteria.
US08298542B2 Methods and compositions for vaccination comprising nucleic acid and/or polypeptide sequences of Chlamydia
The instant invention relates to antigens and nucleic acids encoding such antigens obtainable by screening a Chlamydia genome. In more specific aspects, the invention relates to methods of isolating such antigens and nucleic acids and to methods of using such isolated antigens for producing immune responses. The ability of an antigen to produce an immune response may be employed in vaccination or antibody preparation techniques.
US08298537B2 Concomitant treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with anti-TNF-α antibodies and methotrexate
Methods for treating and/or preventing a TNF-mediated disease in an individual are disclosed. Also disclosed is a composition comprising methotrexate and an anti-tumor necrosis factor antibody. TNF-mediated diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and acute and chronic immune diseases associated with transplantation.
US08298536B2 Methods of treating inflammatory pain
Methods of Treating Inflammatory Pain The invention relates to an anti-CGRP antibody for use in the prevention and/or treatment of inflammatory pain and/or symptoms of inflammatory pain, and to a method of treating and/or preventing inflammatory pain and/or symptoms of inflammatory pain using an anti-CGRP antibody.
US08298535B2 Anti-IL-7 receptor antibodies
The present invention provides antagonizing antibodies that bind to interleukin-7 receptor (IL-7R). The invention further provides a method of obtaining such antibodies and antibody-encoding nucleic acids. The invention further relates to therapeutic methods for use of these antibodies and antigen-binding portions thereof for the treatment and/or prevention of type 2 diabetes and immunological disorders, including type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, graft-versus-host disease, and lupus.
US08298534B2 Method of treating fibrproliferative disorders
Materials and Methods for reducing cell proliferation or extracellular matrix production in a mammal are disclosed. The methods comprise administering to a mammal a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a zvegf4 antagonist in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable delivery vehicle. Exemplary zvegf4 antagonists include anti-zvegf4 antibodies, inhibitory polynucleotides, inhibitors of zvegf4 activation, and mitogenically inactive, receptor-binding variants of zvegf4. The materials and methods are useful in the treatment of, inter alia, fibroproliferative disorders of the kidney, liver, and bone.
US08298533B2 Antibodies to IL-1R1
This invention relates to binding members, especially antibody molecules, specific for interleukin 1 receptor 1 (IL-1R1). For example, isolated binding members specific for IL-1R1 which competes with IL-1 and IL-1Ra for binding to IL-1R1 and binds Il-1R1 with a KD of 10 pM or less when measured by Kinexa™. The binding members are useful for, inter alia, treatment of disorders mediated by IL-1R1 including rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
US08298531B2 Treatment with anti-alpha2 integrin antibodies
The invention relates to treatment of cancer. More specifically the invention relates to methods of treating cancer selected from the group consisting of squamous cell cancer, lung cancer including small-cell lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, adenocarcinoma of the lung, and squamous carcinoma of the lung, cancer of the peritoneum, hepatocellular cancer, gastric or stomach cancer including gastrointestinal cancer, pancreatic cancer, glioblastoma, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, liver cancer, bladder cancer, hepatoma, breast cancer, colon cancer, colorectal cancer, endometrial or uterine carcinoma, salivary gland carcinoma, kidney or renal cancer, liver cancer, prostate cancer, vulval cancer, thyroid cancer, hepatic carcinoma and various types of head and neck cancer, as well as B-cell lymphoma including low grade/follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL); small lymphocytic (SL) NHL; intermediate grade/follicular NHL; intermediate grade diffuse NHL; high grade immunoblastic NHL; high grade lymphoblastic NHL; high grade small non-cleaved cell NHL; bulky disease NHL; mantle cell lymphoma; AIDS-related lymphoma; and Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia; chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL); acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL); Hairy cell leukemia; chronic myeloblastic leukemia; and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), as well as abnormal vascular proliferation associated with phakomatoses, edema such as that associated with brain tumors, Meigs' syndrome, melanoma, mesothelioma, multiple myeloma, fibrosarcoma, osteosarcoma and epidermoid carcinoma, by administering antibodies directed to α2β1 integrin.
US08298528B2 Methods for bone regeneration using endothelial progenitor cell preparations
The present invention relates in general to orthopedics and to a method for promoting repair of large bone defects, in particular non-union or delayed union fractures. Specifically the invention concerns the use of endothelial progenitor cell preparations for bone repair.
US08298527B2 Helicobacter system and uses thereof
Helicobacter based preparations comprising a pharmacologically active molecule of interest are disclosed, as well as methods of preparing and using said preparations. In particular, Helicobacter pylori vectors, vector plasmids and recombinant cells that include a sequence encoding a pharmacologically active molecule of interest useful in therapeutic treatments and/or vaccination against disease are provided. Delivery of the pharamacologically active molecules is provided at the mucosal surface, such as the gastric mucosa or nasal membranes, to provide effective and continuous delivery of a pharmacologically active agent. Vectors and shuttle vector constructs are also provided.
US08298511B2 Method for preparing CHA-type molecular sieves using novel structure directing agents
The present invention is directed to a process for preparing CHA-type molecular sieves using at least one cationic 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane-based structure directing agent in conjunction with at least one cationic cyclic nitrogen-containing structure directing agent.
US08298510B2 Process for improving phase separations in solvent extraction circuits
The addition of a compatible metal salt crystal to the organic solution entering the mixer(s) in the solvent extraction stage(s) and/or the stripping stage(s), or to the emulsion mixture of the organic solution and the aqueous solution in the mixer(s), or to the mixture of the organic solution and the aqueous solution in a settler tank(s) following the mixer(s) in the solvent extraction and/or stripping stage(s) following the leaching of metal values from the ore containing that/those value(s) into an aqueous solution, and prior to the further refining of those values in processes, such as electrowinning, during mining operations for those metal values in order to improve the phase separation of the organic phase and the aqueous phase, and to promote the removal of contaminants from the organic phase.
US08298504B2 High-efficiency catalytic converters for treating exhaust gases
Several embodiments of high-efficiency catalytic converters and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a catalytic converter for treating a flow of exhaust gas comprising a reaction chamber, a heating enclosure enclosing at least a portion of the reaction chamber, and an optional coolant channel encasing the heating enclosure. The reaction chamber can have a first end section through which the exhaust gas flows into the reaction chamber and a second end section from which the exhaust gas exits the reaction chamber. The heating enclosure is configured to contain heated gas along the exterior of the reaction chamber, and the optional coolant channel is configured to contain a flow of coolant around the heating enclosure. The catalytic converter can further include a catalytic element in the reaction chamber.
US08298502B2 Preparation method of lithium carbonate from lithium-ion secondary battery recovered material
A preparation method of lithium carbonate, in recovering valuable resources of a lithium-ion battery, reducing impurities from lithium carbonate, having a pretreatment process, comprising: a first step cleaning an organic phase containing nickel and lithium prepared by a solvent extraction by use of a sulfuric acid solution containing nickel and enriching lithium in the cleaning solution; a second step extracting a residual nickel only by an organic solvent from a post-cleaning solution in which the lithium is enriched; and a third step controlling pH of the post-extraction solution containing the lithium by ammonia water or lithium hydroxide.
US08298498B2 Apparatus and method for handling fluids for analysis
An apparatus and method of loading reagent in a specimen handling device is disclosed, where the apparatus includes a deck with a plurality of positions defined thereon and each of the positions visually marked by a distinct one of a first set of icons. Each of a plurality of trays is removably securable to a selected one of the positions on the deck and includes the distinct one of the first set of icons visually marking the selected one of the positions. Reagent receptacles on each of the plurality of trays are visually marked by a distinct one of a second set of icons, and a kit is provided with a plurality of containers with selected reagents therein, each of the containers being visually marked by the distinct one of the second set of icons visually marking the receptacle into which that reagent is to be poured. The fluids including specimen samples and reagents are moved between tubes during processing without directly passing over tubes which the reagents could contaminate. The apparatus may be used in a method including emptying reagents into the reagent receptacles that are visually marked with the same distinct one of the set of icons visually marking the reagent container, and mounting the trays in selected positions in the specimen handling device.
US08298495B2 High sensitivity localized surface plasmon resonance sensor and sensor system using same
The present invention relates to a high sensitivity localized surface plasmon resonance sensor and to a sensor system using same, the sensor comprising: a first metal layer including a first metal; a second metal layer arranged parallel to the first metal layer and including a second metal; and a conductive cross-linking layer disposed between the first metal layer and the second metal layer, and made of a third metal with a corrosion response that is different than that of the first metal and of the second metal.
US08298494B2 Endoscope cleaning/disinfecting apparatus connector and endoscope cleaning/disinfecting apparatus
An endoscope cleaning/disinfecting apparatus connector according to the present invention includes a cleaning/disinfecting apparatus connection section, a circulating section and a discharge section, wherein the discharge section communicates with the circulating section and includes a first channel that discharges a fluid R that passes through the circulating section into a pipe sleeve, a second channel that branches from the first channel and discharges the fluid R to the periphery of the pipe sleeve, and an opening/closing section that is provided in a branch section that branches from the first channel to the second channel or in the second channel, is freely expandable/contractible according to a flow rate of a fluid and blocks the second channel when the flow rate of the fluid is a predetermined amount or higher.
US08298488B1 Microfabricated thermionic detector
A microfabricated TID comprises a microhotplate and a thermionic source disposed on the microhotplate. The microfabricated TID can provide high sensitivity and selectivity to nitrogen- and phosphorous-containing compounds and other compounds containing electronegative function groups. The microfabricated TID can be microfabricated with semiconductor-based materials. The microfabricated TID can be combined with a microfabricated separation column and used in microanalytical system for the rapid on-site detection of pesticides, chemical warfare agents, explosives, pharmaceuticals, and other organic compounds that contain nitrogen or phosphorus.
US08298485B2 In situ heat induced antigen recovery and staining apparatus and method
Contemplated herein is an automated microscope slide antigen recovery and staining apparatus and method that features a plurality of individually operable miniaturized pressurizable reaction compartments for individually and independently processing a plurality of individual microscope slides. The apparatus preferably features independently movable slide support elements each having an individually heatable heating plate. Each slide support element preferably supports a single microscope slide. Each microscope slide can be enclosed within an individual pressurizable reaction compartment. Pressures exceeding 1 atm or below 1 atm can be created and maintained in the reaction compartment prior to, during or after heating of the slide begins. Because of the ability to pressurize and regulate pressure within the reaction compartment, and to individually heat each slide, each slide and a liquid solution or reagent thereon can be heated to temperatures that could not be obtained without the enclosed pressurized environment of the reaction compartment. A reagent dispensing strip having a plurality of reconfigurable reagent modules may also be used.
US08298483B2 Method for radiation sterilization of medical devices using a package having modifier sections
Methods and systems for selection radiation exposure in sterilization of medical devices are disclosed.
US08298482B2 Vapor phase hydrogen peroxide deodorizer
Compositions and methods for reducing or eliminating malodors from air and surfaces in contact with air within indoor environments are described. One method provided is for the reduction or elimination of malodors from air and surfaces in contact with air within an indoor environment using hydrogen peroxide in the vapor phase generated and passively emitted from pH neutral to mildly acidic aqueous-based liquid compositions. A second method is provided for the reduction or elimination of malodors from air and surfaces in contact with air within an indoor environment using hydrogen peroxide in the vapor phase as sublimed from solid compositions containing at least one pH neutral to mildly acidic solid hydrogen peroxide-containing compound.
US08298478B2 Method of preparing an electrode
Methods of preparing an electrode are provided. A metal powder can be sintered onto a portion of a lead wire to form a connection region. An additional metal powder can be de-oxidation sintered onto the connection region to form the electrode. The oxides formed during the de-oxidation sintering are then removed from the electrode.
US08298476B2 Dust collection system for calcine transfer container
A system for controlling emissions of gas and dust during transfer of a hot feed material from a movable transfer container to a stationary feed bin of a furnace. The system includes an upper duct section which is associated with the movable transfer container, and a lower duct section associated with the feed bin. The lower duct section is attached to a main collection duct with a dust collection fan. The two duct sections are brought into close proximity with one another when the transfer container is brought into position for discharge to the feed bin, so as to form a continuous gas passage throughout the duct sections.
US08298474B2 Device and method for loading and unloading a heat treatment furnace
The invention relates to a device for loading and unloading a heat treatment furnace and to a corresponding method. Heat treatment furnaces are normally loaded and unloaded by means of a so-called elevator. During unloading, a removed workpiece is usually lowered by means of the elevator into an oil bath, in which it is then removed from the elevator. Oil is then transferred into the furnace chamber via the oil-covered elevator. Such an application of oil is avoided by means of a device comprising a frame rack having a first and a second level, which are disposed parallel above each other, and are connected to each other by means of a plurality of frame braces, wherein the first and the second levels have a plurality of openings and the frame braces have guide means. The device further comprises a plurality of lifting braces that are connected by a lifting mechanism and are supported vertically movably in the guide means, wherein each lifting brace has carriers at a first and a second position, wherein the carriers are aligned on the lifting braces such that they can be moved in the associated levels in or through the openings upon a vertical movement of the lifting braces. The device further comprises a retaining means disposed on a frame brace, which limits the vertical movement of the corresponding lifting brace.
US08298472B2 System, apparatus, and method for resin level maintenance in a stereo-lithography device
A system includes a stereo-lithography device having a primary fluid vessel having an amount of a photo-curable fluid therein. The system includes a leveling reservoir fluidly coupled to the primary fluid vessel, where a fluid level in the leveling reservoir is vertically positionable. The system further includes a controller that maintains a pre-determined level of the photo-curable fluid in the primary fluid vessel by vertically positioning the fluid level in the leveling reservoir.
US08298469B2 Method for manufacturing magnet poles
A method for manufacturing sintered magnet poles is described. The mold is filled with a vitrifiable base material powder and closed with a plate. A magnetic field aligns the powder and a plate pressed onto the powder establishes a compact that holds the alignment in place. The compact is sintered to form a sintered magnet pole. The mold forms a protective cover of the sintered magnet pole and the plate forms a base plate of a magnet pole piece. Furthermore, a magnet pole piece is provided which has a magnet pole and a base plate which is fixed to a protective cover so that the base plate and the protective cover surround the magnet pole. The base plate and/or the protective cover of the magnet pole piece has at least one element that provides a geometrical locking of the magnet pole to the base plate and/or the protective cover.
US08298464B2 Fabric for clothing and a production method thereof
A fabric consisting of a cellulose mixed ester fiber having an appropriate strength, fiber diameter, uniformity of fineness, and Tg, is used. A fiber consisting of 80 to 95 wt % of said cellulose mixed ester and 5 to 20 wt % of one or more water-soluble plasticizers selected from the group of polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, poly(ethylene-propylene) glycol, and end-capped polymers produced from them, is produced and said water-soluble plasticizers are removed by aqueous treatment to improve the heat resistance and strength, thereby providing a fabric having beautiful appearance achieved by color development properties and uniform fineness.
US08298463B2 Double tread
Embodiments of the invention are used to provide ways of tire tread molding and retreading with a double tread rubber body having a unitary structure that comprises two treads in order to remove the need for buffing an oxide layer typically associated with tread molding and curing. Embodiments of the double tread molding and retreading methods also remove the need for cementing the cured tread to prevent future oxidation buildup. Once the double tread is cured and cooled, it is cut along the centerline with a double tread separation apparatus to expose a soft non-oxidized inner rubber. The cutting is much less energy intensive when compared to buffing with an expendable wire brush. There is no risk of spots of oxidized rubber being missed as is the case with buffing. There is little or no dust created.
US08298461B2 Method for the measurement of the temperature of a plastified plastic material at the exit of an extruder
A method for the measurement of the temperature of a plastified plastic material at the exit of an extruder, characterized in that the function of the sound velocity in dependence of the temperature is measured and memorized for at least one plastified plastic material, the sound velocity is measured during the extrusion of the plastic material, and the respective temperature is determined from the velocity measurement values and the function.
US08298460B2 Method for granulating and crystallizing thermoplastic polymers
The invention relates to a method for granulating and crystallizing thermoplastic polymers, the granules being contained in a liquid after granulation of a polymer melt and the granules being nucleated in the liquid once the pressure of the liquid is increased and the temperature of the liquid is increased, and the granules being crystallized in the liquid once the pressure of the liquid is again increased and the temperature of the liquid is again increased. According to the invention, the granules are removed from the liquid once the pressure and the temperature of the liquid containing the granules have been reduced.
US08298457B2 Method of producing a movable lens structure for a light shaping unit
The invention relates to a method of producing a movable lens structure that comprises the steps of: forming a lens from a lens material disposed on a carrier of another material (step 58), and forming a micromechanical structure from the carrier (step 60), wherein the forming of the lens takes place before the forming of the micromechanical structure. With this method a simplified production method is obtained that simplifies difficult compatibility requirements between micromechanics and lens that can otherwise be hard to meet.
US08298455B2 Alignment material composition and alignment layer
An alignment material composition including an alignment material, an ultraviolet absorbent, a light stabilizer and a solvent is provided. The ultraviolet absorbent has a formula 1 shown as below: wherein X represents hydrogen, alkyl group or halogen while R1 represents benzene ring carbon long-chain derivative. The light stabilizer has a formula 2 shown as below: wherein R2 represents ester-based derivative or amine-based derivative, R3 represents hydrogen, hydroxyl group (—OH) or alkyl group.
US08298446B2 Vinylidene fluoride based polymer powder and use thereof
A method for producing a vinylidene fluoride based polymer powder having a high molecular weight and excellent solubility in an organic solvent, which is useful as an electrode binder for nonaqueous cells, is provided. Methods for producing an NMP solution and an electrode mixture are also provided.A vinylidene fluoride based polymer powder produced by supercritical suspension polymerization in an aqueous dispersion medium wherein a volume of pores having a pore diameter of 0.03 μm to 1.0 μm, as measured by a mercury porosimeter, is 77 vol % to 93 vol % of a total pore volume and an inherent viscosity is 2.0 dl/g or greater is obtained.
US08298445B2 Microstructures, microdevices and related methods
Microstructures, microdevices and related methods are disclosed.
US08298444B2 Oligoaniline compound
Any of the oligoaniline compounds with a triphenylamine structure represented by the formula (1) exhibits satisfactory light emitting efficiency and brightness performance when used in either an OLED device or a PLED device and is further satisfactory in the solubility in organic solvents so as to be applicable to various coating methods. (each of R1 and R2 independently is a hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted monovalent hydrocarbon group, t-butoxycarbonyl, etc.; each of R3 to R34 independently is a hydrogen atom, hydroxyl, silanol, thiol, carboxyl, a phosphoric group, a phosphoric ester group, ester, thioester, amido, nitro, an optionally substituted monovalent hydrocarbon group, etc.; and each of m and n is an integer of 1 or greater provided that they satisfy the relationship m+n ≦20).
US08298442B2 Method of manufacturing phosphor translucent ceramics and light emitting devices
Disclosed herein is a method of increasing the luminescence efficiency of a translucent phosphor ceramic. Other embodiments are methods of manufacturing a phosphor translucent ceramic having increased luminescence. Another embodiment is a light emitting device comprising a phosphor translucent ceramic made by one of these methods.
US08298441B1 Method for incorporating water soluble, reactive, phosphorescent pigments into a stable waterborne coating through pH buffering
Stable, phosphorescent, water-based coating compositions include a latex emulsion, at least one metal aluminate pigment as a source of phosphorescence, and an effective buffering amount of a buffering agent, which may be an organic acid. The ratio of metal aluminum phosphorescent pigment to latex binder in the latex emulsion may be in the range of about 0.5:1 to about 2.0:1. The effective amount of buffering agent may be from about 0.1% to about 10% with respect to emulsion weight. Compositions according to the present invention may have useful shelf lives of six months or longer. Methods of using the phosphorescent latex coatings and coated substrates are also taught.
US08298440B2 Methods and compositions for inhibiting vinyl aromatic monomer polymerization
Methods and compositions are provided for inhibiting the polymerization of a vinyl aromatic monomer, such as styrene monomer, during elevated temperature processing thereof or during storage or shipment of polymer containing product. The compositions comprise a combination of a quinone methide derivative A) and a phenol compound B). The methods comprise adding from about 1-10,000 ppm of the combination to the monomer containing medium, per one million parts of the monomer.
US08298439B2 Chemical binder for coating payload in open top hopper cars, trucks, piles, and similar storage/shipping containers
The invention is directed towards methods and compositions for treating piles of particulate materials to inhibit and prevent the loss of valuable fuel or mineral dust from being released from storage piles or open containers. The method involves applying to the pile a binder coating containing VAE and crude glycerin. The binder coating cures and hardens slowly so it is able to remain flexible while the pile or payload is still settling, jostling, being bumped, and otherwise moving around. This coating is especially effective for coal piles and also for piles within and for being moved by open topped railroad cars. The coating's flexibility prevents the coating from becoming brittle and shattering. The coating has better performance than its ingredients do alone. The coating is effective both when it is flexible and after it cures. As a result the invention can both prevent unwanted dust pollution as well as save its users money by avoiding loss of blown away material.
US08298438B2 Acid corrosion solution for preparing polysilicon suede and the applied method of it
An acid corrosion solution for preparing polysilicon suede is obtained by mixing with an oxidant and a hydrogen fluoride. The oxidant is a nitrate or nitrite. The method applied of the solution includes putting the polysilicon cut pieces into the acid corrosion solution to carry out the corrosion reaction. The reaction time is about 30 seconds to 20 minutes and the temperature of acid corrosion solution is −10° C. to 25° C.
US08298432B2 Method and system for adjusting beam dimension for high-gradient location specific processing
A method and system of location specific processing on a substrate is described. The method comprises establishing a gas cluster ion beam (GCIB) according to a set of beam properties and measuring metrology data for a substrate. Thereafter, the method comprises determining at least one spatial gradient of the metrology data at one or more locations on the substrate and adjusting at least one beam property in the set of beam properties for the GCIB according to the determined at least one spatial gradient. Using the metrology data and the adjusted set of beam properties, correction data for the substrate is computed. Following the computing, the adjusted GCIB is applied to the substrate according to the correction data.
US08298431B2 Manufacturing method of flexible display panel and manufacturing method of electro-optical apparatus
A first etching stop layer and an active layer are formed on an inner surface of a first glass substrate, and a second etching stop layer and a cover layer are formed on an inner surface of a second glass substrate. A display media is formed between the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate. A first passivation layer is formed on an outer surface of the second glass substrate. A first etching process is performed to expose the first etching stop layer. A first flexible substrate is formed on the exposed first etching stop layer, and a second passivation layer is formed on the first flexible substrate. The first passivation layer is removed. A second etching process is performed to expose the second etching stop layer. A second flexible substrate is formed on the exposed second etching stop layer, and the second passivation layer is removed.
US08298428B2 Cleaning magnet device for cleaning drilling fluid
A cleaning magnet device (1a-1c) for cleaning drilling fluid, the cleaning magnet (1a-1c) being disposed in a liquid flow, and the cleaning magnet (1a-1c) being provided with a removable material (6) which is arranged to prevent magnetic bodies from accumulating directly on the cleaning magnet (1a-1c).
US08298427B2 Apparatus for extracorporeal blood treatment and method for managing such an apparatus
A method for controlling an apparatus for treating blood outside the human body, with a view to improving the operation of the apparatus, the apparatus including a semi-permeable membrane carrying out an exchange of solutes, referred to as dialysis, and of liquid, referred to as ultrafiltration, with the blood, the method including at least one iteration of the following steps: determination of a so-called instantaneous value, of an ultrafiltration coefficient corresponding to the ratio of an ultrafiltration flow rate to a difference in pressure, the so-called transmembrane pressure, on either side of the semi-permeable membrane, comparison of the instantaneous value with at least one previously determined characteristic value; and control of the treatment apparatus to reach a maximum value of the ultrafiltration coefficient, the control including a variation of the ultrafiltration flow rate up to a value corresponding to the maximum value of the ultrafiltration coefficient.
US08298424B2 Apartment-shaped anaerobic digester for producing biogas
Disclosed herein is an anaerobic digester configured to include input reactors into which livestock wastewater or food waste (hereinafter, ‘inflow’) is introduced; regions of an anaerobic digestion reactor designed for the inflow passing through an input reactor to perform methane fermentation to produce and transfer biogas simultaneously into the next region; an inlet pipe into which sludge liquid is drawn; an inlet pipe into which activated liquid is drawn; a biogas capturing device; a first heat exchange tube to allow the sludge liquid to perform heat exchange with a new inflow; regions of a subsequent treatment reactor to allow the sludge liquid whose heat exchange is completed to be introduced and to treat gas odor components generated from the sludge liquid; and a liquid-composting reactor in which the emitted sludge whose odor components have been removed is stored.
US08298420B2 Drainless reverse osmosis water purification system
A drainless reverse osmosis (RO) water purification system provides relatively pure water for on-demand dispensing, while recycling brine to a domestic hot water system. The drainless purification system includes a pre-filter catalyst cartridge for removing chlorine-based contaminants from a tap water supply upstream from an RO membrane. The catalyst is regularly refreshed by a high through-flow of water to a conventional cold water dispense faucet, thereby significantly prolonging the service life of the RO membrane. The RO membrane is incorporated into a multi-cartridge unit adapted for facilitated slide-out removal and replacement as needed. A control valve recycles brine from the RO membrane to the hot water system during pure water production, and recirculates tap water through the RO membrane when a pure water reservoir is substantially filled. The multi-cartridge unit may further include an air filtration system for providing a flow of filtered air.
US08298419B2 Multi filter lubricant purification system
A lubricant reclamation configuration includes a series of fluid inlets that distribute the fluid to a series of parallel arrangement of individual filter assemblies. A filter control valve assembly is assembled between the distribution manifold and each respective filter assembly individually controlling fluid flow between the distribution manifold and each respective filter assembly. The filter assembly processes the fluid. The processed fluid is collected and retuned to the system via a series of collection channels. The distribution manifold is preferably fabricated of a series of plates.
US08298417B2 Integrated apparatus and system for the treatment of waste fluids and drain networks
An apparatus for treating greasy waste fluids comprises a fluid inlet which receives the waste fluids, and a waste filtering device positioned downstream from the fluid inlet; the waste filtering device is so configured as to retain at least a portion of the particulate matters contained in the waste fluids. The apparatus further comprises a compartment which is so configured as to receive a slow-releasing grease treating formulation. Also, the apparatus comprises a fluid outlet positioned downstream from the compartment. Furthermore, the compartment is so positioned in a flow path defined between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet as to contact the waste fluids.
US08298409B2 Filter element especially for filtering liquids or gases
A filter element for filtering liquids or gases, having a concentrically arranged filter medium with zigzag pleats. The filter medium is provided with end disks on its axial end faces, each end disk having an inside that is connected to the filter medium and an outside that faces away from the filter medium. At least a first end disk carries a valve element which is situated concentrically inside the filter medium. This valve element includes a valve seat which bulges outward above the plane of the outer side of the end disk. The valve element includes a valve body which cooperates with the valve seat and which is arranged on the first end disk so that it is axially movable and is inside of and surrounded by the filter medium.
US08298406B2 Method and apparatus for maximizing throughput of indirectly heated rotary kilns
An apparatus and method for achieving improved throughput capacity of indirectly heated rotary kilns used to produce pyrolysis products such as shale oils or coal oils that are susceptible to decomposition by high kiln wall temperatures is disclosed. High throughput is achieved by firing the kiln such that optimum wall temperatures are maintained beginning at the point where the materials enter the heating section of the kiln and extending to the point where the materials leave the heated section. Multiple high velocity burners are arranged such that combustion products directly impact on the area of the kiln wall covered internally by the solid material being heated. Firing rates for the burners are controlled to maintain optimum wall temperatures.
US08298403B2 Dewaxing catalysts and processes
A process for dewaxing a waxy component-containing hydrocarbon feedstock comprises contacting the feedstock under dewaxing conditions with a catalyst system comprising ZSM-48 and a molecular sieve of the MTT framework type.
US08298401B2 Determination of blood glucose in a small volume and in a short test time
Analytes in a liquid sample are determined by methods utilizing sample volumes of less than about 1.0 μl and test times within about six seconds. The methods are preferably performed using small test strips including a sample receiving chamber filled with the sample by capillary action.
US08298399B2 Method, device and system for the microanalysis of ions
A method of microanalyzing ions, which includes: placing in a cavity having an internal volume, a volume of an ionic liquid that is smaller than the internal volume; placing in the cavity a solution containing the ions that are to be analyzed, a solvent of the solution and the ionic liquid being selected so as to be immiscible and so as to enable the ions to be transferred from the solution to the ionic liquid; and detecting a presence of the ions in the ionic liquid with an analyzer that analyzes at least one of cations or anions of the ions in the ionic liquid, in a free state or in a complexed state, the analyzer being in contact with the ionic liquid.
US08298397B2 Auxiliary device, a marine surface vessel, and a method for corrosion protection in a marine construction
A method for corrosion protection in a marine construction including a plurality of metal elements and at least one reference electrode at least partly immerged in water, the metal elements including an anode and a metal part, the anode being provided for corrosion protection of the metal part includes measuring an electric potential of the metal part with the reference electrode as a ground reference. At least one of the metal elements and at least one of the at least one reference electrode are connected to a DC electrical power outlet so as to allow an electrical regeneration current through an electrical circuit including the at least one of the metal elements, the at least one of the at least one reference electrode and the electrolyte so that the reference electrode is anodized.
US08298389B2 In vitro analyte sensor, and methods
In vitro electrochemical sensor that provide accurate and repeatable analysis of a sample of biological fluid are provided. In some embodiments, the sensors have a measurement zone that has a volume less than the volume of the sample chamber. The measurement zone could have a volume of no more than about 0.2 μL.
US08298386B2 Gas-inputting device for vacuum sputtering apparatus
A gas-inputting device for a vacuum sputtering apparatus includes at least one tapered tube. Each tapered tube includes a open end, a closed end, and a conical surface. The small end is configured for introducing gas into the tapered tube. The large end opposes to the open end. Each of the at least one tapered tube tapers from the closed end to the open end. The conical surface connects the open end to the closed end. A plurality of gas holes of a same size are defined in the conical surface and equidistantly arranged along the center axis of the tapered tube from the open end to the closed end.
US08298383B2 Cylindrical membranous electrolytic cell and assembled anode and diaphragm
The disclosure is directed to the area of electrochemical processing of liquids and production of gases, and is used for anolyte and catholyte synthesis. The electrolytic cell comprises an assembled anode and a diaphragm. Elements of the anode and the diaphragm are assembled in axial alignment with help of sleeves, and free ends of the anode and the diaphragm are fixed in a coaxial manner with solid of electrolyte input and output covers. The cathode is made solid from a single pipe with current terminals on each side. The cathode is the internal electrode of the electrolytic cell, while the anode is the external one. The anode is may be provided with a visual indicator as a positive electrode.
US08298377B2 Equipment and process for upgrading oil
Equipment and a process for upgrading oil are provided to produce a refined oil lighter than a material oil by cracking the heavier material oil with the addition of hydrogen under relatively relaxed production conditions. An equipment for upgrading oil according to one aspect of the invention includes an emulsion making portion (10), a refinery tank portion (20), and a heating portion (30), and configured to make an emulsion (E) by emulsifying ionized alkaline water (A) in a material oil (O1) in the emulsion making portion (10), and to drop droplets (D) of the emulsion (E) onto the surface (S) of a heat medium (O2) in the refinery tank portion (20) heated by the heating portion (30).
US08298376B2 Patterned framework for a papermaking belt
The present disclosure is directed toward a papermaking belt having an embryonic-web-contacting surface for carrying an embryonic web of paper fibers and a non-embryonic-web-contacting surface opposite the embryonic-web-contacting surface. The papermaking belt has a patterned framework having a continuous network region and a plurality of discrete deflection conduits isolated from one another by the continuous network region. The continuous network region has a pattern formed therein by a plurality of tessellating unit cells. Each cell has a center and at least two continuous land areas extending in at least two directions from the center. At least one of the continuous land areas at least bifurcates to form a continuous land area portion having a first width before the bifurcation and at least two continuous land area portions having a second width after the bifurcation.
US08298373B2 Combined process of peroxide bleaching of wood pulps and addition of optical brightening agents
A process for improving optical properties of high-yield pulp (HYP) for producing paper products with superior brightness. Optical brightening agents (OBAs) can effectively improve the optical properties of high-yield pulp (HYP). The present process involves incorporating the OBAs into the alkaline peroxide bleaching process. By combining peroxide bleaching with an optical brightening agent, one can decrease the bleaching cost to reach the same brightness target. Some key advantages of adding OBA to HYP at the pulp mill over the conventional wet-end addition of OBA include: i) the quenching effect on OBA by the wet-end cationic polymers such as PEI is decreased by fixing OBA on HYP fibers; ii) the negative impact of metal ions in the white water system on the OBA performance is minimized when OBA is pre-adsorbed and fixed on HYP fibers; iii) the photo-yellowing (color reversion) of HYP and HYP-containing paper sheets is decreased when more OBA is on HYP fibers to protect them from harmful UV radiation.
US08298368B2 Universal primer compositions and methods
A composition for and method for bonding a substrate. In general, applied to a substrate will be a primer composition that includes an adhesion promoter, which is an adduct prepared by the reaction of at least one aromatic polyisocyanate compound, with an active hydrogen containing moiety of an organofunctional silane, and a prepolymer derived from the reaction of at least one aliphatic polyisocyanate and a polyol, and is at least partially reacted with an active hydrogen containing moiety of an organofunctional silane.
US08298355B2 Magnetic alloy, amorphous alloy ribbon, and magnetic part
A soft magnetic alloy that in an FeCo nanocrystal soft magnetic material, exhibits a high saturation magnetic flux density of 1.85 T or more, and that ensures prolonged nozzle life and easy ribbon production; an amorphous alloy ribbon for use in production thereof; and magnetic parts utilizing the soft magnetic alloy. The soft magnetic alloy has the composition of the formula Fe100-x-y-aCoaCuxBy (in the formula, x, y and a each represent atomic % and satisfy the relationships 1
US08298352B2 Method for the production of magnet cores, magnet core and inductive component with a magnet core
A magnet core (1) made of a composite of platelet-shaped particles of a thickness D and a binder has a particularly linear relative permeability curve over a pre-magnetised constant field. For this purpose, the platelet-shaped particles (5) are provided with an amorphous volume matrix (8), wherein areas (9) with a crystalline structure having a thickness d of 0.04*D≦d≦0.25*D and covering a proportion x of x≧0.1 of the surface (6, 7) of the particle (5) are embedded on the surface (6, 7) of the particle (5).
US08298348B2 Dish washer
A dish washer is provided. In the dish washer, a tub forms a cleaning chamber, and a sump is disposed at a lower portion of the tub and stores wash water. An injection nozzle injects the wash water stored in the sump into the cleaning chamber. A water guide guides the wash water from the sump to the nozzle. A first coupling mechanism is used to couple a portion of the water guide to the sump. A second coupling mechanism is used to couple another portion of the water guide to the sump.
US08298346B2 Substrate processing method and substrate processing apparatus
A substrate processing method includes: supplying a fluid to a resist on a substrate after an ion implantation in which the resist is used as a mask; and supplying a stripping liquid to the resist for stripping the resist after the supplying the fluid. A cured layer is formed in a surface of the resist in the ion implantation. The fluid is purified water or a mixed fluid of purified water and an inert gas. A volume flow rate of the purified water is not less than 1/400 of a volume flow rate of the inert gas when the mixed fluid is supplied as the fluid.
US08298335B2 Enclosure for controlling the environment of optical crystals
An enclosure that maintains the environment of one or more optical crystals and allows efficient frequency conversion for light at wavelengths at or below 400 nm with minimal stress being placed on the crystals in the presence of varying temperatures. Efficient conversion may include multiple crystals of the same or different materials. Multiple frequency conversion steps may also be employed within a single enclosure. Materials that have been processed specifically to provide increased lifetimes, stability, and damage thresholds over designs previously available are employed. The enclosure allows pre-exposure processing of the crystal(s) such as baking at high temperatures and allowing real time measurement of crystal properties.
US08298334B2 Method for crystallizing Geobacillus strain T1 lipase polypeptide
The present invention provides a method of crystallizing of enzymes. The method is for rapidly crystallizing enzymes from impure mixtures. The method is simple and cheap, and it is compatible to industrial requirements. T1 lipase was able to form crystals at low protein concentration (2.5 mg/ml) in a day. High temperature crystallization was obtained from the method. The present invention also relates to a composition of a crystallized lipase produced from the said method.
US08298333B2 Crucible for the crystallization of silicon and process for making the same
A protective coating is prepared for, and applied to, crucibles used in the handling of molten materials that are solidified in the crucible and then removed as ingots. Crucibles containing this protective coating may be used for the solidification of silicon. The coating has a specified oxygen content and contains a mineral binder and silicon nitride or silicon oxynitride.
US08298329B2 Nano-crystalline dental ceramics
Unlike conventional dental ceramic powder made by grinding, dental ceramic nanocrystals are formed by vaporization into individual particles. Tetragonal zirconia particles thus formed are not broken into pieces, and so do not transform to weaker monoclinic zirconia and weaker sintered products. The particles created by this approach can be much smaller, and dental prostheses sintered from this powder can be stronger and more realistic. For instance, the smaller size of sintered tetragonal zirconia crystals increases optical translucence by reducing scattering from birefringence, and the small average particle size and tight distribution of sizes and shapes can essentially eliminate pores in a sintered product. Cylindrical and spherical particles can be manufactured by this approach, whereas prior art dental ceramic particles were generally neither. In addition to tetragonal zirconia, various dental ceramic particles and powders can be made by this approach, which can be used to form various sintered dental prostheses.
US08298325B2 Electroless deposition from non-aqueous solutions
A non-aqueous electroless copper plating solution that includes an anhydrous copper salt component, an anhydrous cobalt salt component, a non-aqueous complexing agent, and a non-aqueous solvent is provided.
US08298315B2 Use of liquid-crystal displays, and processes for the recycling thereof
The present invention relates to the use of liquid-crystal displays (LCDs), and to processes for the recycling thereof. The processes according to the invention are characterised in that the LCDs are employed at least partly as replacement for other raw materials. In general, the LCDs are thermally treated here at a temperature in the range from 900 to 1700° C.
US08298313B2 Cold-forming steel article
A cold-forming steel article which comprises an alloy that comprises carbon, manganese, silicon, chromium, molybdenum, vanadium, tungsten and optionally, niobium in certain concentrations, as well as up to about 0.4 wt. % of accompanying elements, remainder iron and contaminants. The article is formed by atomization of a melt and hot isostatic pressing of the resultant powder. The article exhibits a hardness of at least about 60 HRC and a toughness in terms of impact strength of higher than about 50 J. This abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
US08298310B2 Filter device for filtration of gaseous fluids
A filter device for filtration of gaseous fluids has a multi-part housing with a first housing part and a second housing part connected to one another in a mounted state of the multi-part housing. A filter element is insertable into the multi-part housing. A connecting device penetrates the filter element and provides a connection between the first and second housing parts. The connecting device has at least one first housing projection monolithically formed on the first housing part. The connecting device further has a damping element arranged between the at least one first housing projection and the second housing part.
US08298304B1 Coal treatment process for a coal-fired power plant
A coal treatment process containing a coal-beneficiation process module. The module is implemented into the conventional coal treatment process of a coal-fired power plant after a first step of grinding the coal in a coal mill. The process module sequentially extracts chemical substances of non-combustible ash, water, mercury and oil that are found in coal before the coal is fired, so that present invention can produce valuable products and achieve a high quality cleaned powdered coal-char to burn in a furnace to thereby reduce pollution and increase the efficiency of energy production from the coal.
US08298298B1 Dyes with changeable solubilities, and methods for their use
Solubility changeable dye compositions include a dye component linked via a linker moiety to a stimulus responsive hydrophobic moiety which modulates the solubility of the dye, wherein the hydrophobic moiety is configured to be de-linked from the dye component on exposure to a stimulus and render the dye component more hydrophilic. A method of dying a substrate with such dye compositions includes contacting the dye with the substrate.
US08298296B2 Composition and method for levelling hair colour
The present invention relates to a composition and a method of levelling hair color, especially lighter colored hair or including lightened streaks or bleached streaks or bleached as a whole and after certain period of time contrast—difference in color—between the re-growth and formerly lightened parts is clearly visible. The first objective of the present invention is an aqueous composition for levelling hair color comprising at least one fatty acid salt, preferably an in-situ formed ammonium salt, and one or more non-ionic surfactants at a total concentration between 5 and 30% by weight, calculated to total of the composition, and having a pH between 5 and 12, with the condition that non-ionic surfactant system has an HLB value not exceeding but including 10, calculated from the mol fraction of individual non-ionic surfactants excluding non-ionic silicone surfactants in the non-ionic surfactant mixture and individual HLB values of non-ionic surfactants. Furthermore, use of the composition for levelling hair color and a method of levelling hair color are disclosed.
US08298294B2 Method for controlling an orthopedic foot
The invention relates to an orthopedic foot device with a connection part for the lower leg, a swivel joint (5) acting as an ankle joint (7) by means of which a foot part (10) is rotatably connected in the direction of dorsiflexion and the direction of plantar flexion to the connection part, with a damping arrangement (17) influencing the rotational movement about the swivel joint (5), with a sensor arrangement for detecting action states of the orthopedic foot part, and with a control unit connected to the sensor arrangement which controls the damping arrangement (17). The object is achieved by the fact that the sensor arrangement has an ankle-angle sensor which measures the angle between the connection part and the foot part (10), an absolute-angle sensor (20) relating to the plumb line and a moments sensor (21) for determining the torque on the ankle joint (7) or a force effecting a torque on the ankle joint (7).
US08298291B2 Methods and apparatus for securing and deploying tissue anchors
Methods and apparatus for securing and deploying tissue anchors are described herein. A tissue manipulation assembly is pivotably coupled to the distal end of a tubular member. A reconfigurable launch tube is also pivotably coupled to the tissue manipulation assembly, which may be advanced through a shape-lockable endoscopic device, a conventional endoscope, or directly by itself into a patient. A second tool can be used in combination with the tissue manipulation assembly to engage tissue and manipulate the tissue in conjunction with the tissue manipulation assembly. A deployment assembly is provided for securing engaged tissue via one or more tissue anchors, the deployment assembly also being configured to disengage the anchors endoluminally or laparoscopically by applying thermal energy through at least one suture cutting element disposed along the deployment assembly.
US08298282B2 Magnetic resonance-compatible medical implant
The invention relates to a medical implant or instrument, particularly a vascular endoprosthesis (stent), comprising a deformable structural part. In order to provide an implant of this type that is magnetic resonance-compatible and can be easily and economically produced, the invention provides that the structural part has a two-layer or multilayer design, whereby layers (2,3) have different electrical and/or magnetic properties. The invention particularly provides that the structural part has a frame structure with openings (5) whereby, in different layers (2,3) of the structural part, the openings (5) are each located at different positions not directly located one above the other.
US08298281B2 Twisted anchoring barb for stent of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) device
A stent is provided for an endoprosthesis having a main body portion and two leg portions, particularly suitable for treatment of an abdominal aortic aneurism. The stent includes barbs that are twisted and shaped set to point radially outward. Each barb, as formed, points substantially perpendicular relative to the longitudinal axis of the stent, even when in a non-deployed configuration. The motion to move the barb into a deployed configuration for gripping tissue is a twisting motion which moves the barb from being substantially aligned with the circumference of the stent to extending radially outwards from the stent.
US08298277B2 Medical appliance optical delivery and deployment apparatus and method
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to devices for allowing a user to deploy a stent in an anatomical lumen of a patient. For example, one embodiment is directed to a device including a longitudinally extending inner tubular member and a longitudinally extending outer tubular member that are longitudinally and axially displaceable relative to one another. The outer tubular member includes at least one longitudinally extending channel formed between the exterior and interior diameter of the outer tubular member. In addition, the device includes a handle configured to displace the outer tubular member and inner tubular member relative to each other in response to user intervention and a stop configured to coaxially engage the handle to form a safety mechanism. Displaceability of the outer tubular member and inner tubular member relative to each other is limited by the safety mechanism to a predetermined threshold.
US08298275B2 Direct control spinal implant
A bone anchor assembly is provided, which may be used in cervical, thoracic, lumbar or sacral areas of the spine or other orthopedic locations. The anchor assembly includes a bone anchor, a receiver mounted to the bone anchor, a saddle within the receiver, a spacer within the receiver, and an engaging member. The receiver extends along a central longitudinal axis proximally away from the bone anchor. A rod or other elongated connecting element is received in a passage of the receiver in contact with the saddle, and the engaging member engages the connecting element against the saddle, which engages the saddle against the spacer, which in turn engages the proximal head of the bone anchor in the receiver. The orientation of the saddle in the receiver is adjustable to correspond to the orientation of the connecting element relative to the central longitudinal axis of the receiver.
US08298274B2 Multi-axial bone screw assembly
A bottom-loading multi-axial bone anchor apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a receiver member, a crown member, a bone anchor and a retaining member. The receiver member defines an upper opening and a lower opening, which may form part of the same opening, a channel, and a groove. The crown member and bone anchor are loaded into the lower opening of the receiver member, and the retaining member fits around the bone anchor and into the groove in the receiver member. The bone anchor is capable of multi-axial positioning with respect to the receiver member. An elongated member is placed in the channel of the receiver member, contacting the crown member, and a compression member is applied via the upper opening. The compression member presses down on the elongated member, which presses down on the crown member and locks the bone anchor between the crown member and the retaining member.
US08298270B2 Pivoting joints for spinal implants including designed resistance to motion and methods of use
Methods of assembling a vertebral anchor to a body shaped to receive a longitudinal member. The methods may include inserting a wear member and a head of an anchor into a cavity through an inlet in a first end of a body. The body may further include a second end with a channel to receive the longitudinal member. The method may include deforming the first end of the body and reducing a width of the inlet measured perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the body and capturing the wear member and the head in the cavity. The method may also include compressing the wear member against the head of the anchor and increasing an amount of interference between the wear member and the head.
US08298268B2 Mono-planar pedicle screw method, system and kit
A pedicle screw assembly (10) that includes a cannulated pedicle screw (20) having a scalloped shank (24), a swivel top head 30 having inclined female threads (44) in a left and right arm (34, 36) to prevent splaying, a set screw (50) having mating male threads 52, a rod conforming washer (60) that is rotatably coupled to the set screw (50), the conforming washer including reduced ends to induce a coupled rod (80) to bend. A rod reduction system including an inner and an outer cannula (90, 100), the inner cannula (90) including a left and right arm (92, 94) that engage the swivel top head's (30) left and right arm (34, 36) and the outer cannula (100) dimensioned to securely slide over the inner cannula (90) to reduce the rod (80) into the swivel top head's (30) rod receiving area (38).
US08298266B2 Connectors for elongated surgical members and methods of use
The present application relates to connectors for coupling together two surgical members of different materials while inhibiting galvanic corrosion. The connector may include a first coupling element composed of a material with a similar galvanic potential to one of the surgical members, and a second coupling element composed of a material with a similar galvanic potential to the second surgical member. Each of the first and second coupling elements may be configured to connect to the respective surgical member. The connector may also include a coupling medium disposed between the first and second coupling elements. The coupling medium may function to connect together the two coupling elements, and isolate the coupling elements to inhibit galvanic corrosion.
US08298262B2 Method for tissue fixation
A method for securing a strand to a fixation member for arthroscopic fixation, wherein the fixation member includes a channel on an exterior surface and an aperture therethrough. The method includes passing a strand having first and second ends through a flexible sleeve, passing the sleeve through the aperture of the fixation member in a first direction, tensioning the strand, and pulling the sleeve in a second direction different than the first direction to secure the sleeve to the fixation member without tying the strand on the fixation member.
US08298258B2 Embolic protection device
The invention provides an embolic filter, a support structure therefor, and methods for preparing said filter for deployment and retrieval.
US08298253B2 Variable drive vitrectomy cutter
A vitrectomy probe having a variable duty cycle cutting mechanism is disclosed. The probe includes a motor and a cam driver rotationally driven by the motor. The cam driver has a non-planar driver surface having surface features that vary at different radii. A follower mechanism is arranged to selectively interface with the driver surface at different radii on the driver surface in a manner to selectively interface with the varied surface features at the different radii. The follower is arranged to transfer rotational movement of the cam driver into linear movement of the follower mechanism.
US08298252B2 Flow restoration systems and methods for use
Apparatus and methods are provided for removing obstructive material within a body lumen. The apparatus includes a macerator device deployable from a sheath that includes an expandable cage carried by a shaft and within a constraint tube. The shaft is movable relative to the constraint tube for deploying and expanding the cage within a body lumen such that an open end of the cage is oriented towards obstructive material. The cage is advanced to capture the material or the material is directed into the cage using an expandable member expanded beyond the material and retracted to direct the material into the cage. The cage is withdrawn into the constraint tube to compress the cage radially inwardly. Material extending through apertures in the cage are sheared off by a sharpened edge of the constraint tube. The smaller, sheared off particles are then aspirated from the body lumen through the sheath.
US08298249B2 Medical ligating apparatus
A medical ligating apparatus includes a medical ligating device having a member which is made of a flexible line and ligates living tissues, and a fixing member which is movably provided at the ligating member and fixes the living tissues in a ligated state, a manipulating device having a flexible sheath and a proximal manipulating section, and a cutting member for cutting the ligating member. The cutting member is provided on the manipulating device and is movably provided on the ligating member.
US08298243B2 Combination wire electrode and tube electrode polypectomy device
A device for removing polyps is provided and includes a tubular member having proximal and distal ends. The distal end of the tubular member includes a first electrode extending thereacross. The first electrode defines at least one opening therein. The polyp removal device further includes a snare portion operably extending from within the distal end of the tubular member and through at least one opening defined in the first electrode. The tubular member is configured to deliver electrosurgical energy between the first electrode and the snare portion. The polyp removal device further includes a handle portion operatively extending from within the proximal end of the tubular member. The snare portion may include a second electrode. The snare portion and the first electrode are configured to grasp and seal a polyp therebetween. The first and second electrodes may be independently activated.
US08298242B2 Systems, devices and methods for bending an elongate member
Systems, devices and methods are provided for bending an elongate member used in a medical procedure. In one form, the device includes a bending mechanism having a plurality of engaging members are selectively positioned relative to a receiving area. In one embodiment, a first set of engaging members is positioned in a select arrangement, and a second set of the engaging members is movable relative to the select arrangement of the first set of engaging members to compressingly engage the elongate member to bend the elongate member to a desired shape/contour. The device also includes a heating element configured to apply heat to one or more portions of the elongate member to facilitate bending. In one form, the elongate member is formed of a heat deformable material, and heat is applied to soften one or more portions of the elongate member to provide added flexibility to facilitate bending.
US08298240B2 Remotely adjustable tissue displacement device
The invention relates to an apparatus for displacing tissue within the body, wherein the apparatus includes two or more attachment members selectively displaceable with respect to each other via a driving member. The driving member preferably is rotatable and is caused to rotate by manually activating an actuator by applying a depressing force from outside the body.
US08298239B2 Tibial guide for ACL repair having interchangeable and/or rotatable outrigger
A device for positioning a tibial tunnel during ACL reconstruction, the device comprising: a distal portion including a body and a distal arm extending from the distal end of the body, and an outrigger configured to be held by a user. The outrigger and the distal portion are selectively rotatable relative to each other such that the distal portion and the outrigger may be selectively moved out of alignment relative to each other when viewed from above.
US08298235B2 Instrument and method for the insertion and alignment of an intervertebral implant
The present invention includes pin guides and methods for placing pins in adjacent vertebrae. The present invention also includes methods for placing pins in adjacent vertebrae using the pin guides described herein. The present invention also includes an intervertebral implant insertion and alignment instrument, a distraction instrument, an intervertebral implant insertion guide, and methods for inserting an implant into an intervertebral space. Despite existing tools and techniques, present positioning of implants in intervertebral spaces and pins in adjacent vertebrae often depend on a surgeon's skill, experience and technique. Practice of the present invention can aide in the placement of an implant into an intervertebral space and placement of pins in adjacent vertebrae, e.g., midline to the coronal plane spine and/or parallel to vertebral endplates that abut the intervertebral space.
US08298233B2 Surgical instrument configured for use with interchangeable hand grips
A surgical instrument is provided and includes a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom that defines a longitudinal axis therethrough, and supports an end effector having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof. The surgical instrument includes a handle assembly that includes a movable handle and a fixed handle. The fixed handle is adapted to couple to one or more selectively removable grips and the movable handle is configured to impart movement of one or more movable jaw members operably associated with the end effector.
US08298231B2 Bipolar scissors for adenoid and tonsil removal
A bipolar electrosurgical instrument is disclosed for use in excising tissues. The disclosed bipolar electrosurgical instrument includes a pair of jaws or legs having shearing surfaces, one of which is electrically nonconductive. The disclosed bipolar surgical instrument also includes conductive surfaces on the legs which allow energy flux to flow through tissue on a plane other than that defined by the relative shearing surfaces.
US08298229B2 Body tissue incision apparatus
A cutter for a blood vessel tissue harvesting instrument is disposed at the distal end of an insertion member. A cutter body projecting from the distal end of the insertion member includes a slit that extends from the distal end toward a base edge. High-frequency electrodes are disposed along the sides of the slit. A feeding mechanism has rotating surfaces which are rotated as a result of being pressed by the tissue, and which feed the tissue toward the base edge of the slit. The rotating surfaces are provided by two rotary members disposed opposite each other along the two side edges of the slit, respectively, so that the first and second rotating surfaces move in a direction from the opening of the slit toward the base edge of the slit.
US08298228B2 Electrosurgical instrument which reduces collateral damage to adjacent tissue
An electrode assembly for use in combination with an electrosurgical instrument having opposing end effectors and a handle for effecting movement of the end effectors relative to one another. The electrode assembly includes a housing having one portion which is removably engageable with the electrosurgical instrument and a pair of electrodes each having an electrically conductive sealing surface and an insulating substrate. The electrodes are removably engageable with the end effectors of the electrosurgical instrument such that the electrodes reside in opposing relation relative to one another. The dimensions of the insulating substrate are different from the dimensions of the electrically conductive sealing surface to reduce thermal spread to adjacent tissue structures.
US08298226B2 Electrosurgical generator and system
An electrosurgical system has an electrosurgical generator with a multiple-phase RF output stage coupled to a multiple-electrode electrosurgical instrument. The instrument has three treatment electrodes each of which is coupled to a respective generator output driven from, for instance, a three-phase output transformer. Continuous RF output voltage waveforms are simultaneously delivered to respective generator outputs at the operating frequency, each waveform being phase-displaced with respect to the other waveforms. The magnitude of the RF output voltage waveform delivered to at least one of the generator outputs is sufficient to cause tissue vaporization at the respective treatment electrodes when the system is used for tissue treatment. Also disclosed is an electrosurgical generator in combination with a cutting forceps instrument, such that the coagulation and cutting of the tissue may be performed simultaneously.
US08298225B2 System and method for return electrode monitoring
A detection circuit for return electrode monitoring is disclosed. The detection circuit includes a transformer operatively coupled to a pair of split electrode pads, wherein the transformer is configured to transceive a return electrode sense signal. The detection circuit also includes a first switch coupled to the transformer and a neutrally-referenced second switch, wherein the first switch and the second switch are disposed on a single die. The detection circuit further includes an operational amplifier coupled to the first switch and the neutrally-referenced second switch. The operational amplifier is configured to subtract a noise signal from the return electrode sense signal.
US08298224B2 Control methods and devices for energy delivery
Control systems and methods for delivery of energy that may include control algorithms that prevent energy delivery if a fault is detected and may provide energy delivery to produce a substantially constant temperature at a delivery site. In some embodiments, the control systems and methods may be used to control the delivery of energy, such as radiofrequency energy, to body tissue, such as lung tissue.
US08298222B2 Electroporation to deliver chemotherapeutics and enhance tumor regression
A method is disclosed for disrupting capillary blood flow and trapping materials such as chemotherapeutic agents in undesirable tissue, including cells of a cancerous or non-cancerous tumor. The method involves the placement of electrodes into or near the vicinity of capillary vessels supplying blood to capillaries in the undesirable tissue, and application of electrical pulses causing capillary blood flow disruption. In some cases, the electric pulses irreversibly permeate the cell membranes, thereby invoking cell death. The irreversibly permeabilized cells are left in situ and are removed by the body's immune system. The process may further comprise monitoring blood flow and/or infusion of a material such as a chemotherapeutic agent or marker into the blood.
US08298221B2 Disposable sheath with replaceable console probes for cryosurgery
A sheath for use with a cryoprobe in a cryosurgical procedure can have an opening at its proximal end configured to be inserted over a tip portion of a cryoprobe. The sheath can be connected to the cryoprobe with an end connector. Sheath can have a tip located at its distal that can have a trocar configuration for tissue penetration. A cylindrical section located inwardly from the tip can have a spiral groove defined on an exterior surface. At least one wire can be disposed within the groove so as to fit within the outer perimeter of the sheath. Wires disposed in grooves can include heating elements and temperature sensing elements. Sheath can further include a graduated catheter located inwardly from the cylindrical section and a handle located inwardly from the graduated catheter.
US08298218B2 Compliant balloon
A cryogenic medical device is provided, including a catheter body defining a proximal portion and a distal portion; a expandable treatment element on the distal portion of the catheter body; a plurality of granules disposed within the expandable treatment element; an encapsulation member surrounding the plurality of granules, the encapsulating member having a plurality of selectable geometric configurations; and an actuator element coupled to the encapsulation member for the selective adjustment thereof. A method for thermally treating a selected region of tissue is also provided.
US08298217B2 Endovascular cryotreatment catheter
An elongated catheter device with a distal balloon assembly is adapted for endovascular insertion. Coolant injected through the device may, in different embodiments, directly cool tissue contacting the balloon, or may cool a separate internal chamber. Plural balloons may be provided, wherein a secondary outer balloon surrounds a primary inner balloon, the primary balloon being filled with coolant and acting as the cooling chamber, the secondary balloon being coupled to a vacuum return lumen to serve as a robust leak containment device and thermal insulator around the cooling chamber. One or more sensors may be disposed between the balloons or the vacuum return lumen, to detect leaks and control the flow of fluid through the device. Examples of sensors include pressure and temperature sensors, optical sensors, magnetic flow switches and flow meters.
US08298214B2 Vision correction system and operating method thereof
A vision correction system and an operating method thereof are provided. The vision correction system includes an evaluation device and a correction device. The evaluation device scans an eyeball of a person and records a spherical curvature of a cornea of the eyeball as an evaluation data. The correction device includes an operation unit for receiving the evaluation data recorded by the evaluation device, and operating on and converting the evaluation data into a correction data. The correction device further includes a laser unit controlled by the operation unit for respectively forming a correction area and a prevention area on the cornea of the eyeball of the person according to the correction data. The prevention area is formed as multiple convex arcs outwards from the correction area of the cornea of the eyeball, and each of convex arcs has a different radius.
US08298211B2 Push button pull back device
A site marker deployment device includes a housing defining a first portion, an outer cannula at least partially interposed within the first portion and having a proximal end and a distal end defined by an outer cannula aperture, an inner member at least partially interposed within the outer cannula, a first biasing portion, a second biasing portion, wherein the second biasing portion will selectively urge the outer cannula to move proximally relative to the inner member, and a site marker selectively disposed within the outer cannula adjacent the inner member, near the distal end of the outer cannula. The first biasing portion will selectively urge a site marker at least partially within the outer cannula.
US08298203B2 Multi-presentational packaging for disposable diapers
A multi-presentational package for disposable diapers such that the package may be presented in a multi-package form or an individual-package form. One exemplary embodiment of the package may include a plurality of disposable diaper products, a plurality of stabilizers, and a wrapping layer. The multi-presentational package may be marketed as a single unit such that a substantial portion of said plurality of disposable diaper products is visible to the consumer and/or the plurality of disposable diaper products and plurality of stabilizers may be removed from said multi-presentation package and subsequently marketable as multiple units.
US08298202B2 Male urinary device
A urinary device for use on a penis of a male suffering from urinary incontinence. The device comprises a body having a closed distal end and an open proximal end and defining a cavity therein. The body has an inner layer made of a moisture absorbent material and an outer layer made of a moisture resistant material. A malleable material encircles a portion of the proximal end of the body wherein the proximal end is adapted to conform to the shape of the malleable material.
US08298200B2 System for providing continual drainage in negative pressure wound therapy
A system for subatmospheric pressure therapy in connection with healing a wound is provided. The system includes a wound dressing cover dimensioned for positioning relative to a wound bed of a subject to establish a reservoir over the wound bed in which subatmospheric pressure may be maintained, a subatmospheric pressure mechanism including, a housing, a vacuum source disposed in the housing, and a collection canister in fluid communication with the vacuum source. The system further includes an exudate conduit in fluid communication with the wound dressing and the collection canister for collecting exudate removed from the reservoir and deposited in the collection canister under influence of the vacuum source and a vent conduit in fluid communication with the collection canister and the wound dressing for introducing air into the reservoir to facilitate flow of exudate through the exudate conduit.
US08298192B2 Balloon assembly with a torque
An expandable medical balloon for use in combination with a catheter assembly, the balloon having a torque in a first and second unexpanded state, and to methods of making and using the same.
US08298191B2 Universal catheter anchoring system
A method of securing a medical article to the body of a patient is disclosed in which an anchoring device comprising an anchor and a retainer is used. The retainer is attached to an upper surface of the anchor and comprises a base, a cover and a post. The base is disposed on the upper surface of the anchor and the cover is connected to the base so as to move between an open and a closed position. When the cover is in the closed position, it lies above at least part of the base. The post is attached movably to either the base or the cover and is arranged so as to lie at least partially between the cover and the base when the cover is in the closed position. When securing a medical article, the cover is placed in the open position and the medical article placed onto the retainer. The cover may then be closed over the medical article and the anchoring device attached to the patient.
US08298186B2 Catheter introducer
Safety catheter introducer 135 (see FIG. 13) comprises catheter 131, needle 136, a safety means including needle protector 138 and actuated by trigger 149, as well as catheter cap 150. The latter is initially detachably retained on hexagonal shank 153 of protector 138 by moderate friction forces, and male luer member 145 is protected from contact with personnel by cap lateral wall 147. After the catheter emplacement, needle withdrawal and needle sharp point protection, operator turns protector 138 through 180 degrees and fixes cap 150 on catheter 131 by thread 152 using protector 138 as a cap holder. In doing so, male luer member 145 occludes the catheter entrance. Thereafter, operator easily detaches the protector from the cap. As a result, catheter 131 remains in patient's vein being closed with cap 150.
US08298183B2 Medical liquid injection device
Medical liquid injection device comprising the following distinct elements: a container (1), an outlet channel (14) and a pumping unit (5); said container (1) comprising a rigid wall on which said pumping unit (5) is rigidly fixed; said rigid wall furthermore including a passage (4) which forms a direct fluid connection between said pumping unit (5) and said container (1); said outlet channel (14) being directly connected to said pumping unit (5) in such a way that a fluid initially kept in said container (1) may first flow through said pumping unit (5) and then reach said outlet channel (14), said medical liquid injection device furthermore comprising an inlet (16), distinct from said outlet channel (14), and disposable elements.
US08298179B2 Catheter assembly with tapered joints and method of manufacture
A catheter assembly comprises at least one catheter shaft and a balloon. The catheter shaft comprises a substantially cylindrical portion and at least one tapered portion. The tapered portion forms an angle with the cylindrical portion of about 1 degree to about 25 degrees. At least one of the waists of the balloon is sealingly engaged to the tapered portion.
US08298173B2 Particle cassettes
A method of producing a particle cassette for a needleless syringe device which alleviates problems of providing a chamber for the confinement of particles which is hermetically sealed from the environment. A predetermined force is applied in the longitudinal direction to push first and second cassette parts together so as to cause plastic deformation of a portion of the first cassette part so as to create said hermetically sealed chamber. The cassette parts are preferably made of PETG and have bonded thereto rupturable membranes preferably made of PET. The sealing is preferably achieved at the end of a protrusion on the first cassette part which is tapered and which interacts with the membrane of the second cassette part.
US08298168B2 Adjustment for hydrocephalus shunt valve
An implantable medical device is disclosed that includes a valve seat and a valve member movable with respect to the valve seat. An adjustment circuit assembly includes a resistive element that is coupled to the valve member and operable to position the valve member relative to the valve seat so as to alter the pressure setting in response to a current applied to the resistive element. A reading circuit assembly includes an antenna coil, a sensing coil and a member moveable with respect to the sensing coil, the member configured to alter a resonant frequency of the reading circuit assembly as a function of a position of the member with respect to the sensing coil.
US08298167B2 Modular hemofiltration apparatus with interactive operator instructions and control system
An apparatus for carrying out selected fluid management and/or renal replacement patient therapy is characterized by an interactive operator control system having operator inputs for selectively changing a panel kit, replacing a filter cartridge, and/or changing to a different patient therapy during a currently running patient therapy, and providing operator instructions for carrying out tasks for completing same. In one embodiment, the interactive operator control system is also characterized by automatically serially identifying different setup steps to be carried out during system setup, displaying the successive steps substantially throughout the system setup as well as displaying on the operator interface screen sequential tasks to be carried out for each of the different setup steps.
US08298158B2 Integrated devices having extruded electrode structures and methods of using same
The present disclosure provides electrode structures and integrated electrode structures having one or more conductive materials coextruded with one or more dielectric materials. The disclosed electrode structures can be configured for use as analyte sensors. Also provided, are methods of making and using the electrode structures and integrated electrode structures described herein.
US08298156B2 Physiological sensor delivery device and method
An intravascular sensor delivery device for measuring a physiological parameter of a patient, such as blood pressure, within a vascular structure or passage. In some embodiments, the device can be used to measure the pressure gradient across a stenotic lesion or heart valve. For example, such a device may be used to measure fractional flow reserve (FFR) across a stenotic lesion in order to assess the severity of the lesion. The sensor delivery device has a distal sleeve configured to pass or slide over a standard medical guidewire. Some distance back from the sensor and distal sleeve, the device separates from the guidewire to permit independent control of the sensor delivery device and the guidewire. The sensor delivery device can be sized to pass over different sizes of guidewires to enable usage in coronary and peripheral arteries, for example. The sensing mechanism (sensor) can be a fiber optic pressure sensor, such as a MEMS-based Fabry-Perot fiber optic pressure sensor, for example, or could employ some other technology, e.g., MEMS capacitive or piezoresistive sensor.
US08298153B2 System and method for the detection of acute myocardial infarction
A system and method are provided for the detection of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) using a staged approach for accurate and rapid detection. Physiological signals in a patient's body are sensed and corresponding physiological parameters are derived in a staged approach in order to determine the probability that AMI is occurring in a patient in a first detection stage. If the computed probability from physiological signals indicates the possibility of AMI, then the patient is prompted, such as through a patient-wearable device, to answer specific AMI-related questions to assist in diagnosis of AMI in a second stage. AMI is detected when the computed probability in the second stage exceeds a predefined detection threshold. A patient or physician alert may then be generated, which may further include the transfer of data via a communication link or network, in response to an AMI detection signal.
US08298148B2 Integrated heart monitoring device and method of using same
A device for monitoring the heart of a patient including a housing, a computing device, an optical sensor adapted to provide signals to the computing device indicative of a distance from the optical sensor to a vessel carrying blood, as well a diameter of the vessel, a Doppler sensor adapted to provide signals to the computing device indicative of a velocity of the blood through the vessel, and an ECG sensor adapted to provide signals to the computing device indicative of a plurality of electrical stimuli that cause the heart to pump. The computing device uses signals from the optical sensor, the Doppler sensor, and the ECG sensor to compute parameters including oxygen saturation of the blood, blood flow, blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiac output.
US08298146B2 Circular ultrasound tomography scanner and method
A portable mechanical high-precision device for performing circular or helical scanning of a patient's organ or body surface for tissue diagnosis and/or treatment includes a substantially hollow housing for accommodating the organ therein and a securing unit for securing the housing to the organ or body surface during scanning so that the organ or body surface is substantially fixed relative to the housing. At least one drive unit is attached to the housing and to at least one scan head for allowing unlimited rotation of the scan head relative to the housing.
US08298145B2 Peri-capsular fibroid treatment
Uterine fibroids and other tissue masses are treated using an electrode or other treatment element introduced into a potential or peri-capsular space surrounding the fibroid under ultrasonic imaging. A therapy is delivered into the potential space by the treatment element in order to reduce or eliminate blood supply to the fibroid or other tissue mass.
US08298141B2 Method for measuring physiological parameters
A method for measuring physiological parameters uses statistical properties, spectrum analysis and feedback mechanisms to remove the signal noise generated by human body movement from a detected physiological signal.
US08298138B2 Minimally invasive retractor and methods of use
A device, system and method for orthopedic spine surgery using a novel screw-based retractor, disclosed herein, that allows for access to the spine through a minimally or less invasive approach. The retractor device is designed to be coupled to a pedicle screw and then to have opposed arms of the retractor spread apart to open the wound proximally. The retractor is removed by pulling it out of the wound whereby the retractor is deformed to pass over the pedicle screw head. The retractor is intended to be made of a stiff plastic material, sterile packaged and disposable after one use. A system and method for using the retractor and performing a minimally invasive spine surgical procedure are also disclosed.
US08298135B2 Medical device with endoscope and insertable instrument
A medical device for examination or treatment based on a reference point A1, including: a virtual endoscopic image generation section configured to generate a virtual endoscopic image from a plurality of different sight line positions using three-dimensional image data of a bronchus that is obtained in advance; an image retrieving section configured to retrieve a virtual endoscopic image highly similar to a real image; a reference-point setting section configured to set the reference point A1 based on a line-of-sight position A0 of the highly similar virtual endoscopic image; a relative-position calculation section configured to calculate a relative position of a treatment instrument to the reference point A1; a movement detection section configured to detect a movement of the reference point A1 or the bronchus; and a position correction section configured to correct the relative position in response to the movement of the reference point A1 or the bronchus.
US08298129B2 Selectively loadable/sealable bioresorbable carrier assembly for radioisotope seeds
A selectively loadable/sealable bioresorbable carrier assembly for retaining and positioning elements used in brachytherapy procedures comprises a bioresorbable tube having a closed distal end and a proximal open end. The bioresorbable tube is loaded with a selectable arrangement of elements, including at least one radioactive seed, through the proximal open end. After the bioresorbable tube is selectably loaded, the bioresorbable tube is heat sealed at a sealing position adjacent a proximalmost element. Once sealed, the bioresorbable tube maintains the arrangement of elements throughout the treatment duration.
US08298128B2 Centrifuge separating fluids by adjusting rotation speed using rotator and centrifuging method of the same
A centrifuge includes a rotator comprising a receiving unit receiving materials and guiding the materials to move upward by centrifugal force to an upper portion of the receiving unit, and a rotator cover covering the upper portion of the receiving unit. The centrifuge also includes a container that is coupled to the rotator cover to be connected to the receiving unit and that receives the materials moved upward along the receiving unit. The centrifuge and a centrifuging method as disclosed herein are used for separating a fluid to which a large centrifugal force is applied and a fluid to which a smaller centrifugal force is applied by adjusting the rotation speed using the principle that centrifugal force during rotation varies according to specific components of a fluid. Thus, using the centrifuge and the centrifugal method, materials can be centrifuged and layers of the materials can be classified and collected accurately and easily.
US08298126B2 Supporting device for a person's back and head area
The invention relates to a supporting device for the back and head of a human being. Said device comprises a partial area of a back supporting section at the level of the shoulder blade, a central supporting surface in the region of a vertebral column and open areas which are arranged on the both sides of the central supporting surface in such a way that the shoulder blade regions can be lowered beyond the central supporting area. The invention can be used for furniture for the household or workplace.
US08298123B2 Method and apparatus for remote interactive exercise and health equipment
An exercise system includes a local system having an exercise apparatus and an associated local computer, where the local computer controls and monitors the operation and use, respectively, of the exercise apparatus. The system further includes a remote system having a remote computer, and a transmission medium including a telephone line that couples the local system to the remote system for data communication between the local system and the remote system. The remote system may receive local system data from the local system concerning the use of the exercise apparatus, and the local system may receive remote system data from the remote system concerning the operation of the exercise apparatus. The local computer preferably controls the operation of the exercise apparatus based upon a modifiable script stored in a read/write memory of the local computer, which can be updated by the remote system. A method for controlling an exercise apparatus includes running a modifiable script on a local computer to control the use and to monitor the operation of an exercise apparatus, and communicating with a remote system to provide the remote system with data concerning the use of the exercise apparatus. The script is stored in read/write memory of the local computer and remote system data received from the remote system may include at least a portion of a new script to be stored in the read/write memory of the local computer.
US08298122B2 Control of parallel reaction brakes in a transmission
A method for controlling brakes of an automatic transmission including a first brake arranged in parallel with an overrunning brake between a planet pinion carrier and a housing, includes using the overrunning brake to provide brake torque equal to or less than a reference brake torque under positive torque conditions, increasing a torque capacity of the first brake when brake torque is greater than the reference brake torque, and fully engaging the first brake.
US08298121B2 Lock-up clutch control apparatus
In one embodiment, when a condition (specifically, brake ON) of rising of a source pressure (line pressure) of a lock-up control valve is satisfied during deceleration lock-up control, a lock-up differential pressure instruction value is corrected to a low side with that source-pressure rising amount taken into consideration.
US08298120B2 Acceleration shock reduction control system for vehicle
An acceleration shock reduction control system for a vehicle which can reduce a shock at a transition to an accelerating state without deteriorating an acceleration response. An acceleration shock reduction control system for vehicle includes a control unit which determines a transition from a decelerating state to an accelerating state, and which thus controls the ignition of an internal combustion engine to adjust the output of the engine. In the acceleration shock reduction control system, upon detecting the transition from the decelerating state to the accelerating state, the control unit gives an instruction for an ignition cut which is executed over a predetermined time period Tr after a predetermined waiting time period Tw elapses.
US08298118B2 Motor-assist shift control in a hybrid vehicle transmission
A method for operating a motor vehicle hybrid powertrain having an engine, a motor-generator and a multi-speed automatically-shiftable transmission, wherein the engine and the motor-generator operate to supply torque to the transmission for driving a vehicle. The method includes modulating the torque supply from the motor-generator to the transmission during a gear shift to minimize a transmission output torque disturbance.
US08298113B2 Wind power turbine and gearbox therefor
The invention relates to a wind power turbine and a gearbox for same. In wind power turbines, the incoming moment is transmitted from a hub to a gearbox via a shaft, and from the gearbox to a generator. According to the invention, the gearbox is at least partially built into the shaft and/or the shaft is at least partially embodied as a rotary gearbox housing. The resulting compact construction not only renders the wind power turbine more compact and therefore significantly more economical and lighter, but in the event of a suitable design and use of a coupling gearbox, the moment generated can be transmitted in a highly secure manner.
US08298112B2 Device for switching between normal and reverse drive force
A device transmits input member rotation in one direction to output member rotation in one or the opposite direction, and includes input and output gears and a switch mechanism. The switch mechanism includes planetary gear, control, and clutch mechanisms. The planetary gear mechanism includes a sun gear integral with a rotation shaft, an internal gear integral with the output gear, planetary gears between the sun gear and the internal gear, and a carrier. The control mechanism includes a control gear selectively locked and unlocked by an actuator. With the actuator off, the roller clutch is locked, the planetary gears only revolve, and the input and output rotation directions are the same. With the actuator on, the roller clutch is unlocked, the planetary gears only rotate, and input rotation in the forward rotation direction is converted to output in the reverse direction.
US08298108B2 Planetary bearing structure
In a planetary bearing structure equipped with a slide bearing mounted to a shaft hole of a planetary gear, the planetary gear rotating about the outer periphery of a planetary pin fixed to a carrier via the slide bearing, one or a plurality of oil supply grooves are formed in the outer peripheral surface of the planetary pin so as to extend in the axial direction. An oil supply port of a lubricant oil channel opens in the oil supply groove so as to forcedly supply lubricant oil. Furthermore, a discharge groove for trapping foreign matter, which is shallower than the oil supply groove, communicates from the oil supply groove to the wake flow side in the rotating direction of the planetary gear.
US08298104B2 Timing chain driving system
In a timing chain drive, a hybrid driving sprocket, having roller-engaging teeth and side sprocket teeth, cooperates with a hybrid chain having rollers that mesh with the roller-engaging teeth and toothed link plates that mesh with the side sprocket teeth. A driven sprocket from which the chain travels toward the driving sprocket has a cyclically varying tooth pitch that compensates for tension variations due to cyclic variations in the rotational speed of the driving sprocket or to cyclic variations in the load applied to the driven sprocket. The driven sprocket can be a roller sprocket or a hybrid sprocket having roller-engaging teeth and side sprocket teeth for engagement with the teeth on the link plates of the chain.
US08298099B2 Multi-layer core golf ball having thermoset rubber cover
A golf ball with one or more thermosetting rubber core layers, intermediate layers and cover layers. At least one of the ball's layers has a moisture vapor barrier property, and the thermosetting rubber layers follow a cis- or a trans-polybutadiene gradient from the center of the ball to its cover. Each of the core layer, intermediate layer and cover layer comprises a cross-linked thermoset rubber composition having a primary rubber component of polybutadiene having a polydispersity of no greater than about 2 or a weight average molecular weight Mw greater than about 400,000 in an amount of greater than about 80% by weight and a crosslinking initiator.
US08298095B2 Iron-type golf clubs
The present invention is directed to a number of customized sets of iron-type golf clubs selected from a relatively small number of clubs. The multiple custom-fitted iron sets can be achieved by pivoting these sets off a common 6-iron. In a preferred embodiment, a portfolio of clubs contains seventeen forged iron-type golf clubs, wherein the clubs are a blended collection of oversized cavity back-type clubs, mid-sized clubs, and standard-sized muscle back-type clubs, which can be configured to create at least four custom-fitted iron sets pivoted off a common 6-ion.
US08298094B1 Golf training apparatus for training short game and putting game techniques
A golf training apparatus for training short game and putting game techniques includes (1) an upright support having an upright post, (2) a sliding track assembly having a first track bar transversely mounted at the upright post, a second track bar movably coupled to the first track bar and ball bearings set between the first track bar and the second track bar for guiding sliding movement of the second track bar along the first track bar, and (3) a golf club lock having a locking unit for locking a golf club and a universal joint connected to the locking unit and joined to the second track bar of the sliding track assembly for enabling the golf club to be swung with the universal joint and moved with the second track bar relative to the first track bar by a user.
US08298092B2 Tripod type constant velocity joint
A tripod type constant velocity joint comprises a housing having three track grooves defined at trisected positions of the housing and extending in an axial direction, and a spider having three -trunnions projectedly formed at trisected positions of the spider to be respectively inserted into the track grooves, each trunnion having a generally oval or elliptical cross-sectional shape and including at least one independent contact surface at each of two opposing sides subjecting to a load. Inner rollers each has an inner surface of a concavely curved contour for receiving a corresponding trunnion therein, and an outer roller is mounted to each inner roller with a plurality of needle rollers engaged there-between.
US08298085B2 Method of linking devices to gaming machines
A method of dynamically linking abstracted hardware devices, which are used in association with gaining machines, to gaming software is disclosed. The game machine has a central processing unit (“CPU”), a resource manager, driver pools, and a communication link that connect a plurality of intelligent Input/Output controller boards (“IOCB”) to hardware devices interfaced to the game. The resource manager's functional blocks are: a resource manager control task, a plurality of Input/Output (“I/O”) communication drivers to connect to the IOCBs, a low level and high level driver manager, a low level and high level driver pool, and a plurality of resource repositories that interface to the gaming software. The resource manager starts an I/O communication driver to scan for the primary IOCB on the I/O memory bus, Universal Serial Bus, or Firewire. Once the primary IOCB is found, the resource control task will load more I/O communication drivers for any secondary IOCBs. The resource control task starts the driver managers, and requests the IOCB(s) to send the list of attached hardware. The driver managers load the drivers required for the type and version of hardware attached to the game. The gaming software interfaces to the hardware through the high level drivers loaded in the resource repositories. The high level drivers can be software or hardware drivers. Software drivers can simulate hardware, connect to other parts of the gaming software, or combine functions by calling other software and hardware drivers. New drivers can be added easily, allowing gaming software to use new hardware with little or no changes.
US08298082B2 Game device, progress control method, information recording medium, and program
An information processing device (100) (game device) sequentially measures the distance between a display (290) and a controller (210). When the distance is equal to or smaller than an alerting distance, the information processing device determines that a player operating the controller (210) has come too close to the display (290), and suspends the progress of a game. After this, when the distance becomes equal to or larger than a release distance, the information processing device (100) determines that the player has gone sufficiently away from the display (290) and resumes the progress of the game. At this time, the information processing device (100) resumes the progress of the game by rewinding the progress by a certain stretch of time so that the player can easily continue the suspended game.
US08298080B2 Virtual space display device, viewpoint setting method, and information recording medium
A setting unit sets a position of a viewpoint arranged in a virtual space, and a direction of a visual line extending from the viewpoint. A moving unit moves a player character in the virtual space according to an operation by a player. A generating unit generates an image representing the way the virtual space is viewed from the viewpoint toward the direction of the visual line. A display unit displays the generated image on a screen. Moreover, the setting unit sets a position of the viewpoint so that a relative position of the viewpoint to an object is fixed, sets a position of a target point included in a surface of a predetermined shape fixed relatively to the object at random, and sets a direction of the visual line so that an intersection point between the surface and the visual line gradually comes closer to the target point.
US08298075B2 Casino poker game with optional card
A method, system, and computer readable storage medium to provide a variation of a casino poker game that combines games of blackjack and poker into a single game. An optional card is available for use by the player in both the blackjack game and the poker game, but in order to use the optional card the player must make an additional wager.
US08298072B2 Gaming machine and control method thereof
A slot machine 10 of the present invention is provided with a lower image display panel 141 and a motherboard 70. The slot machine 10 carries out (a1) a process of running a game in which a predetermined number of game media are paid out according to the number of game media having been bet, (a2) a process of counting the number of games run in (a1), (a3) a process of displaying, by a gauge table divided into plural stages, the number of games counted in (a2), and (a4) a process of awarding a predetermined benefit when the number of games counted in (a2) reaches a predetermined game count.
US08298066B2 Game method using community reels
The claimed embodiments contemplate methods, systems and apparatuses directed to gaming machines that include a community spin mechanism that, when activated, causes reel displays, at two or more player stations, to spin. Certain embodiments provide for one or more community reels that are utilized to determine an outcome of a community gaming session. The community reels are “community” in that they are formed by combining reels of individual play stations in order to increase the odds, and payouts, of potential wins via various line combinations of the combined set of reels, once they stop spinning. Re-stated, by way of non-limiting example, each play station has its own set of reels and when community play is started, one or more community reels are spun along with each player's set of reels. Any potential winning combinations are then based on resulting combinations of the individual play station reels in combination with the community reels. In one embodiment, one or more dedicated reels are specifically reserved as community reels that may be used in various combinations with a player's reels and other player reels to determine potential awards. The addition of community play, via community reels, advantageously adds to the excitement and enjoyment.
US08298056B2 Air return bulkhead with removable panel for access to the lower region of a trailer refrigeration unit
An air return bulkhead for use within refrigerated cargo trailers comprises a pair of substantially coplanar panel members disposed within a vertically oriented plane. A first lower main panel member is fixedly connected to the front wall member of the cargo trailer, and the second upper secondary panel member, in addition to also being connected to the front wall member of the cargo trailer, is also removably connected to the first lower main panel member so as to provide repair or maintenance personnel with easy access to the lower region of the refrigeration unit when, for example, repair or maintenance procedures need to be performed upon the refrigeration unit.
US08298053B2 Omnidirectional vent cap
An omnidirectional vent cap for venting holding tanks is provided. By providing a 360 degree venturi channel, the present invention can use a small movement of air to reduce the air pressure above the exhaust port to draw out vapors or gasses. Since the device is symmetrical about the central axis the movement of air can be from any direction relative to the device.
US08298051B2 Game carcass retrieval and processing systems
The problems presented in hunting industry are solved by the systems and methods of the present invention. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a game carcass retrieval system is provided. The game carcass retrieval system has a frame and a removable retrieving head. The head may be attached to a game carcass and then retracted by a winch attached to the frame. The winch may pull the carcass into an upright position that allows for easy loading into a vehicle or easy processing of the game carcass. The head may rotate to provide for easy processing. An additional processing table may be attached to the game carcass retrieval system to assist in processing. The table may include a grapple that help to pull meat away from the carcass and a skinning arm to further separate the meat from the carcass.
US08298049B2 Meat processing
The present disclosure includes various method, device, and system embodiments for meat processing. One such method embodiment includes obtaining animal data for an animal selected to have a solution introduced into its circulatory system in a rinsing process and determining an insertion location based on the animal data. This method embodiment also includes establishing a fluid conduit from a reservoir through the insertion location into the circulatory system of the selected animal by inserting a cannula in fluid communication with the reservoir through the insertion location. The method further includes activating flow of a solution from the reservoir through the fluid conduit to introduce the solution into the circulatory system of the animal.
US08298047B2 Substrate retainer
A retainer is used with an apparatus for polishing a substrate. The substrate has upper and lower surfaces and a lateral, substantially circular, perimeter. The apparatus has a polishing pad with an upper polishing surface for contacting and polishing the lower face of the substrate. The retainer has an inward facing retaining face for engaging and retaining the substrate against lateral movement during polishing of the substrate. The retaining face engages a substrate perimeter at more than substantially a single discrete circumferential location along the perimeter.
US08298046B2 Retaining rings
Retaining rings are presented with specially designed inserts that increase rigidity and improve heat dissipation. Inserts that are more rigid, and that have better ability to conduct heat, are inserted into pockets positioned along the outer portion of the rings. The pockets do not compromise the upper, lower or inner portion of the rings. Because the inserts are more rigid than the material used in the body of the ring, they absorb the deforming forces resulting from fastening the ring to the carrier head. Because they are better conductors than the material used in the body of the ring, the ring is better able to dissipate heat generated during polishing. Moreover, because the inserts are positioned in the outer portion of the ring, the inserts are not exposed to the polishing surface during polishing and therefore are less likely to react undesirably with the chemicals used during polishing.
US08298044B2 Layered stone trim strip
An inlaid stone composite broadly includes a stone body and a stone inlay secured to the stone body. The inlaid stone composite is constructed by forming a groove in the stone body, securing the stone inlay to the stone body by inserting the stone inlay within a groove of the stone body, with the stone body and stone inlay cooperatively forming an inlaid margin, and cutting longitudinally through the stone body and stone inlay to separate an inlaid margin strip from a remainder of the inlaid margin.
US08298042B2 Wire monitoring
A sawing device for sawing silicon blocks comprises at least one cutting element for sawing silicon blocks, the cutting element being drivable by means of a drive device, at least one guide device, with the at least one cutting element being alignable along a predetermined path by means of the at least one guide device, and at least one monitoring device for monitoring the position of the at least one cutting element.
US08298037B2 Toy eye
A toy eye includes a casing having a transparent top portion, a lens defining a through hole, and a pupil received in through hole of the lens. The lens and the pupil are both made of soft resilient material, and clung to the transparent top portion of the casing. The toy eye also includes a push-pull element for pushing the pupil towards the transparent top portion of the casing or pulling the pupil reversely. The toy eye further includes a light processing element for sensing the change of the outside light intensity and generating a driving signal when the value of the change of the light intensity reaches or exceeds a predetermined value, and a driving element for driving the push-pull element to push or pull the pupil, upon receiving the driving signal from the light processing element.
US08298036B2 Dynamo powered amusement device
A dynamo powered amusement device is provided that has multiple amusement functions integrated into a housing. The amusement functions include two or more of a movement, a light emitting diode illumination, an auditory output and a video presentation. The electrical power source for the amusement functions is a manually powered dynamo. The direct current generated by a dynamo is provided to a printed circuit board in electrical communication with the amusement functions so as to provide power directly from the manually powered dynamo or, if a chargeable battery is present, to supply power from the chargeable battery. The amusement device provides enhanced performance relative to mechanical amusement devices while avoiding costs and environment problems associated with disposable battery containing amusement devices.
US08298033B2 Display panel assembly and method of manufacturing the same
A display panel assembly includes a first substrate having an effective display region for displaying an image and a non-effective display region positioned at a peripheral region outside of the effective display region, a second substrate facing the first substrate, a sealing member disposed along a boundary between the effective display region and the non-effective display region between the first and second substrates, the sealing member including a thermosetting material, and an exothermic member interposed between the sealing member and the first substrate to generate heat for curing the sealing member.
US08298029B2 Method for resurrecting negative electron affinity photocathodes after exposure to an oxidizing gas
A method by which negative electron affinity photocathodes (201), single crystal, amorphous, or otherwise ordered, can be made to recover their quantum yield following exposure to an oxidizing gas has been discovered. Conventional recovery methods employ the use of cesium as a positive acting agent (104). In the improved recovery method, an electron beam (205), sufficiently energetic to generate a secondary electron cloud (207), is applied to the photocathode in need of recovery. The energetic beam, through the high secondary electron yield of the negative electron affinity surface (203), creates sufficient numbers of low energy electrons which act on the reduced-yield surface so as to negate the effects of absorbed oxidizing atoms thereby recovering the quantum yield to a pre-decay value.
US08298023B2 Hybrid outboard motor
There is provided a hybrid outboard motor capable of transmitting motive power of a power source appropriately and efficiently in a limited space while achieving compactness, high performance, and the like. The hybrid outboard motor includes: a casing; a power unit housed in the casing; a screw disposed outside the casing, the screw being driven by the power unit; a power transmission system transmitting motive power of the power unit to the screw; an internal combustion engine and an electric motor serving also as a generator, the internal combustion engine and the electric motor being arranged in parallel in a beam direction in the casing; and a first clutch disposed between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor, wherein one or both of the internal combustion engine and the electric motor are connected to a propulsion unit including the screw so as to rotate it.
US08298022B2 Male connector and connector apparatus
A male connector (10) has a male terminal fitting (20) mounted in a male housing (10A). The male housing (10A) has tube (11) surrounding the male terminal fitting (20). The tube (11) is spaced out from a conductive part (23) of the male terminal fitting (20) by a distance so that a finger cannot be inserted between the tube (11) and the male terminal fitting (20). A fit-on part (31) of a female connector (30) can be inserted between the tube (11) and the male terminal fitting (20) so that a female terminal fitting (34) can contact the conductive part (23) of the male terminal fitting (20). An insulating coating (26) is formed on a front end of the male terminal fitting (20) by molding a resin to prevent shocks.
US08298021B2 Contacting terminal
A contacting terminal electrically connecting with an electrical element includes a soldering plate, a pair of facing confining plates extended upward from two opposite side edges of the soldering plate, an upward flexible arm extended from one end of the soldering plate, and a contacting portion extended from a free end of the flexible arm and beyond tops of the confining plates. The contacting portion is elastically pressed downward by the electrical element to realize an electrical connection therebetween and restricted between the confining plates. Tops of the confining plates are capable of stopping the electrical element pressing the contacting portion downward excessively.
US08298019B2 Connecting system for implementing branches on continuous conductors
A housing for connecting a plurality of branch lines to the insulated conductors of an intermediate portion of a cable from which the outer sheath layer has been removed, comprising a rectangular base member containing an open-topped base chamber, and a pair of opposed end walls containing openings for receiving spaced insulated portions of the cable on opposite sides of the cable intermediate portion. A plurality of insulation-piercing electrical devices are arranged in the base chamber in electrical engagement with the insulated conductors, respectively, and a plurality of interchangeable cover members are each adapted for seating on the base member to close the base chamber, with each of the cover members containing an electrical component arranged for connection with at least one of the electrical devices.
US08298017B2 Connector with a surface having power contacts with a same potential arranged adjacently thereon
A connector including: a housing having an opening into which a plug is detachably inserted and an insertion member other than the plug can be inserted; and a plurality of contacts that includes a power contact and a ground contact and is configured to contact a plurality of contacts of the plug in the opening, wherein the power contact is arranged on a first surface and the ground contact is arranged on a second surface, a position of the first surface being different from a position of the second surface.
US08298006B2 Connector contact for tubular center conductor
A contact assembly comprising: a contact pin having a first end and a second end, the contact pin including a ramped portion, and a contact sleeve retainably attached to the first end of the contact pin, the contact sleeve having a flanged end and a non-flanged end, wherein the contact sleeve includes a one or more fingers, wherein, when in a first position, clearance exists between the contact sleeve and the contact pin, wherein, when in a second position, the one or more fingers of the contact sleeve engage an inner surface of a tubular center conductor to increase a moving force required to displace the contact assembly within the tubular center conductor is provided. An associated method is also provided.
US08298004B2 Connector hat with extended mounting posts for securing a connector shell to a circuit board
Concepts and technologies described herein provide for securing a connector shell to a circuit board using a separate connector hat with elongated mounting posts. According to one aspect of the disclosure provided herein, a connector hat includes a one-piece body with a top surface and a pair of mounting posts. The mounting posts extend downwards from opposing side edges of the top surface. The posts are of sufficient length to extend beyond a bottom surface of a connector shell to which the connector hat is configured to attach, and through a bottom surface of an associated circuit board. The two-piece connector assembly design utilizing the connector hat with mounting posts allows the mounting posts to be manufactured at any desirable length to facilitate installation of the connector assembly to a circuit board.
US08298000B2 Wire containment cap with an integral strain relief clip
A wire containment cap for reducing horizontal strain on a cable terminated at a communication jack. The wire containment cap is part of the communication jack and includes a strain relief clip that may be actuated to apply pressure to the cable. The applied pressure holds the cable in place and helps prevent wire pairs of the cable from pulling out of terminals in the communication jack.
US08297998B2 Electrical connector with improved thrust member
An electrical connector includes: an insulating base with a perforation; an insulating cover with a through hole and two slots recessed from a top surface, covered on and capable of sliding relative to the insulating base; a thrust member, disposed on the top surface of the insulating cover, has a body accommodated in the through hole, the body comprises an axial pushing hole, a plate portion respectively extending from two sides of the body and accommodated in the corresponding recessed slots; and a cam, having a driving portion above the body and a shaft extending downwards from the driving portion, at least one interference portion projects from a periphery at a lower end of the shaft and fixed near a bottom of the insulating base, the shaft passes through the axial pushing hole and the perforation.
US08297996B2 Safety socket
A safety socket includes a first conductive clamp seat and a second conductive clamp seat in alignment with a first insertion hole and a second insertion hole. In normal state, the first and second conductive clamp seats are spaced from a first power terminal and a second power terminal in an open state. When a plug is plugged into the safety socket, the prongs of the plug outward bias spring limbs of the first and second conductive clamp seats into contact with the corresponding first and second power terminals respectively. Only under such circumstance, the first and second conductive clamp seats electrically contact the first and second power terminals to close the circuit and provide power for an electric appliance. If a child inserts a conductive article into the first or second insertion hole, the danger of electrical shock can be avoided to ensure safety in use of electricity.
US08297994B2 Switching device having an insulating enclosure with a rotary component and an inspection element with a detection element and a transmission member
A multi-functional polarity-correcting plugging-coupling switching device includes a rotary component, which is rotatable and has at least one inspection element that is electrically connected to a touch control resistor and a live connection of a power plug. With a user using a hand to touch the touch control resistor, a closed circuit is formed with the human body for identifying correct position of polarization of the power plug. Further, through rotation of the rotary component, correct polarization and voltage level can be selected. Further, a resistive indicator is provided for indicating correct connection of earth line.
US08297992B2 Electrical connector assembly having locking device
An electrical connector assembly includes first and second connectors connectable to each other. The first connector has a first housing and a locking lever detachably and movably coupled thereto. The second connector has a second housing and a pair of protuberances formed on external surface of the second housing. When the locking lever is at an open position, first and second connectors are ready to be connected together. When the locking lever moves away from the open position towards a close position, the first and second connectors are guided by the locking lever to connect together and are prevented from being separated. A pair of stoppers are formed on the locking lever which engages the first housing to lock the lever at the open position. When the second connector is inserted into the first connector, the stoppers are released to allow the locking lever to move towards the close position.
US08297990B2 Leakage protection outlet
A leakage protection outlet includes an upper cover with jacks, an intermediate bracket, a base, a power input end, a power output end, pairs of conductive plug bushes, baffles, a baffle locking mechanism, a reset button including a reset button extension arm, a reset mechanism, and an electromagnetic tripping mechanism. The baffle locking mechanism includes a lock latch, a lock latch keeper, and a reset spring. The reset button is linked to the reset mechanism and is configured to connect the power input and output ends together when pressed. The electromagnetic tripping mechanism is configured to disconnect the power input end from the power output end in response to a leakage current. The pairs of conductive plug bushes correspond to the jacks. The baffles are positioned between the pairs of conductive plug bushes and the jacks. The lock latch rests upon the baffles and the reset button extension arm.
US08297988B2 Plate-like terminals mounting structure
A plate-like terminal mounting structure is configured to attach a plurality of plate-like terminals in multiple tiers to a terminal holder for facilitated and effective positioning of the terminals in the terminal holder and prevention of undesirable impacts of the terminals upon a connection between the terminals and a circuit board. The terminal holder includes a plurality of ribs tapering toward their tips and parallel to each other. The terminal includes a recessed portions or holes for engaging the plate-like terminals with the ribs in a regular mounting position without gap left therebetween. The rib includes sloping surfaces on its four sides (front, rear, right, and left sides). The terminal holder includes a partition wall separating the terminals from each other, the partition wall being in one piece with the ribs. The plate-like terminals are arranged in multiple tiers in a height direction of the ribs. The recessed portion or the hole of the terminal in a lower tier is large, and the recessed portion or the hole of the terminal in the upper tier is small depending on tapering of the ribs.
US08297987B2 Extended USB plug, USB PCBA, and USB flash drive with dual-personality for embedded application with mother boards
An extended universal serial bus (USB) storage device is described herein. According to one embodiment, an extended USB storage device includes a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) having a flash memory device and a flash controller mounted thereon, and an extended USB connector plug coupled to the PCBA for providing a USB compatible interface between an external device and the flash memory device and the flash controller, wherein the extended USB connector plug includes a first end used to couple to the external device and a second end coupled to the flash memory device and the flash controller. The extended USB connector plug includes multiple communication interfaces. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.
US08297986B2 Integrated circuit socket
Various sockets for packaged integrated circuits and methods of making the same are provided. In one aspect, a method of mounting a semiconductor chip is provided that includes providing a package that has a base substrate with a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The second side has a central region. The package includes a semiconductor chip and a lid coupled to the first side. A socket is provided for receiving the base substrate. The socket includes a mound that projects toward the second side of the base substrate when the base substrate is seated in the socket to provide support for the central region of the base substrate. The package is mounted in the socket. The mound provides support for the central region of the base substrate.
US08297984B2 Online test proctoring interface with test taker icon and multiple panes
An aspect of the present invention relates to an online test platform adapted to facilitate the development, delivery, and management of educational tests with interactive participation by students, teachers, proctors, and administrators even when some or all of them are remotely located. The platform may include administrator interfaces, test proctor interfaces, and test taker (e.g. student) interfaces to allow each participant to view, navigate, and interact with aspects of the online test platform that are intended to meet their needs.
US08297978B2 Method for learning chinese character script and chinese character-based scripts of other languages
A method for learning scripts of Chinese character-based languages includes forming a list of user-recognized symbols in a Chinese character-based language, each of the symbols having an associated key with a respective bridge. A complex Chinese multi-character to be learned and added to the recognized list is identified. A set of the user-recognized symbols within the multi-character is recognized. A mnemonic in a language known to the user is formed for recalling the written form of the multi-character. The mnemonic is based upon the keys and bridges associated with the recognized set of symbols within the multi-character. The mnemonic is used to remember the multi-character and, thereby, add the multi-character to the recognized list. Chinese radicals can be sources associated with icons having a logical similarity thereto. The source has the bridge in upper case and three icons use two combinations of lower/upper case and two lower case letters.
US08297977B2 System and method for automatic driver evaluation
Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for automatic driver evaluation of a person's driving capabilities and render an outcome of pass, fail, or pass with restrictions without the need for a trained observer to evaluate driver's performance. In one embodiment, the automatic driver evaluation system facilitates the display of a predetermined driving route designed for a predetermined demography, observe simulated driving performance of a user on the predetermined driving route, record errors made by the user while performing the simulated drive, and compare the performance errors to at least one threshold value and generate a score based on the comparison.
US08297970B2 Orthodontic bracket
The orthodontic bracket according to the present invention is provided with ligating means having a simple configuration, has additional functions for improving therapeutic effect and improving aesthetic appearance and enables maintenance to be carried out easily. A movable slider portion 2 for pinching an upper portion and a lower portion of an archwire to hold the archwire is provided in order to hold the archwire with respect to a bracket body 1 that has a slot 5 for holding the archwire. This slider portion 2 is inserted into the bracket body 1 to thereby hold the archwire 6. An orthodontic bracket composed of the bracket body 1 and the slider portion 2 has aesthetic properties by having a rounded shape with few surface irregularities. The slider portion 2 can be readily moved with an operating tool 14 and can be easily attached and detached.
US08297968B2 Pilot assemblies for heating devices
In certain embodiments, an apparatus can comprise a dual fuel pilot assembly. The pilot assembly can comprise a first fuel dispenser, a second fuel dispenser, an igniter and at least one of a thermocouple, and a thermopile. The pilot assembly can be configured to direct heat from combustion of one of either a first fuel or a second fuel to the at least one of the thermocouple and the thermopile.
US08297960B2 Solid-liquid separating method, solid-liquid separator and solidified product
To provide a reliable solid-liquid separating method and apparatus for a slurry, even though the solid component of the slurry is finely divided particles and/or of a shape difficult to entangle, without exudation through gaps in processed portions and, also, with no need to exercise a maintenance work such as replacement of filters, a solid-liquid separating apparatus includes a mold having a cylindrical inner peripheral surface, a gate for opening and closing a second open end of the mold, and a pressing rod slidable into the mold to compress the slurry. Sheet-like fibrous filters are placed on a leading end face of the pressing rod and an inner surface of the gate to seal gaps between the mold and the pressing rod and between the gate and mold. With the filters so placed, the slurry within the mold unit is compressed to provide a solidified product, thereby accomplishing solid-liquid separation.
US08297958B2 Optimized discharge port for scroll compressor with tip seals
A scroll compressor having a first compressor body with a first base, a first rib that projects from the first base, and a discharge port. A second compressor body has a second base and a second rib projecting from the second base. The first and second ribs are mutually received in each other to define at least one compression chamber between an intake and discharge port. The relative movement between the first and second compressor bodies is adapted to compress fluid from the intake to the discharge port. The scroll compressor further includes a tip seal projecting axially from the second rib. The tip seal is adapted to engage the first base to seal the compression chamber. The discharge port includes an inward-facing radius, which enables the length of the tip seal in the vicinity of the discharge port to be greater than it would be without the inward-facing radius.
US08297957B2 Compressor
A compressor having a casing to which a gas suction pipe is connected; a driving motor provided in the casing; a cylinder; a valve supporting plate (210) covering the cylinder (300), the valve supporting plate (210) having a suction hole (212) for sucking gas into the cylinder (300) and two discharge holes (211) for discharging gas compressed in the cylinder (300); a piston (100) having two protrusions (101) at a pressure surface in correspondence to the two discharge holes (211) of the valve supporting plate (210), the protrusions (101) having different sized cross-sections, the piston being linearly reciprocal in the cylinder (300) by receiving a driving force of the driving motor; a suction valve coupled to the valve supporting plate (210) to open and close the suction hole (212); a discharge valve coupled to the valve supporting plate to open and close the two discharge holes (211).
US08297954B2 Rotary axial peristaltic pumps and related methods
This disclosure concerns rotary axial peristaltic pumps, related methods and components. The rotary axial peristaltic pump generally includes a platen having a platen surface, a tube positioned adjacent to the platen surface, a cam that rotates about a rotational axis and a cam surface that is spaced apart from the platen surface and a plurality of tube compressing fingers. The fingers move axially back and forth in sequence to sequentially compress segments or regions of the tube against the platen surface, thereby causing peristaltic movement of fluid through the tube. The fingers move back and forth on axes that are substantially parallel to the axis about which the cam rotates.
US08297951B2 Fan having a printed circuit board
A fan (20) has: a motor having a stator (40) and having a rotor (60) with at least one fan blade; at least one air inlet having an air entrance opening (102) for the inlet of air; at least one air outlet having an air exit opening (32) for the outlet of air; a circuit board (80) having at least one recess, which circuit board (80) is arranged in the region of the air inlet in such a way that air can enter the fan (20) through the recess, motor electronics (88) being arranged on the circuit board (80). In a preferred embodiment, a Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) resistor (84) is surface-mounted on a PC board portion (83) extending into the air passage, to thereby sense air temperature. This facilitates compact, automated construction.
US08297950B2 Fan
A fan has a housing with a wire-guiding slot. One of plural connecting members is taken as a line fixed portion having a linking end facing the wire-guiding slot, with the linking end connecting to a section of a peripheral wall of the housing and the section axially aligned with the wire-guiding slot of the housing. A base is coupled to the housing. A power line has one end connected with the connection port and the other end extended beyond the housing via the wire-guiding slot. An impeller is rotatably mounted inside of the housing. Therefore, the line fixed portion can be close to the wire-guiding slot. Thus, the power line can be extended straight through the wire-guiding slot. A distance between the connection port and the wire-guiding slot is shortened to enhance assembling convenience of the power line.
US08297949B1 Bearing seal for a wet vacuum motor
A seal actuated by generally atmospheric pressure helps protect the motor bearing of a vacuum appliances, such as a dry air vacuum cleaner, a wet/dry vacuum cleaner, a water extractor (e.g., carpet cleaner), etc. The generally atmospheric air pressure on a motor side of the seal and a vacuum on an opposite turbine side of the seal urges the seal in an axial direction toward an impeller of the vacuum appliance and presses the seal firmly against an axially abutting sealing surface. Sliding sealing contact between a broad axial surface of the seal and the abutting sealing surface helps prolong the life of the seal and the bearing.
US08297947B2 Fluid disc pump
A pump having a substantially cylindrical shape and defining a cavity formed by a side wall closed at both ends by end walls wherein the cavity contains a fluid is disclosed. The pump further comprises an actuator operatively associated with at least one of the end walls to cause an oscillatory motion of the driven end wall to generate displacement oscillations of the driven end wall within the cavity. The pump further comprises an isolator operatively associated with a peripheral portion of the driven end wall to reduce dampening of the displacement oscillations. The pump further comprises a valve for controlling the flow of fluid through the valve. The valve has first and second plates with offsetting apertures and a sidewall disposed between the plates around the perimeter of the plates to form a cavity in fluid communication with the apertures. The valve further comprises a flap disposed and moveable between the first and second plates and having apertures substantially offset from the apertures of one plate and substantially aligned with the apertures of the other plate. The flap is motivated between the two plates in response to a change in direction of the differential pressure of fluid across the valve.
US08297944B2 Air compressor having quick coupling device
An air compressing device includes a piston slidably engaged in a cylinder housing and driven by a motor to generate a pressurized air, the cylinder housing includes an outlet tube, and an outlet port extended from the outlet tube, and an anchor plate extended from the outlet port, and a facility includes a coupler for engaging with the outlet port and the anchor plate and for quickly and detachably securing the coupler and the facility to the outlet port of the outlet tube and for allowing the pressurized air to be supplied to the facility. The facility is selected from a hose, a relief valve, a pressure gauge, or a cover, and the coupler includes a C-shaped structure.
US08297942B2 Regulatable coolant pump
A controllable coolant pump for internal combustion engines is driven by a belt pulley. The controllable coolant pump has a hydraulically actuated gate valve connected to a ring piston. An axial piston pump is disposed in the pump housing and is driven and “operated” by means of a swashplate having a suction groove and disposed on the back side of the flywheel. The “pumped volume flow” of the pump is controlled in a defined manner by means of a solenoid valve such that precise displacement of the hydraulically actuated gate valve is ensured.
US08297936B2 Compensating temperature-induced errors during piston movement
A method for controlling movement of a piston in a metering device is described. The method comprises supplying a fluid by actuating the metering device's piston, wherein compression or expansion of the fluid causes corresponding temperature variations. The method further comprises superposing a corrective movement onto the piston movement, with the corrective movement at least partly compensating for at least one of thermal expansion and contraction of the fluid induced by the temperature variations. In one embodiment, the corrective movement imposed onto the piston movement comprises two components: a reduction (74) of the compression jump (73), and a subsequent increase (75) of the piston's forward displacement rate (71) during a period (76) of time (72).
US08297933B2 Wind turbine blade with modular leading edge
A wind turbine blade has a leading edge and a trailing edge and includes an upper shell member and a lower shell member. The shell members include transversely spaced attachment edge that are spaced rearward of the leading edge. A preformed bond cap having opposite legs with rearward edges is mounted to the attachment edges of the upper and lower shell members. The bond cap is preformed into an aerodynamic parabolic shape and size so as to define the leading edge of said blade and lie essentially flush with the upper and lower shell members. The bond cap defines a primary external bonding bridge between the upper and lower shell members and defines at least a portion of the leading edge of the blade.
US08297931B2 Annulus filler
An annulus filler (101) is provided for mounting to a rotor disc (102) of a gas turbine engine and for bridging the gap between two adjacent blades attached to the rotor disc (102). The annulus filler (101) has an outer part (106) which defines an airflow surface for air being drawn through the engine, and a separate, support part (105) which is connectable to the outer part (106) and to the rotor disc (102) to support the outer part (106) on the rotor disc (102). The outer (106) and support parts (105) are configured to allow a procedure for mounting the annulus filler (101) to the rotor disc (102). In a first step the support part (105) is connected to the rotor disc (102) without the outer part (106), and in a subsequent second step the outer part (106) is connected to the support part (105).
US08297929B2 Reinforced bearing for a wind-power generator blade
Mounting arrangement of the blades on the hub (5) of a wind power turbine comprising a bearing (11) between each blade root (13) and the corresponding hub connection (15) having an inner ring (25) and an outer ring (23) with a stiffening plate (33) attached at least on a part of the outer ring (23), preferably in a perpendicular plane to the blade axis, on the opposed side (29) to the side (37) joined to the hub connection (15).
US08297927B1 Near wall multiple impingement serpentine flow cooled airfoil
A turbine airfoil with pressure and suction side walls having a series of radial extending multiple impingement cooling channels in which each channel is formed with a series of impingement chambers and impingement holes that discharge impingement cooling air against the backside walls of the airfoil. The spent impingement cooling air from the radial impingement channels is discharged into collector cavities and then discharge as film cooling air onto the external surface of the airfoil.
US08297926B2 Turbine blade
A turbine blade comprising at least one cooling element, a cooling duct for conducting a cooling medium, and a leading edge is provided. The cooling element is located within the flow of the cooling medium and is designed in a cog-shaped manner. The cooling duct is formed within the turbine blade for conducting a cooling air flow and extends along the flow attacking edge in at least some sections. The cooling elements are successively arranged in a stationary manner inside the cooling duct in the longitudinal direction. Each individual cooling element has a cooling capacity that is adapted to a predefined cooling requirement for the leading edge in the vicinity of the cooling element.
US08297915B2 Real-time turbomachinery blade breakage monitoring unit and turbo-apparatus
Disclosed herein are a turbo-machinery blade breakage monitoring unit and a turbo-apparatus having the same. The blade breakage monitoring unit includes a pressure sensor disposed near a rotor having a plurality of blades to be rotated at a predetermined speed, the pressure sensor functioning to measure total pressures of the respective blades. The blade breakage monitoring unit further includes a controller electrically connected to the pressure sensor and functioning to judge whether or not each measured total pressure value, transmitted from the pressure sensor, is within a preset criterion total pressure range. With the use of the blade breakage monitoring unit, total pressures of the respective blades are monitored in real time at a position downstream of the blades when the blades are rotated at a high speed within the turbo-apparatus, such as a turbine, compressor and fan, enabling real-time monitoring of breakage of the blades.
US08297910B2 Fluid turbine systems
Various fluid turbine systems and methods are described. The turbine can be a vertical axis wind turbine configured to generate power from wind energy. The turbine system can have a blade assembly. The blade assembly can have a plurality of blades rotatable about an axis. The turbine system can have a concentrator positionable upwind and in front of a return side of the blade assembly. The concentrator can define a convex surface facing the wind. The turbine system can also have a variable concentrator positionable upwind of a push side of the blade assembly. The variable concentrator can be adjustable between a first position and a second position, the variable concentrator being capable of deflecting more wind toward the turbine in the first position than in the second position.
US08297909B2 Wind turbine
A wind turbine that is mounted on a corner of a building and has a shaft that extends upward and outward from the corner, where the turbine blades are located, and the resulting rotation of the shaft is used for some power consumption purpose in our outside the building.
US08297908B2 Automated system for the in-line inverting, transferring and filling of lab animal containment devices in areas where they are washed
The present invention concerns an automated system for handling trays for containing animals in a lab animal room, and particularly for inverting the trays when they emerge from the tunnel washer.One object of the present invention is thus a completely automated system comprising an inverter device associated with a system for moving the trays on rotating rollers and complete with stopper means capable of blocking the trays in their forward feed movement synchronized, by means of a central control unit, with the movements of an inverter device capable of managing trays of different shapes and sizes.
US08297904B1 Container carrier
A container carrier provided with longitudinal extension and retraction capability such that loads may be shifted forward in order to achieve optimal front-to-rear weight distribution on the supporting vehicle. Two hydraulic cylinders having the same rod and bore size are provided in an over and under configuration and act in unison and enable the fork structure to tilt as well as telescopically extend and retract about a mast assembly. The upper cylinder directly controls the angle of the forks while the lower cylinder acts on a mast assembly to extend and retract. A third cylinder is provided for vertically raising and lowering the fork structure so that containers may be picked up from and/or lowered onto elevated surfaces, as well as tilted up and raised toward the truck.
US08297903B2 Segmented nut for screw connections
A nut for screw connections has two substantially identically sized nut segments of a half-shell shape, wherein the nut segments each have an inner side provided with an inner thread segment defining together an inner thread. The nut segments are connected to each other so as to be moveable toward each other until the nut segments reach a closed position. The nut segments are maintained in the closed position by springs or a locking device. An actuating device is moveably arranged on at least one of the two nut segments for releasing the closed position, wherein the actuating device is adapted to manually actuated.
US08297902B2 Eccentric adjustment element
The invention relates to an eccentric adjustment element (10) having a rod (12) provided on both ends with exterior threads (14, 16) of a smaller diameter to each of which unthreaded, inwardly profiled sections (18, 20) are fastened, wherein the shortest distance between a profile and a rotational axis of the rod is greater than the outer radius of the exterior threads (14, 16) and eccentric discs (24, 26) are fitted on each of the profiled sections (18, 20).
US08297901B2 Wire binding screw for a circuit breaker
A headless wire binding screw for use in a circuit breaker contains a slotted drive in combination with a Robertson drive. The slotted drive is for use with a slotted-type driver (such as a slotted screwdriver) and the Robertson drive is for use with a Robertson-type driver (such as a Robertson screwdriver). The screw has a body with a diameter of constant size along the entire length of the body. The screw also has an external thread that is formed along the entire length of the body.
US08297899B2 Clinch pin fastener
A clinch-type fastener is formed by simultaneously creating an undercut during the same forging that creates the head and displacer of the fastener. A fastener blank is compressed end-to-end between top and bottom dies whereby the axial compression of a blank causes the outward bulging of the shank at its midline. Simultaneously, a tapered end point and a tangential interference band are formed provided by a curvilinear-shaped bulge in the shank. As the bulge is formed an undercut is created between the bulge and a shoulder which extends downwardly from a head of the fastener. This method of formation and the fastener produced thereby are particularly suited to the manufacture of small clinch pins having a diameter in the range of 1.0 mm.
US08297897B2 High-performance blind rivet particularly for structural attachment
Disclosed is blind rivet including a hollow sleeve, a crimping ring, and a mandrel, received by the hollow sleeve and by the crimping ring. The mandrel includes a head configured to bear against the sleeve, and a shank configured to receive a traction load from a tool. There is a breaking groove which breaks off when the traction load reaches a certain value. The breaking groove including a breaking groove bottom, a first breaking-groove-side extending from the breaking groove bottom toward the shank, a second breaking-groove-side extending from the breaking groove bottom towards the head. A first breaking-groove-side and a central axis of the mandrel define a first angle, and a second breaking-groove-side and the central axis define an angle greater than the first angle. An embrittlement groove is contiguous with the first breaking-groove-side.
US08297895B2 Air cargo net
The invention relates to an air cargo net; that is to a net that is applied to restrain cargo that has been placed on a pallet and to prevent shifting of the cargo in an aircraft during transport, which net comprises a plurality of ropes made from polymer fibers, which ropes are joined at intervals to form meshes, the net having a central part and a plurality of lobes projecting there from, the peripheral meshes of each lobe being formed by a border rope, each border rope having a plurality of attachment fittings that are connected to the border rope by replaceable connecting ropes. The invention also relates to a method of connecting an attachment fitting to a rope of an air cargo net with an auxiliary connecting rope.
US08297893B2 Method for operating an actuation unit and device for carrying out said method
The invention relates to a method for operating an actuation device (20), which is used to clamp and loosen a clamping device which comprises a tie bolt which can be adjusted in an axial manner in a machine spindle (3), for actuating a clamping head (6) which co-operates with clamping claws (5). Initially, force is exerted upon the tie bolt (4) by means of an actuation device (20) which is used to clamp in an axial clamping direction, until the axial length thereof is fixed in relation to the machine spindle (3) by means of self-locking. According to the invention, after self-locking is obtained, the effect of the force in the direction of clamping of the actuation element (20) on the tie bolt is stopped and remains blocked while the clamping device is being used, and to release clamping, the tie bolt (4) is displaced by the actuation device (20) in the direction of release which is counter to the clamping direction. The invention relates to a device for carrying out said method.
US08297892B2 Cutting apparatus
A cutting apparatus includes a base frame, a pair of holder assemblies, an overhead frame, a cutter assembly and a controller. The pair of holder assemblies are operably connected to the base frame with one holder assembly holding the first workpiece and the other holding the second workpiece. The pair of holder assemblies independently move relative to one another along a transverse axis. The overhead frame is connected to the base frame. The cutter assembly is connected to the overhead frame and moves along a vertical axis and a horizontal axis. The cutter assembly includes a rotary cutter mechanism with a rotating cutting tool. The controller controls and moves of the pair of holders and the cutter assembly so that the rotating cutting tool cuts the first workpiece in a first desired configuration then moves to the second workpiece to cut the second workpiece in a second desired configuration.
US08297891B2 Drill-and-hole detector tool, method of utilization thereof and uses
The invention relates to a drill-and-hole detector tool consisting of at least two plates (1a and 1b) having the first plate (1a) at least three passing holes (2b) at one end, and a chimney (3) used as a drilling guide at the other end and having the second plate (1b) at least three pins (2a) at one end and a positioning rivet or stub (4) at the other end, in such a way that when the two plates (1a and 1b) are superimposed, the three passing holes (2b) of the first plate (1a) coincide with the three pins (2a) of the second plate (1b), and the chimney (3) of the first plate (1a) coincides with the positioning rivet or stub (4) of the second plate (1b).
US08297890B2 Blade holder and face mill
The invention relates to a cutter support (11) for fastening to a cutter head, comprising a shaft-like pin (11) and a head, having a soldered-in cutter (12) with a minor cutting edge formed by a face (27) and a free surface (28). According to the invention the minor cutting edge has a rounded area (25), the radius of which continuously increases from a minor cutting edge end (25a) at least to the cutting edge center, or to the other minor cutting edge end (25b).
US08297888B2 Hydraulic prop comprising thin-walled exterior and interior pipes
A hydraulic prop 1 is provided for use in underground mining and tunnel construction and is to be used above all in the shield support. In this shield support or in the hydraulic prop 1, the exterior pipe 15 having the foot connection part 16 and the handle 17 and the interior pipe 19 having the head plate 20 are effectively connected together via spring steel wire ties 35 which are disposed or are to be disposed in corresponding connecting grooves 36, 37, 38 or 39, 40 41 such that in the transition region 42 sufficiently high forces can be transferred so as to ensure a connection between the components which is effective and remains effective. A setting pressure of 600 t can be realized at about 700 bar with the corresponding equipment. The connecting technique permits the use of high-strength thinner-walled pipes.
US08297886B2 Drilling rig
A bolting apparatus and method for inserting a rod into a surface, the bolting apparatus including a base having a foot end and a head end, at least one stabilizing rod extendable from the base head end and having a stabilizing rod end adapted to contact a surface to be drilled, and a mechanism attached to the base between the base foot end and the stabilizing rod end and adapted to grip the rod.
US08297878B2 Curb and gutter forming machine
A curb forming machine for use by a single operator to form curved curbing includes a single rotatable curb-forming roller, a handle assembly for pulling and maneuvering the roller, and a motor for rotating the roller. The roller includes a generally cylindrical body, a neck at one end of the body, and a shaping surface, all of which are coaxial. The motor rotates the roller so that the lower periphery of the roller moves toward the direction of pulling to shape and smooth wet concrete into curbing. An overflow guard prevents wet concrete from flowing over the roller onto the finished curb, and an alignment device extends outwardly from the roller to contact a form member. A curb forming method includes pulling and steering such a roller around a curved form, including around tight curves in the form.
US08297876B2 Road building machine for milling road surfaces
A road building machine for road surface paving is provided. The machine comprises an automotive travelling mechanism with a steerable front axle of the undercarriage comprising at least one support wheel and two rear support wheels, a working device which is mounted in or on the machine frame and is approximately flush with said machine frame on one side, which is the so-called null side, a swivel unit having an articulation area formed by the machine frame and a swivel arm which carries the rear support wheel on the null side at its one end and is pivotably linked at its other end to the articulation area of the machine frame, with the swivel unit being arranged in the manner that it can be pivoted between an “outwardly pivoted position” in which the rear wheel which is on the null side is pivoted outwardly to an outer end position parallel to the longitudinal direction of the machine frame and an “inwardly pivoted position” in which the rear support wheel which is on the null side is inwardly pivoted to an inward end position which is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the machine frame, and a pivot gear which controls the adjustment of the swivel unit between the “outwardly pivoted position” and the “inwardly pivoted position” around a swivel axis.
US08297873B1 Locking ground post
A bollard assembly having a post and a sleeve. The post has a cylindrical post wall forming a cavity, an insert included with in the cavity and a longitudinal passage in the post wall. The insert has a helical wedge at its lower end with a gap in the wedge. The sleeve has a cylindrical sleeve wall forming a cavity and a latch pin that is attached to the sleeve wall and extends into the cavity. The sleeve is adapted to receive the post such that the latch pin travels through the passage in the post wall and the gap in the wedge of the insert wherein the insert can then be rotated such that the latch pin and gap are no longer aligned and the latch pin prevents upward movement of the insert and post.
US08297865B2 Media transport
A media transport comprises: a media entrance for receiving a length of media (such as a receipt); an arcuate media store for storing the length of media in a coiled configuration; a media exit (such as a receipt aperture) through which the length of media can be presented (for example, to a customer); and a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is operable in a first direction to drive the length of media from the entrance into the arcuate media store. The drive mechanism is also operable in a second direction to drive the length of media from the entrance through the media exit for presentation to a customer.
US08297862B2 Image forming apparatus and method of controlling the same
An image forming apparatus and a method to control the same. The image forming apparatus variably outputs the PWM signal until the printing medium reaches the target position, accelerates the printing medium-feeding motor, and decelerates the printing medium-feeding motor in multi-stages. If the printing medium reaches the target position, the image forming apparatus decreases the PWM signal value to a predetermined value, maintains a current level, and stops the printing medium-feeding motor without rotating the printing medium-feeding motor in the reverse direction, such that the printing medium-feeding motor may instantaneously rotate in a reverse direction. As a result, the image forming apparatus can prevent the printing medium from stopping the feeding operation without reaching the printing medium to the target position due to the instantaneous reverse rotation of the printing medium-feeding motor, such that the printing medium can be maximally/correctly transferred to the target position.
US08297860B2 System and method for improving print quality on mail pieces having low reflectivity
A printing system is provided that dynamically adjusts the method of printing an image based on the lightness or darkness of the medium upon which the image will be printed. The reflectivity of the medium upon which an image is to be printed is determined, and the way in which the image will be printed is adjusted based on the determined reflectivity of the medium. For lighter colored mediums, on which sufficient contrast will be provided, the image can be printed directly onto the medium. For darker colored mediums, on which the ink used to print the image will not provide enough contrast with respect to the medium to produce a reliably readable image, the method of printing the image is modified to ensure that sufficient contrast is always provided to produce a reliably readable image.
US08297859B2 Printer including color material cartridge having removably attached advance payment information storage section
A printing method is provided for printing on a medium with a color material by a printer including a cartridge accommodating section that removably accommodates a cartridge to which an advance payment information storage section for storing therein advance payment information is attached and which contains the color material. The printing method includes the steps of: reading/writing the advance payment information to/from the advance payment information storage section of the cartridge accommodated in the cartridge accommodating section; outputting a print driving signal for controlling to print; printing by using the color material in the cartridge based on the print driving signal outputted by the print controlling step; acquiring the print driving signal outputted by the print controlling step and converting the print driving signal to accounting information; and settling the advance payment information read by the advance payment information reading/writing step by the accounting information converted by the print driving signal converting step.
US08297854B2 Multimode fiber optic assemblies
Fiber optic assemblies including at least one multimode optical fiber that have improved performance are disclosed. In one embodiment, at least one connector is mounted upon and end of at least one multimode optical fiber and the assembly has an insertion loss of about 0.04 dB or less at a reference wavelength of 850 nanometers. Another embodiment is directed to a fiber optic assembly having a plurality of multimode optical fibers attached to a multifiber ferrule. The multifiber ferrule has a pair of guide pin bores having a nominal diameter, wherein the guide pin bores have a tolerance of ±0.0005 millimeters from a nominal diameter for improving performance.
US08297851B2 Optical connector
An optical connector 1 includes a plastic ferrule 4 that holds optical fibers 7, a plastic holder member 61 that holds the ferrule 4, a plastic plug 6 that is arranged outside the holder member 61, and a metal intermediate member 5 that is disposed between an outer surface of the holder member 61 and an inner surface of the plug 6.
US08297849B2 Roller bearing
An inner ring is formed with an oil hole extending through a part between an inner ring raceway surface and an inner peripheral face thereof, and configured to force out grease, which has been supplied to an area between the inner ring raceway surface and an outer ring raceway surface, to the inner peripheral face in accordance with rolling of cylindrical rollers. The inner peripheral face of the inner ring is formed with a plurality of V-shaped inclined grooves configured to guide the grease, which has been forced out to the inner peripheral face of the inner ring through the oil hole, to opposite end portions of the inner peripheral face in an axial direction of the inner ring.
US08297847B2 Bearing arrangement for a roller crusher
A bearing arrangement for a roller crusher having a pair of crushing rollers (R), each one including a shaft having end portions, mounted in respective bearing housings carried on a base structure (S) of the crusher, and a median hub portion. The bearing housings of each roller (R) are affixed to a structural frame disposed externally to each roller (R), along one side of the respective roller (R), the structural frame maintaining the bearing housings of each roller (R) rigidly connected to each other. Each bearing housing includes: a base portion affixed to the structural frame and a cover portion turned to the other roller (R) and removably affixed to the base portion.
US08297843B2 Ball retainer chain, a method of making the same, and a linear guide apparatus
A ball retainer chain includes a flat belt with axially arranged holes defined thereon. A separating portion is disposed between every two holes; upper/lower spacers combine with the separating portion. The surface between the separating portion and the adjacent hole is formed by a smooth surface. Partial spacer is formed by a spherical surface that smoothly connected to the hole surface. The spherical surfaces interlacedly arranged at a right side a left side include an opening with a vertical direction and a lateral directions corresponding to the flat belt, so that a mold pair reliant on a slantwise opening and closing manner would complete an injection molding. A smooth cylindrical form at two ends of the flat belt connects to an indentation at an inner or a mold surface of the flat belt. Thereby, while applying the belt to a linear guide apparatus, the cylindrical form could adjustably bend inward or outward for achieving a fluent traveling.
US08297839B2 Radiation imaging apparatus and method for controlling radiation imaging apparatus
A radiation imaging apparatus includes a C-arm, a radiation source configured to irradiate a subject with radiation, and a two-dimensional detection device configured to detect the radiation having passed through the subject. The radiation source and the two-dimensional detection device are arranged to face each other across the C-arm, and at least one of the radiation source and the two-dimensional detection device is attached to the C-arm via a sub-arm that is rotatably connected to a frame of the C-arm.