Document Document Title
US08324340B2 Polyurethane composition with good initial strength
A one-component, moisture curing composition that has a) at least one polyurethane polymer P1, being liquid at room temperature and having isocyanate groups and b) at least one polyurethane polymer A of the formula (Ia) or (Ib), being solid at room temperature and having aldimine groups with a melting point in the range from 40° C. to 80° C., the composition 1) being capable of being applied warm; 2) having adjustable cure times and a good initial strength with suitable application properties; 3) curing under the influence of humidity without bubbles; and 4) having a good elasticity and mechanical rigidity after curing.
US08324339B2 Method and apparatus for thermally processing polyester pellets
Method and apparatus for thermally processing polyester pellets, e.g., polyethylene terephthalate pellets, in order to achieve a partial crystallization, whereby the polyester melt is fed to an underwater pelletizer and pelletized, the pellets obtained are fed to a water/solids separating device and the dried pellets are fed at a pellet temperature of greater than 100°C. to an agitation device that the pellets leave at a pellet temperature of over 100°C.
US08324338B2 Oligomer removing agent for polyester-based fiber material
An oligomer removing agent for polyester-based fiber materials comprises a polyester copolymer which is obtained by polycondensation of a dibasic acid component containing 15-65 mol % of a sulfonate group-containing dibasic acid and a dihydric alcohol component containing polyethylene glycol with a molecular weight of 900-3500, and which has a 200° C. melt viscosity of 5000-23,000 mPa·s and has 10-40 mass % polyoxyethylene chains in the molecule. The oligomer removing agent is able to overcome the problems caused by deposition of polyester oligomers, when added to the dyeing bath in a dyeing step for polyester fiber materials or for fiber materials that are composites thereof with other fiber materials.
US08324335B2 Propylene-based polymer and method for producing the same, and propylene-based resin composition
A propylene-based polymer comprising the following component (A) insoluble in p-xylene at 25° C. and component (B) soluble in p-xylene at 25° C., wherein (i) the weight average molecular weight (Mw) measured with GPC is 100,000 to 1,000,000, (ii) the content of the component insoluble in hot p-xylene is 0.3% by weight or lower, and (iii) the degree of strain hardening (λ max) in measurement of elongational viscosity is 2.0 or higher; and a method for producing the same, along with a resin composition comprising a propylene-ethylene copolymer (Z) in an amount of 50.0 to 99.9% by weight and a propylene-based polymer (M) in an amount of 0.1 to 50.0% by weight.Component (A): a component (CXIS) insoluble in p-xylene at 25° C., having requirements specified by (A1) to (A5). Component (B): a component (CXS) is soluble in p-xylene at 25° C., having requirements specified by (B1) to (B4).
US08324326B2 Epoxy resin composition and semiconductor device
An epoxy resin composition for encapsulating a semiconductor chip according to this invention comprises (A) a crystalline epoxy resin, (B) a phenol resin represented by general formula (1): wherein R1 and R2 are independently hydrogen or alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and two or more R1s or two or more R2s are the same or different; a is integer of 0 to 4; b is integer of 0 to 4; c is integer of 0 to 3; and n is average and is number of 0 to 10, (C) a (co)polymer containing butadiene-derived structural unit or its derivative, and (D) an inorganic filler in the amount of 80 wt % to 95 wt % both inclusive in the total epoxy resin composition.
US08324319B2 Redox-induced cationically polymerizable compositions with low cure temperature
A cationically polymerizable composition comprising (i) a cationically polymerizable resin, (ii) an onium salt, (iii) an azo or peroxide initiator, exhibits a lower cure temperature upon the addition of (iv) a catalytic or substoichiometric amount of an electron-rich vinyl resin to the reaction.
US08324316B2 Unsaturated polyester resin compositions containing 2,2,2,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and articles made therefrom
Disclosed are unsaturated polyester resins comprising residues of 1,2-propanediol, 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol, an aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, or aromatic diacid, and 2-butenedioic acid. Also disclosed are curable compositions containing admixtures of the unsaturated polyesters and aromatic vinyl compounds copolymerizable with the unsaturated polyesters, and coatings and casted and molded articles obtained from the curable compositions. The curable compositions are useful for coatings and casted and molded articles that have at least one surface that is persistently exposed to organic or aqueous liquids.
US08324306B2 Equestrian surfacing materials
Disclosed are surfacing materials formed from a suitable angular or sub-angular base sand mixture that is coated with a polymer or polymer/oil blend and then combined with short fibers to produce the final surfacing composition. The polymers and polymer/oil blends are selected to reduce temperature dependent viscosity variations in the surfacing materials, thereby providing a more consistent “going” for horses or other livestock being worked on these surfacing materials. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing such surfacing compositions and methods of using such surfacing compositions in constructing riding venues including, for example, arenas and tracks.
US08324305B2 Process for the homogeneous incorporation of polymer particles into polymeric matrices
The invention relates to preparations comprising a wax in which polymer particles are present, where the polymer particles comprise at least one effect substance, obtainable by, by means of a miniemulsion polymerization carried out in the presence of a wax-immiscible solvent, distributing at least one effect substance in polymer particles, and incorporating the polymer particle dispersion obtained in this way into a wax by phase transfer.Furthermore, the invention relates to compositions comprising a polymeric matrix in which, in essentially homogeneous distribution, the aforementioned polymer particles are present, obtainable by incorporating the aforementioned polymer-particle-comprising wax as preparation into a polymeric matrix.
US08324300B2 Transparent, colorless infrared radiation absorbing compositions comprising nanoparticles
Disclosed are compositions that include a binder and non-stoichiometric tungsten oxide particles dispersed in the binder. The tungsten oxide particles have an average primary particle size of no more than 300 nanometers. The compositions are transparent and colorless.
US08324292B2 Medically acceptable formulation of a diisocyanate terminated macromer for use as an internal adhesive or sealant
A medically acceptable formulation comprising a diisocyanate terminated macromer or mixture thereof, and an oxidized cellulose.
US08324291B2 Sequentially cross-linked polyethylene
A method of producing an improved polyethylene, especially an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene utilizes a sequential irradiation and annealing process to form a highly cross-linked polyethylene material. The use of sequential irradiation followed by sequential annealing after each irradiation allows each dose of irradiation in the series of doses to be relatively low while achieving a total dose which is sufficiently high to cross-link the material. The process may either be applied to a preformed material such as a rod or bar or sheet made from polyethylene resin or may be applied to a finished polyethylene part.
US08324290B2 Polyisobutylene urethane, urea and urethane/urea copolymers and medical devices containing the same
The present invention pertains to polyisobutylene urethane, urea and urethane/urea copolymers, to methods of making such copolymers and to medical devices that contain such polymers. According to certain aspects of the invention, polyisobutylene urethane, urea and urethane/urea copolymers are provided, which comprise a polyisobutylene segment, an additional polymeric segment that is not a polyisobutylene segment, and a segment comprising a residue of a diisocyanate. According to other aspects of the invention, polyisobutylene urethane, urea and urethane/urea copolymers are provided, which comprise a polyisobutylene segment and end groups that comprise alkyl-, alkenyl- or alkynyl-chain-containing end groups.
US08324289B2 Flexible polyurethane foam, process for its production, and seat for automobile
A flexible polyurethane foam excellent in the vibration characteristics and the load-deflection characteristics, a process for producing the flexible polyurethane foam stably and inexpensively, and a seat for an automobile excellent in posture-stability performance and supported feeling with little bottom-hitting feeling, are provided.When a polyoxyalkylene polyol and a polyisocyanate compound are reacted in the presence of a urethane-forming catalyst, a blowing agent and a foam stabilizer, a predetermined amount of a compound of the following formula (1) is used: wherein the average of n is from 13 to 2,100.
US08324285B2 Hydrophobic and/or oleophobic open cell polyimide acoustic and thermal insulation foams and methods of making
Provided are methods of treating an open cell polyimide foam product to produce a treated polyimide foam product having a property of repelling water or oil. The method includes the steps of: selecting a polyimide foam product having an external surface area and an open cell structure that has an interior surface area, wetting the exterior surface area and the interior surface area with a chemical treatment fluid comprising a treatment chemical that has a property of repelling water or oil, and distributing the treatment chemical onto at least a portion of the interior surface area sufficient to modify a surface property of the interior surface. Also provided are treated polyimide foam products that have an open cell polyimide foam substrate with an interior surface area and a treatment chemical on at least a portion of the interior surface area. The treatment chemical renders the interior surface hydrophobic or oleophobic.
US08324280B2 Treatment of prostate cancer with DDC inhibitor
Prostate cancer comes in various forms and has proven difficult to treat. Provided herein are various methods and compositions for treating all forms of prostate cancers with dopa decarboxylase (DDC) inhibitors. These dopa decarboxylase inhibitors include carbidopa (α-Methyl-dopahydrazine), MFMD (α-monofluoromethyldopa), NSD-1015 (3-hydroxybenzylhydrazine), Methyldopa (L-α-Methyl-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) or benserazide, and the inhibitors may be used in combination. DDC inhibitors may also be used to inhibit the progression of prostate cancer to androgen-independence and neuroendocrine prostate cancer.
US08324279B2 Compositions and methods for inhibiting an isoform of human manganese superoxide dismutase
The present invention is directed to methods of modulating the activity of an isoform of manganese superoxide dismutase which is useful for the treatment of diseases such as heart failure.
US08324277B2 Nitrated-fatty acids modulation of type II diabetes
Nitro oleic acid and related metabolites are agonists of PPAR-γ. Surprisingly, nitro oleic acid is a more potent agonist of PPAR-γ, relative to nitro linoleic acid. Thus, nitro oleic acid and its metabolites, as well as their pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrug forms, are candidate therapeutics for the treatment of type-2 diabetes, which results from insulin resistance accompanying the improper functioning of PPAR-γ.
US08324275B2 Microbiologically sound and stable solutions of gamma-hydroxybutyrate salt for the treatment of narcolepsy
Disclosed are formulations of gamma-hydroxybutyrate in an aqueous medium that are resistant to microbial growth. Also disclosed are formulations of gammahydroxybutyrate that are also resistant to the conversion into GBL. Disclosed are methods to treat sleep disorders, including narcolepsy, with these stable formulations of GHB. The present invention also provides methods to treat alcohol and opiate withdrawal, reduced levels of growth hormone, increased intracranial pressure, and physical pain in a patient.
US08324268B2 Substituted furancarboxamides, and use thereof
The present invention relates to novel substituted furancarboxamides, methods for their production, their use for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases, as well as their use for the production of medicaments for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases, especially retroviral diseases, in humans and/or animals.
US08324263B2 Microbiocidally active carboxamides
Compounds of the formula (I), in which the substituents are as defined in claim 1 are suitable for use as microbiocides.
US08324262B2 Tricyclic necrostatin compounds
The present invention features compounds, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods for treating trauma, ischemia, stroke, degenerative diseases associated with cellular necrosis, and other conditions. Screening assays for identifying compounds useful for treating these conditions are also described.
US08324261B2 Histidine derivatives
The present invention is to provide a novel compound which is useful as a pharmaceutical agent such as an analgesic. The present invention is to provide the novel histidine derivative having an excellent analgesic action and the like. The compound of the present invention has a very high intermigration into the blood upon oral administration and is very useful as a pharmaceutical agent, especially an analgesic for the treatment of acute or chronic pain diseases and of neuropathic pain diseases.
US08324253B2 Crystalline modification of 4-(N-methyl-Z-chloro-5pyridy methylamino)-2, 5-dihydrofuran-2-on
The present invention relates to a defined crystalline modification of the compound of the formula (I), to processes for its preparation and to its use in agrochemical preparations.
US08324251B2 Cyclic modulators of chemokine receptor activity
The present application describes modulators of MIP-1α or CCR-1 of formula (I) or stereoisomers or prodrugs or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein n, ring A, T, V, X, R1, R2 and R8, are defined herein. 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 transplant rejection using modulators of formula (I) are disclosed.
US08324246B2 Indol carboxylic acid bispyridyl carboxamide derivatives, pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, preparation method and composition containing the same as an active ingredient
Disclosed herein are a new indole carboxylic acid bispyridyl carboxamide derivative, a preparation method thereof, and a composition for prevention or treatment of obesity, urinary disorders, and CNS disorders, containing the same as an active ingredient. Because the indole carboxylic acid bispyridyl carboxamide derivatives according to the present invention have high affinity for 5-HT2c receptors, act selectively on the 5-HT2c receptors, the derivatives rarely have adverse effects caused by other receptors. Because the derivatives effectively inhibit serotonin activity, they may be useful for treatment or prevention of obesity; urinary disorders such as urinary incontinence, premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, and prostatic hyperplasia; CNS disorders such as depression, anxiety, concern, panic disorder, epilepsy, obsessive-compulsive disorder, migraine, sleep disorder, withdrawal from drug abuse, Alzheimer's disease, and schizophrenia, associated with 5-HT2c receptors.
US08324241B2 Triazolo compounds useful as DGAT1 inhibitors
Disclosed are triazolopyridine compounds of Formula (I), including pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Also, disclosed are methods of using the compound in the treatment of obesity, dyslipidemia, diabetes and atherosclerosis, and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one compound of Formula (I) or a stereoisomer or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US08324239B2 Furopyridine compounds and uses thereof
The present invention provides a compound of formula I; a method for manufacturing the compounds of the invention, and its therapeutic uses. The present invention further provides a combination of pharmacologically active agents and a pharmaceutical composition.
US08324237B2 Methods for the treatment and prevention of inflammatory diseases
The invention includes processes mainly for the treatment of a inflammatory diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, atherosclerosis, asthma, allergy, inflammatory kidney disease, circulatory shock, multiple sclerosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, skin inflammation, periodontal disease, psoriasis and T cell-mediated diseases of immunity, including allergic encephalomyelitis, allergic neuritis, transplant allograft rejection, graft versus host disease, myocarditis, thyroiditis, nephritis, systemic lupus erthematosus, and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. The processes involve treating a patient with a pharmaceutical composition containing an active ingredient that inhibits the activity of sphingosine kinase.
US08324234B2 Method for inhibiting melanin production and whitening skin with pyrimidylpyrazole compounds or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof
The present invention provides a compound having an excellent inhibitory action on melanin production and being useful as a whitening agent, and a skin external preparation containing the compound. The whitening agent of the present invention comprises, as an active ingredient, a compound represented by formula (1) or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof: wherein, R1, R3, R4, and R6 are each independently C1-3 alkyl; and R2 and R5 are each independently a hydrogen atom or C1-3 alkyl.
US08324233B2 Co-crystals of pyrimethanil and dithianon
The present invention relates to co-crystals of pyrimethanil and dithianon, which, in a X-ray powder diffractogram at 25° C. show at least three of the following reflexes: 2θ=7.46±0.20 2θ=9.98±0.20 2θ=13.28±0.20 2θ=23.09±0.20 2θ=24.38±0.20 2θ=27.01±0.20 a process for their preparation and their use for the preparation of compositions for crop protection.
US08324231B2 Pyrimidinones as casein kinase II (CK2) modulators
A compound having Formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein X, R, R and R are as defined in the specification; pharmaceutical compositions thereof; and methods of use thereof. The compounds of Formula I are inhibitors of Casein kinase II (CK2) pathways.
US08324214B2 1,3-dihydro-2H-pyrrolo[3,2-bpyridin-2-one derivatives, preparation thereof and therapeutic uses thereof
The subject matter of the present invention are compounds corresponding to formula (I): in which: X is an unsubstituted or substituted divalent (C1-C5)alkylene radical; RI is an —NR8R9 group; or an unsubstituted or substituted piperidin-3-yl or piperidin-4-yl radical; R2 is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an Alk group or an OAlk group; R3 is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an Alk group or an OAlk group; R4 is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an Alk group, a hydroxyl or an OAlk group; and R5 is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an Alk group, a hydroxyl or an OAlk group.
US08324211B2 Inhibitors of bruton's tyrosine kinase
This application discloses 6-Phenyl-imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine and 6-Phenyl-imidazo[1,2-b]pyridazine derivatives according to generic Formulae I-V: wherein, variables Q, R, X, Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4, n, and m are defined as described herein, which inhibit Btk. The compounds disclosed herein are useful to modulate the activity of Btk and treat diseases associated with excessive Btk activity. The compounds are further useful to treat inflammatory and auto immune diseases associated with aberrant B-cell proliferation such as rheumatoid arthritis. Also disclosed are compositions comprising compounds of Formulae I-V and at least one carrier, diluent or excipient.
US08324209B2 Pesticidal compositions
Pesticide compositions and their use in controlling pests are provided.
US08324207B2 Modulators of ATP-binding cassette transporters
Compounds of the present invention, and pharmaceutically acceptable compositions thereof, are useful as modulators of ATP-Binding Cassette (“ABC”) transporters or fragments thereof, including Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (“CFTR”). The present invention also relates to methods of treating ABC transporter mediated diseases using compounds of the present invention.
US08324203B2 Azadecalin glucocorticoid receptor modulators
The present invention provides a novel class of azadecalin compounds and methods of using the compounds as glucocorticoid receptor modulators.
US08324202B2 5-phenyl-1H-benzo [E] [1,4] diazepine compounds substituted with an hydroxamic acid group as histone deacetylase inhibitors
Novel hydroxamate histone deacetylase inhibitors of formula (I) wherein X is C═O or CH2 used as antineoplastic agent.
US08324195B2 Methods of treating hypertriglyceridemia
In various embodiments, the present invention provides methods of treating and/or preventing cardiovascular-related disease and, in particular, a method of blood lipid therapy comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a pharmaceutical composition comprising eicosapentaenoic acid or a derivative thereof.
US08324190B2 Treatment of proliferative disorders with amino-substituted (E)-2,6- dialkoxystyryl 4-substituted benzylsulfones
Methods of treating cancer using compounds according to Formula (I) are disclosed herein, wherein X, X1, X2, Ra, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, g, M, y, a, b, d, e, V, W, Z and Q are as defined herein.
US08324189B2 Use of zolendronate for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of bone metabolism diseases
A method of intravenously administering a bisphosphonate to a patient in need of bisphosphonate treatment comprising intravenously administering 4 mg of 2-(imidazol-1yl)-1-hydroxyethane-1,1-diphosphonic acid (zoledronic acid) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof over a period of 15 minutes to a patient in need of said treatment.
US08324187B2 Stabilized formulations of phosphatidylserine
Disclosed are stable PS preparations, in powder, liquid and dispersion forms, as well as methods of producing thereof. Most importantly, the stable PS preparations are particularly devoid of residual phospholipase D activity, and the methods of eliminating such activity are also described herein. Lastly, uses of these PS preparations in nutraceuticals or as active agents of pharmaceutical compositions are also provided herein.
US08324185B2 Composition for the treatment of obesity and hyperlipidemia
Current invention is related to the pharmaceutical industry in general and to the industry of the manufacture of pharmaceutical products for weight reduction and hyperlipidemia treatment. The advantages of the current invention respect of the similar of the state of the art are that in the present invention side effects normally produced by the consumption of lipase inhibitors are eliminated; optimizing both the lipase inhibitor component and the fat-trapping; with the adequate composition of each one of the components and with very small amounts of each one. The invention consists of a composition for the treatment of the obesity and hyperlipidemia, characterized by comprising in combination a lipase inhibitor and a fat-trapping component.
US08324180B2 Compositions and methods for treating cancer
Provided herein are compounds used to inhibit the deamination enzyme responsible for the inactivation of therapeutic compounds, and methods of using them.
US08324179B2 Nucleoside analogs for antiviral treatment
The invention provides unsaturated phosphonates of Formula I or a tautomer or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, as described herein, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, and therapeutic methods comprising administering the compounds. The compounds have anti-viral properties and are useful for treating viral infections (e.g. HCV) in animals (e.g. humans).
US08324174B2 Compounds for enzyme inhibition
Peptide-based compounds including heteroatom-containing, three-membered rings efficiently and selectively inhibit specific activities of N-terminal nucleophile (Ntn) hydrolases. The activities of those Ntn having multiple activities can be differentially inhibited by the compounds described. For example, the chymotrypsin-like activity of the 20S proteasome may be selectively inhibited with the inventive compounds. The peptide-based compounds include at least three peptide units, an epoxide or aziridine, and functionalization at the N-terminus. Among other therapeutic utilities, the peptide-based compounds are expected to display anti-inflammatory properties and inhibition of cell proliferation.
US08324171B1 Ophthalmic compositions containing diglycine
Ophthalmic composition that includes 0.05% w/v to 2% w/v diglycine or a salt thereof; 1.0 ppm to 8.5 ppm alexidine, and 0.1% w/v to 2% w/v of one or more boron buffering compounds.
US08324168B2 Methods for treating pain
The invention provides agents useful for treating pain. An exemplary agent comprises or consists of the a portion of a retroviral Tat protein. One such agent is the peptide Tat-NR2B9c. This peptide has previously been described as an agent for inhibiting damaging effects of stroke and similar conditions via inhibition of PSD95 interactions with NMDA receptors and/or NOS. The present application provides data showing that the Tat-NR2B9c peptides is effective in alleviation of pain. The alleviation of pain can be obtained at a dose of the peptide below the dose required to inhibit PSD-95 interactions with NMDAR or NOS.
US08324166B2 Neuroprotection using NAP-like and SAL-like peptide mimetics
This invention relates to NAP-like and SAL-like peptide mimetics, polypeptides, or small molecules derived from them, and their use in the treatment of neuronal dysfunction, neurodegenerative disorders cognitive deficits, neuropsychiatric disorders, and autoimmune disease.
US08324158B2 Methods for inhibiting CLC-2 channel with GATX2
Compositions and methods of using scorpion venom peptide that is a ligand for ClC channels are provided. One aspect provides a pharmaceutical composition containing an amount of GaTx2 effective to inhibit ClC activity. Methods of treating a disorder or symptom of a disorder related to aberrant ClC channel activity are also provided.
US08324155B2 Quinoxaline-containing compounds as hepatitis C virus inhibitors
The present invention discloses compounds of formula I and II or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, or prodrugs thereof: which inhibit serine protease activity, particularly the activity of hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3-NS4A protease. Consequently, the compounds of the present invention interfere with the life cycle of the hepatitis C virus and are also useful as antiviral agents. The present invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the aforementioned compounds for administration to a subject suffering from HCV infection. The invention also relates to methods of treating an HCV infection in a subject by administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compounds of the present invention.
US08324154B2 Treatment of fungal infections with cyclic antimicrobial peptides
The present invention relates to cyclic cationic peptides and their use in the treatment of microbial infections.
US08324147B2 Fast drying and fast draining solid rinse aid consisting essentially of a quaternary non-ionic surfactant mixture
The present invention is directed to rinse aid compositions and methods for making and using the rinse aid compositions. The compositions of the invention include a sheeting agent, a defoaming agent, and an association disruption agent. The rinse aid compositions of the present invention result in a faster draining/drying time on most substrates compared to conventional rinse aids. The rinse aid compositions of the present invention are especially suitable for use on plastic substrates.
US08324145B2 Anti-grey detergent comprising a cyclic carbonate or urea
The invention relates to a detergent which contains a surfactant and optionally further conventional additives of detergents and cleaning agents, the detergent comprising an anti-grey polycarbonate-, polyurethane- and/or polyurea-polyorganosiloxane compound or a precursor compound thereof containing specific reactive groups, which can be used for the production thereof.
US08324144B2 Color changing paint removing composition containing methylene chloride
A composition and related process for removing paint from a substrate in which the composition contains methylene chloride, an organic filler, a colorant, a thickening agent and an evaporation retardant.
US08324143B2 Cleaning agent for electronic materials
Provided is a cleaning agent for electronic materials, which enables very efficient advanced cleaning such that yield in the production of the electronic materials is improved and cleaning in a short period of time becomes possible, the cleaning agent having excellent cleaning power for fine-grained particles and organic matter and being able to reduce metallic contamination on the substrate. The cleaning agent for electronic materials comprises sulfamic acid (A), an anionic surfactant having at least one sulfonic acid group or a salt thereof in the molecule (B), a chelating agent (C), and water, wherein the pH at 25 C is preferably not more than 3.0 and the (B) is preferably a polymeric anionic surfactant (B1) having a weight average molecular weight of 1,000 to 2,000,000.
US08324141B2 Surfactant composition
Disclosed is a surfactant composition containing an alkyl sulfate ester salt derivative represented by the following general formula (1). R—O—(PO)n—SO3m (1) (In the formula, R represents a linear alkyl group having 8-24 carbon atoms; PO represents a propyleneoxy group; n represents an average mole number of added PO that is a number satisfying 0
US08324137B2 Latex compositions comprising pozzolan and/or cement kiln dust and methods of use
The present invention includes methods and compositions that include a latex, and at least one of a natural pozzolan or cement kiln dust. An embodiment includes a method comprising: placing a latex composition in a subterranean formation, wherein the latex composition comprises: latex, a component selected from the group consisting of a natural pozzolan, cement kiln dust, and a combination thereof, and water; and allowing the latex composition to set. Another embodiment of the present invention includes a latex composition comprising: latex, a component selected from the group consisting of a natural pozzolan, cement kiln dust, and a combination thereof.
US08324131B2 Composition and method for controlling plant diseases
Disclosed is a composition for controlling plant diseases, which contains ethaboxam and metconazole as active ingredients. Also disclosed is a method for controlling plant diseases, which is characterized in that effective amounts of ethaboxam and metconazole are applied to a plant or the soil where the plant grows.
US08324129B2 Photocatalytically active coating
The present invention relates to photocatalytically active coatings for surfaces of buildings, vehicles, equipment, paths and the like which comprise interference pigments as photocatalytically active material and optionally an infrared light-absorbent material, to processes for the production of such surfaces, and to objects coated therewith.
US08324127B2 Method of producing noble metal-supported powder, noble metal-supported powder and exhaust gas purifying catalyst
In the present invention, slurry is formed by mixing noble metal-supported powder particles (3) and a binder (4) with each other in a liquid (Step S1), and the noble metal-supported powder particles (3) are dispersed by applying vibrations to the slurry (Step S2), and thereafter, the slurry is spray dried while keeping a state where the noble metal-supported powder particles (3) are dispersed (Step S3), whereby noble metal-supported powder (1) is produced. In the noble metal-supported powder (1) produced by such a method, pores through which exhaust gas flows are formed appropriately, and accordingly, exhaust gas purification performance can be enhanced.
US08324125B2 Magnetic nanoparticle-supported glutathione as a sustainable organocatalyst
This invention relates to the use of nano-organocatalysts, and, more specifically, to the use of magnetic nanomaterial-supported organocatalysts. It is an object of the present invention to provide “green” catalysts and protocols. According to one embodiment of the invention, a nano-organocatalyst in the form of a magnetic nanomaterial-supported organocatalyst is provided. According to other embodiments of the invention, glutathione and cysteine are provided as organocatalysts and magnetic nanomaterial-supported glutathione and magnetic nanomaterial-supported cysteine are provided for use as nano-organocatalysts. According to another embodiment of the invention, a method of using a recyclable magnetic nanomaterial-supported organocatalyst using a totally benign aqueous protocol, without using any organic solvent in the reaction or during the workup, is provided. According to a further embodiment of the invention, a recyclable magnetic nanomaterial-supported organocatalyst for various organocatalytic reactions, including but not limited to Paal-Knorr reactions, aza-Michael addition and pyrazole synthesis, is provided.
US08324119B2 Enhancing deposition uniformity of a channel semiconductor alloy by an in situ etch process
When forming sophisticated gate electrode structures requiring a threshold adjusting semiconductor alloy for one type of transistor, a recess is formed in the corresponding active region, thereby providing superior process uniformity during the deposition of the semiconductor material. Due to the recess, any exposed sidewall surface areas of the active region may be avoided during the selective epitaxial growth process, thereby significantly contributing to enhanced threshold stability of the resulting transistor including the high-k metal gate stack.
US08324117B2 Method of forming a nanocluster-comprising dielectric layer and device comprising such a layer
A method of forming a dielectric layer on a further layer of a semiconductor device is disclosed. The method comprises depositing a dielectric precursor compound and a further precursor compound over the further layer, the dielectric precursor compound comprising a metal ion from the group consisting of Yttrium and the Lanthanide series elements, and the further precursor compound comprising a metal ion from the group consisting of group IV and group V metals; and chemically converting the dielectric precursor compound and the further precursor compound into a dielectric compound and a further compound respectively, the further compound self-assembling during said conversion into a plurality of nanocluster nuclei within the dielectric layer formed from the first dielectric precursor compound. The nanoclusters may be dielectric or metallic in nature. Consequently, a dielectric layer is formed that has excellent charge trapping capabilities. Such a dielectric layer is particularly suitable for use in semiconductor devices such as non-volatile memories.
US08324116B2 Substrate treating method and method of manufacturing semiconductor device using the same
A substrate treating method comprising a step of preparing a semiconductor substrate (W, 11) which has an oxide film (13, 14) containing at least one of a rare earth oxide and an alkaline earth oxide, at least a portion of the oxide film (13, 14) being exposed, and a rinse step of supplying the oxide film (13, 14) on the semiconductor substrate (W, 11) with a rinse liquid made of an alkaline chemical or an organic solvent. Preferably, the alkaline chemical is an alkaline aqueous solution having a pH of more than 7. Further, preferably, the organic solvent is a high concentration organic solvent having a concentration of substantially 100%.
US08324115B2 Semiconductor chip, semiconductor device and methods for producing the same
A semiconductor chip (1) is provided having an adhesion-promoting-layer-free three-layer metallization (2). The three-layer metallization (2) has an aluminum layer (4) applied directly on the semiconductor chip (1), a diffusion barrier layer (5) applied directly on the aluminum layer (4), and a solder layer (6) applied directly on the diffusion barrier layer (5). Ti, Ni, Pt or Cr is provided as the diffusion barrier layer (5) and a diffusion solder layer is provided as the solder layer (6). All three layers are applied by sputtering in a process sequence.
US08324111B2 Liquid crystal display device and method for fabricating the same
Disclosed are a liquid crystal display device employing an amorphous zinc oxide-based semiconductor as an active layer, and a method for fabricating the same, whereby device stability can be secured by employing an etch stopper structure and device characteristics can be enhanced by minimizing exposure and deterioration of the active layer excluding content regions by virtue of the design of the etching stopper in a shape like “H”. Also, the liquid crystal display device and the fabrication method thereof can further form a semiconductor pattern and an insulating layer pattern on the intersection between the gate line and the data line, so as to compensate a stepped portion, thereby preventing an occurrence of short-circuit.
US08324106B2 Methods for fabricating a photolithographic mask and for fabricating a semiconductor integrated circuit using such a mask
Methods are provided for designing a photolithographic mask and for fabricating a semiconductor IC using such a mask. In accordance with one embodiment a method for fabricating a semiconductor IC includes determining a design target for a region within the IC. An initial mask geometry is determined for the region having a mask opening and a mask bias relative to the design target. A sub-resolution edge ring having a predetermined, fixed spacing to an edge of the mask opening is inserted into the mask geometry and a lithographic mask is generated. A material layer is applied overlying a semiconductor substrate upon which the IC is to be fabricated and a layer of photoresist is applied overlying the material layer. The layer of photoresist is exposed through the lithographic mask and is developed. A process step is then performed on the material layer using the layer of photoresist as a mask.
US08324104B2 Surface treatment in semiconductor manufacturing
The present invention provides a process for forming a capping layer on a conducting interconnect for a semiconductor device, the process comprising: providing a substrate comprising one or more conductors in a dielectric layer, the conductors having an oxide layer at their surface; exposing the surface of the substrate to a vapor of β-diketone or a β-ketoimine; and depositing a capping layer on the surface of at least some of the one or more conductors. The present invention further provides an apparatus for carrying out this method.
US08324099B2 Method of fabricating a landing plug in a semiconductor device
A method of fabricating a landing plug in a semiconductor memory device, which in one embodiment includes forming a landing plug contact hole on a semiconductor substrate having an impurity region to expose the impurity region; forming a landing plug by filling the landing plug contact hole with a polysilicon layer, wherein the landing plug comprises a first region, a second region, a third region, and a fourth region, wherein the first region is disposed beneath the second region and doped with a first doping concentration, the second region is disposed above the first region and below the third region and is not doped, the third region is disposed above the second region and below the fourth region and is doped with a second doping concentration that is lower than the first doping concentration, and the fourth region is disposed above the third region and is doped with a third doping concentration that is higher than the first doping concentration; and annealing the resulting product formed with the landing plug.
US08324095B2 Integration of ALD tantalum nitride for copper metallization
A method and apparatus for depositing a tantalum nitride barrier layer is provided for use in an integrated processing tool. The tantalum nitride is deposited by atomic layer deposition. The tantalum nitride is removed from the bottom of features in dielectric layers to reveal the conductive material under the deposited tantalum nitride. Optionally, a tantalum layer may be deposited by physical vapor deposition after the tantalum nitride deposition. Optionally, the tantalum nitride deposition and the tantalum deposition may occur in the same processing chamber.
US08324094B2 Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
A semiconductor device includes a plurality of first interconnection layers which are provided in an insulating layer and formed in a pattern having a width and space smaller than a resolution limit of an exposure technique, and a second interconnection layer which is provided between the first interconnection layers in the insulating layer and has a width larger than that of a first interconnection layer. A space between the second interconnection layer and each of first interconnection layers adjacent to both sides of the second interconnection layer equals the space between the first interconnection layers.
US08324089B2 Compositions for forming doped regions in semiconductor substrates, methods for fabricating such compositions, and methods for forming doped regions using such compositions
Compositions for forming doped regions in semiconductor substrates, methods for fabricating such compositions, and methods for forming doped regions using such compositions are provided. In one embodiment, a dopant-comprising composition comprises a conductivity-determining type impurity dopant, a silicate carrier, a solvent, and a moisture adsorption-minimizing component. In another embodiment, a dopant-comprising composition comprises a conductivity-determining type impurity dopant, a silicate carrier, a solvent, and a high boiling point material selected from the group consisting of glycol ethers, alcohols, and combinations thereof. The high boiling point material has a boiling point of at least about 150° C.
US08324085B2 Method of manufacturing crystalline silicon
Disclosed is a method of manufacturing crystalline Si by using plasma. According to the disclosed method, silicon (Si) deposition and reduction processes using plasma are cyclically performed in order to completely remove an a-Si layer so as to form crystalline Si on a substrate early in the process.
US08324082B1 Method for fabricating conductive substrates for electronic and optoelectronic devices
A method for fabricating a conductive substrate for an electronic device includes the steps of providing a semiconductor substrate; forming a plurality of grooves part way through the semiconductor substrate; filling the grooves with a polymer insulating material to form a plurality of polymer filled grooves; thinning the substrate from the back side to expose the polymer filled grooves; and singulating the semiconductor substrate into a plurality of conductive substrates. An optoelectronic device includes a conductive substrate; a polymer filled groove configured to separate the conductive substrate into a first semiconductor substrate and a second semiconductor substrate; a first front side electrode on the first semiconductor substrate and a second front side electrode on the second semiconductor substrate; and a light emitting diode (LED) chip on the first semiconductor substrate in electrical communication with the first front side electrode and with the second front side electrode.
US08324081B2 Wafer level surface passivation of stackable integrated circuit chips
An electrically insulative conformal coating is applied at least to the active (front) side and one or more sidewalls of the die during wafer processing. Also, a die has an electrically insulative conformal coating applied to at least the active (front) side and sidewalls. Also, assemblies include a stack of such die, electrically interconnected die-to-die; and assemblies include such a die or a stack of such die, electrically interconnected to underlying circuitry (for example in a substrate or a circuit board).
US08324080B2 Semiconductor device and method for increasing semiconductor device effective operation area
A method for increasing semiconductor device effective operation area, comprising following steps: depositing first conductive layer on the substrate; using laser for scribing a plurality of the first scribe lines on the first conductive layer, where the scribe lines are scribed on the bottom of the first conductive layer; depositing a plurality of the semiconductor material layers on the first conductive layer and in the plurality of the first scribe lines; using laser for scribing a plurality of the second scribe lines on the semiconductor material layer, where the scribe lines are scribed on the bottom of the semiconductor material layer, each second scribe line is comprised of a plurality of the second pores; depositing a second conductive layer on the semiconductor material layer and in the plurality of the first scribe lines and the plurality of the second scribe lines; using laser for scribing a plurality of the third scribe lines on the second conductive layer, where the scribe lines are scribed on the bottom of the semiconductor material layer; wherein the second pores are shortened for shortening the distance between the first scribe line and second scribe line and the distance between the third scribe line and second scribe line.
US08324076B2 Micro-fluid ejection heads and methods for bonding substrates to supports
A substantially planar micro-fluid ejection device, where the micro-fluid ejection head is hermetically sealed and bonded to a support material, and a method of bonding a silicon device, such as a micro-fluid ejection head, to a support material.
US08324074B2 Structure and method to minimize regrowth and work function shift in high-k gate stacks
The present invention provides a semiconductor structure comprising high-k material portions that are self-aligned with respect to the active areas in the semiconductor substrate and a method of fabricating the same. The high-k material is protected from oxidation during the fabrication of the semiconductor structure and regrowth of the high-k material and shifting of the high-k material work function is prevented.
US08324069B1 Method of fabricating high-performance capacitors in integrated MOS technologies
A method of fabricating a high-performance capacitor that may be incorporated into a standard CMOS fabrication process suitable for submicron devices is described. The parameters used in the standard CMOS process may be maintained, particularly for the definition and etch of the lower electrode layer. To reduce variation in critical dimension width, an Anti-Reflective Layer (ARL) is used, such as a Plasma Enhanced chemical vapor deposition Anti-Reflective Layer (PEARL) or other Anti-Reflective Coatings (ARCS), such as a conductive film like TiN. This ARL formation occurs after the capacitor specific process steps, but prior to the masking used for defining the lower electrodes. A Rapid Thermal Oxidation (RTO) is performed subsequent to removing the unwanted capacitor dielectric layer from the transistor poly outside of the capacitor regions, but prior to the PEARL deposition. Another embodiment instead eliminates the capacitor dielectric removal step, which is then replaced by a step to form an additional layer that is later etched away to leave spacers on the capacitor sides, thereby eliminating any undercutting of the dielectric.
US08324063B2 Epitaxial film growing method, wafer supporting structure and susceptor
An annular step portion provided to a periphery of a wafer housing portion is provided to an area with which an area of 1 to 6 mm from a boundary line with a chamfered surface of a wafer rear surface toward a wafer center comes in contact. As a result, it is possible to produce an epitaxial wafer having no scratch in a boundary area between the rear surface and the chamfered surface, and to eliminate particles generated due to a scratch in a device process.
US08324061B2 Method for manufacturing semiconductor device
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes the steps of: forming a first gate stack on a semiconductor substrate, the first gate stack includes a first gate conductor and a first gate dielectric between the first gate conductor and the semiconductor substrate; forming source/drain regions on the semiconductor substrate; forming a multilayer structure including at least one sacrificial layer and at least one insulating layer under the sacrificial layer on the semiconductor substrate and the first gate stack; performing a first RIE on the multilayer structure; performing a second RIE on the multilayer structure; selectively etching the first gate stack with respect to the insulating layer, in which the first gate conductor is removed and an opening is formed in the insulating layer; and forming a second gate conductor in the opening.
US08324058B2 Contacts for FET devices
A method for contacting an FET device is disclosed. The method includes vertically recessing the device isolation, which exposes a sidewall surface on both the source and the drain. Next, silicidation is performed, resulting in a silicide layer covering both the top surface and the sidewall surface of the source and the drain. Next, metallic contacts are applied in such manner that they engage the silicide layer on both its top and on its sidewall surface. A device characterized as being an FET device structure with enlarged contact areas is also disclosed. The device has a vertically recessed isolation, thereby having an exposed sidewall surface on both the source and the drain. A silicide layer is covering both the top surface and the sidewall surface of both the source and the drain. Metallic contacts to the device engage the silicide on its top surface and on its sidewall surface.
US08324056B2 Vertical type semiconductor device and method of manufacturing a vertical type semiconductor device
A vertical pillar semiconductor device may include a substrate, a group of channel patterns, a gate insulation layer pattern and a gate electrode. The substrate may be divided into an active region and an isolation layer. A first impurity region may be formed in the substrate corresponding to the active region. The group of channel patterns may protrude from a surface of the active region and may be arranged parallel to each other. A second impurity region may be formed on an upper portion of the group of channel patterns. The gate insulation layer pattern may be formed on the substrate and a sidewall of the group of channel patterns. The gate insulation layer pattern may be spaced apart from an upper face of the group of channel patterns. The gate electrode may contact the gate insulation layer and may enclose a sidewall of the group of channel patterns.
US08324055B2 Methods of manufacturing buried wiring type substrate and semiconductor device incorporating buried wiring type substrate
A method of manufacturing a buried wiring type substrate comprises implanting hydrogen ions into a single crystalline substrate through a first surface thereof to form an ion implantation region, forming a conductive layer comprising a metal on the first surface of the single crystalline substrate, forming an insulation layer comprising silicon oxide on the conductive layer, bonding the insulation layer to a support substrate to form a preliminary buried wiring type substrate, and separating the single crystalline substrate at the ion implantation region to form a single crystalline semiconductor layer on the conductive layer.
US08324047B1 Method and structure of an integrated CMOS and MEMS device using air dielectric
In a specific embodiment, the present invention provides an integrated circuit device. The device includes a base substrate having a surface region and an interlayer dielectric material overlying the surface region. The device also has a thickness of single crystal silicon material overlying the interlayer dielectric material. In one or more embodiments, the thickness of single crystal silicon material has a front region and a backside region. The front region faces the interlayer dielectric material. In a preferred embodiment, the device has a plurality of transistor devices spatially arranged in the thickness of silicon crystal silicon material. Each of the transistor devices has a gate structure within a region of the interlayer dielectric material. The device also has an enclosure housing configured to form a cavity between the backside region of the thickness of silicon material and an upper inside region of the enclosure housing.
US08324044B2 Method of producing a semiconductor device with an aluminum or aluminum alloy electrode
A method of producing a semiconductor device that has a silicon substrate including a first major surface and a second major surface thereof, a front surface device structure being formed in a region of the first major surface, the method has a step of forming a rear electrode in a region of the second major surface, which includes evaporating or sputtering aluminum-silicon onto the second major surface to form an aluminum silicon film as a first layer of the rear electrode, the aluminum silicon film having a silicon concentration of at least 2 percent by weight when the thickness thereof is less than 0.3 μm.
US08324042B2 Integrated complementary low voltage RF-LDMOS
Complementary RF LDMOS transistors have gate electrodes over split gate oxides. A source spacer of a second conductivity type extends laterally from the source tap of a first conductivity type to approximately the edge of the gate electrode above the thinnest gate oxide. A body of a first conductivity type extends from approximately the bottom center of the source tap to the substrate surface and lies under most of the thin section of the split gate oxide. The source spacer is approximately the length of the gate sidewall oxide and is self aligned with gate electrode. The body is also self aligned with gate electrode. The drain is surrounded by at least one buffer region which is self aligned to the other edge of the gate electrode above the thickest gate oxide and extends to the below the drain and extends laterally under the thickest gate oxide. Both the source tap and drain are self aligned with the gate side wall oxides and are thereby spaced apart laterally from the gate electrode.
US08324035B2 Manufacturing method of SOI MOS device eliminating floating body effects
The present invention discloses a manufacturing method of SOI MOS device eliminating floating body effects. The active area of the SOI MOS structure according to the present invention includes a body region, a N-type source region, a N-type drain region, a heavily doped P-type region, wherein the N-type source region comprises a silicide and a buried insulation region and the heavily doped P-type region is located between the silicide and the buried insulation region. The heavily doped P-type region contacts to the silicide, the body region, the buried insulation layer and the shallow trench isolation (STI) structure respectively. The manufacturing method of the device comprises steps of forming a heavily doped P-type region via ion implantation method, forming a metal layer on a part of the surface of the source region, then obtaining a silicide by the heat treatment of the metal layer and the Si material below. The present invention utilizes the silicide and the heavily doped P-type region to form an ohmic contact in order to release the holes accumulated in the body region of SOI MOS device and eliminate SOI MOS floating body effects. Besides, the manufacturing process is simple and can be easily implement. Further, the manufacturing process according to the present invention will not increase chip area and is compatible with conventional CMOS process.
US08324033B2 TFT array substrate and manufacturing method thereof
A TFT array substrate and a manufacturing method thereof, where the TFT array substrate includes a substrate; a gate line and a gate electrode integrated therewith, which are covered by a gate insulating layer, a semiconductor layer, and a ohmic contact layer sequentially. An insulating layer is formed on the resulting substrate and on both sides of the gate line and the gate electrode, the gate insulating layer, the semiconductor layer, and the ohmic contact layer. A trench is then formed in the ohmic contact layer to divide the ohmic contact layer over the semiconductor layer. A data line and first and second source/drain electrodes are then formed on the insulating layer and the ohmic contact layer.
US08324031B2 Diffusion barrier and method of formation thereof
A method of forming a device is presented. The method includes providing a structure having first and second regions. A diffusion barrier is formed between at least a portion of the first and second regions. The diffusion barrier comprises cavities that reduce diffusion of elements between the first and second regions.
US08324030B2 Nanowire tunnel field effect transistors
A method for forming a nanowire tunnel field effect transistor (FET) device includes forming a nanowire suspended by a first pad region and a second pad region, forming a gate around a portion of the nanowire, forming a protective spacer adjacent to sidewalls of the gate structure and around portions of the nanowire extending from the gate structure, implanting ions in a first portion of the exposed nanowire, removing a second portion of the exposed nanowire to form a cavity defined by the core portion of the nanowire surrounded by the gate structure and the spacer, exposing a silicon portion of the substrate, and epitaxially growing a doped semiconductor material in the cavity from exposed cross section of the nanowire, the second pad region, and the exposed silicon portion to connect the exposed cross sections of the nanowire to the second pad region.
US08324013B2 Method of fabricating organic light emitting diode display device
An organic layer of an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display device is formed by transferring a transfer layer of a donor film to aligned pixel openings in a pixel defining region of the OLED display device such that the organic layer is formed in the pixel openings. Each aligned pixel opening has a pair of long sides and a pair of short sides, and the transferring of the transfer layer is performed by applying tensile force to the donor film in a direction perpendicular to the short sides of the pixel openings.
US08324011B2 Implementation of temperature-dependent phase switch layer for improved temperature uniformity during annealing
The present invention provides a method of annealing a semiconductor by applying a temperature-dependant phase switch layer to a semiconductor structure. The temperature-dependant phase switch layer changes phase from amorphous to crystalline at a predetermined temperature. When the semiconductor structure is annealed, electromagnetic radiation passes through the temperature-dependant phase switch layer before reaching the semiconductor structure. When a desired annealing temperature is reached the temperature-dependant phase switch layer substantially blocks the electromagnetic radiation from reaching the semiconductor structure. As a result, the semiconductor is annealed at a consistent temperature across the wafer. The temperature at which the temperature-dependant phase switch layer changes phase can be controlled by an ion implantation process.
US08324009B2 Magnetic materials having superparamagnetic particles
Magnetic materials and uses thereof are provided. In one aspect, a magnetic film is provided. The magnetic film comprises superparamagnetic particles on at least one surface thereof. The magnetic film may be patterned and may comprise a ferromagnetic material. The superparamagnetic particles may be coated with a non-magnetic polymer and/or embedded in a non-magnetic host material. The magnetic film may have increased damping and/or decreased coercivity.
US08324004B2 Method for manufacturing of light emitting device using GaN series III-V group nitride semiconductor material
A GaN based III-V nitride semiconductor light-emitting device and a method for fabricating the same are provided. In the GaN based III-V nitride semiconductor light-emitting device including first and second electrodes arranged facing opposite directions or the same direction with a high-resistant substrate therebetween and material layers for light emission or lasing, the second electrode directly contacts a region of the outmost material layer exposed through an etched region of the high-resistant substrate. A thermal conductive layer may be formed on the bottom of the high-resistant substrate to cover the exposed region of the outmost material layer.
US08324000B2 Method of fabricating light extractor
Methods of fabricating light extractors are disclosed. The method of fabricating an optical construction for extracting light from a substrate includes the steps of: (a) providing a substrate that has a surface; (b) disposing a plurality of structures on the surface of the substrate, where the plurality of structures form open areas that expose the surface of the substrate; (c) shrinking at least some of the structures; and (d) applying an overcoat to cover the shrunk structures and the surface of the substrate in the open areas.
US08323998B2 Methods and apparatus for forming uniform layers of phosphor material on an LED encapsulation structure
A method for forming wavelength-conversion LED encapsulant structure includes forming an LED encapsulant structure body, forming a layer of a wavelength-conversion material on a first surface, disposing the first surface to cause the wavelength-conversion material to be in contact with a surface region of the LED encapsulant structure body, applying a pressure between the first surface and the surface region of the LED encapsulant structure body, and causing at least a portion of the wavelength-conversion material to be at least partially embedded in the surface region of the LED encapsulant structure body.
US08323996B2 Semiconductor device
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes attaching a first semiconductor substrate to a support substrate, and thinning the first semiconductor substrate to form a thinned semiconductor layer. The method additionally includes integrating a functional element with the thinned semiconductor layer, and forming at least one through-connect through the thinned semiconductor layer.
US08323993B2 Method of fabricating inkjet printhead assembly having backside electrical connections
A method of fabricating an inkjet printhead assembly having backside electrical connections. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing printhead integrated circuits, each having a backside recessed edge portion and connectors extending through the integrated circuit, each connector having a head connected to frontside drive circuitry and a base in the recessed edge portion; (b) positioning a connection end of a connector film in the recessed edge portion; (c) connecting each film contact to the base of a corresponding connector; and (d) attaching the backside of each printhead integrated circuit together with the connector film to an ink supply manifold so as to provide the inkjet printhead assembly having backside electrical connections.
US08323989B2 Test system and method of reducing damage in seed layers in metallization systems of semiconductor devices
During the formation of a complex metallization system, the influence of a manufacturing environment on sensitive barrier/seed material systems may be monitored or controlled by using an appropriate test pattern and applying an appropriate test strategy. For example, actual probe and reference substrates may be prepared and may be processed with and without exposure to the manufacturing environment of interest, thereby enabling an efficient evaluation of one or more parameters of the environment. Furthermore, an “optimized” manufacturing environment may be obtained on the basis of the test strategy disclosed herein.
US08323987B2 Modulation of epidermal growth factor heterodimer activity
Provided is a method for screening a plurality of compounds for an ability to bind to a heterodimer of EGFR and another ERBB family member. Also provided are compounds that bind to heterodimers of EGFR and another ERBB family member, and methods of using the identified compounds to suppress the growth of a tumor associated with EGFR heterodimer activity in a subject.
US08323982B2 Photoelectrocatalytic fluid analyte sensors and methods of fabricating and using same
Fluid analyte sensors include a photoelectrocatalytic element that is configured to be exposed to the fluid, if present, and to respond to photoelectrocatalysis of at least one analyte in the fluid that occurs in response to impingement of optical radiation upon the photoelectrocatalytic element. A semiconductor light emitting source is also provided that is configured to impinge the optical radiation upon the photoelectrocatalytic element. Related solid state devices and sensing methods are also described.
US08323981B2 Induction furnace operating in a range from 2-9 MHz for providing analytical samples and method of same
An analytical induction furnace and method for combusting conductive sample materials (500) utilizing a crucible for holding a sample within the induction furnace. Less than one gram of accelerator material is then inserted into the crucible with the sample and the induction furnace is activated for a predetermined time period (503) for thoroughly combusting the sample and accelerator. In some instances, no accelerator is required with the sample at frequencies of approximately 4.5 MHz. The invention provides for the induction furnace that is actuated in an RF frequency range between 2-9 MHz with little to no accelerator for thoroughly melting the sample for use in an analytical instrument.
US08323980B2 Early warning sulfur detection based on change in fluorescence intensity of polymer-bound phosphine compound
An early warning sulfur detection system for detecting the presence of corrosive gases, especially elemental sulfur (S8), in air employs a substrate that includes a polymer-bound phosphine compound having sulfur-getting functionality. The phosphine compound in the polymer reacts with any airborne elemental sulfur. This reaction is accompanied by a decrease in the fluorescence intensity (If) of the substrate. The If of the substrate is monitored in real time by a spectrofluorometer to detect a change in fluorescence intensity (ΔIf). In an embodiment sited in a data center, an alarm is triggered if the ΔIf is above a predetermined threshold, thereby providing a real-time, early warning to IT professionals that corrective action is required to protect metal conductors from corrosion. Preferably, the phosphine compound in the polymer does not react with other components in the air (e.g., carbon dioxide).
US08323979B2 Method for the determination of an analyte comprising a primary amino group, and kit for labeling said analyte
The invention provides a method for labeling an analyte comprising a primary amino group, the method comprising: a. a labeling process comprising reacting the analyte with a dialdehyde in the presence of a label, wherein the label bears a charge, and b. an analysis process comprising subjecting the labeled analyte to MS, preferably LC-MS-MS. Herein, preferably, the labeling process comprises reacting an analyte with a dialdehyde, wherein the dialdehyde carries a label bearing a charge, to provide a labeled analyte carrying the charge.The present invention also provides a labeling method to provide a labeled analyte carrying a charge, wherein the labeling method comprises a labeling process comprising reacting an analyte with a dialdehyde, wherein the analyte comprises a primary amino group and wherein the dialdehyde carries a label bearing the charge.The dialdehyde is preferably an aromatic dialdehyde, most preferably an aromatic 1,2- or 1,3-dicarboxaldehyde. The label preferably comprises a quaternary ammonium group and/or a quaternary phosphonium group.The present invention also provides for a kit for labeling the analyte.
US08323977B2 Method for determining redox activity and screening compounds based on redox activity
A method for identifying the redox activity of a subject compound is disclosed. The method can be performed aerobically and can include forming a mixture comprising a free-radical precursor and a compound to be tested, and converting the free-radical precursor into a free-radical anion and a free-radical cation. After the free radical cation and the free radical anion have been formed, the relative redox activity of the subject compound may cause a difference in the rate of photo-bleaching of the mixture and/or the rate of superoxide generation. These differences can be quantified and used to identify the redox activity of the subject compound. This sensitive technique for measuring redox activity can be used to screen compounds for various biological applications. Drugs also can be developed based on the relationship between redox activity and biological activity for particular biological applications.
US08323975B2 Telomere-encoding synthetic DNA nanocircles, and their use for the elongation of telomere repeats
Telomere-encoding nucleic acid nanocircles, methods for their preparation, and methods for their use are disclosed. The nanocircles can be constructed containing multiple repeats of the complement of telomere repeat sequences. The telomere-encoding nanocircles are useful for extending telomeres both in vitro and in vivo, for treating macular degeneration, the effects of skin aging, liver degeneration, and cancer. The nanocircles are further useful for treating cell cultures to produce long-lived non-cancerous cell populations. This use has wide applicability in scientific research, tissue engineering, and transplantation.
US08323974B2 Method for excision of plant embryos for transformation
This invention describes a simple method useful for the excision and isolation of maize immature embryos. The embryos are useful for plant tissue culture and transformation methods.
US08323972B2 Mammary artery derived cells and methods of use in tissue repair and regeneration
An isolated mammalian internal mammary artery-derived cell is disclosed. Furthermore, methods of isolating the mammalian internal mammary artery-derived cell are disclosed. The cell is useful in tissue engineering technologies, specifically in vascular tissue engineering.
US08323971B2 Differentiation of pluripotent cells into primary germ layer progenitors
This invention relates to the culture of pluripotent cells in a fully humanised chemically defined medium. Cells may be cultured over a prolonged period of time without losing their pluripotent status or may be controllably induced to differentiate into progenitor cells of the three primary germ layers by the addition of differentiation factors, for example differentiation factors which modulate one or more of the Activin/Nodal, FGF, Wnt or BMP signalling pathways.
US08323966B2 Differentiated pluripotent stem cell progeny depleted of extraneous phenotypes
The invention provides methods for depleting extraneous phenotypes from a mixed population of cells comprising the in vitro differentiated progeny of primate pluripotent stem cells. The invention also provides mixed cell populations enriched for a target cell phenotype where the mixed cell population comprises the differentiated in vitro progeny of primate embryonic stem cells.
US08323960B2 Ammonium transporter promoters for gene expression in oleaginous yeast
The promoter region associated with the Yarrowia lipolytica ammonium transporter (yat1) gene has been found to be particularly effective for the expression of heterologous genes in oleaginous yeast. The promoter regions of the instant invention have been shown to be advantageously inducible under oleaginous conditions (i.e., nitrogen limitation) and are useful to drive expression of genes involved in the production of ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids.
US08323958B2 Closed photobioreactor system for continued daily in situ production of ethanol from genetically enhanced photosynthetic organisms with means for separation and removal of ethanol
The invention provides a device for growing genetically enhanced aquatic photoautotrophic organisms in a stable culture, causing said organisms to produce ethanol, and then separating, collecting, and removing the ethanol in situ.
US08323956B2 Distal tip of biosensor transducer comprising enzyme for deamination
Enzymatic biosensors and methods of producing distal tips for biosensor transducers for use in detecting one or more analytes selected from organic compounds susceptible to dehalogenation, organic compounds susceptible to oxygenation, organic compounds susceptible to deamination, organosulfate compounds susceptible to hydrolysis, and organophosphate compounds susceptible to hydrolysis are disclosed herein, as well as biosensor arrays, methods of detecting and quantifying analytes within a mixture, and devices and methods for delivering reagents to enzymes disposed within the distal tip of a biosensor.
US08323951B2 Strains of Lactobacillus helveticus which do not ferment lactose
The invention relates to novel strains of Lactobacillus helveticus. More specifically, the invention relates to strains of Lactobacillus helveticus having a lactose-negative phenotype and to the uses thereof in the agri-food industry. The invention also relates to a method for obtaining such strains of Lactobacillus helveticus.
US08323947B2 Recombinant β-glucosidase variants for production of soluble sugars from cellulosic biomass
The invention relates to recombinant expression of a variant form of a fungal C1 strain β-glucosidase. The invention also relates to the generation of fermentable sugars from biomass and the production of biofuels by fermentation of the sugars using genetically modified organisms expressing the β-glucosidase variant. The invention provides methods for producing a fermentable sugar, such as glucose, from cellobiose by contacting cellobiose with a recombinant β-glucosidase variant protein, such as a variant protein secreted by a recombinant host cell into culture medium. Methods of the invention may be used for conversion of a biomass substrate to a fermentable sugar, and ultimately to ethanol or other biofuel.
US08323946B2 Alpha-amylase mutants
The present invention relates to a method of constructing a variant of a parent Termamyl-like alpha-amylase, which variant has alpha-amylase activity and at least one altered property as compared to the parent alpha-amylase, comprises i) analyzing the structure of the parent Termamyl-like alpha-amylase to identify at least one amino acid residue or at least one structural part of the Termamyl-like alpha-amylase structure, which amino acid residue or structural part is believed to be of relevance for altering the property of the parent Termamyl-like alpha-amylase (as evaluated on the basis of structural or functional considerations), ii) constructing a Termamyl-like alpha-amylase variant, which as compared to the parent Termamyl-like alpha-amylase, has been modified in the amino acid residue or structural part identified in i) so as to alter the property, and, optionally, iii) testing the resulting Termamyl-like alpha-amylase variant with respect to the property in question.
US08323941B2 Histone demethylation mediated by the nuclear amine oxidase homolog LSD1
LSD1, a homolog of nuclear amine oxidases, functions as a histone demethylase and transcriptional co-repressor. LSD1 specifically demethylates histone H3 lysine 4, which is linked to active transcription. Lysine demethylation occurs via an oxidation reaction that generates formaldehyde. Importantly, RNAi inhibition of LSD1 causes an increase in H3 lysine 4 methylation and concomitant de-repression of target genes, suggesting that LSD1 represses transcription via histone demethylation. The results thus identify a histone demethylase conserved from S. pombe to human and reveal dynamic regulation of histone methylation by both histone methylases and demethylases.
US08323939B2 Surface comprising DNA polymerase having mutations bound through an affinity tag
Active surface coupled polymerases, surfaces that include such polymerases, and methods of making and using surface-attached polymerases are provided.
US08323937B2 Continuous catalytic generation of polyols from cellulose
A catalytic process for generating at least one polyol from a feedstock comprising cellulose is performed in a continuous manner using a catalyst comprising nickel tungsten carbide. The process involves, contacting, continuously, hydrogen, water, and a feedstock comprising cellulose, with the catalyst to generate an effluent stream comprising at least one polyol and recovering the polyol from the effluent stream.
US08323934B2 Process for producing fatty acids
A process for producing fatty acid by hydrolyzing oil and fat, which comprises: a first step of partially hydrolyzing oil and fat by either of the following method (a) or (b), and a second step of hydrolysis by the other method: (a) enzymatic hydrolysis using an immobilized enzyme which is an enzyme immobilized on a support and (b) high pressure and temperature hydrolysis. A method of efficiently producing fatty acid with a reduced content of trans-unsaturated fatty acid in the constituent fatty acids and having a good appearance with reduced coloring by hydrolysis of oil and fat is provided.
US08323933B2 Vector for transformation using transposons, microorganisms transformed by the vector, and method for producing L-lysine using the same
The present invention relates to a vector for transformation using transposon genes, microorganisms transformed by the vector, and a method for producing L-lysine using the microorganisms.
US08323932B2 Expression of granular starch hydrolyzing enzymes in Trichoderma and process for producing glucose from granular starch substrates
The present invention relates to filamentous fungal host cells and particularly Trichoderma host cells useful for the production of heterologous granular starch hydrolyzing enzymes having glucoamylase activity (GSHE). Further the invention relates to a method for producing a glucose syrup comprising contacting a granular starch slurry obtained from a granular starch substrate simultaneously with an alpha amylase and a GSHE at a temperature equal to or below the gelatinization temperature of the granular starch to obtain a composition of a glucose syrup.
US08323930B2 Methods, compositions and kits for one-step DNA cloning using DNA topoisomerase
Provided are methods, compositions, and kits for molecular cloning of DNA using DNA topoisomerase. The methods comprise (I) combining into a mixture (A) a first polynucleotide, comprising an origin of replication, a selectable marker, two topoisomerase recognition sequences, and two nicking agent recognition sequences, each of the topoisomerase recognition sequences being within 50 nucleotides of at least one of the nicking agent recognition sequences and each of two nicking agent recognition sequences being nicked, with (B) a sequence-specific topoisomerase and (C) a second polynucleotide, having a 5′ hydroxyl on each end; and (II) transforming the mixture into a host organism, thereby cloning the second polynucleotide. Formation or purification of a DNA-protein adduct prior to the addition of the second polynucleotide is not required. Also provided are vector sequences to facilitate performance of the methods and methods for modifying a vector of interest to render it useful in the disclosed methods.
US08323928B2 Vaccines and immunotherapeutics derived from the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transactivator of transcription protein for the treatment and prevention of HIV disease
Anti-lentivirus vaccines and immunotherapeutics and methods for preparing and using same are disclosed. The vaccines and immunotherapeutics are produced using non-immunosuppressive lentivirus trans-activator of transcription (Tat) proteins. An associated in vitro ultra-sensitive macrophage Tat bioassay is disclosed for assessing the immunosuppressive qualities of the lentivirus Tat preparations of the present invention. Additionally, a related long-term T4 cell propagation system for characterizing lentivirus Tat is also disclosed. The present invention has additional utility in the treatment and prevention of AIDS.
US08323927B2 Preparation of protective antigen
A polynucleotide sequence is provided comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding recombinant Protective Antigen (rPA).Also provided are expression vectors and host cells comprising the polynucleotide sequence of the invention, and methods for producing rPA.
US08323925B2 Aβ-binding protein and its peptide derivatives and uses thereof
A protein kinase C inhibitor that binds β-amyloid and its peptide derivatives with the same function are disclosed. These may be useful in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, for example as pseudo vaccines comprising antibodies, or as part of fusion proteins which are able to pass through cell membranes or through the blood-brain barrier. Methods of using the PKC inhibitor and its peptide derivatives for treating Alzheimer's disease are also disclosed.
US08323921B2 Method and apparatus for environmental monitoring and bioprospecting
A method for environmental monitoring and bioprospecting includes the steps of: (a) utilizing a testing device having: (i) a container having a fluid inlet and outlet, (ii) a plurality of capillary microcosms situated within the container, each of these capillaries having an inlet and outlet that are configured so as to allow for fluid flow through the capillaries, each of these capillaries further having a means for covering its inlet and outlet so as to prevent flow through the capillary, (iii) a pump connected to the container outlet, the pump being configured so as to draw fluid from the surrounding environment into the container's inlet and through the capillaries, (iv) connected to the outlet of the container, a means for collecting the flow through the container, and (v) a check valve connected downstream of the container to prevent the backflow of fluid into the container, (b) adding specified test substances to the device's capillaries, wherein these substances are to be analyzed for their ability to accelerate a specified biotransformation process in the subject environment, (c) locating this device in this environment and opening the capillary covering means so as to allow fluid from the surrounding environment to flow though the container and capillaries, (d) leaving the device in situ for a temporal duration sufficient to incubate phenomena occurring within the capillary microcosms, (e) retrieving the testing device, and (f) analyzing phenomena occurring with the capillary microcosms using automated analysis schemes and commercially available robotics.
US08323918B2 Chloroacetamidine based inhibitors and activity based probes for the protein arginine methytransferases
In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a protein arginine methyltransferase inhibitor is provided. The inhibitor comprises an amino acid peptide joined to a chloroacetamidine warhead.
US08323914B2 Analyte detection
The present invention relates to analyte detection test systems, including test systems for the oral detection of analytes in saliva. The present invention also provides compositions and methods for storing multiple assay tests and compositions and methods for measuring the concentration of analytes in a sample.
US08323910B2 Methods and compositions for determining the purity of chemically synthesized nucleic acids
This application describes an antibody that specifically binds to a synthetic oligomer (e.g., an oligonucleotide or oligopeptide) having a organic protecting group covalently bound thereto, which antibody does not bind to that synthetic oligomer when the organic protecting group is not covalently bound thereto. Methods of making and using such antibodies are also disclosed, along with cells for making such antibodies and articles carrying immobilized oligomers that can be used in assay procedures with such antibodies.
US08323907B2 Type IV secretion system proteins in sero-detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum
Disclosed are two (2) proteins in the Type IV Secretion System (TIVSS) in Anaplasma phagocytophilum (namely, virB10 and virB11) useful in the ELISA detection of Anaplasma pathogen. The recombinant expression of virB10 and virB11 and their use as kits for ELISA are also disclosed.
US08323906B2 Compositions, kits, and methods for identification, assessment, prevention and therapy of breast and ovarian cancer
The invention relates to newly discovered nucleic acid molecules and proteins associated with breast or ovarian cancer. Compositions, kits, and methods for detecting, characterizing, preventing, and treating human breast or ovarian cancers are provided.
US08323905B2 Methods of detection GPVI
The present invention provides a convenient and highly sensitive method of determining sGPVI present in plasma; this is accomplished by establishing a plurality of mouse hybridomas that produce antibody against GPVI and combining the antibodies produced therefrom. Provided thereby are a novel platelet activation marker, a reagent and method for determining this novel platelet activation marker, and novel applications of this marker in, for example, the diagnosis of diseases associated with platelet activation/vascular endothelial injury.
US08323900B2 Microfluidic system for amplifying and detecting polynucleotides in parallel
The present technology provides for an apparatus for detecting polynucleotides in samples, particularly from biological samples. The technology more particularly relates to microfluidic systems that carry out PCR on nucleotides of interest within microfluidic channels, and detect those nucleotides. The apparatus includes a microfluidic cartridge that is configured to accept a plurality of samples, and which can carry out PCR on each sample individually, or a group of, or all of the plurality of samples simultaneously.
US08323898B2 Method for identifying pathogenic microorganisms responsible for infection by extracting the DNA of a microorganism
A system rapidly detects and identifies pathogenic bacteria responsible for infection (particularly septicemia), and selects an appropriate antimicrobial drug. A method according to the present invention for detecting and identifying pathogenic bacteria includes performing gene amplification such as real-time PCR, and analyzing the combination of the melting temperatures (Tm values) determined by gene amplification product melting curve analysis or the difference between the Tm values. Specifically, real-time PCR is performed using 4 to 16 primer sets including 1 to 7 primer sets for the 16S ribosomal RNA of bacteria, 1 to 6 primer sets for the 18S ribosomal RNA of fungi, and one primer set respectively for the spa gene and the mecA gene specific to MRSA, and the combination of the Tm values of the amplification product or the combination of the differences between the Tm values is compared with a database to identify pathogenic bacteria responsible for septicemia. Pathogenic bacteria responsible for infection (particularly septicemia) can be rapidly detected and identified using the method according to the invention so that a rapid septicemia diagnosis method and evidence-based medicine in septicemia treatment are implemented.
US08323896B2 Epidermal growth factor (EGF) expression and/or polymorphisms thereof for predicting the risk of developing cancer
The present invention relates to diagnostic and prognostic methods to determine the likelihood of a subject who has a inflammatory disease or liver disease of developing cancer. In particular, the present invention relates to methods for identifying subjects with increased susceptibility to developing cancer, such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) where the subject has an inflammatory disease, such as, but not limited to cirrhosis, by identifying a variance or polymorphism in the human EGF gene. In particular, the methods of the present invention relate to identifying subjects with increased susceptibility to developing cancer such as HCC, where the subject has an inflammatory disease, such as but not limited to cirrhosis, and the subject is identified to have a single nucleotide polymorphism 61A>G in the 5′UTR of the EGF gene. Alternatively, the methods of the present invention relate to identifying subjects with increased susceptibility to developing cancer such as HCC, where the subject has an inflammatory disease, such as but not limited to cirrhosis, and the subject is identified to have increased expression of EGF as compared to a reference level of EGF expression. The present invention also relates to administering an effective amount of an anti-cancer therapy to subjects identified to have an increased susceptibility of developing cancer such as HCC by the methods as disclosed herein, and kits to identify a subject with a 61A>G polymorphism in the 5′UTR of the EGF gene or kits to determine increased EGF expression in subjects with chronic inflammatory disease.
US08323893B2 Administration of exogenous miRNA or siRNA
Certain genes controlled by endogenous miRNA are actually upregulated upon the transfection of exogenous mi/siRNA. Based on this, methods of determining whether administration of mi/siRNA will have a deleterious effect by upregulating certain genes are provided. Comparison of sequences of exogenous mi/siRNA allows selection of exogenous miRNA to be administered to cell to enhance or limit this affect, and therefore to control unwanted disregulation, or to upregulate an endogenous miRNA-regulated gene of interest.
US08323884B2 Isolated SNARE YKT6 genomic polynucleotide fragments from chromosome 7 and their uses
The invention is directed to isolated genomic polynucleotide fragments that encode human SNARE YKT6, human glucokinase, human adipocyte enhancer binding protein (AEBP1) and DNA directed 50 kD regulatory subunit (POLD2), vectors and hosts containing these fragments and fragments hybridizing to noncoding regions as well as antisense oligonucleotides to these fragments. The invention is further directed to methods of using these fragments to obtain SNARE YKT6, human glucokinase, AEBP1 protein and POLD2 and to diagnose, treat, prevent and/or ameliorate a pathological disorder.
US08323878B2 Method of manufacturing optical waveguide laminated wiring board
A via hole is formed in a first cladding layer laminated on a wiring board. A conductive material is filled in the via hole so as to form a first conductor portion (a portion of a conductive via) having a mushroom-like shape projecting from a surface of the first cladding layer. Then, a second cladding layer is formed to cover the first conductor portion, the first cladding layer and a core layer, and a via hole is formed in the second cladding layer. A conductive material is filled in the via hole so as to form a second conductor portion (a remaining portion of the conductive via) connected to the first conductor portion.
US08323874B2 Method of making lithographic printing plates
A multi-layer, positive-working lithographic printing plate precursor can be imaged with infrared radiation and processed in a single step using a single processing solution that has a pH greater than 6 and up to about 11. This single processing solution both develops the imaged precursor and provides a protective coating that need not be rinsed off before lithographic printing.
US08323870B2 Method and photoresist with zipper mechanism
The present disclosure provides a resist utilized in a photolithography patterning process. The resist includes a polymeric material having a plurality of zipper molecules, each including a first zipper portion and a second zipper portion, wherein the first and second zipper portions each include a plurality of zipper branches bonded together in pairs and cleavable to one of thermal energy, radiation energy, and chemical reaction.
US08323868B2 Bilayer systems including a polydimethylglutarimide-based bottom layer and compositions thereof
Bilayer systems include a bottom layer formed of polydimethylglutarimide, an acid labile dissolution inhibitor and a photoacid generator. The bilayer system can be exposed and developed in a single exposure and development process.
US08323867B2 Materials for lithographic plates coatings, lithographic plates and coatings containing same, methods of preparation and use
This invention relates to iodonium salts, acetal copolymers and polymer binders comprising functional groups capable of undergoing cationic or radical polymerization, their method of preparation and their use in the preparation of coating solutions and coatings. This invention also relates to coatings containing the iodonium salts, acetal copolymers and/or polymer binders and to negative working lithographic printing plates comprising these coatings.
US08323858B2 Photomask blank, photomask, and methods of manufacturing the same
A photomask blank has a light shieldable film formed on a light transmitting substrate. The light shieldable film has a light shielding layer which is formed of molybdenum silicide metal containing molybdenum in a content greater than 20 atomic % and not greater than 40 atomic % and which has a thickness smaller than 40 nm, an antireflection layer formed on the light shielding layer in contact with the light shielding layer and formed of a molybdenum silicide compound containing at least one of oxygen and nitrogen, and a low reflection layer formed under the light shielding layer in contact with the light shielding layer.
US08323856B2 Mask blanks
The present invention provides a mask blank which comprises a substrate made of a synthetic quartz glass and a light-shielding film laminated on a surface of the substrate and is for use in a semiconductor device production technique employing an exposure light wavelength of 200 nm or shorter, wherein the mask blank has a birefringence, as measured at a wavelength of 193 nm, of 1 nm or less per substrate thickness. According to the present invention, mask blanks suitable for use in the immersion exposure technique and the polarized illumination technique are provided.
US08323849B2 Electrolyte membrane containing a crosslinked polybenzoxazine-based compound for fuel cell and fuel cell using the same
A fuel cell including an electrolyte membrane and/or an electrode which includes a crosslinked polybenzoxazine-based compound formed of a polymerized product of at least one selected from a first benzoxazine-based monomer and second benzoxazine-based monomer, the first benzoxazine-based monomer and second benzoxazine-based monomer having a halogen atom or a halogen atom-containing functional group, crosslinked with a cross-linkable compound.
US08323845B2 Solid oxide electrolyte fuel cell plate structure, stack and electrical power generation unit
A solid electrolyte fuel cell plate structure includes a cell element layer composed of a solid electrolyte, an air electrode layer and a fuel electrode layer, a porous base body supporting the cell element layer, and a gas-impermeable member having electric conductivity. The cell element layer is arranged such that the solid electrolyte layer is sandwiched between the air electrode layer and the fuel electrode layer, with the air electrode layer or the fuel electrode layer being joined to the porous base body. The gas-impermeable member is associated with the solid electrolyte layer to allow gas internally passing through the porous base body to be separated from gas flowing outside the porous base body. Such a cell plate structure can be employed in a solid electrolyte fuel cell stack, which in turn can be employed in a solid electrolyte fuel cell electric power generation unit.
US08323843B2 Manifold sealing and corrosion preventive interface plate for a fuel cell stack
A fuel cell assembly having a terminal plate that is isolated from fluid flows passing to the fuel cell stack through manifolds is provided. A corrosion resistant member is positioned between the fuel cell stack and the terminal plate and sealingly engages with the manifold. The sealing engagement between the manifold and the corrosion resistant member prevents fluid flowing through the manifold to the fuel cell stack from contacting the terminal plate. Thus, a fuel cell assembly according to the present invention can be operated while preventing a fluid flow through the manifold from contacting the terminal plate.
US08323841B2 Anode loop observer for fuel cell systems
A system and method for controlling the bleed valve in an anode recirculation loop of a fuel cell system. The system uses a model to determine the concentration of hydrogen in the recirculated gas by calculating the volume flow of the recirculated gas through a fuel cell stack, a pressure drop across the anode inlet and outlet of the stack, and the density of the recirculated gas, and using a measured temperature of the recirculated gas and a measured pressure drop across a recirculation pump.
US08323836B2 Modifier of lithium ion battery
A modifier of a lithium ion battery includes a clear solution fabricated from a phosphorous source having a phosphate radical, a trivalent aluminum source, and a metallic oxide provided in a liquid phase solvent. A molar ratio of the trivalent aluminum source, the metallic oxide, and the phosphorous source is set by (MolAl+MolMetal):Molp=about 1:2.5 to about 1:4. MolAl is the amount of substance of an aluminum element in the trivalent aluminum source, MolMetal is the amount of substance of a metallic element in the metallic oxide, and Molp is the amount of substance of a phosphorous element in the phosphorous source.
US08323834B2 Electric storage element
Disclosed is an electrical storage device having excellent safety and high battery capacity. Specifically disclosed is an electrical storage device comprising at least a positive electrode having a positive electrode active material layer and a positive electrode collector, a negative electrode having a negative electrode active material layer and a negative electrode collector, a separator and an organic electrolyte solution. This electrical storage device is characterized in that the negative electrode active material layer is composed of a metal complex oxide which absorbs and desorbs lithium ions, the positive electrode active material layer contains a carbonaceous material having a layered crystal structure, and the interlayer distance d002 of the layered crystal structure in the carbonaceous material is within the range of 0.36-0.38 nm.
US08323823B2 Battery pack with drawer portion
A battery pack is provided that includes a plurality of batteries, a connection substrate being connected to the plurality of batteries, a circuit substrate for connecting an external electronic device, and a connection member for connecting the connection substrate and the circuit substrate. Each battery has a drawer portion for leading out a cathode terminal and an anode terminal provided at a same side of the battery. The drawer portion has wall portions standing against the drawer portion so that the side portions of the drawer portion are opposed each other. The plurality of batteries are arranged in row so that the drawer portion of the plurality of batteries face to a same direction. A part of the connection substrate is disposed on the drawer portion of the battery. The rim of the connection substrate is provided with cutouts to let the wall portions disposed therein.
US08323817B2 Alkali metal seawater battery
A galvanic cell is disclosed. Generally, the cell includes an alkali metal anode, which electrochemcially oxidizes to release alkali metal ions, and a cathode, which is configured to be exposed to an electrolyte solution. A water-impermeable, alkali-ion-conductive ceramic membrane separates the anode from the cathode. Moreover, an alkali-ion-permeable anode current collector is placed in electrical communication with the anode. In some cases, to keep the anode in contact with the current collector as the cell functions and as the anode is depleted, the cell includes a biasing member that urges the anode against the current collector. To produce electricity, the galvanic cell is exposed to an aqueous electrolyte solution, such as seawater, brine, saltwater, etc.
US08323815B2 Optimized microporous structure of electrochemical cells
An optimized electrochemical cell comprised of a housing divided into two chambers, a first chamber containing a protogenous, ion-conducting liquid and a positive high density electrode including a first active material and a porous binder, surrounded by a surface in which the porosity level increases towards the surface, a second chamber containing an aprotic, ion conducting liquid and a negative high density electrode including a second active material and a porous binder, surrounded by a surface in which the porosity level increases towards the surface. A symmetric, strong, highly porous, microporous polymer membrane divides the housing into the first and second chamber. The porosity level of the polymer membrane is 25% greater than the porosity level at the surface of the positive and negative high density electrodes.
US08323812B2 Battery pack, battery-mounted device and connection structure for battery pack
It is aimed to provide a battery pack capable of securing safety by preventing A battery contained in the battery pack from entering a burning state even if the battery releases high-temperature gas in an abnormal state. An exhaust duct 1C for permitting the flow of gas released from the battery is provided and the gas is exhausted to the outside after reducing the temperature thereof in the exhaust duct 1C. A flow passage area of the exhaust duct 1C is in the range of not less than 0.5 mm2 and not more than 15 mm2 per 1 Ah of the battery capacity. The exhaust duct 1C is provided with a gas cooling portion 1L and a spark trapping portion 1M.
US08323809B2 Fuel cell electrolyte membrane with basic polymer
The present invention is an electrolyte membrane comprising an acid and a basic polymer, where the acid is a low-volatile acid that is fluorinated and is either oligomeric or non-polymeric, and where the basic polymer is protonated by the acid and is stable to hydrolysis.
US08323808B2 Perpendicular magnetic recording medium
There is provided a perpendicular magnetic recording medium according to which both the thermal stability of the magnetization is good and writing with a magnetic head is easy, and moreover the SNR is improved. In the case of a perpendicular magnetic recording medium comprising a nonmagnetic substrate 1, and at least a nonmagnetic underlayer 2, a magnetic recording layer 3 and a protective layer 4 formed in this order on the nonmagnetic substrate 1, the magnetic recording layer 3 comprises a low Ku region 31 layer having a perpendicular magnetic anisotropy constant (Ku value) of not more than 1×105 erg/cm3, and a high Ku region 32 layer having a Ku value of at least 1×106 erg/cm3. Moreover, the magnetic recording layer 3 is made to have therein nonmagnetic grain boundaries that contain a nonmagnetic oxide and magnetically isolate crystal grains, which are made of a ferromagnetic metal, from one another.
US08323807B2 Process for producing alumina coating composed mainly of α-type crystal structure
The present invention provides a process for producing an alumina coating comprised mainly of α crystal structure on a base material.
US08323803B2 Imaging member
An imaging member is disclosed having a surface layer comprising a heat-sensitive material whose surface compatibility to printing agents, such as toners and inks, can be substantially reversed in response to small changes in temperature. The imaging member is suitable for use in lithographic and printing applications, permitting reversible switching between compatibility states of printing agents, such as between hydrophilic and hydrophobic states or oleophilic and oleophobic states, and enabling rapid production of images on a recording medium. The heat-sensitive material comprises an acrylamide polymer and a silicon material.
US08323802B2 Light activatable polyimide compositions for receiving selective metalization, and methods and compositions related thereto
The present invention relates generally to polyimide composites having dispersed in the polyimide base matrix, useful spinel crystal fillers wherein the composite has a visible-to-infrared light extinction coefficient between and including 0.05 and 0.60 microns−1. The composite polyimides formed therefrom are typically used to make circuits having fine electrically conductive pathways adjacent to the polyimide substrate. These fine electrically conductive pathways are typically formed on the substrate using an electro-less metal plating step. First, the surface of the polyimide composite is light activated, typically by using a laser beam, then the light activated portions are plated to form thin lines, or pathways, on the film's surface.
US08323795B2 Easy-to-suspend hydrophobing agents
The invention relates to solids powders comprising particles having an average particle size of 0.1 to 50 μm with predominantly a core-shell structure, wherein the core comprises at least one water-insoluble fatty acid salt and the shell at least one anionic, cationic or non-ionic emulsifier, and the solids powder when introduced into water or at least one polar organic solvent or a mixture comprising water and at least one polar organic solvent, at a temperature of 23° C. while exposed to a mechanical force, forms a complete dispersion within 60 minutes or less.
US08323794B2 Injectable hydrogel microspheres from aqueous two-phase system
Injectable hydrogel microspheres are prepared by forming an emulsion where hydrogel precursors are in a disperse aqueous phase and polymerizing the hydrogel precursors. In a preferred case, the hydrogel precursors are poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate and N-isopropylacrylamide and the continuous phase of the emulsion is an aqueous solution of dextran and a dextran solubility reducer. The microspheres will load protein, e.g., cytokines, from aqueous solution.
US08323792B2 Spherical corundum particles, based on fused aluminum oxide and a method for producing said particles
A method is provided for manufacturing spherical corundum grains having a bulk density between 1.5 kg/L and 2.5 kg/L, with aluminum oxide being melted in an electric arc furnace with the addition of 0.1 to 1% quartz sand, the melt being poured in a pouring quantity of less than 100 kg/min, and the pouring stream being blown using compressed air at a pressure between 3 to 10 bar.
US08323791B2 Polyamide filament and industrial fabric using the polyamide filament
A polyamide filament is disclosed. The filament includes a polyamide resin. The resin is obtained from mixing crystalline polyamide (A) with another polyamide (B). Crystalline polyamide (A) is obtained by a polycondensation reaction of metaxylenediamine and adipic acid. Crystalline polyamide (A) comprises from 5 to 50 wt. % of the resin. Polyamide (B) comprises from 50 to 95 wt. % of the resin. The filament is heated to 160 to 200° C. under a constant length condition at an initial load of 20 mg/d. After heating, a thermal contraction stress of the filament is not reduced in a cool-down region not greater than 80° C.
US08323790B2 Bimodal and multimodal dense boride cermets with low melting point binder
Multimodal cermet compositions having lower melting point metal binders and methods of making are provided. The multimodal cermet compositions having a low melting point metal binder include: a) a ceramic phase, and b) a low melting point metal binder phase, wherein the ceramic phase is a metal boride with a multimodal distribution of particles, wherein the metal of the metal boride is chosen from Group IV, Group V, Group VI elements of the Long Form of the Periodic Table of Elements, and mixtures thereof, and wherein the low melting metal binder phase is represented by the formula (DEF), wherein D is a base metal chosen from Fe, Ni, Co, Mn and mixtures thereof, E is an alloying metal comprising Cr, Si, and B, and F is an alloying element chosen from C, N, P, Al, Ga, Ge, As, In, Sn, Sb, Pb, Sc, La, Y, Ce, Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Mo, W, Re, Ru, Rh, Ir, Pd, Pt, Cu, Ag, Au and mixtures thereof, and wherein said low melting metal binder phase has a melting point less than 1250° C. The multimodal cermet compositions having a low melting point metal binder may be formed by a powder metallurgy process or an infiltration process. One or more advantages of the multimodal cermets with low melting point binder are high packing density of the ceramic phase, high fracture toughness, and improved erosion resistance at high temperatures up to 1000° C. The multimodal cermets with low melting point binder are suitable in high temperature erosion/corrosion applications in various chemical and petroleum environments.
US08323789B2 Nanomaterial polymer compositions and uses thereof
The present invention is directed to compositions (“Nanomaterial Polymer Compositions”) comprising a silicone polymer and a nanomaterial, including but not limited to, a single or multi-walled nanotube, a nanowire, a nanodot, a quantum dot, a nanorod, a nanocrystal, a nanotetrapod, a nanotripod, a nanobipod, a nanoparticle, a nanosaw, a nanospring, a nanoribbon, a branched nanomaterial, or any combination thereof. The Nanomaterial Polymer Compositions are useful for optical and sensing devices including but not limited to noise suppression, passive Q-switching, mode-locking, waveform shaping, optical switching, optical signal regeneration, phase conjugation or filter devices, dispersion compensation, wavelength conversion, a soliton stabilization, microcavity applications, interferometers; optical, magneto-optical or electro-optical modulation; and biochemical sensors and photodetectors. The Nanomaterial Polymer Compositions are also useful in soft lithography processes.
US08323788B2 Highly flexible sheet composite material
The invention relates to a highly flexible sheet composite material comprising a block flexible foam and a layer of whipped foam made of polyurethane-based dispersions two-dimensionally bonded thereto, a process for preparing such a composite material, and the use thereof.
US08323785B2 Lightweight, reduced density fire rated gypsum panels
A reduced weight, reduced density gypsum panel that includes high expansion vermiculite with fire resistance capabilities that are at least comparable to (if not better than) commercial fire rated gypsum panels with a much greater gypsum content, weight and density.
US08323779B2 Cleaning cards
A cleaning card for use in cleaning internal surfaces of a machine-reading mechanism includes a substrate having plurality of discrete raised areas in opposed surfaces thereof. The discrete raised areas each include a peak and a peripheral wall having an edge remote from the peak, and the peak of each raised area is farther from a central plane of the card than the edge of the peripheral wall remote from the peak. Relief means are provided in the substrate for preventing the peaks of at least some of the discrete raised areas from flattening toward the central plane to an extent that such peaks will not effectively engage and clean desired internal surfaces of a machine-reading mechanism when the cleaning card moves in the machine direction in other than a single, substantially linear plane.
US08323775B2 Turbulence foil
The disclosure relates to a layer (1) for reducing air resistance of a forward-moving object, which layer comprises a pattern of surfaces (2) rising in a first direction R, and—channels (3) running between the surfaces in a second direction at an angle to the first direction. A flow is brought about on a micro-scale in the channels which damps the occurrence of turbulence in the main flow over the surface, thereby reducing air resistance.
US08323774B2 Apparatus for inflating and sealing pillows in packaging cushions
A machine which inflates and seals pillows in packaging is compact in overall size, can be conveniently operated to produce varied lengths of strips of inflated pillow-type packaging as needed, can begin production of inflated pillow-type strip packaging immediately after being held out of a production cycle for some period of time, and applies a heated sealing element directly to and in sliding contact with a web of film to securely seal the inlet port of an inflated pillow while the pillow is under pressure and as the web of film is continuously and uninterruptedly advanced through the machine.
US08323773B2 Laminates with structured layers
An article including at least one first layer with a first major surface and a second major surface, wherein at least one of the first and second major surfaces is a structured surface; and a cap layer in contact with a structured surface of the first layer.
US08323772B2 Photon-alignment optical film
A photon-alignment optical film includes a film substrate on which at least one layer of core/shell nanoparticles is coated. The core/shell nanoparticle layer includes a plastic substance, which is photo curable or heat curable, and a plurality of core/shell nanoparticles, which is uniformly distributed in the plastic substance. Light energy is used as a driving force to induce electrical potential of the same polarity on the surfaces of the core/shell nanoparticles to make the core/shell nanoparticles rearranged in the form of a matrix due to repulsion induced between like electrical polarity. Spacing between the particles, which is relatively constant, allows light to pass therethrough. The plastic substance is cured by light or heat to have the core/shell nanoparticles set in position to thereby form the optical film. Such an optical film features both diffusion and brightness enhancement.
US08323770B2 Breathable non-asphaltic roofing underlayment having tailorable breathability
A building materials composite is provided, having a first perforated coated scrim, a second perforated coated scrim, and a breathable thermoplastic film bonded to and sandwiched between the first and the second perforated coated scrims. Further, a method of manufacturing a building materials composite is provided, the method having the steps of coating a fabric, perforating the coated fabric to make a perforated coated scrim, bonding one side of the perforated coated scrim to one side of a breathable thermoplastic film, and bonding a non-woven fabric to a second side of the breathable thermoplastic film.
US08323764B2 Methods to produce stretchable products
The invention provides methods for producing flexible, stretchable, and/or elastic products comprised principally of material such as natural elastomers and other synthetic polymers. The method for producing stretchable products by spraying product material over a workpiece former, and method for creating perforated products by spraying product material over fibers in an upright position. The invention provides methods for making double sided fiber coating of the product and, or to at least coating the product surface on the side facing the wall without the need for removing the product from the wall.
US08323759B2 Lighter than air balloon made from a biaxially oriented polyester film
A long life balloon formed from a lamination. The lamination includes a polyester film with a total thickness of 4 μm to 12 μm. The polyester film includes a biaxially oriented polyester core layer and at least one amorphous copolyester skin layer. The lamination also includes a sealant layer and a gas barrier layer on an opposite side of the polyester film from the sealant layer. The oxygen transmission rate of the balloon is less than 0.1 cc/100 sqin/day, a bonding strength of the gas barrier layer to the surface of the polyester film is more than 300 g/in at dry conditions, a sealing strength of the balloon is more than 3.5 kg/in, and a floating time of the balloon is more than 20 days.
US08323757B2 Artificial Christmas tree and antler apparatus
An artificial Christmas tree with an array of imitation animal antlers incorporated into the tree to serve as additional branches. The purpose of the incorporated animal antler branches is to provide structural support to the tree so that the device can hold a multitude of Christmas ornaments. The antlers serve as strong branches and can support the weight of several heavy Christmas ornaments at once on each animal antler branch, while providing an ornamental and novel looking tree device for supporting hanging articles and Christmas decoration. Each antler has plurality of elongated prongs, allowing a user to place many ornaments on a single antler without resulting in deflection thereof. The antlers strength keeps the branches from drooping under the weight of the decorations, which leaves the Christmas tree aesthetically pleasing to the eye and particularly attractive for animal hunters and enthusiasts.
US08323752B2 Carbon-based thin film, and process for producing the same, and member using the thin film
The present invention provides a novel carbon-based material in which carbons different in property are combined in such a manner as to be applicable to a device. The carbon-based thin film provides a carbon-based thin film 10 including first phases 1 that contain amorphous carbon and extend in a film thickness direction, and a second phase 2 that contains a graphite structure and intervenes between the first phases 1. In the thin film, at least one selected from the group consisting of the following a) to e) is satisfied: a) the second phase contains more graphite structures per unit volume than the first phases; b) a density of the second phase is larger than that of the first phases; c) an electric resistivity of the second phase is lower than that of the first phases; d) an elastic modulus of the second phase is higher than that of the first phases; and e) in the second phase, a basal plane of the graphite structure is oriented along the film thickness direction.
US08323738B2 Coated cutting tool and method for producing the same
Provided are a coated cutting tool having excellent wear resistance and excellent resistance to chipping as well as excellent fracture resistance such that the coated cutting tool is unlikely to cause backward movement of the tool edge position due to wear or chipping, and a method for producing the same.A coated cutting tool comprising a base material having a surface coated with a coating film, wherein the coating film comprises at least one layer comprised of a TiCN columnar crystal film, wherein the TiCN columnar crystal film has an average grain size of 0.05 to 0.5 μm, as measured in the direction parallel to the surface of the base material, and exhibits an X-ray diffraction pattern having a peak at a diffraction angle 2θ in the range of from 121.5 to 122.6° wherein the peak is ascribed to the (422) crystal facet of the TiCN columnar crystal as measured using CuKα radiation.
US08323736B2 Methods of forming metal-containing structures, and methods of forming germanium-containing structures
Some embodiments include methods of forming metal-containing structures. A first metal-containing material may be formed over a substrate. After the first metal-containing material is formed, and while the substrate is within a reaction chamber, hydrogen-containing reactant may be used to form a hydrogen-containing layer over the first metal-containing material. The hydrogen-containing reactant may be, for example, formic acid and/or formaldehyde. Any unreacted hydrogen-containing reactant may be purged from within the reaction chamber, and then metal-containing precursor may be flowed into the reaction chamber. The hydrogen-containing layer may be used during conversion of the metal-containing precursor into a second metal-containing material that forms directly against the first metal-containing material. Some embodiments include methods of forming germanium-containing structures, such as, for example, methods of forming phase change materials containing germanium, antimony and tellurium.
US08323734B2 Method for the application of a filter on a web
A Fabry-Perot filter is applied as a thin coating on a film, for example, a packaging film, and permits interesting color effects. The coating has a layered construction in which both reflecting layers of the filter may be made of aluminum and the intermediate layer between the reflecting layers may be made of aluminum oxide.
US08323733B2 Method for producing a membrane comprising micropassages made from porous material by chemical mechanical polishing
A surface of a support comprising through micropassages is brought into contact with an aqueous solution comprising a plurality of particles in suspension and a pad. A pressure perpendicular to the plane of the support, between the pad and the surface of the support, and a relative movement of the pad and of the surface in a direction parallel to the plane of the support are applied. At least one particle is thus introduced in each microgap to form a porous material therein.
US08323730B2 Method and device for applying adhesive therads and points to a substrate, web of material comprising a fleece and a layer composed of adhesive threads, and products made therefrom
The invention relates to a device for applying adhesive threads to a substrate (30). Said device comprises an rotatable application head (18) encompassing at least one adhesive discharge nozzle (18A) located at a radial distance (b) from the axis of rotation (18D) of the application head (18), a shaft (18B), and at least one adhesive supply duct (18C) which extends from an adhesive supply unit (20) to the at least one adhesive discharge nozzle (18A) via the shaft (18B). A rotary drive unit (12, 15, 14) rotates the application head (18) about the shaft (18B) thereof while an adhesive supply unit (20) and/or a valve assembly (22) control/s impingement of the adhesive supply duct (18C) of the application head (18) with adhesive. The invention further relates to a method for applying adhesive threads to a substrate as well as products made therefrom.
US08323726B2 Production method of magnetic carrier and magnetic carrier produced therewith
When a surface of magnetic carrier core particles is coated with coating resin composition particles, the coating is conducted so that a surface of the magnetic carrier is free from cracks and chips and has fewer residual resin composition particles and a coating is uniform. In the method, a rotor having a plurality of stirring members on a surface thereof is rotated to coat the surface of magnetic carrier core particles with the resin composition particles. When the coating is conducted, while repeatedly conducting transportation in a direction of a driver and transportation in an anti-driver direction, the surface of the magnetic carrier core particles is coated with the resin composition. The resin composition particles has a 50% particle diameter (D50) based on volume of 0.2 μm or more to 6.0 μm or less and the proportion of particles of 10.0 μm or more is 2.0% by volume or less.
US08323725B2 Soft magnetic material, powder magnetic core and method of manufacturing soft magnetic material
A soft magnetic material is a soft magnetic material including a composite magnetic particle (30) having a metal magnetic particle (10) mainly composed of Fe and an insulating coating (20) covering metal magnetic particle (10), and insulating coating (20) contains an iron phosphate compound and an aluminum phosphate compound. The atomic ratio of Fe contained in a contact surface of insulating coating (20) in contact with metal magnetic particle (10) is larger than the atomic ratio of Fe contained in the surface of insulating coating (20). The atomic ratio of Al contained in the contact surface of insulating coating (20) in contact with metal magnetic particle (10) is smaller than the atomic ratio of Al contained in the surface of insulating coating (20). Thus, iron loss can be reduced.
US08323724B2 Liquid droplet discharging apparatus, liquid discharging method, color filter producing method, and organic EL device producing method
A liquid droplet discharging apparatus includes a substrate having a plurality of film formation regions; a plurality of nozzles discharging droplets of a liquid, the nozzles being positioned facing the substrate and moved relatively with respect to the substrate to perform a scanning operation so as to discharge the droplets in the film formation regions during the scanning operation; a first moving mechanism moving the substrate relatively with the nozzles in a first direction; a plurality of driving units provided, each corresponding to one of the nozzles; a nozzle driving section generating a plurality of driving signals to supply one of the driving signals changing amounts of the droplets to be discharged to the driving units so as to allow the droplets to be discharged from the nozzles; and a control section controlling the first moving mechanism to allow the scanning operation to be performed a plurality of times over a same film formation region and controlling the nozzle driving section to allow a predetermined amount of the liquid to be discharged as droplets in the same film formation region during the plurality of times of the scanning operations and to change the driving signal applied to the driving units corresponding to nozzles positioned over the film formation region among the nozzles in each of the scanning operations.
US08323723B2 Controlled vapor deposition of biocompatible coatings for medical devices
An intraocular lens with a hydrophilic polymer coating composition and method of preparing same are provided. Specifically, a composition suitable for reducing tackiness in intraocular lenses is provided wherein an acrylic intraocular lens is treated by vapor deposition with an alkoxy silyl terminated polyethylene glycol polymer composition.
US08323722B2 Processing of biocompatible coating on polymeric implants
The present invention provides polymeric substrates comprising a biocompatible coating and methods of preparation thereof. In particular, the coating may be a ceramic material, especially a calcium phosphate material, which may be functionally graded. The invention provides the ability to apply high quality coatings to polymeric substrates without damaging the substrate (e.g., melting the polymeric material). The functionally graded coating can provide crystalline calcium phosphate near the coating interface with the substrate and provide amorphous calcium phosphate at the outer surface of the coating.
US08323718B2 Co-precipitated carrageenan/xanthan gum compositions and processes for their preparation
Co-precipitated carrageenan/xanthan gum compositions and a process for preparation are provided. The compositions are simple to prepare and provide functional performance in a broad range of food, specialty and industrial applications.
US08323717B2 Method of producing baker's yeast
The method of producing baker's yeast involves producing yeast from a substrate composed of date syrup (Dips) diluted by molasses in sufficient quantity to lower the concentration of organic acids present in the date syrup that are toxic to yeast to safe levels, preferably a 1:1 mixture (w/w) of date syrup (Dips) and molasses. The substrate is inoculated with viable cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast and placed in a bioreactor or fermentation vessel. The yeast is produced by a fed-batch process to ensure continuous yeast production and prevent or minimize the production of alcohol by the yeast, additional increments of the substrate being added about hourly for the duration (about 12 hours) of the yeast propagation process. The process produces baker's yeast comparable in quality to yeast produced from a pure molasses substrate for such purposes as making bread, and in sufficient quantity to be practical for industrial production.
US08323713B1 Home carbonation method
An apparatus to make home carbonated aqueous solutions using commercial low cost screw capped disposable pressurizable beverage containers. The apparatus including screw capped bottles with barbed fittings and flexible tubing and a manifold connection to connect the reservoir bottles with the reactor bottle and the receiver bottle. Valves or pinch clamps, tubing connectors and a pressure relief valve are used. Yeast and a fermentable carbohydrate and water are mixed together in one disposable reactor bottle. The carbon dioxide emanating from the disposable reactor bottle is fed into two or more disposable reservoir bottles such that the carbon dioxide is separated from the yeast, sugar, water, and fermentation alcohols. A pressure relief valve is placed on tubing whose internal pressure is derived from the reactor bottle to prevent unsafe pressures from occurring within in the system. A pressure indicator shows when the system is properly pressurized. A chilled water-containing solution in a disposable receiver bottle to which flavors may be added is connected to the reservoir bottle(s) when the proper pressure has been achieved. The receiver bottle has adequate gas head space to allow the bottle contents to be shaken, hastening the dissolving of the carbon dioxide into the water.
US08323712B2 Process for producing raw sausage with shortened ripening time
A process accelerating the ripening of raw sausages by incorporating a casing having a water vapor permeability of less than 600 g/m2 d at a relative humidity of less than 60%. Preferably, the process employs casings having a water vapor permeability of 50 to 400 g/m2 d, more preferably 70 to 300 g/m2 d, particularly preferably 80 to 200 g/m2 d. The process concerns, in particular, single-layered or multilayered casings made of thermoplastics, optionally also coated textile fiber skins or cellulose fiber skins.
US08323710B1 Method of frying shrimp to maintain shape thereof
A method of frying a shrimp to maintain an original shape includes a first process of forming a plurality of slits in a lower portion of the body part of the shrimp close to a tail part thereof; a second process of removing a back shell of the body; a third process of coating the head part, the body part, plurality of leg parts, and the tail part of the shrimp from which the back shell thereof has been removed, with a powder form of primary batter; a fourth process of coating the shrimp coated with the powder form of primary batter, with a liquid type of secondary batter; and a process operation of introducing the shrimp into a fry container from an end portion of the head part by acute angle when the shrimp coated with the liquid type of secondary batter is put into the fry container.
US08323708B2 Poultry meat and eggs comprising beneficial fatty acids
The present disclosure provides for improved poultry products and methods of producing such poultry products by incorporating healthy lipids containing stearidonic acid into animal feed products. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides methods for producing said products. In one embodiment of the disclosure, a poultry animal may be fed feed comprising a transgenic plant product. In other embodiments of the disclosure, poultry white meat and dark meat products comprising SDA, EPA, DPA, and DHA are disclosed. In further embodiments of the disclosure, poultry eggs comprising SDA, EPA, DHA, and DPA are disclosed.
US08323698B2 Polymers for functional particles
The present invention generally relates to polymers and macromolecules, in particular, to block polymers useful in particles such as nanoparticles. One aspect of the invention is directed to a method of developing nanoparticles with desired properties. In one set of embodiments, the method includes producing libraries of nanoparticles having highly controlled properties, which can be formed by mixing together two or more macromolecules in different ratios. One or more of the macromolecules may be a polymeric conjugate of a moiety to a biocompatible polymer. In some cases, the nanoparticle may contain a drug. The moiety, in some embodiments, may have a molecular weight greater than about 1000 Da; for example, the moiety may include a polypeptide or a polynucleotide, such as an aptamer. The moiety may also be a targeting moiety, an imaging moiety, a chelating moiety, a charged moiety, or a therapeutic moiety. Another aspect of the invention is directed to systems and methods of producing such polymeric conjugates. In some embodiments, a solution containing a polymer is contacted with a liquid, such as an immiscible liquid, to form nanoparticles containing the polymeric conjugate. Other aspects of the invention are directed to methods using such libraries, methods of using or administering such polymeric conjugates, methods of promoting the use of such polymeric conjugates, kits involving such polymeric conjugates, or the like.
US08323696B2 Nanoparticles for immunotherapy
Nanoparticles that activate complement in the absence of biological molecules are described. The nanoparticles are shown to specifically target antigen presenting cells in specifically in lymph nodes, without the use of a biological molecule for targeting. These particles are useful vehicles for delivering immunotherapeutics. Surface chemistries and chemical formulations for the nanoparticles are described.
US08323695B2 Method for stabilizing phenylephrine
The present invention relates to a process for stabilizing phenylephrine including drying an acidic solution of phenylephrine and pharmaceutical compositions including stabilized phenylephrine.
US08323694B2 Gold nanoparticles for selective IR heating
Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for increasing the infrared absorptivity of a therapeutic target. Also disclosed are methods for detecting or ablating a therapeutic target that include providing a nanoparticle composition for increasing the infrared absorptivity of the therapeutic target. Subsequently, the therapeutic target having increased infrared absorptivity is exposed to a therapeutically effective dose of infrared irradiation to effect its detection or ablation. In addition, a method is disclosed for treating a subject suffering from a tumor by providing to the tumor a nanoparticle composition for increasing its infrared absorptivity. The tumor having increased infrared absorptivity is then heated by exposing it to a therapeutically effective dose of infrared irradiation.
US08323691B2 Methods and apparatus for determining formulation orientation of multi-layered pharmaceutical dosage forms
Rapid and accurate determination of the formulation orientation of multi-layer capsule-shaped tablets with respect to different internal formulation layers proximate to the opposite narrow and rounded ends of the tablets is required. By including an appropriate color scheme in multi-layer osmotic tablets, detection of the formulation orientation is achieved by detecting the color at a spot location on a side of the tablet corresponding to one or another formulation layer or to one or another interface of two formulation layers depending on the formulation orientation of the tablet.
US08323690B2 Solid oral dosage form containing an enhancer
The invention relates to a solid oral dosage form comprising a pharmaceutically active ingredient in combination with an enhancer which enhances the bioavailability and/or the absorption of the active ingredient. Accordingly, a solid oral dosage form comprises a drug and an enhancer wherein the enhancer is a medium chain fatty acid ester, ether or salt or a derivative of a medium chain fatty acid, which is, preferably, solid at room temperature and which has a carbon chain length of from 6 to 20 carbon atoms. Preferably, the solid oral dosage form is controlled release dosage form such as a delayed release dosage form.
US08323685B2 Methods of processing compositions containing microparticles
Methods for processing microparticles involve providing a composition comprising a plurality of solid microparticles and at least one non-volatile material, providing a non-solvent, and exposing the composition to the non-solvent to remove at least a portion of the non-volatile material from the composition while retaining at least the microparticles.
US08323684B2 Occlusive transdermal therapeutic system with a non-occlusive backing layer
The invention relates to a TTS with backing layers that guarantee a high wear comfort and that facilitate application in regions of the human body that are subject to great mechanical loads, especially the large joints of the extremities. The inventive backing layers overcome the disadvantages with respect to reduced absorption of the active substance by the skin that are typically associated with such backing layers. The inventive systems are preferably used for the local of systemic administration of anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving active substances.
US08323682B2 Appetite suppressant product and method
An appetite suppressant composition that is effective for the control of mammalian weight and methods of administration of the composition of the invention are provided. The composition is a cellulose product prepared with ethanol preferably with added sweetener, spice(s), salt and protein for oral administration to a patient.
US08323679B2 Flexible, compressed intravaginal rings, methods of making and using the same, and apparatus for making the same
The present invention is directed to flexible, compressed intravaginal rings comprising a substantially homogeneous compressed mixture comprising a polymethacrylate, a plasticizer, and an active agent, and methods of making and using the same, and apparatus for making the same.
US08323678B2 Implantable medical devices comprising poly[l-lactide-co-(3,6-dialkyl-1,4-dioxane-2,5-dione)]
This invention is directed to implantable medical device comprising a polymeric composition comprising poly[L-lactide-co-(3,6-dialkyl-1,4-dioxane-2,5-dione)], alone or as a blend with one or more polymers selected from the group consisting of poly(L-lactide) and poly(3,6-dialkyl-1,4-dioxane-2,5-dione).
US08323674B2 Synergistic biocide composition comprising 2-methylisothiazoline-3-one
A biocide composition, comprising 2-methylisothiazolin-3-one as a biocidal active ingredient and at least one further biocidal active ingredient, as an additive to materials capable of being attacked by harmful microorganisms, wherein the composition comprises a pyrithione as the further biocidal active ingredient.
US08323673B2 Concentrated, non-foaming solution of quaternary ammonium compounds and methods of use
A concentrated quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) solution comprising a QAC with a concentration greater than about 10% by weight and at least one solubility enhancing agent, such as an alcohol, is disclosed. A diluted QAC solution is useful on food products to prevent microbial growth on the food from a broad spectrum of foodborne microbial contamination. Also disclosed is a method of contacting food products with the dilute QAC for an application time of at least 0.1 second. Foods that can be treated by this method are meat and meat products, seafood, vegetables, fruit, dairy products, pet foods and snacks, and any other food that can be 10 treated and still retain its appearance and texture. One of the treatment methods is spraying and misting the QAC solutions on the food products for an application time of at least 0.1 second to prevent broad spectrum foodborne microbial contamination.
US08323670B2 Topical compositions of opioid antagonists and methods for treating skin conditions therewith
Provided are topical compositions comprising opioid antagonists, such as naltrexone or naloxone, or their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, and methods for treating skin conditions, such as those caused by human papillomavirus, therewith.
US08323660B2 Method for identification, isolation and production of antigens to a specific pathogen
Described is a method for identification, isolation and production of hyperimmune serum-reactive antigens from a specific pathogen, a tumor, an allergen or a tissue or host prone to autoimmunity, said antigens being suited for use in a vaccine for a given type of animal or for humans, which is characterized by the following steps:—providing an antibody preparation from a plasma pool of said given type of animal or from a human plasma pool or individual sera with antibodies against said specific pathogen, tumor, allergen or tissue or host prone to auto-immunity,—providing at least one expression library of said specific pathogen, tumor, allergen or tissue or host prone to auto-immunity,—screening said at least one expression library with said antibody preparation,—identifying antigens which bind in said screening to antibodies in said antibody preparation,—screening the identified antigens with individual antibody preparations from individual sera from individuals with antibodies against said specific pathogen, tumor, allergen or tissue or host prone to auto-immunity,—identifying the hyperimmune serum-reactive antigen portion of said identified antigens and which hyperimmune serum-reactive antigens bind to a relevant portion of said individual antibody preparations from said individual sera and—optionally isolating said hyperimmune serum-reactive antigens and producing said hyperimmune serum-reactive antigens by chemical or recombinant methods.
US08323659B2 Method for diagnosing and/or treating tumor
An object of the present invention is to provide methods for diagnosing and/or treating tumors using HERV-H env gene or HERV-H env Env protein. Specifically, tumors are diagnosed by detecting expression of HERV-H env gene; and agents for detecting the expression are used as diagnosing agents. Further, tumors are treated by inhibiting function of HERV-H env gene; and agents for inhibiting the function are used as antitumor agents. Furthermore, tumors are treated by administering a peptide having a certain sequence of HERV-H Env protein and the like; and the peptide is used as a cancer vaccine.
US08323658B2 Infectious bursal disease virus antigenic isolates and vaccines
Antigenic isolates and vaccines for Infectious Bursal Disease Virus include variants of the molecular Group 6 family of IBDV isolates, in particular the 28-1 isolate.
US08323657B2 Antigenic polypeptide usable as therapeutic agent for malignant neoplasm
This invention provides a new tumor antigen having an epitope that induces a Th1 cell (a CD4-positive T cell specific to MAGE-A4), and a method ot application thereof.
US08323652B2 Antibodies against GPIbα
This application relates to agents capable of specifically recognizing GPIbα, a key receptor required for platelet adhesion and aggregation. More specifically, this application relates to monoclonal antibodies and derivatives thereof capable of specifically recognizing both the murine and the human GPIbα. These monoclonal antibodies and derivatives are particularly useful in the treatment or prevention of thrombosis as well as research tools.
US08323651B2 Antibodies to receptor of advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and uses thereof
The present application relates to isolated proteins, particularly monoclonal antibodies, in particular CDR-grafted, humanized antibodies which bind to RAGE protein. Specifically, these antibodies have the ability to inhibit the binding of RAGE to its various ligands. The antibodies or portions thereof of described in the present application are useful for treating a disease or disorder characterized by or induced by pathophysiological ligands of RAGE, for example misfolded proteins like amyloid β and advanced glycation-end-products.
US08323643B2 Methods for treating adhesive capsulitis
The invention relates to the discovery that collagenase injections are effective in lyse the collagenous adhesions in the shoulder and treat the disorder, adhesive capsulitis. As such, the invention relates to methods of treating or preventing adhesive capsulitis, or frozen shoulder, in a patient in need of such treatment comprising injecting or otherwise delivering an effective amount of collagenase to the collagenous adhesions in the shoulder. The invention also relates to the use of collagenase in the manufacture of a medicament to treat adhesive capsulitis.
US08323642B2 Tissue fusion method using collagenase for repair of soft tissue
The present invention provides a method of using locally administered collagenase as a non-invasive means of enhancing cell release from the cartilage or fibrocartilage tissues adjacent to a disease or injury site. The subsequent migration of cells from these tissues into the lesion or wound, followed by deposition of the appropriate extracellular matrix, results in closure of the lesion or fusion of a tissue gap.
US08323640B2 Highly functional enzyme having α-galactosidase activity
The present invention provides, as an enzyme which can be used for enzyme replacement therapy for Fabry disease, a protein having α-galactosidase activity, which shows no allergic adverse side effect, shows a high stability in blood, and can be easily incorporated into a cell of an affected organ. The protein of the present invention is a protein which has acquired α-galactosidase activity by changing the structure of the active site of wild-type human α-N-acetylgalactosaminidase.
US08323636B2 Long-acting interferons and derivatives thereof and methods thereof
A polypeptide and polynucleotides encoding same comprising carboxy-terminal peptides (CTP) of chorionic gonadotrophin attached to an IFN protein are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the polypeptide and polynucleotides of the invention and methods of using same are also disclosed.
US08323635B2 Methods of using interleukin-1 receptor antagonist as a myeloprotective agent
The present invention relates to uses of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) in promoting bone marrow regeneration, increasing peripheral white blood cells, and increasing platelet levels in subjects if administered prior to treatment with chemotherapeutic agents. Thus, particular embodiments of the invention are directed to uses of IL-1Ra as an adjuvant or ancillary therapy to alleviate the hematopoietic toxicities associated with chemotherapy.
US08323633B2 Antiviral method
This invention provides a method of inactivating non-enveloped virus particles. The method includes the step of contacting the virus with a virucidally-enhanced alcoholic composition that includes an alcohol, and an enhancer selected from the group consisting of cationic oligomers and polymers, proton donors, chaotropic agents, and mixtures thereof.
US08323626B2 Lustrous and scratch-resistant nail varnish through addition of silanes
A nail varnish additive contains a) at least one silane of the general formula wherein the radicals R1, R2, R3, R4 are identical or different, have 1 to 40 carbon atoms and are non-crosslinking, and optionally b) at least one solvent.
US08323624B2 S-triazine sunscreens bearing hindered para-aminobenzalmalonate/para-aminobenzalmalonamide and aminobenzoate/aminobenzamide substituents
Novel s-triazine sunscreens have the structural formula (I): and are formulated into cosmetic/dermatological photoprotective compositions useful for photoprotecting keratinous substances against the damaging effects of UV-radiation.
US08323622B2 Ionic complex nanoparticles for detecting heparanase activities and method for preparing the same
Disclosed are Ionic complex nanoparticles for detecting heparanase activities and a method for preparing the same. More specifically, disclosed are Ionic complex nanoparticles for detecting heparanase activities, wherein negative-ion substrate polymers specifically degraded by heparanase and positive-ion biocompatible polymers ionically bind to each other, and fluorophores or quenchers bind to each of the polymers. The ionic complex nanoparticles for detecting heparanase activities may be applied to a method for screening novel drugs such as inhibitors that prevent over-expression of heparanase. Various cells and tissues where over-expression of heparanase occurs may be non-invasively imaged in cancer cells, cancer tissues, and tissues of various inflammatory diseases. Accordingly, the ionic complex nanoparticles for detecting heparanase activities may be effectively used to early diagnose various diseases and incurable diseases including autoimmune diseases such as cancers, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and dementia.
US08323620B2 Ultrasound contrast agent
An ultrasound contrast agent composed of at least one kind of low-boiling water-insoluble substance (with a boiling point lower than 37° C.) and at least one kind of high-boiling water-insoluble substance (with a boiling point higher than 37° C.). The former vaporizes to absorb ultrasonic energy upon application of ultrasound, thereby causing the latter to vaporize secondarily, with the resulting bubbles producing an echo image. It is less liable to bumping and hence safe.
US08323616B2 Solid-phase fluorination of benzothiazoles
The invention provides a process for the production of an 18F-labelled tracer which comprises treatment of a solid support-bound precursor of formula (I) SOLID SUPPORT-LINKER-X-TRACER (I) wherein X is a group which promotes nucleophilic substitution at a specific site on the attached TRACER and the TRACER is of formula (A).
US08323612B2 Lithium manganate for non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery, process for producing the same, and non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery
The present invention relates to lithium manganate particles having a primary particle diameter of 1 to 8 μm and forming substantially single-phase particles, which have a composition represented by the following chemical formula: Li1+xMn2-x-yY1yO4+Y2 in which Y1 is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ni, Co, Mg, Fe, Al, Cr and Ti; Y2 is P and is present in an amount of 0.01 to 0.6 mol % based on Mn; and x and y satisfy 0.03≦x≦0.15 and 0.05≦y≦0.20, respectively, and which lithium manganate particles have a specific surface area of the lithium manganate particles of 0.3 to 0.9 m2/g (as measured by BET method); and have an average particle diameter (D50) of the lithium manganate particles of 3 to 10 μm. A positive electrode active substance of a lithium ion secondary battery using the lithium manganate particles of the present invention has a high output and is excellent in high-temperature stability.
US08323606B2 Hetero-nanocapsule and method of preparing the same
Hetero-nanocapsule, which is a carbon nanocapule containing heteroatoms, comprises a closed graphite layer represented by a chemical formula C(D)x, wherein C is carbon atom exhibiting sp2 hybrid orbital, D is hetero-atom, such as B, N, P, or S atom, bonded to the carbon atom; and X is a molar equivalent ranging from 0.0001 to 0.1, based on the molar equivalent of carbon atom as 1. The hetero-nanocapsules may be hollow or filled with metal or metal compound.
US08323604B2 Cerium salt, producing method thereof, cerium oxide and cerium based polishing slurry
A cerium salt wherein, when 20 g of the cerium salt is dissolved in a mixed liquid of 12.5 g of 6N nitric acid and 12.5 g of a 30% hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution, a concentration of an insoluble component present in the solution is 5 ppm or less by mass ratio to the cerium salt before dissolution and cerium oxide produced by processing the cerium salt at high temperatures. Scratch on a surface to be polished can be reduced when a cerium based polishing slurry containing the cerium oxide particles is used, since an amount of impurities in cerium oxide particles and cerium salt particles, raw material thereof, is reduced for high purification.
US08323603B2 Desulfurization system and method for desulfurizing a fuel stream
A method for producing a substantially desulfurized a hydrocarbon fuel stream at temperatures less than 100° C. The method includes providing a nondesulfurized fuel cell hydrocarbon fuel stream that may include water and passing the fuel stream sequentially through a zeolite Y adsorbent and a selective sulfur adsorbent. The zeolite Y adsorbent may be exchanged with copper ions. The method produces a substantially desulfurized hydrocarbon fuel stream containing less than 50 ppb sulfur.
US08323602B2 Treatment of flue gas from an oxyfuel combustion process
Carbon monoxide (CO) may be removed from flue gas generated by oxyfuel combustion of a hydrocarbon or carbonaceous fuel, by contacting the flue gas, or a CO-containing gas derived therefrom, at a first elevated temperature, e.g. at least 80° C., and at a first elevated pressure, e.g. at least 2 bar (0.2 MPa), with at least one catalyst bed comprising a CO-oxidation catalyst in the presence of oxygen (O2) to convert CO to carbon dioxide and produce carbon dioxide-enriched gas. The carbon dioxide produced from the CO may be recovered from the carbon dioxide-enriched gas using conventional carbon dioxide recovery techniques. NO in the flue gas may also be oxidized to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and removed using conventional NO2 removal techniques, or may be reduced in the presence of a reducing gas to nitrogen (N2) which does not have to be removed from the gas.
US08323600B2 Method and catalyst for removal of nitrogen oxides in a flue gas
The invention relates to a method and a catalyst for removal of nitrogen oxides in a flue gas from a combustion engine or gas turbine by injecting a reducing agent and reducing the nitrogen oxides in the presence of a catalyst. The catalyst is a zeolite based catalyst on a corrugated monolithic substrate, the substrate has a density of 50-300 g/l and a porosity of at least 50%. The monolithic substrate is a paper of high silica content glass or a paper of E-glass fiber with a layer of diatomaceous earth or a layer of titania, and the catalyst is a Fe-β zeolite.
US08323597B2 Method for purifying exhaust gas containing mercury metal, oxidation catalyst for mercury metal in exhaust gas and method for producing the same
Provided are a catalyst for removing mercury metal, which has high activity for a long time even in an exhaust gas containing SO2, and a method for oxidizing mercury metal using the catalyst. A method for purifying exhaust gas, including bringing an exhaust gas containing mercury metal into contact with a catalyst containing titanium oxide as a first component and a sulfate or phosphate of nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn) or vanadium as a second component, at a temperature of from 100° C. to 200° C., and thereby oxidizing the mercury metal.
US08323595B1 Recovery of high purity lead oxide from lead acid battery paste
There is provided a process for recovering high purity litharge PbO from spent lead acid battery paste at low temperatures and the further preparation of highly pure lead oxides and Pb(OH)2.
US08323594B2 Method of making hybrid organic-inorganic monomeric materials
Monomelic materials are described, comprising inorganic nanoparticles having covalently bonded to their surface at least one polymerizable organic moiety, preferably an ethylenically unsaturated organic moiety. These monomeric materials combine desirable properties of the inorganic particulate material and of the organic monomer, in addition to having the unique properties of nano-sized particles.
US08323593B2 Process for solubilizing, reducing and fixing hexavalent chromium contained in chromite ore processing residue into trivalent chromium
Processes for reducing hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI) in a chromite ore processing residue matrix and processes for analyzing and determining effective treatment are disclosed.
US08323591B2 Method of fabricating a mixing chamber and a reactor relating thereto
One exemplary embodiment can be a method of fabricating a mixing chamber in a hydroprocessing reactor. The method can include providing a first section forming an opening and coupling a second section including a sidewall to the first section. The second section forms a flange for coupling the mixing chamber and facilitating the mixing of one or more fluids.
US08323590B2 Water gas shift for acetylene converter feed CO control
A process and apparatus are presented for the removal of carbon monoxide from ethylene streams. The removal of carbon monoxide before selective hydrogenation protects the catalyst in the selective hydrogenation reactor. Carbon monoxide levels are controlled with the water gas shift process to convert the carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide, with the carbon dioxide removed in an acid gas removal process.
US08323588B2 Sample handling device for and methods of handling a sample
A sample handling device (100) for handling a sample, the sample handling device (100) comprising a drive shaft (101) being drivable by a drive unit (102), a base plate (103) mounted to follow a motion of the drive shaft (101) when being driven by the drive unit (102), wherein the base plate (103) is configured to receive a sample carrier block (104) mountable to follow a motion of the base plate (103), and a compensation weight (105, 106) mounted asymmetrically on the drive shaft (101) in a manner to at least partially compensate an unbalanced mass of the sample handling device (100) during the motion.
US08323587B2 Microchip device
A microchip device of the present invention includes: a microchip in which a liquid flow path is formed for liquid to flow; a gas flow path provided along the liquid flow path; and a plurality of gap sections formed between the liquid flow path and the gas flow path and having one opening thereof facing the liquid flow path and the other opening thereof facing the gas flow path, the gap of the gap section being made so as to be gap through which gas can pass but the liquid cannot pass, and a gas liquid interface being formed at the gap section.
US08323584B2 Method of controlling a microfluidic device having a reduced number of input and output connections
A system and method for reducing the number of input/output connections required to connect a microfluidic substrate to an external controller for controlling the substrate. A microfluidic processing device is fabricated on a substrate having a plurality of N independently controllable components, (e.g., a resistive heating elements) each having at least two terminals. The substrate includes a plurality of input/output contacts for connecting the substrate to an external controller, and a plurality of leads for connecting the contacts to the terminals of the components. The leads are arranged to allow the external controller to supply control signals to the terminals of the components via the contacts using substantially fewer contacts than the total number of component terminals. The components are independently controlled by arranging the leads so that each component's terminals are connected to a unique combination of contacts.
US08323580B2 Multi-layer micro structure for sensing substance
A micro structure for sensing a substance using light scattering includes a substrate, a first layer on the substrate, wherein the first layer comprises a metallic material, a second layer over the first layer, and a mask layer over the second layer. A plurality of nano holes are formed through the mask layer and the second layer, wherein the plurality of holes are defined in part by internal surfaces on the second layer and the mask layer. Two or more structure layers are formed on the mask layer and the internal surfaces in the plurality of holes. The two or more structure layers comprise different material compositions.
US08323578B2 Method for deoxygenation of smokes and equipment for implementing same
The invention relates to a method for the deoxygenation in a chemical loop of smokes resulting from oxidation-combustion reactions, that comprises: a first step during which the smokes are stripped from their oxygen by trapping the same by the oxidation of an oxygen-carrier material, thus producing a main flow of smokes with a reduced oxygen content; and a second step for also producing smokes that can join the main smoke flow and during which the material oxidized during the first step is reduced and regenerated by reaction with the fuel in order to be used again during said step. The invention also relates to an apparatus for implementing said method.
US08323577B2 Layered adaptive membrane structure
A layered adaptive membrane structure that has movable membranes is provided. The structure can change its gas, liquid and/or particulate permeability in response to surrounding environmental conditions. Applications include protective apparel that is comfortable to wear wherein the level of protection provided is based on conditions in the environment. Hence, the protective apparel is highly breathable and comfortable in a non-hazardous environment but impermeable or only semipermeable in a hazardous environment.
US08323575B2 Visualization of chemical-analysis data
A method includes compressing chemical-analysis data points with no loss of information, generating, from the stored data points, nested data arrays, storing the nested data arrays in a video memory, rendering an image from the nested data arrays, and displaying the rendered image. A chemical-analysis instrument includes a chromatography module, a mass-spectrometry module that receives an eluent from the chromatography module, a computer unit that receives data points from the chromatography and mass-spectrometry modules, and a monitor for displaying rendered images.
US08323572B2 Measuring device
A measuring device includes a first substrate; and a second substrate bonded on the first substrate. The second substrate has at least two inflow ports, at least two outflow ports, and an injection port. The two inflow ports, the two outflow ports, and the injection port penetrate the second substrate. The first substrate includes partition wall portions opposing to each other, and forming a first cavity between the partition wall portions, and forming at least two second cavities close against one of the partition wall portions. Each second cavity is provided adjacent to the first cavity. Through holes are provided in the respective partition wall portions to connect the first cavity and the second cavity to each other, and the through holes are adapted to capture an object to-be-tested introduced in the first cavity.
US08323571B1 Ascorbate monitoring and control system
Method and system embodiments of the present invention control the ascorbate concentration in produce treatments and particularly are exemplified in fresh cut fruit and vegetable treatments via measured refractivity and/or electrical conductivity of, and/or calcium ions present in, the treatment solution.
US08323570B2 Microelectronic sensor device with sensor array
The invention relates to different designs of a microelectronic sensor device comprising an array of heating elements (HE) and an array of sensor elements (SE) that are aligned with respect to each other adjacent to a sample chamber (SC). By applying appropriate currents to the heating elements (HE), the sample chamber can be heated according to a desired temperature profile.
US08323568B2 Magnetic bead assisted sample conditioning system
A magnetic bead assisted sampling system for a fluid sensor. Magnetic beads are dispersed in a sampling volume for collecting the analyte. The beads are packed into a small volume for pre-concentration of the analyte. A solvent may be applied to the beads to elute the analyte from the beads for movement to an analyzer.
US08323567B2 Biochemical treatment device with dispensing unit
The width of reaction wells and detection wells used for the same sample in a nozzle line direction is made to fall within an area smaller than the pitches of nozzle holding parts, so as to minimize a moving range and enable a pipette action for preventing contamination.
US08323566B2 Liquid sample analysis device
A liquid sample analysis device includes a holder part 11 holding a test piece 1, an optical system 20 that optically detects a reaction state of a liquid sample and a reagent, and a support member 30 that integrally supports the holder part 11 and the optical system 20. The orientation of the test piece 1 is changed with respect to the direction of gravitational force by rotating the support member 30.
US08323564B2 Portable sample analyzer system
A system relating to sample analyzers, and more particular, to sample analyzers that are simple to operate and have a reduced risk of providing an erroneous result to a user. In some cases, the sample analyzer may be a portable sample analyzer that includes a disposable fluidic cartridge. The operators of the analyzers need not be trained.
US08323563B2 On-demand portable chlorine dioxide generator
An on-demand portable chlorine dioxide generator has a reagent bound medium in a first enclosed volume; a complementary reagent solution in a second enclosed volume, and a structure for selecting between a first position where the complementary reagent solution is forced through the reagent bound medium and a second position where said complementary reagent solution remains isolated from the reagent bound ion exchange medium, where a ClO2 solution is generated only during periods when the structure for forcing is actuated. The ClO2 solution can be discharged for use as a portable sprayer that can be used to treat surfaces infected by anthrax or other biological contaminants. When the bound reagent is chlorite, the complementary reagent is an acid or an oxidant. When the bound reagent is an acid or an oxidant, the complementary reagent solution is a chlorite solution.
US08323560B2 Automobile high-strength electric resistance welded steel pipe with excellent low-temperature impact properties and method of manufacturing the same
Disclosed is a high-strength electric resistance welded steel pipe which is manufacture from a steel sheet containing, on mass basis, 0.2% to 0.4% C, 0.05% to 0.5% Si, 0.5% to 2.5% Mn, 0.025% or less P, 0.01% or less S, 0.01% to 0.15% or Al, 0.01% to 2% Cu, 0.05% to 2% Cr, 0.005% to 0.2% Ti, and 0.0002% to 0.005% B, with the remainder being iron and inevitable impurities. The steel pipe has a tensile strength of 1750 N/mm2 or more, a 0.1%-proof stress of 1320 N/mm2 or more, and a Charpy impact value at a testing temperature of minus 40° C. of 50 J/cm2 or more.
US08323559B2 Crucible for master alloying
A crucible includes a composite of least two materials. The two materials are selected from a group consisting of alumina, calcia, yttria, erbia, gadolinia, magnesia, hafnia, and zirconia in a composition that has better resistance to reaction with hafnium from a molten hafnium-containing alloy than a nominal crucible composition of 70 wt % magnesia and 30 wt % alumina.
US08323558B2 Dynamic control of lance utilizing counterflow fluidic techniques
A jet of gas injected from a lance is fluidically deviated with a gas flowing in either the same or opposite direction as the jet of gas. The gas used to fluidically deviate the jet is the same as or different from the gas in the jet.
US08323552B2 Apparatus and method for forming a clay slab
A method for forming a clay slab includes providing a frame, a first panel supported on the frame in a vertical orientation and a second panel supported on the frame in a vertical orientation, with the first panel and the second panel defining a gap therebetween. The method further includes positioning a block of clay adjacent the gap defined by the first panel and the second panel, moving at least one of the first panel and the second panel from an initial position to an intermediate position to draw the block of clay between the first panel and the second panel and thereby form the clay slab, and moving at least one of the first panel and the second panel from the intermediate position back to the initial position to withdraw the clay slab from between the first panel and the second panel.
US08323546B2 Non-compliant medical balloon having an integral woven fabric layer
A non-compliant medical balloon may be changed from a deflated state to an inflated state by increasing pressure within the balloon. The non-compliant medical balloon is composed of a woven fabric layer composed of at least two woven fabric fibers forming an angle. The angle remains substantially unchanged when the balloon changes from a deflated state to an inflated state.
US08323545B2 Co-extrusion process for making decorative moldings having simulated wood appearance and decorative molding made thereby
A co-extrusion process for making decorative moldings having a simulated wood appearance and a given profile includes mixing a base material and color particles to form a mixture, the base material having a rigid polymer and the color particles having a different color from the base material and a higher melt temperature than the base material. The mixture is heated and displaced using a feed screw such that the color particles move helically along the trajectory of the feed screw while avoiding backflow and melting to create corresponding helical vein segments within the base material. The mixture is forced through a tubular channel while controlling heat and shear conditions such that the helical vein segments remain substantially intact. The mixture is fed into a die having at least a first tubular inlet communicating with the tubular channel, a first outlet having a planar shape corresponding to the given profile, and a first cavity between the inlet and the outlet, the cavity having a form to flatten and widen the mixture to produce a planar surface coating at the outlet wherein the helical vein segments are transposed into two-dimensional nested arches simulating wood appearance. The surface coating is extruded onto a first side of a core having cellular polymer material, producing the decorative mouldings.
US08323542B2 Substrate and method of manufacturing polygon flakes
A method of forming pigment flakes includes using a deposition substrate having a plurality of regions; some of the regions are raised or lowered so that there is a level difference between each two adjacent regions. A coating deposited onto this substrate breaks along region borders when it is separated from the substrate. In one embodiment, the substrate includes first and second regions, wherein each of the first regions is in an abutting relationship with at least one of the second regions. All the first regions are at a first level and all the second regions are at a second level, and the difference between the first and second levels is greater than a predetermined value. The first and second regions are preferably square-shaped regions for manufacturing square flakes with practically no debris.
US08323539B2 Process and an apparatus for chip-cutting plastic material optical lenses
The invention concerns a process and an apparatus for chip-cutting plastic material optical lenses. The point of chip-cutting on the lens is cooled. The chip-cutting is effected by means of lathing. The point of chip-cutting is locally cooled down to a temperature at which the plastic material becomes brittle such that the chip breaks into bits.
US08323535B2 Photochromic compositions and photochromic films
The present invention relates to a photochromic composition comprising multifunctional (meth)acrylate-based monomers having two or more functional groups, a photochromic dye and an aromatic vinyl compound, in which the content of the aromatic vinyl compound is more than 30% by weight and 70% by weight or less, a photochromic film produced by using the same, and a method for producing the photochromic film.
US08323531B2 Method for producing conductive polymer solution
There is provided a method for producing a conductive polymer solution comprising: a freeze-drying step in which an aqueous conductive polymer solution containing a complex that includes a π-conjugated conductive polymer and a polyanion is freeze dried to thereby obtain a solid complex; and a dispersion step in which an organic solvent having a water content of 4% by mass or less and an amine compound are mixed to the solid complex, followed by a dispersion treatment.
US08323530B2 Phosphor for scintillator
Provided is a phosphor for scintillator that can absorb radiation and convert it into visible light, and which has a short fluorescence decay time. The phosphor contains a lutetium sulfide-containing host material and an activator agent ion, for example, a phosphor comprising a composition represented by the general formula (Lu1-xPrx)2S3, or (Lu1-xCex)2S3.
US08323528B1 Phosphorescent compositions, methods of making the compositions, and methods of using the compositions
Compositions, methods of making compositions, materials including compositions, crayons including compositions, paint including compositions, ink including compositions, waxes including compositions, polymers including compositions, vesicles including the compositions, methods of making each, and the like are disclosed.
US08323527B2 Fluorene derivatives
The invention relates to novel fluorene derivatives, which are especially suitable for use in birefringent films with negative optical dispersion, to novel liquid crystal (LC) formulations and polymer films comprising them, and to the use of the fluorene derivatives, formulations and films in optical, electrooptical, electronic, semiconducting or luminescent components or devices.
US08323525B2 Liquid pigment dispersion and curative agents
A resin containing a liquid pigment dispersion is disclosed. The dispersion comprises a pigment dispersed in a blend of two or more active hydrogen-containing materials that together have a freezing point that is room temperature or below. The pigment remains dispersed in the blend, even if the dispersion is subjected to freezing and thawing. A curative blend comprising at least two active hydrogen-containing materials, which is liquid at room temperature, is also disclosed. The dispersions and curative blends of the present invention can be solvent-free. Resins and prepolymers comprising the curative blends of the invention, either pigmented or unpigmented, are also disclosed.
US08323523B2 High pressure bevel etch process
A method of bevel edge processing a semiconductor in a bevel plasma processing chamber in which the semiconductor substrate is supported on a semiconductor substrate support is provided. The method comprises evacuating the bevel etcher to a pressure of 3 to 100 Torr and maintaining RF voltage under a threshold value; flowing a process gas into the bevel plasma processing chamber; energizing the process gas into a plasma at a periphery of the semiconductor substrate; and bevel processing the semiconductor substrate with the plasma.
US08323522B2 Plasma reactor and etching method using the same
A plasma reactor and an etching method using the same are provided. The method includes a first changing step of changing the number or arrangement structure of inductive coils connecting to an RF source power supply unit, a step of applying RF source power and generating high density plasma, a first etching step of etching a first etch-target layer of a workpiece, a first stopping step of stopping applying the RF source power, a second changing step of changing the number or arrangement structure of the inductive coils, a step of applying RF source power to corresponding inductive coils and generating low density plasma, a second etching step of etching a second etch-target layer of the workpiece, and a second stopping step of stopping applying the RF source power.
US08323520B2 Method for manufacturing fine concave-convex pattern and sheet for manufacturing fine concave-convex pattern
According to a first aspect of the invention, a method for manufacturing a concave-convex pattern includes the steps of heating a sheet-like member, compressively bonding the sheet-like member, removing the sheet-like member after the compressively bonding, and transferring a pattern shape of a reverse concave-convex pattern layer to a surface of the substrate. The sheet-like member has a concave-convex pattern block on at least one of surfaces thereof, and is given flowability thereto by heating. The reverse concave-convex pattern layer is formed on the one of the surfaces, and continues over two or more concaves of the concave-convex pattern block so that the reverse concave-convex pattern layer meshes at least partially with the concave-convex pattern block. At least the reverse concave-convex pattern layer is left on the substrate. Here, the one of the surfaces has the concave-convex pattern block.
US08323519B2 Method for manufacturing liquid discharge head
A method for manufacturing a liquid discharge head including a flow path forming member to form a flow path communicating with a discharge port for discharging liquids includes forming an organic material layer on a substrate, applying a soluble resin on the organic material layer to form a resin layer, patterning the resin layer to form a pattern with a shape of the flow path, forming a cover layer as the flow path forming member on the pattern, forming the discharge port to expose a part of the pattern from the cover layer, eluting the pattern from the discharge port to form the flow path, irradiating a substance sticking to a surface of the flow path forming member on which the discharge port is formed with ultraviolet light, wherein the substance contains at least the organic material, and removing the sticking substance.
US08323518B2 Fabrication method and fabrication apparatus of head using near field light
A method of manufacturing a near-field optical head. A first projection shaped in a quadrangular pyramid is formed on a surface of a substrate for providing a near-field optical element of the near-field optical head. A second projection shaped in a frustum of quadrangular pyramid is formed on the surface of the substrate for providing an air bearing surface of the near-field optical head. A metal film is formed on at least one surface of the first projection and the metal film is connected with a resistance meter through a conduction wiring for detecting an electrical resistance of the metal film. The first and second projections and the metal film are polished while the resistance meter detects an electrical resistance of the metal film and until the detected electrical resistance reaches a predetermined value such that a top surface of the first projection has a specified size and becomes flush with a surface of the second projection providing the air bearing surface.
US08323516B2 Etching processes used in MEMS production
The efficiency of an etching process may be increased in various ways, and the cost of an etching process may be decreased. Unused etchant may be isolated and recirculated during the etching process. Etching byproducts may be collected and removed from the etching system during the etching process. Components of the etchant may be isolated and used to general additional etchant. Either or both of the etchant or the layers being etched may also be optimized for a particular etching process.
US08323512B2 Method of and apparatus for producing sub-critical water decomposition products
A method of and an apparatus for continuous sub-critical water decomposition treatment for material to be processed containing solid matter are provided, which are capable of controlling decomposition reaction of the material to be processed and suitable for large-scale operations. The method and the apparatus are also capable of minimizing equipment costs and selectively producing desired useful substances at high yield rates.Material to be processed is grinded in advance into particles, which are mixed with water to prepare slurry. The slurry is sent to a compressing device (1) through a pipe and is compressed. Next, the compressed slurry is sent to a heating device 2 and heated, and is brought into a sub-critical state. The slurry in a sub-critical condition is introduced through an inlet (8) into a bottom part of a reactor (3). In the reactor (3) a fixed bed, a fluidized bed, and a sub-critical water dissolution part are formed in that order from the bottom. One(s) of outlets (101) to 106 provided at top and side portions of the reactor 3 is/are selected so that the sub-critical water dissolution part is taken out therethrough, whereby the residence time of the sub-critical water is adjusted and thus the reaction time of sub-critical water decomposition of the material to be processed is adjusted.
US08323511B1 Method and apparatuses for connecting sanitizing and other devices to water lines
A method for connecting a chlorine generator to a pipe carrying a flow of water is disclosed. A short section of rigid pipe conveying water to the chlorine generator is configured at an end inserted into the water flow so that the flow forces water into the rigid pipe and into the chlorine generator, and a second short section of rigid pipe that returns chlorinated water from the chlorine generator to the flow of water is configured at an end inserted into the water flow so that the flow draws the chlorinated water into the flow. A single clamp around the pipe carrying the flow may be used to mount both sections of short rigid tubing to and from the chlorine generator.
US08323509B2 Rehabilitation method
A method of rehabilitation of a deposition area to render it suitable for plant growth comprising a particulate mineral material, which particulate mineral material has been dewatered from a suspension of said material, comprising the steps of transferring the suspension of particulate mineral material as a fluid to the deposition area, and in which the suspension is allowed to stand and dewater at the deposition area to form a dewatered particulate mineral material, wherein the rehabilitation of the disposal area is achieved by adding a dewatering amount of a polymer to the suspension of the particulate mineral material while it is being transferred as a fluid to the deposition area, wherein the polymer is either a synthetic water-soluble polymer formed from one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers having an intrinsic viscosity of at least 4 dl/g or a water-soluble polymer that is a natural polymer or semi natural polymer.
US08323507B2 Device and method for the elimination of magnetic particles from a liquid
Device for the separation of magnetic particles from a liquid, comprising a first vessel (10), a second vessel (20), a connecting surface (11, 21, 30; 200) that runs from the interior of the first vessel (10) to the interior of the second vessel (20), at least one magnet (40) for the provision of a magnetic field, and a guide element (50) by means of which the magnetic field can be guided along one side of the connecting surface (11, 21, 30; 200).
US08323505B2 System and method for wastewater treatment
The present disclosure is directed towards systems and methods for the treatment of wastewater. A system in accordance with one particular embodiment may include a vacuum filter band system configured to receive a saturated ion exchange resin tank and to apply a water rinse to the resin to generate a resin slurry. The vacuum filter band system may further include a vacuum filter band configured to receive the resin slurry. The vacuum filter band system may also be configured to generate a mixed metal solution. The system may further include a metal specific purification system including a plurality of purification units configured to receive a continuous flow of the mixed metal solution, each of the purification units configured to target a particular metal from the mixed metal solution. Numerous other embodiments are also within the scope of the present disclosure.
US08323504B2 Methods and apparatus for making a chromatography column
Methods for depositing a stationary phase in a tube for chromatography, in particular, as a variable gradient column are disclosed. The methods include providing a tube, loading the tube with a concentration gradient of a stationary phase precursor along its length, and removing the solvent such that the stationary phase precursor is deposited within the tube as a stationary phase to form a chromatography column. The concentration gradient is formed by combining at least a first fluid and a second fluid, with the first fluid containing the stationary phase precursor in a solvent.
US08323501B2 Methods of extracting algae components for diesel blend stock production utilizing alcohols
A method for producing biofuels is provided. A method of making biofuels includes dewatering substantially intact algal cells to make an algal biomass, extracting neutral lipids from the algal biomass, and esterifying the neutral lipids with a catalyst in the presence of an alcohol. The method also includes separating a water soluble fraction comprising glycerin from a water insoluble fraction comprising fuel esters and distilling the fuel esters under vacuum to obtain a C16 or shorter fuel esters fraction, a C16 or longer fuel ester fraction, and a residue comprising carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids. The method further includes hydrogenating and deoxygenating at least one of (i) the C16 or shorter fuel esters to obtain a jet fuel blend stock and (ii) the C16 or longer fuel esters to obtain a diesel blend stock.
US08323499B1 Wastewater treatment method and membrane bioreactor having mixed liquor and air conduits in a filtration tank
Biologically treated wastewater is directed as mixed liquor from a treatment tank to a downstream filtration tank having a having a submerged membrane module extending across the cross-sectional area of the filtration tank. Mixed liquor is directed from the bottom of the filtration tank upwardly into the membrane module such that substantially all of the mixed liquor received in the bottom of the filtration tank flows through the membrane module. A permeate stream is produced. A portion of a non-permeate stream is recirculated to the treatment tank. The filtration tank is sized such that there is no substantial recycle of mixed liquor in the filtration tank. Once the mixed liquor in the filtration tank makes one pass through the membrane module the mixed liquor is recycled to the treatment tank and generally not permitted to be recycled through the membrane module without first returning to the treatment tank.
US08323494B2 System and method for sewage and wastewater treatment
The present invention relates to a sewage/wastewater treatment system comprising a rectangular upflow anaerobic/oxygen-free reaction tank and a method of treating sewage/wastewater using the same. The rectangular upflow anaerobic/oxygen-free reaction tank comprises a water introducing unit, an inlet unit being in fluid communication with the water introducing unit and having a plurality of through-holes formed therein through which water introduced from the water introducing unit can pass, a mixing unit comprising a main shaft and a plurality of spaced-apart stirring blades fixed to the main shaft, and an outlet unit for collecting water after being treated in the anaerobic/oxygen-free reaction tank. The system and method can treat sewage/wastewater cost-effectively.
US08323487B2 Waste water treatment apparatus
A method for producing a nitrite type nitrification-reactive sludge includes the step of subjecting an activated sludge to alkali treatment so that the pH of the activated sludge containing at least the ammonium oxidizing bacteria and nitrite oxidizing bacteria can be 10 or higher, in order to accumulate ammonium oxidizing bacteria with higher priority in the activated sludge.
US08323485B2 Storm water filter systems
A filter system for a storm drain having an inlet is disclosed. The filter system may be configured to receive storm water having debris and to separate at least a portion of the debris from the storm water to produce filtered storm water. The filter system may include a pervious paver having a feed side and a permeate side, the pervious paver being configured to receive storm water on the feed side and to retain at least a portion of the debris on the feed side. The filtered storm water may be formed from the storm water that passes from the feed side to the permeate side. The filter system may additionally include a frame assembly configured to support the pervious paver adjacent to the inlet.
US08323479B2 Converting heavy sour crude oil/emulsion to lighter crude oil using cavitations and filtration based systems
A process for converting heavy sulfur-containing crude oil into lighter crude oil with lower sulfur content and lower molecular weight is provided. The process is a low-temperature process using controlled cavitation.
US08323478B2 Process for measuring and adjusting halide in an alkylation reactor
A process, comprising: a. taking a sample from a continuous alkylation reactor process; b. measuring a content of a halide in the sample; and c. within 45 minutes from the taking a sample, adjusting a flow of a halide containing additive comprising the halide to control a ratio of a yield of an alkylate gasoline and a yield of a middle distillate. Also a process, comprising: a. taking a sample from an effluent of an alkylation reactor in an alkylation reactor process; b. measuring a content of a halide in the sample; and c. in response to the measured content of the halide, adjusting a flow of a halide containing additive to a predetermined range that has been selected to obtain a ratio of a yield of an alkylate gasoline and a yield of a middle distillate from 0.31 to 4.0 in a product from the alkylation reactor.
US08323474B2 Electro-chemical water processing apparatus and method thereof
Provided is an electro-chemical water treatment apparatus and method for removing total nitrogen ingredients of ammonia nitrogen, nitrous acid nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen etc., organic materials of BOD and COD induction ingredients, and cyanogen included in wastewater and dirty water. The apparatus includes: a wastewater collection reservoir that contains wastewater; a wastewater storage retention reservoir that controls a hydrogen ion concentration (pH), an electrical conductivity and an amount of flow of wastewater; an electrolyte tank which makes the electrical conductivity of the wastewater as an electrical conductivity at which an electrolysis can be achieved; a pH conditioner tank that supplies a pH conditioner for the wastewater; an electrolyzer including an anode plate and a cathode plate, and a number of electrodes which are arranged as an electrification body between the anode plate and the cathode plate; and a controller which grasps state of wastewater and which is connected to the anode plate and the cathode plate to thereby control the electrolysis.
US08323471B2 Automatic deposition profile targeting
A method of automatic deposition profile targeting for electrochemically depositing copper with a position-dependent controllable plating tool including the steps of depositing copper on a patterned product wafer, measuring an actual thickness profile of the deposited copper and generating respective measurement data, feeding the measurement data to an advanced process control (APC) model and calculating individual corrections for plating parameters in the position-dependent controllable plating tool.
US08323463B2 Catalyst containing oxygen transport membrane
A composite oxygen transport membrane having a dense layer, a porous support layer and an intermediate porous layer located between the dense layer and the porous support layer. Both the dense layer and the intermediate porous layer are formed from an ionic conductive material to conduct oxygen ions and an electrically conductive material to conduct electrons. The porous support layer has a high permeability, high porosity, and a high average pore diameter and the intermediate porous layer has a lower permeability and lower pore diameter than the porous support layer. Catalyst particles selected to promote oxidation of a combustible substance are located in the intermediate porous layer and in the porous support adjacent to the intermediate porous layer. The catalyst particles can be formed by wicking a solution of catalyst precursors through the porous support toward the intermediate porous layer.
US08323458B2 Electro-magnetic treatment of a modified biomass
A process is disclosed for making a biomass susceptible to depolymerization or liquefaction under mild conditions. The process comprises introducing into the biomass a material susceptible to the absorption of electro-magnetic radiation to form a radiation absorbent biomass. The radiation absorbent biomass is subjected to electro-magnetic radiation to form an activated biomass.
US08323456B2 Removal of bound water from bio-oil
A process and system for removing bound water from bio-oil by azeotropic distillation. The process includes combining a bound-water-containing bio-oil with an azeotrope agent and subjecting the resulting treated bio-oil to azeotropic distillation under reduced pressure. The azeotropic distillation removes a substantial portion of the bound water from the bio-oil, thus producing a water-depleted bio-oil that is less corrosive, more stable, and more readily miscible with hydrocarbons.
US08323453B2 Method and installation for the combination of plies forming an absorbent sheet
The present invention relates to a method for the combination of at least two plies of tissue paper without glue and by pressure marking, characterized in that it involves embossing at least one first ply according to an embossing design by passage between a first cylinder and a second cylinder covered externally with a rubber blanket, then combining at least one second ply with the first ply by causing both plies to pass between the first engraved steel cylinder of axis CC′ and at least one first series of small externally smooth coaxial cylinders of axis XX′. Both plies are then passed between the first cylinder and a second series of small externally smooth coaxial cylinders of axis YY′, the axes of CC′, XX′; and YY′ being horizontal and parallel. The invention also includes the apparatus for carrying out the disclosed method.
US08323452B2 Method for optimizing the energy balance in forming sections in machines for the production of fibrous webs, and forming section using control elements associated with dewatering units
A forming section in a machine for producing a web of fibrous material includes a control and/or regulating system including a control and/or regulating device which is connected with at least one device for at least indirect acquisition of one value at least indirectly characterizing the dry content of the fibrous web in a transfer area from the forming section to a following function unit, with a device for input of a desired value for the target dry content, and with at least the control elements of an individual dewatering unit located prior to one of the last dewatering units, or the last dewatering unit inside the compression zone. The control and/or regulating device also includes a device for creating the control variables for controlling the individual dewatering units.
US08323450B2 Method of manufacturing heat storage material, heat storage material, and heat storage adsorbent material and canister
The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a heat storage material that contains heat storage capsules. The heat storage capsules include a phase change material that absorbs and/or discharges latent heat in response to a change in temperature. The phase change material resides within outer shells of the heat storage capsules. The method involves binding abutting peripheral portions of a plurality of heat storage capsules with a molding binder, so as to form an intermediate granular molded heat storage material. An outer peripheral surface portion of the granular molded heat storage material is coated with a coating binder. The coated granular molded heat storage material is then subjected to a treatment that causes the coating binder of the coating layer to polymerize. The invention also relates to heat storage adsorbent materials, and articles (e.g., canisters) that include such heat storage adsorbent materials.
US08323447B2 Process for the manufacturing of a thermosetting laminate
A process for the manufacturing of a decorative laminate, which laminate comprises an upper decorative and abrasion resistant thermosetting laminate layer and a carrying core. The upper side of the core is provided with the abrasion resistant thermosetting laminate while the lower side of the core is provided with a balance layer. This balance layer has the purpose of preventing warping of said decorative laminate while at the same time having the purpose of acoustic dampening. The balance layer comprises a layer of a polymer. The balance layer and the thermosetting laminate are joined with said core by means of pressing. Said carrying core further is provided with a dampening foil of an elastomer arranged between the upper side of the core and the abrasion resistant thermosetting laminate. The elastomer and thermosetting laminate are joined with each other and with the core by means of pressing. The achieved laminate is then cut into panels and provided with edges intended for joining.
US08323446B2 Curing method and apparatus for manufacturing beams of composite material with a J-shaped cross-section
In order to manufacture beams of composite material with a J-shaped cross-section, a curing apparatus includes a bar supported parallel to a table by two end supports. A J-shaped beam of uncured composite material is prepared and arranged on the apparatus, positioning the bottom flange of the beam so that it faces the table and resting the web and the upper flange against two respective sides of the bar. The beam is covered with a vacuum bag and pressure and heat are applied inside an autoclave in order to cure the resin in the beam.
US08323445B2 Method for lining a pipe conduit or a duct
A process for lining a pipeline, comprising the following steps: pouring in an adhesive, introducing the tube with inversion into the pipeline by applying pressure, providing the conditions for the adhesive situated on the outside of the tube by irradiation using energy-containing waves, and maintaining the internal pressure in the introduced tube until the adhesive is cured, severing the connection between the tube and a retaining strap, which extends through the entire tube in the longitudinal direction thereof, at the end which is at the front in the direction of movement of the tube after the tube has been introduced, coupling the severed end of the retaining strap outside the pipeline to a radiation unit, using the retaining strap to pull the radiation unit, in the non-activated state, through the tube as far as the end thereof which is at the rear in the direction of movement of said tube, pulling the supply cable for the radiation unit into the tube behind said unit, and then using the supply cable to pull the radiation unit, in the activated state, through the tube.
US08323435B2 Mechanical fastening system for an article
A mechanical fastening system for products, for example, an absorbent article such as infant training pants, in which the mechanical fastening system is a hook-and-loop type fastening system on the garment in which the loop material is a nonwoven material laminate which has been post bonded after the laminate has been constructed.
US08323434B2 Method for manufacturing spherical Fresnel lens
Manufacturing spherical Fresnel lens includes providing a first optical element with a regular hexagonal first Fresnel micro-lens in the center of the first optical element and six regular hexagonal second Fresnel micro-lens arrayed around the first Fresnel micro-lens. One edge of the second Fresnel micro-lens is connected to one edge of the first Fresnel micro-lens. The first optical element is stressed to yield a spherical cap configuration of the first optical element, and a second optical element is provided matched to the first optical element, and including a plurality of Fresnel micro-lens. The second optical element is bent into a curve shaped configuration having a curvature as the bent first optical element, and a number of bent second optical elements are assembled around the bent first optical element in sequence to form a hemispherical-shaped configuration.
US08323433B1 Method of making a cord style flexible golf grip
A method of making a corded surface flexible elastomer golf club grip. An underlist is extruded of seamless tubular uncured elastomer and a pattern of textile cords wound thereon. In one version of the method, an outer seamless tubular extruded uncured elastomer layer is assembled over the cord patterned underlist. A core rod is inserted in the underlist, an uncured elastomer cap assembled on the end and the assemblage cured in a heated compression mold. Upon removal from the mold, some material is removed from the outer surface to expose some of the cord. In another version, the uncured cord wound underlist with core rod is inserted in a mold cavity and a thin outer layer of elastomer injection molded thereover and the assemblage cured in the mold.
US08323431B2 Jamming detection method and sheet laminating apparatus using same
A jamming detection method and a sheet laminating apparatus using the jamming detection method are provided. The sheet laminating apparatus includes a laminating channel, a laminating roller assembly, a distance sensor, a document sensor and a controller. The distance sensor is used for measuring a moving distance of a document. The document sensor is used for detecting a transmitting status of the document. According to the moving distance of the document and the transmitting status of the document, the controller discriminates whether a jamming condition of the sheet laminating apparatus occurs.
US08323426B2 Al-Li rolled product for aerospace applications
The present invention is directed to a substantially unrecrystallized rolled aluminum alloy product, obtained from a plate with a thickness of at least 30 mm, comprising 2.2 to 3.9 wt. % Cu, 0.7 to 2.1 wt. % Li, 0.2 to 0.8 wt. % Mg, 0.2 to 0.5 wt. % Mn, 0.04 to 0.18 wt. % Zr, less than 0.05 wt. % Zn, and optionally 0.1 to 0.5 wt. % Ag, remainder aluminum and unavoidable impurities having a low propensity to crack branching during L-S a fatigue test. A product of the invention has a crack deviation angle Θ of at least 20° under a maximum equivalent stress intensity factor Keff max of 10 MPa √m for a S-L cracked test sample under a mixed mode I and mode II loading wherein the angle Ψ between a plane perpendicular to the initial crack direction and the load direction is 75°.
US08323425B2 Artificial aging process for aluminum alloys
Embodiments of a method for non-isothermally aging an aluminum alloy are provided. The method comprises heating an aluminum alloy at a first ramp-up rate to a maximum temperature below a precipitate solvus value, cooling the alloy at a first cooling rate sufficient to produce a maximum number of primary precipitates, cooling at a second cooling rate until a minimum temperature is reached wherein the growth rate of primary precipitates is equal to or substantially zero, and heating the alloy at a second ramp-up rate to a temperature sufficient to produce a maximum number of secondary precipitates.
US08323423B2 Erosion resistant cermet linings for oil and gas exploration, refining and petrochemical processing applications
The present invention is directed to a method for protecting metal surfaces in oil & gas exploration and production, refinery and petrochemical process applications subject to solid particulate erosion at temperatures of up to 1000° C. The method includes the step of providing the metal surfaces in such applications with a hot erosion resistant cermet lining or insert, wherein the cermet lining or insert includes a) about 30 to about 95 vol % of a ceramic phase, and b) a metal binder phase, wherein the cermet lining or insert has a HEAT erosion resistance index of at least 5.0 and a K1C fracture toughness of at least 7.0 MPa-m1/2. The metal surfaces may also be provided with a hot erosion resistant cermet coating having a HEAT erosion resistance index of at least 5.0.
US08323412B2 Substrate support, substrate processing device and method of placing a substrate
A substrate support for supporting a substrate in a processing chamber comprises a frame for carrying the substrate, at least a first fastening means fixedly attached to the frame for aligning the substrate relative to the frame, and at least a second fastening means movably attached to the frame, the second fastening means being movable relative to the frame and/or the substrate. Furthermore, a processing device comprises an edge exclusion projecting over a portion of the surface of the substrate in order to prevent processing of the portion of the surface of the substrate. A part of the edge exclusion may be moved into a gap between the edge(s) of the substrate and the frame element of the substrate support to form a labyrinth seal between the frame element and the edge of the substrate. A method of placing the substrate on the substrate support is also disclosed.
US08323410B2 High throughput chemical treatment system and method of operating
A high throughput chemical treatment system for processing a plurality of substrates is described. The chemical treatment system is configured to chemically treat a plurality of substrates in a dry, non-plasma environment.
US08323408B2 Methods and apparatus to provide group VIA materials to reactors for group IBIIIAVIA film formation
Processes and apparatus are described that form a solar cell absorber on a surface of a workpiece by reacting a precursor layer disposed on the surface of the workpiece with an absorber constituent vapor in a heating chamber. The absorber constituent material is delivered from an absorber constituent material delivery system in molten form into a container in the heating chamber and vaporized to be used during the reaction.
US08323404B2 Group III nitride crystal and manufacturing method thereof
A group III nitride crystal containing therein an alkali metal element comprises a base body, a first group III nitride crystal formed such that at least a part thereof makes a contact with the base body, the first group III nitride crystal deflecting threading dislocations in a direction different from a direction of crystal growth from the base body and a second nitride crystal formed adjacent to the first group III nitride crystal, the second nitride crystal having a crystal growth surface generally perpendicular to the direction of the crystal growth.
US08323401B2 Compressive strength improvement of cement and gypsum products
The invention relates generally to a cement or gypsum composition having improved properties, which is prepared by incorporating an enzyme into a cement material such as a cement, mortar, or concrete, or into a gypsum product. The invention also relates to methods of manufacturing improved cement compositions and gypsum products, methods of improving the compressive strength of cement compositions and gypsum products, and methods of reducing the cost of such compositions by enabling the use of less expensive aggregates in the manufacturing process. More specifically, the invention relates to a cement composition or a gypsum composition, optionally including at least one aggregate and optionally including at least one pozzolan, comprising a cement material or gypsum optionally including aggregate(s) and pozzolan(s) having blended therein an enzyme.
US08323400B2 Additive composition for mortars, cements and joint compounds and cementitious compositions made therefrom
An additive composition for mortars, exterior insulation finish systems, self-leveling compounds and joint compounds is disclosed. The additive composition contains a nitrogen-containing polymer and a reactive agent capable of forming a crosslinking reaction with the nitrogen-containing polymer. Small amounts of the additive composition contained in a product not only can increase one or more properties of the product but can also minimize the use of redispersible polymers in the product.
US08323399B2 High early strength pozzolan cement blends
A high early strength blended cement composition includes larger sized fly ash and/or natural pozzolan particles blended with smaller sized hydraulic cement particles containing tricalcium silicate and/or dicalcium silicate (e.g., Portland cement and/or ground granulated blast furnace slag). Excess calcium released from the hydraulic cement particles when mixed with water forms calcium hydroxide available for reaction with the fly ash and/or natural pozzolan. The fineness of the hydraulic cement particles is substantially greater than the fineness of the fly ash and/or natural pozzolan particles (e.g., about 1.25 to about 50 times greater). Reducing or eliminating coarse hydraulic cement particles that cannot fully hydrate but include unreacted cores reduces or eliminates wasted cement normally found in concrete. Replacing some or all of the coarse cement particles with coarse pozzolan particles provides a blended cement composition having significantly lower water demand compared to the hydraulic cement fraction by itself.
US08323398B2 Construction material based on activated fly ash
The disclosure concerns cost effective concrete formulations based on an alkali activated binder. The construction material of the concrete type, contains sand, fine aggregates, coarse aggregates, water and a binder comprising: from 55 to 80 wt. % of fly ash containing less than wt. 8% of CaO; from 15 to 40 wt. % of blast furnace slag; a chemical activator containing: from 0.8 to 4 wt. % of alkaline silicates; and from 1.5 to 9 wt. % of alkaline carbonates; wherein the chemical activator has an silica to alkali molar ratio from 0.1 to 0.55; and a booster comprising at least one strong base. The disclosure also concerns a method to produce such a concrete construction material.
US08323397B2 Talc for paint products and method of making the same
A talc slurry and a method of producing the talc slurry. A talc product includes the talc slurry having total solids (TS) 40% or higher and a dispersant agent and/or a thickener.
US08323395B2 Sulphur cement pre-composition and process for preparing such sulphur cement pre-composition
The present invention provides a sulphur cement pre-composition, comprising sulphur and at least an organotitanate, which organotitanate is of the general molecular formula (1): wherein R1 is CnH(2n)—SaR4 or CmH(2m+1) and n is an integer in the range of from 1 to 4, m is an integer in the range of from 1 to 30 and a is an integer in the range of from 2 to 8, R4 is S, H, or CpH(2p+1) and p is an integer in the range of from 1 to 8, XO is an alkoxy or neoalkoxy group, R2 and R3 are, independently, a CnH(2n)—SaR4, alkyl, neoalkyl, acyl or aryl group. The invention further provides a process for preparing such sulphur cement pre-composition, processes for the preparation of a sulphur cement product, a sulphur cement product and the use of such sulphur cement pre-composition. The invention even further relates to the use of an organotitanate stabilizing agent.
US08323394B2 Warm mix asphalt binder compositions containing lubricating additives
The present invention provides a functionally dry warm mix asphalt binder composition modified with lubricating agents or additives that can be mixed with aggregate and compacted at temperatures substantially below asphalt binder compositions that do not contain the disclosed lubricating additives.
US08323390B1 Slurry for prevention of sewer corrosion using mixtures of magnesium hydroxide and/or titanium dioxide and sodium hydroxide via the crown spray process
An improved sprayable aqueous slurry for inhibiting corrosion in sewer pipe lines comprising an aqueous mixture of about 100% by volume of a metal hydroxide and/or a metal dioxide selected from a class consisting of magnesium hydroxide and titanium dioxide and less than about 1% by volume of sodium hydroxide, the metal hydroxide and the metal dioxide having mixing rates of about 50 to 60% by volume with about 50 to 40% by volume of water and the sodium hydroxide having a mixing rate of about 50% by volume with about 50% of water and the slurry having a pH of 13.0 or more and a useful life of about 15 to about 24 months.
US08323383B2 Cyclone with classifier inlet and small particle by-pass
In a cyclone and a method for operating a cyclone, in a duct leading to an inlet of the cyclone, at least partial separation of particles according to size takes place. A bypass arrangement diverts selected particles to the discharge duct of the cyclone. The cyclone is suitable for separating particles from blast furnace waste gases.
US08323381B2 Two phase reactor
A two phase reactor includes a source of liquid reactant and a source of gas reactant. A chamber has an inlet coupled to the source of gas reactant and a flat jet nozzle coupled to the source of the liquid reactant.
US08323380B2 Systems and methods for reducing off-gassed ozone
Systems and methods for producing an ozone destructor are disclosed herein. Generally, these systems and methods include an ozone destructor that has a housing defining an air passage duct. In some cases, this air passage duct includes a first chamber and a second chamber that are arranged so that air is able to flow into the first chamber, through the second chamber, and out of the destructor. In some cases, an air drying mechanism is disposed in the first and/or the second chamber. Additionally, in some cases, the ozone destructor further includes multiple mechanisms that reduce ozone to oxygen. In light of these features, the ozone destructor is capable of incrementally drying and reducing air and ozone, respectively, as they pass through the first chamber and the second chamber.
US08323379B2 Devices, systems and methods for reducing the concentration of a chemical entity in fluids
A method of improving the blood compatibility of a blood-contacting surface includes immobilizing carbonic anhydrase on the surface, wherein the surface exhibits carbonic anhydrase activity of at least 20% of maximum theoretical activity of the surface based on monolayer surface coverage of carbonic anhydrase.
US08323375B2 Method of operating a converter and apparatus for carrying out the method
The present invention relates to a method of operating a converter, in particular a Peirce-Smith converter or a converter with similar design or mode of operation, and to an apparatus, for instance a plant, for carrying out the method. The method comprises the step of: loading the converter with a starting material comprising said metal, the metal in the starting material being chemically bound at least in part to at least one compound substance, in particular sulphur; maintaining a temperature within the converter interior space, which is above the melting temperature of the starting material; and supplying an oxygen-containing process gas into the converter interior space through injection nozzles arranged in the wall of the converter, the gas supplied through the injection nozzles comprising carbon dioxide, preferably very cold, technically pure carbon dioxide, as well as oxygen gas and/or air.
US08323372B1 Low coefficient of thermal expansion cermet compositions
Low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) cermet compositions of this invention generally comprise a hard phase material and a ductile phase formed from a binder alloy, wherein the binder alloy is specially designed having a CTE that is closely matched to the hard phase material. Hard phase materials used to form low CTE compositions of this invention are selected from the group of carbides consisting of W, Ti, Mo, Nb, V, Si, Hf, Ta, and Cr carbides. The binder alloy is formed from a mixture of metals selected from the group consisting of Co, Ni, Fe, W, Mo, Ti, Ta, V, Nb, C, B, Cr, and Mn. In a preferred embodiment, low CTE compositions comprises WC as the hard phase material, and a ductile phase binder alloy formed from a mixture of Fe, Co, and Ni. The so-formed low CTE composition has a coefficient of thermal expansion that is less than that of conventional WC—Co at the same temperature and having the same metal content, thereby providing improved resistance to thermal shock and thermal fatigue related failure.
US08323371B2 Process for synthesizing a compacted product
A method forming a potassium chloride particle form potassium chloride powder having resistance to moisture absorption and shrinkage. The original feedstock comprises potassium chloride in a size distribution of 30 mesh and 100 mesh as well as a gluten based binder.
US08323370B2 Captive toolees fastener for securing an engine intake air filter and clamp assembly for air filter housing
The invention has a captive tooless fastener for securing the engine intake air filter. The tooless fastener comprises shaft and associated bodies. The body has two arms oriented about 180 degrees apart. The shaft is threaded through a sealing washer and an aperture in a closed end cap of the air filter. The shaft is expanded so it cannot be removed from the end cap. The body's threaded inner diameter mates with a threaded portion of a central shaft in an air filter housing. The body's arms are rotated to screw the fastener and the shaft of the housing together. When tightened, the sealing washer closes the aperture. To remove the air filter, the fastener is unscrewed from the shaft of the housing and in the shaft floats in the aperture. A person in the field can remove the air filter by inserting fingers under the arms and pulling.
US08323364B2 Control system for an on-demand gas generator
A self-regulating on-demand gas generator. Generation of gas produced from a reaction is selectively, variably, and spontaneously controlled. A variable volume liquid chamber in communication with the pressure pot allows the volume of liquid reactant in the pressure pot to be varied. The amount of product gas generated in the pressure pot depends on the degree of contact between the solid-like reactant and the liquid reactant. The pressure of the product gas regulates the level of liquid in the pressure pot and thereby regulates the degree of contact between the solid-like reactant and the liquid reactant. A sealed gas chamber sharing a flexible diaphragm with the liquid chamber controls the expandability of the liquid chamber. Manipulating the pressure in the sealed gas chamber or the volume of the liquid reactant affects the pressure at which contact by the reactants will be initiated or terminated and thereby provides the ability to control the reaction.
US08323362B2 Combustion modifier and method for improving fuel combustion
A composition for improving the combustion efficiency of an internal combustion engine. The composition includes a mixture of a hydrocarbon fuel and an organometallic soap selected from among several cerium-containing and ferric compounds. The cerium-containing compound or compounds increase the energy released during combustion of the fuel. The ferric compound or compounds coat an interior wall of a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine to increase the power output of the engine by reducing the accumulation of residues deposited on the interior wall which interfere with the combustion of fuel.
US08323356B2 Sulfonimines as bleaching activators
Agent for lightening keratinic fibers, particularly human hair, wherein the agent contains, in a cosmetic carrier, at least one oxidizing agent chosen from hydrogen peroxide and/or a solid addition product thereof with organic or inorganic compounds, and at least one sulfonimine of formula (I)—
US08323354B2 Instrumented prosthetic foot
The present invention discloses an instrumented prosthetic foot for use with an actuated leg prosthesis controlled by a controller, the instrumented prosthetic foot comprising a connector to connect the instrumented prosthetic foot to the leg prosthesis, an ankle structure connected to the connector, a ground engaging member connected to the ankle, at least one sensor for detecting changes in weight distribution along the foot, and an interface for transmitting signals from the sensor to the controller.
US08323352B2 Method for treatment and prevention of parastomal hernias
A method and device for preventing or treating parastomal hernia is provided. The method can include positioning a graft material between a rectus sheath and a rectus abdominus muscle surrounding a stoma.
US08323349B2 Textured surfaces for orthopedic implants
A bearing surface having increased wear resistance. Generally, certain aspects of the present invention are directed to an implant design based on concepts of unidirectional load application and the use of engineered surfaces to increase the amount of lubricant at the bearing surface, to thereby reduce wear of the bearing surface. Surfaces of certain bearing surface embodiments are fabricated to maximize lubricant retention, encourage lubricant entrainment, and/or restrict lubricant escape from the bearing surface. Preferably, when used in orthopedic applications, such bearing surfaces are optimized based on the unique characteristics of human biomechanical loading.
US08323348B2 Bone implants
This invention relates to a bone implant that includes a bioinert substrate covered with a ceramic layer containing a plurality of indentations. The total surface area of the indentations is 30-70% of the total surface area of the ceramic layer. This invention also relates to a method of preparing such a bone implant. The method includes: (1) affixing a ceramic layer on the surface of a bioinert substrate; (2) forming a plurality of indentations in the ceramic layer, wherein the total surface area of the indentations is 30-70% of the total surface area of the ceramic layer; and (3) immobilizing a biopolymer onto the ceramic layer via covalent bonding.
US08323345B2 Anterior lumbar interbody fusion cage device and associated method
The disclosure relates to a cage device for performing spinal fusion, including, in some embodiments: a housing defining one or more ports that is selectively disposed in an intervertebral space between adjacent vertebrae; one or more extensible retention structures that are selectively advanced out of the housing through the one or more ports and into one or more endplates of the adjacent vertebrae; and one or more actuation mechanisms for selectively advancing the one or more extensible retention structures out of the housing through the one or more ports and into the one or more endplates of the adjacent vertebrae.
US08323344B2 Expandable spinal prosthesis
A device is disclosed for insertion in the human or animal body in order to increase the spacing between adjacent spinous processes of the spinal column. The device comprises a plurality of shaped members which are pivotally joined to each other and arranged around a central screwed rod which is supported by a collar at one end and a threaded collar at the opposite end said collar and collar being located within the pivoting axis of the adjacent members forming each end of the device. Following insertion in the body and positioning between adjacent spinous processes the device may be deployed by rotation of the central screwed rod in order to achieve the desired separation of adjacent spinous processes while at the same time providing a secure location of the device in the deployed condition.
US08323339B2 Methods of manufacturing a delivery system for promoting bone growth
A method for manufacturing a delivery system that includes a bone growth promoting material encapsulated within a water-absorbing, water-gelatinizable covering used to promote bone growth in order to repair a bone defect and/or strengthen a weakened bone region. The delivery system may be shaped and sized in order to fit within a bleeding wound (e.g., one that is formed in the gingiva when a tooth is extracted). The covering may be formed of a gelatinizable-gauze (e.g., oxidized cellulose) that forms a gel-like material when moistened with water. The delivery system may be stored in a moisture resistant package prior to use.
US08323337B2 Connection systems for two piece prosthetic heart valve assemblies and methods for making and using them
A heart valve assembly includes a prosthesis and a prosthetic valve to replace a preexisting natural or prosthetic heart valve within a biological annulus. The prosthesis includes an annular member, a flexible core at least partially defining a sewing cuff extending radially outwardly from the annular member, a rail ring disposed between the flexible core and the annular member, and a plurality of guide rails extending from the rail ring through respective openings in the flexible core. A fabric covering covers the prosthesis, and the guide rails extend through respective openings in the fabric covering. The prosthetic valve includes a frame including receptacles for receiving respective guide rails. After implanting the prosthesis within a biological annulus, the prosthetic valve is advanced along the guide rails until retention elements on the guide rails engage the receptacles to secure the prosthetic valve relative to the prosthesis.
US08323330B2 Stent with compact crimp configuration
A stent having a compacted configuration in which adjacent crowns of its undulating rings overlap one another. The overlapping compacted configuration provides for a relatively low profile in view of the coverage that is achieved by the stent upon expansion.
US08323326B2 Catheter device
A catheter device having a shaft that extends from a proximal end to a distal end to carry on its distal end a self-expanding implant for intraluminal advance on a guidewire and delivery of the implant to an implant site by proximal withdrawal of a longitudinal sheath that lies radially outside the implant in the catheter, the catheter including a first shaft element to pull the sheath proximally and a second shaft element to push the implant distally to prevent the implant moving proximally with the sheath when the sheath is pulled proximally, wherein the sheath is freely rotatable with respect to the first shaft element during the said intraluminal advance and, during proximal movement, is caused to abut the first shaft element at an abutment position by a reduced inner diameter portion of the sheath proximal of the abutment position.
US08323323B2 Implants for creating connections to tissue parts, in particular to skeletal parts, as well as device and method for implantation thereof
Implants (7) for forming a positive connection with human or animal parts include a material, such as thermoplastics and thixotropic materials, that can be liquefied by means of mechanical energy. The implants (7) are brought into contact with the tissue part, are subjected to the action of ultrasonic energy while being pressed against the tissue part. The liquefiable material liquefies and is pressed into openings or surface asperities of the tissue part so that, once solidified, the implant is positively joined thereto. The implantation involves the use of an implantation device that includes a generator (2), an oscillating element, and a resonator (6). The generator (2) causes the oscillating element to mechanically oscillate, and the element transmits the oscillations to the resonator (6). The resonator (6) is used to press the implant (7) against the tissue part to transmit oscillations to the implant (7).
US08323320B2 Transcorporeal spinal decompression and repair system and related method
A system and method are provided for making an access channel through a vertebral body to access a site of neural compression, decompressing it, and repairing the channel to restore vertebral integrity. System elements include an implantable vertebral plate, a guidance device for orienting bone cutting tools and controlling the path of a cutting tool, a bone cutting tool to make a channel in the vertebral body, a tool for opening or partially-resecting the posterior longitudinal ligament of the spine, a tool for retrieving a herniated disc, an implantable device with osteogenic material to fill the access channel, and a retention device that lockably-engages the bone plate to retain it in position after insertion. System elements may be included in a surgery to decompress an individual nerve root, the spinal cord, or the cauda equina when compressed, for example, by any of a herniated disc, an osteophyte, a thickened ligament arising from degenerative changes within the spine, a hematoma, or a tumor.
US08323318B2 Flexible tie fastening system
The present invention relates to an instrument for tensioning a flexible tie (14) used for fastening an implant on a bony element of a patient by forming a first loop around the bony element. Said instrument comprises: a rod (42) having a first end provided with bearing means (44) for bearing against said implant; a moving part (46) that is movable in translation and that surrounds said rod (42) over a fraction of its length, said moving part including holder means (50) for holding the end of said tie; and control means (52) mounted on said moving part (46) to cause the moving part to move relative to said rod, thereby tending to move the first end (42a) of the rod away from said moving part, thereby exerting tension on said tie relative to said implant.
US08323314B2 Surgical fastener
An electrosurgical system is provided and comprises a fastening device including a cartridge configured to retain a plurality of fasteners therein and an anvil configured to form the plurality of fasteners; a plurality of surgical fasteners loaded in the cartridge, at least one of the fasteners includes a backspan, a pair of legs depending from the backspan, and at least one contact pad fabricated from an electrically conductive material on the backspan, wherein at least one of the pair of legs is configured to contact the at least one contact pad upon a formation thereof; and an indicating circuit associated with the fasteners, the indicating circuit including an electrical conduit in electrical contact with the at least one contact pad, wherein the indicating circuit includes an energy source and an indicator, wherein the indicator activates upon one of a proper and improper formation of the fasteners.
US08323313B1 Surgical incision and closure apparatus with integrated force distribution
Apparatus for closing a surgical incision include a base having left and right panels, a force distribution structure coupled to each panel, and a closure component which releasably attaches to the force distribution structure to draw the inner edges of the panels together in order to close adhered tissue edges. The force distribution structures allow the inner edges of the panels to expand while restraining expansion of the outer edges of the panels and limiting elongation of the lateral dimension of the panels. The incision closure apparatus may be placed on skin or other tissue prior to forming the incision to be available to close said incision at the end of the surgical procedure.
US08323309B2 Adjustable left atrial appendage implant
Disclosed is an adjustable occlusion device for use in a body lumen such as the left atrial appendage. The occlusion device is removably carried by a deployment catheter. The device may be enlarged or reduced to facilitate optimal placement or removal. Methods are also disclosed.
US08323300B2 Tissue anchorable devices
A device for treating GERD is provided. The device includes a device body capable of at least partially preventing reflux of stomach content to the esophagus while enabling flow of esophageal content around said device body and into the stomach.
US08323299B2 Device for preparing tissue for anastomosis
A device and method for preparation of a graft and a fastener for coupling to a vessel. The device includes a tubular body with a gripping head at a distal end to grip the graft and the fastener. The graft is threaded through the fastener and an edge of the graft out of the fastener. The gripping head has at least three segments arranged around its axis. The segments can be brought closer or pushed away from each other to modify the external diameter of the head and to provide firm gripping of the fastener and the graft. The device further includes a pliant tongue which may rotate around the tubular body. Radial positioning of the tongue may be controlled and the tongue may slide axially towards or away from the head.
US08323296B2 Ring used in a small pupil phacoemulsification procedure
A ring that can maintain a pupil in an extended position during an ophthalmic procedure. The ring has a plurality of loops that capture iris tissue. The ring is configured to extend the pupil when iris tissue is inserted into each loop. An ophthalmic procedure such as phacoemulsification can then be performed on the patient. The ring has a center opening that provides a wide view of the ocular chamber during the procedure.
US08323294B2 Tether tensioning instrument
Various methods and devices are provided for tensioning a tether. In one embodiment, a tether tensioning device is provided and includes a tensioning mechanism adapted to couple to a tether extending along a path between at least two bone anchors implanted in adjacent vertebrae. The tensioning mechanism can be adapted to apply a tensioning force to the tether along the path of the tether to thereby move the tether along the path. The device further includes an actuation mechanism movably coupled to the tensioning mechanism such that the actuation mechanism is adapted to effect movement of the tensioning mechanism to control the tensioning force applied to the tether.
US08323293B2 Tack or drive screw for securing a prosthesis to bone and associated instrumentation and method
The present invention relates to a surgical method or procedure for securing a prosthesis to bone. More particularly, the present invention relates to (i) a surgical method or procedure for securing a low load bearing prosthesis such as, for example, an adhesion barrier, to a patient's bone, (ii) a tack or drive screw for securing the low load bearing prosthesis and (iii) associated instrumentation for driving the tack or drive screw into the patient's bone.
US08323288B2 Customized patient-specific bone cutting blocks
A number of orthopaedic surgical instruments are also disclosed. A method, apparatus, and system for fabricating such instruments are also disclosed.
US08323285B2 Method for manufacturing a surgical saw blade with a blade head and raised boss around which the blade head pivots
In a method of assembling a surgical saw blade assembly with an blade bar that contains an oscillating head, the blade bar is formed from opposed plates. One of the plates is punch stamped to define a boss around which blade head pivots. The plates are secured to one another in a series of steps in which spaced apart sections of the plates are welded together.
US08323280B2 Medical ablation system and method of use
Cartilage and other tissues are treated by generating a plasma in an interior space of a probe and exposing the tissue to the plasma. The plasma is released through a gap in a working end of the probe.
US08323279B2 System, method and apparatus for electrosurgical instrument with movable fluid delivery sheath
An electrosurgical instrument with a movable fluid delivery sheath assembly for variable fluid supply during surgical procedures is disclosed. The instrument comprises at least one active electrode and at least one return electrode, positioned on the instrument distal end. The sheath assembly has an outer sheath that is external to the instrument shaft, to provide a lumen. The sheath assembly lumen is axially movable between first and second positions relative to a fluid delivery element, for varying target site treatment and fluid delivery. In the first position the shaft distal end is axially distal to a leading edge of the sheath assembly. In the second position the sheath assembly distal leading edge is positioned axially adjacent or distal to the end of the shaft. The fluid delivery element comprises an inner lumen extending through at least a portion of the shaft, and at least one port extending radially through the shaft. The port is in communication with the inner lumen. A fluid supply source provides fluid through the port, sheath lumen and inner lumen.
US08323275B2 Laparoscopic port with microwave rectifier
A radiation detector disposed on a microwave antenna assembly to receive unintended field exposure in an insufflated abdomen. The radiation detector includes a receiving antenna made up of at least two pieces of metal externally attached to the microwave antenna within the abdomen. The radiation detector is adapted to receive errant microwave energy that resonates in the abdomen. A rectifier is coupled between the two pieces of metal, where the pieces of metal are strips, rings, patches, or other geometric combinations. The rectifier is adapted to rectify at least a portion of the errant microwave energy. A filter is coupled to the rectifier and is adapted to convert the rectified microwave energy into a detection signal. An inflatable stop is located on a distal end of the microwave antenna and the inflatable stop is inflated when inserted within the abdomen. The inflated stop prevents inadvertent removal of the microwave antenna.
US08323274B2 Ablation catheter arrangement and cooling control
An apparatus for cooling ablation catheters via a coolant pump and liquid cooling medium controlled by a controller based on a characteristic state for an activity of a catheter and in addition a system that uses the apparatus for ablation of tissue in a human or animal body. The system includes an elongated ablation catheter, an ablation generator electrically connected to the catheter to generate a high-frequency energy pulse or a high-frequency energy field, the coolant pump connected to the catheter and the controller and a control line connected to the pump. The control line comprises an electric circuit designed to detect a high-frequency pulse or a high-frequency field.
US08323271B2 Sterile surgical tray
A sterile surgical tray includes structure for receiving a plurality of surgical instruments, a pump fluid reservoir within the tray, a pump contained within the sterile tray and connected to the pump fluid reservoir, and a motor contained within the sterile tray and connected to the pump. Sterile surgical tray 10 also may include electrical input and output connectors attached to tray.
US08323269B2 Metronomic convection enhanced delivery of intrathecal chemotherapy using an implanted magnetic breather pump (MBP) for leptomeningeal carcinomatosis
A magnetically controlled pump is implanted into the cerebrospinal fluid of a patient and delivers a plurality of medicating agents at a controlled rate corresponding to the specific needs of the patient. The current invention comprises a flexible double walled lumen, intratumoral catheter which will be implanted. Spinal fluid drawn from the patient is analyzed. Medication is delivered on a continuous metronomic basis into the CSF via an internalized pump. CSF is removed and analyzed for VEGF and other cytokines via spectrophotometer analysis or a lab on a chip. The operation of the apparatus and hence the treatment is remotely controlled based on these measurements and displayed through an external controller.
US08323262B2 Self-contained medical applicators for multiple component formulations, and methods of use thereof
Certain aspects of the invention relate to an applicator, and methods of use thereof, which can house multiple component formulations in separate material receptacles, which can then be easily reconstituted at time of use without any assembly by the user. A device of the invention can be used for, but is not limited to, applying hydrogel formulations to dura mater, abdominal tissue in hernia repair, tissues near the spine, lung tissue, intestinal tissue, and any of the internal tissues. A device of the invention can be configured to apply a spray or a stream of liquid formulation onto a surface to be treated. A device of the invention can be configured to deliver the formulation through an endoscope or laparoscope.
US08323261B2 Methods of accessing an intramural space
Devices and methods for the treatment of chronic total occlusions are provided. One disclosed embodiment comprises a method of facilitating treatment via a vascular wall defining a vascular lumen containing an occlusion therein. The method includes inserting an intramural crossing device into the vascular lumen, positioning at least the distal tip of the crossing device in the vascular wall, advancing an orienting device over the crossing device such that an orienting element of the orienting device resides in the vascular wall, inserting a re-entry device, and re-entering the true vascular lumen.
US08323258B2 Quiet adhesive fastening system for a disposable absorbent article
A quiet fastening system that includes a silicone-based adhesive. The silicone-based adhesive is applied to an engaging member or receiving member of the fastening system. The engaging member and receiving member are releasably joined to engage the quiet fastening system. When disengaged, the quiet fastening system exhibits a noise level of less than 15 dB. The quiet fastening system also exhibits desirable Shear Hang Time and Peel Force.
US08323257B2 Absorbent articles comprising a slow recovery stretch laminate and method for making the same
An absorbent article may comprise a topsheet, a backsheet joined with the topsheet, an absorbent core interposed between the topsheet and backsheet; and a slow recovery stretch laminate. The slow recovery stretch laminate may be joined to one or more article elements selected from the group consisting of the topsheet, the backsheet, the core, an anal cuff, an elasticized topsheet, a fastening system, a leg cuff, a waist elastic feature, a side panel, an ear, and combinations thereof. The slow recovery stretch laminate may exhibit an unload force at 37° C. of about 0.16 N/(g/m) or greater and a percent of initial strain after 15 seconds of recovery at 22° C. of about 10% or greater. And, the slow recovery stretch laminate may comprise an elastic member that was pretreated prior to and/or during draw down of the elastic member.
US08323255B2 Bowel management system
A bowel management system includes a waste collection catheter having at least two distinct sections. The first section is patient proximal when disposed in the patient's rectum and has durometer hardness in the range of about 50 A to about 90 A. The second catheter section is connected to the first section and has durometer hardness in the range of about 5 A to about 49 A. A selectively collapsible, substantially spherical retention balloon is attached coaxially and exterior of the first catheter section such that the proximal-most end of the retention balloon is coincident to the proximal-most end of the first section of the waste collection catheter, the substantially spherical retention balloon having an inflated size so as to be sufficiently large enough to retain the patient proximal end of the catheter in the patient's rectum without being so large as to trigger a defecatory response in the patient.
US08323250B2 Adhesive patch systems and methods
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to patches for medical devices. In various embodiments, an adhesive patch of a medical device may have selective areas with adhesive material of varying adhesion strengths. In other embodiments, an adhesive patch of a medical device may include adhesive material that may be activated by a catalyst to increase or decrease the adhesion strength of the adhesive material. In further embodiments, a medical device may include a pierceable membrane containing an agent, the pierceable membrane positioned to be pierced by a needle and to cause some of the agent to be carried to the user-patient.
US08323248B2 Medical fluid delivery system
A medical fluid delivery system is provided including a steerable, guide catheter, a delivery catheter adapted for deployment at a targeted tissue site using the steerable guide catheter, the delivery catheter including a proximal port, a distal port, and a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ports; a distal fixation element coupled to the delivery catheter so as to position the distal port adjacent the targeted tissue site; and a flexible hollow needle adapted to be advanced through the delivery catheter lumen, the flexible needle including a tissue-piercing distal tip for extending from the distal port of the delivery catheter for advancement into the targeted tissue site and a proximal end for extending from the proximal port of the delivery catheter through which a medical fluid is delivered.
US08323244B2 Catheter malfunction determinations using physiologic pressure
Methods and systems for determining whether an implanted catheter used to deliver fluids to a selected internal delivery site is malfunctioning. The malfunctions may include that the infusion section of the catheter is not located at or has migrated away from the selected internal delivery site, is leaking, is blocked, etc. The determination is made by analyzing the pressure modulation of fluid within the catheter and determining whether the pressure of the fluid in the catheter is modulated by physiologic pressure changes experienced at the selected internal delivery site. The physiologic pressure modulations at the selected internal delivery site may be caused by, e.g., cardiac activity, respiration, changes in patient's posture, etc.
US08323243B2 Device and method for opening blood vessels by pre-angioplasty serration and dilatation of atherosclerotic plaque
An intravascular device can comprise a carrier and an expansion apparatus. The device can be used for intravascular treatment of atherosclerotic plaque. The carrier can be reversibly expandable and collapsible within a vessel and can have ribbon strips extending between opposite ends in a longitudinal direction of the carrier. The ribbon strips can each be formed with a plurality of elongated protrusions thereon. The expansion apparatus can be used to actuate the ribbon strips each with the plurality elongated protrusions to pierce a luminal surface of the plaque with lines or patterns of microperforations which act as serrations for forming cleavage lines or planes in the plaque.
US08323242B2 Non-compliant medical balloon having a longitudinal fiber layer
A non-compliant medical balloon is formed with a first fiber layer including a first fiber and a second fiber layer over said first fiber layer. The first fiber is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the non-compliant medical balloon.
US08323240B2 Interventional catheter assemblies and control systems
An interventional catheter assembly has an operating head and catheter system that are inserted and navigated within a patient's body while an operator controls the system externally of the operating head. Fluidic communication is provided between the operating head and the external system controls, and rotation is provided to the operating head by means of an external drive system. Numerous system controls are provided, along with various operating systems, sealing assemblies, actuators, torque transfer systems, and the like are provided. Some systems and controls are provided in a control pod and some controls, as well as displays, are provided in a console unit. Control pod, catheter system and operating head may be provided as a sterile, single use interventional catheter system, while the console unit may be provided as a multiple use device that communicates with the sterile, single use interventional catheter system during operation.
US08323239B2 Fixed dimensional and bi-directional steerable catheter control handle
An apparatus for imparting a tensile force to deflect a distal portion of a catheter while maintaining its exterior dimensions may include a handle grip including a cross-section of generally predetermined exterior dimensions, and a longitudinal axis. A flexible elongate member may include proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion being coupled to the handle grip. An adjustment knob may include a cross-section of generally predetermined exterior dimensions, and is rotatably coupled to the handle grip around the longitudinal axis. An elongate deflection member may be operably coupled to the adjustment knob and to the distal end portion of the elongate member. Rotation of the adjustment knob may impart a tensile force to the deflection member thereby causing the distal end portion of the elongate member to deflect from a prior configuration while maintaining the generally predetermined exterior dimensions of the handle grip and the adjustment knob.
US08323236B1 Animal breast pump device
The animal breast pump device provides an extraction mechanism having a cylindrical horizontal T section having a first end spaced apart from a second end with a bottom male thread disposed downwardly on the T section, a cylindrical plunger pump disposed on T section first end, a cylindrical union removably disposed on the T section male thread, a suction funnel removably and threadably disposed on the union, a flexible retainer disposed centrally within the suction funnel, and a bottle having an upwardly disposed female thread, the female thread removably fitted to the T section bottom male thread.
US08323230B2 Methods and devices to accelerate wound healing in thoracic anastomosis applications
A long term oxygen therapy system having an oxygen supply directly linked with a patient's lung or lungs may be utilized to more efficiently treat hypoxia caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. The system includes an oxygen source, one or more valves and fluid carrying conduits. The fluid carrying conduits link the oxygen source to diseased sites within the patient's lungs. A collateral ventilation bypass trap system directly linked with a patient's lung or lungs may be utilized to increase the expiratory flow from the diseased lung or lungs, thereby treating another aspect of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The system includes a trap, a filter/one-way valve and an air carrying conduit. In various embodiments, the system may be intrathoracic, extrathoracic or a combination thereof. A pulmonary decompression device may also be utilized to remove trapped air in the lung or lungs, thereby reducing the volume of diseased lung tissue. A lung reduction device may passively decompress the lung or lungs. In order for the system to be effective, an airtight seal between the parietal and visceral pleurae is required. Chemical pleurodesis is utilized for creating the seal and various devices and/or drugs, agents and/or compounds may be utilized to accelerate wound healing in thoracic anastomosis applications.
US08323227B2 Tip configurations for a multi-lumen catheter
Multi-lumen catheters with improved tip configurations, including a triple-lumen catheter which may be useful for apheresis. In one variation, the catheter has three lumens with distal openings angularly spaced apart and staggered axially with respect to one another. In another variation, the catheter has two lumens exiting distally and one centrally positioned lumen exiting proximally. A third variation is a catheter with a single distal opening and two proximal openings. The staggered lumen openings along the axial length of the catheter may decrease recirculation while maximizing flow rates.
US08323224B2 Ankle foot orthosis
Disclosed is an ankle foot orthotic device for assisting a user during gait. The device comprises: a foot support having a shape and size configured to the plantar aspect of a user foot, the foot support having a forward portion and a rearward portion and a heel plate coupled to an upper surface of the rearward portion. The device further comprises: an upper rod having a longitudinal axis and a lower end connected to an offset and a lower rod having: a longitudinal axis; a lower end connected to the heel plate; and an upward end connected to the offset.
US08323218B2 Generation of proportional posture information over multiple time intervals
The disclosure describes techniques for generation of proportional posture information over multiple time intervals. The techniques may include obtaining posture state data sensed by a medical device for a patient during delivery of therapy by the medical device, determining durations for which the patient occupied each of a plurality of posture states based on the posture state data, generating proportional posture information for a plurality of different time intervals based on the durations, wherein the proportional posture information for each of the time intervals indicates proportional amounts of the respective time interval in which the patient occupied the posture states, and presenting the proportional posture information to a user via a user interface.
US08323217B2 Methods to size a gastric pouch
Methods to size a gastric pouch. In at least one embodiment for measuring the size of a gastric pouch of the present disclosure, the method comprises the steps of introducing a catheter into an esophagus, the catheter comprising an outer elongate tube, an inner elongate tube disposed within the outer elongate tube, a proximal balloon attached to the outer elongate tube, a distal balloon having a first end attached to the outer elongate tube and a second end attached to the inner elongate tube, at least two detection electrodes positioned on the outer elongate tube between at least two excitation electrodes, and a pressure transducer positioned on the outer elongate tube, locating the gastroesophageal junction using the proximal balloon, adjusting the distal balloon axially to a desired balloon length, injecting a fluid into the distal balloon to extend the distal balloon circumferentially, and determining a size variable of the gastric pouch.
US08323216B2 System and method for applied kinesiology feedback
Applied kinesiology method and device utilizes an examiner's autonomic response to truth/false or beneficial/non-beneficial stimulus and provides immediate feedback to the examiner in the context of an applied kinesiology exam. Kinesiology glasses detect local pupillary response to truthfulness locally and remotely. Through measurements of the pupils dilation or constriction and processing of the measurements, the response is obtained and feedback, via sensory stimulation, is provided to the examiner that reflects the pupillary response. The device and method effectively eliminate the subjective components of prior art muscle testing response from the hands of the testing examiner.
US08323215B2 Bending resistant male connector for a guide wire
During use there is a risk that a male connector for a guide wire is bent. With the present male connector (1) more material with high modulus of elasticity can be provided inside the male connector (1), which makes the male connector (1) more bending resistant. The male connector (1) comprises a core wire (3), a plurality of conductive members (4) spaced apart longitudinally along said core wire (3), a plurality of conductors (5) disposed along the core wire (3), each of the conductors (5) being connected to a respective conductive member (4). The core wire (3) has such a shape that least one longitudinal cavity is provided, which longitudinal cavity remains substantially intact when the male connector (1) is bent, thereby protecting the conductors (5), which are disposed in said cavity, from being damaged.
US08323213B2 Quantitative and qualitative analysis apparatus for measuring the body fluid
A quantitative and qualitative analysis apparatus of a body fluid serves as a replacement of a Foley catheter and a urine bag connected The analysis apparatus is capable of automatically measuring the volume of a body fluid (urine volume) and specific constituents in a body fluid (urine and blood) in a real time mode and is capable of outputting the measurement results with ease, thereby promoting the efficiency of human resource management so that medical staff may be able to make a quick diagnosis on the current state of the patient based on the provided data and thus, take all necessary measured to improve the patient's condition at proper time.
US08323208B2 Neurologic monitoring system and method
A method, system, and products that allow for accurate localization, virtual depiction, and testing of nerve(s) or neural structures that course through or around a proposed surgical site are described. The method and system employs a variety of types of neurodiagnostic tests that incorporate sensory, motor, and mixed nerve conduction studies in an orthodromic and antidromic fashion as well as utilizing triggered electromyography. This method, system, and products allow for a much more specific and sensitive method to assess the baseline function and continued integrity of nerves and neural structures prior to, during, and after a surgical procedure.
US08323207B2 Method and device for measurement of exhaled respiratory gas temperature
An apparatus for the measurement of exhaled respiratory gas temperature during free voluntary tidal breathing, comprises a housing 1 defining a chamber, an air inlet 2 for receiving a stream of exhaled respiratory gas and an air outlet 4 for permitting escape of exhaled respiratory gas from the chamber to outside of the housing. A tube having inner and outer surfaces, is located within the housing and extends from the air inlet into the chamber provides a passageway through which the stream of exhaled respiratory gas may travel from the air inlet in to the chamber. A temperature sensor 6 is located within the housing for measuring the temperature of exhaled respiratory gas. The air inlet, temperature sensor and air outlet are configured such that in use the stream of exhaled respiratory gas traveling within the housing contacts with at least part of the inner surface of the tube when the respiratory gas is traveling upstream of the temperature sensor and contacts with at least part the outer surface of the tube when the stream of respiratory gas is traveling downstream of the temperature sensor.
US08323205B2 System and method for identifying a potential cause of pulmonary edema
A method of identifying a potential cause of pulmonary edema is provided. The method includes obtaining one or more impedance vectors between predetermined combinations of the electrodes positioned proximate the heart. At least one of the impedance vectors is representative of a thoracic fluid level. The method also includes applying a stimulation pulse to the heart and sensing cardiac signals of the heart that are representative of an electrophysiological response to the stimulation pulse. The method further includes monitoring the cardiac signals and at least one of the impedance vectors with respect to time to identify the potential cause of pulmonary edema.
US08323202B2 Method and system for measuring pulmonary artery circulation information
Minimally invasive systems and methods are described for measuring pulmonary circulation information from the pulmonary arteries. A transbronchial Doppler ultrasound catheter is advanced through the airways and in the vicinity of the pulmonary artery. Doppler ultrasound energy is sent through the airway wall and across the pulmonary artery to obtain velocity information of blood flowing through the artery. The velocity information is used to compute pulmonary circulation information including but not limited to flowrate.
US08323200B2 Ultrasound diagnostic apparatus
A PSK modulator 20 applies digital modulation processing to an RF wave supplied from an RF wave oscillator 22, by means of phase shift keying (PSK) based on a periodical signal sequence supplied from a pattern generator 24, to thereby generate a continuous wave. The continuous wave output from the PSK modulator 20 is delayed in delay circuits 26I and 26Q and is then supplied, as a reference signal, to each of mixers of a receiving mixer 30. Each of the delay circuits 26I and 26Q delays the continuous wave by a delay amount in accordance with a depth of a target position and outputs a delayed reference signal. Thus, demodulation processing is performed with a correlation between a reception signal from the target position and the reference signal being enhanced, and Doppler information from the target position is selectively extracted by a Doppler information analyzing unit 44.
US08323197B2 Blood flow measuring and evaluating apparatus
Means for measuring and evaluating a dynamic property of a blood flow in a superficial blood vessel of a living body are constructed.A physical stimulus is given to the blood flow, and an ultrasonic response from the blood flow to the physical stimulus is measured and evaluated, which allows the blood property to be evaluated noninvasively and dynamically. Therefore, a medical check and a lifestyle-related diseases prevention effect are promising.
US08323194B2 Detection of bubbles during hemodynamic monitoring when performing automated measurement of blood constituents
Example embodiments of the present invention provide methods and apparatuses that enable the detection of bubbles so that hemodynamic performance can be assured following an automated blood analyte measurement. An example apparatus according to the present invention comprises a blood access system, adapted to remove blood from a body and infuse at least a portion of the blood back into the body. The infusion of at least a portion of the blood back in to the body can be done in a manner to assure that no bubbles of clinical significance are injected into the patient. Additionally an example embodiment can assess for the presence of bubbles in the fluid column that can affect hemodynamic monitoring performance. If a condition exists where hemodynamic monitoring performance cannot be assured, an example embodiment can provide appropriate warning or corrective actions.
US08323191B2 Stressor sensor and stress management system
A stressor detection system (100) comprises sensor means (101) arranged for being attached to a person for obtaining a time-varying signal representing a physical quantity relating to an environment of the person, and processing means (102) for deriving a stressor value from the obtained signal representing a degree to which the environment is inducing stress in the person. The processing means is arranged for deriving an amount of complexity comprised in the signal, and for deriving a higher stressor value for a larger amount of information. The processing means is further arranged for performing a spectral frequency analysis of the signal and for deriving the stressor value also in dependence on the spectral frequency analysis. The sensor means comprises a microphone (105), a camera (104), and a tri-axial accelerometer.
US08323189B2 Health monitoring appliance
A heart monitoring system for a person includes one or more wireless nodes; and a wearable appliance in communication with the one or more wireless nodes, the appliance monitoring vital signs.
US08323188B2 Health monitoring appliance
A heart monitoring system for a person includes one or more wireless nodes forming a wireless network; a wearable sensor having a wireless transceiver adapted to communicate with the one or more wireless nodes; and a software module receiving data from the wireless nodes to detect changes in patient vital signs.
US08323187B2 Noninvasive medical device and method operable in a limited amount of time through a deliberate human motion
A method, system, and apparatus of a medical device powered by deliberate human motion for limited use are disclosed. In one embodiment, a medical device includes a motion module to sense whether a deliberate human motion is convertible to an electric current to power the medical device, a power module to convert the deliberate human motion to a limited use electric current that enables the medical device to operate during a limited cycle of time, and an energy storage module to store the limited use electric current converted from the deliberate human motion. The medical device may include a power sensing module to determine whether a threshold amount of energy has been generated. The medical device may also include a sensor of the motion module to sense whether the deliberate human motion is convertible to the limited use electric current by permitting a physical object to oscillate.
US08323186B2 Device for facilitating the medical examination of an orifice
A device for facilitating the examination of an orifice includes a mount for a light source for illuminating the orifice, a connector for detachably mounting a dilator for insertion into and dilation of an orifice, and an actuator for operating a mounted dilator. The mounted dilator includes operative parts able to move apart from one another.
US08323182B2 Endoscope and system and method of operation thereof
An endoscope including a rigid section having opposed first and second ends and an opening situated between the first and second ends, the rigid section defining a longitudinal axis; a handle portion coupled to a first end of the rigid section and having first and second scissor-type handles suitable for grasping by a user; and a base part situated at the second end of the rigid section and coupled to the first handle of the scissor-type handles such that displacement of the first handle causes a rotation of the base part.
US08323181B2 Endoscope with variable incident light and laser source platform
Endoscope and method comprise a micro endoscope with insertion end that is about 1-2 millimeters in outer diameter and includes an optical fiber image bundle, two optical laser fibers, two illumination source optical fiber bundles, along with three focusing lenses for image bundle and laser fibers. Insertion end may be inserted in a female milk duct, other body cavity, or internal organ to inspect for cells and lesions. Visual inspection is aided by the use of special mixtures of light sources to observe the distinction between normal and abnormal cells. If abnormal cells or lesions are detected and the surgeon decides cells or lesions are non-cancerous, the surgeon may then use endoscope to precisely burn, ablate, or otherwise kill abnormal cells at their point of origin on the milk duct, other body cavity, or internal organ. The procedure is minimally invasive and much less costly than many other similarly functioning medical procedures.
US08323177B2 Imaging and evaluating embryos, oocytes, and stem cells
Methods, compositions and kits for determining the developmental potential of one or more embryos or pluripotent cells and/or the presence of chromosomal abnormalities in one or more embryos or pluripotent cells are provided. These methods, compositions and kits find use in identifying embryos and oocytes in vitro that are most useful in treating infertility in humans.
US08323171B2 Brachytherapy apparatus and methods for using same
Apparatus, systems and methods are provided for delivering brachytherapy to a target tissue region of a human or other mammalian body. In some embodiments, a flexible brachytherapy device is implanted that includes a therapy delivery portion having one or more radioactive sources securely retained thereto, and a tail portion extending from the therapy delivery portion. Once implanted, the tail portion may extend outside the body, where it may be folded and secured flat against the skin. The device may be removed at therapy completion. Other embodiments of the invention are directed to systems and methods for delivering brachytherapy devices to the body.
US08323170B2 Swing bucket centrifuge rotor including a reinforcement layer
A centrifuge rotor is provided. The rotor includes a compression-molded rotor body that includes a central hub defining an axis of rotation of the rotor body, and a plurality of bays, each configured to receive a bucket therein. A plurality of load transferring members are integrally molded with the rotor body and each include a bucket support for supporting a bucket, with the bucket support permitting pivoting movement of the bucket during centrifugation of the rotor body about the axis of rotation. A reinforcement layer extends circumferentially and/or helically around an exterior of the rotor body.
US08323168B2 Centrifugal separator with venturi arrangement
The invention describes a self-powered centrifugal separator comprising a base, a rotor mounted on an operably substantially vertical axis for rotation thereabout by reaction to fluid emission from rotor nozzles therein, a housing mounted on the base and enclosing the rotor, a sump formed in the base below the rotor, a fluid passageway through the base extending from an inlet port to an outlet port and including a diversion port to supply fluid to the interior of the rotor by way of the rotation axis, a drain passage in the base for draining fluid from the sump to the fluid passageway, and a venturi arrangement provided in the fluid passageway in the base to develop suction pressure to draw fluid from the drainage passage into the fluid passageway, whereas a spring loaded valve body is provided in the fluid passageway, said body being configured and arranged to shut off supply of fluid to the interior of the rotor when pressure of fluid entering the inlet port falls below a predetermined minimum pressure value and also to restrict and/or shut off supply of fluid to the interior of the rotor when pressure of fluid entering the inlet port rises above a second predetermined pressure value.
US08323163B2 Positioning-jig for adjusting a face plate
A positioning-jig 42 is cylindrical shape and chamfered at the top side; wherein a bottom side inner diameter of the positioning-jig 42 is larger than outer diameter of the marking-member 12, and the bottom side outer diameter of the positioning-jig 42 is same or slightly smaller than the through-holes 20 belongs to the face plate 15.
US08323158B2 Exercise apparatus using weight and pneumatic resistances
An exercise apparatus combines weight and pneumatic resistance to provide a user with options to work against either or both types of resistances. In one mode, the exercise apparatus includes a user interface, such as, for example, a weight-lifting bar, that a user can move either toward or away from a stationary portion of the user's body. A weight (e.g., a free weight plate) can be selectively coupled to the user interface. A pneumatic resistance device can also be selectively coupled to the user interface independent of whether the user interface is also coupled to the weight. The pneumatic resistance device includes at least one valve to regulate the amount of resistance that the pneumatic resistance device applies to oppose movement of the user interface in at least one direction. At least one actuator may be provided for controlling the at least one valve, the actuator being configured to be manipulated by the user while the user is in an exercise position. The apparatus can also include a trolley that moves relative to a track. The trolley can move with the user interface so as to permit various positions of the user interface relative to the pneumatic resistance device.
US08323156B2 Leg training equipment
A leg training equipment has a base fixed in place, a support portion configured to support a part of a user's body, and a coupling mechanism provided between the base and the support portion. The coupling mechanism movably couples the support portion to the base such that a load applied to a leg of the user by the user's own weight changes by a relative positional displacement between a foot position and a position of center of gravity of the user. In addition, the coupling mechanism limits a movable direction of the support portion such that at least when the load applied to the leg increases, a direction of the relative positional displacement between the foot position and the position of center of gravity is substantially limited to a direction of flexion and extension of knee joint. Thereby, it is possible to efficiently provide the user with an exercise that applies less load on the knee joint.
US08323149B2 Vehicle trajectory control system
Systems and methods for controlling a throttle plate to adjust airflow to the engine are provided. A transmission having an input speed and an output speed and including a clutch and a driver-selectable transmission lever is controlled to adjust engine speed to a synchronous speed in a future gear ratio in response to driver foot pedal positions and driver-selectable transmission lever positions.
US08323145B2 Hybrid powertrain optimum ratio selection
A transmission control system for a hybrid electric vehicle including an electric machine includes an energy storage device that is selectively charged by the electric machine and that selectively powers the electric machine. A driver input device generates a driver input signal. A control module receives the driver input signal, determines a torque load of the electric machine based on a state of charge (SOC) of the energy storage device and determines a transmission ratio based on the torque load and the driver input signal.
US08323142B2 Multi-speed transmission
A multi-speed transmission includes a first input shaft, a second input shaft, a first friction engagement mechanism, a second friction engagement mechanism, a first synchromesh mechanism, a second synchromesh mechanism, and a third friction engagement mechanism. A differential mechanism includes a first rotational element, a second rotational element, and a third rotational element. The first rotational element is coupled to a first countershaft. The second rotational element is coupled to a second countershaft. The third rotational element is coupled to an output member. A third synchromesh mechanism is capable of coupling a driving gear of a first gear train to the first input shaft or is capable of coupling a driven gear of the first gear train to the output member so as to enable power to be transferred between the first input shaft and the output member using the first gear train.
US08323139B2 Vehicle drive device
A vehicle drive device includes a case with a case main body portion accommodating the speed change mechanism, and a connection case portion connecting the engine and the case main body portion and having a diameter increased toward the engine; a hydraulic pressure control device that is provided under the speed change mechanism, and controls a hydraulic pressure to be supplied to the speed change mechanism; and an electric pump that generates the hydraulic pressure to be supplied to the speed change mechanism through the hydraulic pressure control device.
US08323137B2 Hydraulic tensioning element for a traction mechanism drive
A hydraulic tensioning element for a traction mechanism drive having a cylinder, having an axially movable piston which is guided in the cylinder, a spring element which is arranged between the cylinder and the piston, a pressure space which is formed in the cylinder, and a reservoir, which is formed in the piston, for hydraulic fluid. A valve permits an exchange of the hydraulic fluid between the pressure space and the reservoir as a function of an actuating movement of the piston. The cylinder (2) has a flanged portion (17) which reduces a size of its opening, and a free end of the piston (4) has formed on it an annular section (16) with a diameter which is larger than the piston diameter.
US08323134B2 Transmission controller for continuously variable transmission system
A transmission controller for a continuously variable transmission system steadily returns a gear ratio toward the low-ratio range, even after a driving pulley has stopped during sudden deceleration. A control unit is provided which drives an actuator to move a driving-pulley movable half part to a position in the low-ratio range when a vehicle speed sensor detects the sudden deceleration of a body, a pulley number-of-revolution sensor detects stopping of the driving pulley, and then a gear ratio sensor detects that the gear ratio of the continuously variable transmission system has not returned to the low-ratio range where a sufficient acceleration is obtainable at the time of restart. Upon detecting a restart, the control unit presses the driving-pulley movable half part onto a V-belt to prevent sliding therebetween and thereby reduce a loss in the transmission of a driving force at the time of restart.
US08323132B2 Detachable apparatus for securing a transmitting device for use with a hunting arrow for tracking game
A tracking apparatus for securing a transmitting device onto a target game animal. The tracking apparatus engages with a target and separates the apparatus from the arrow. The apparatus includes a transmitting device for transmitting a signal to a receiving device; a stopping component for detaching the tracking apparatus from the arrow after the arrow collides with the target; and a securing component for securing the tracking apparatus to the target, said securing component including barbs angled towards the rear of the arrow for stopping rebound motion of the tracking apparatus after the arrow collides with the target. In one embodiment, the barbs are reinforced with reinforcing arms. In another embodiment, the securing component includes a torsion spring. In another embodiment, the stopping component includes one or more wings with a front edge facing the front of the arrow that is relatively perpendicular to the axis of the arrow.
US08323130B1 Racquet handle assembly including a plurality of support members
A sports racquet including a handle assembly coupled to, and longitudinally extending from, a head portion. The handle assembly includes an elongate tubular shaft, a pallet positioned over the shaft, and a plurality of support members. The pallet defines a plurality of longitudinally extending planar regions and a plurality of longitudinally extending recesses. The recesses are respectively positioned between two of the plurality of planar regions. The support members are positioned within the respective recesses. Each of the support members has an outer surface that forms an elongated corner. The handle assembly has an outer surface that includes a plurality of longitudinally extending flats and a generally polygonal-shaped transverse cross-sectional area. Each of the plurality of planar regions forms at least part of a separate one of the plurality of flats.
US08323128B2 Net frame assembly and anti-rebound system
A lightweight sports net frame assembly and anti-rebound system allowing straightforward assembly, enhanced rigidity, expedited replacement of the net and ease in retrieval of objects from the net frame assembly during usage of said assembly. The net frame assembly comprises substantially cylindrical cavities that allow for cables, rods or other tethering means to pass through said cavities and in turn securely fasten within the side frame members. The joints of the frame are comprised of various interlocking pieces, which provide a smooth outer surface at the joints, reinforce the rigidity of the frame and diminish rotational moments on individual segments. A frame stability system is incorporated.
US08323127B2 Sports throwing training device
A sports training device is worn by the trainee for developing skill and minimizing risk of injury in pitching, passing, swinging, kicking, and other such sports-related body movements. An illustrative embodiment includes an anchor member adapted for wear on the torso of a trainee, a first tension device coupled between a trainee's arm and the anchor member, and a second tension device coupled between a trainee's leg and the anchor member. The first tension device may include a bendable rod and elastic cord, the bendable rod selectively rotatable to adjust the rod and cord relative to a trainee's shoulder.
US08323122B2 Method of making golf clubs
A method for making golf club heads includes using direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), selective laser melting (SLM) and other computer controlled high energy sintering or melting techniques to form club heads with customized user parameters. The powdered metals can be selected by type and quantity to achieve a desired density or weight distribution. Club heads made by these techniques are characterized by having customized parameters chosen for individual golfers. By sintering powdered metal to form areas of different porosity, club heads with desired weight distributions can be achieved.
US08323119B2 Flexible golfing mat
A tee-off golfing mat which includes an upper layer and which positions the upper layer on a distance D from a reference layer. The upper layer of the golfing mat provides a platform for teeing-off a golfing ball. At least a part of the upper layer, when exerting a force on the mat during teeing-off, is resilient in height direction of the golfing mat. The resiliency of the golfing mat is caused by magnetic forces.
US08323114B2 Gaming system having movable display dividers
A gaming system comprises a wager input device, a display for displaying at least a portion of a wagering game, and a divider overlying the display and dividing the display into at least a first display region and a second display region. An actuator is coupled to the divider, the actuator for moving the divider relative to the display. The system includes a controller operative, in response to a triggering event, to cause the actuator to move the divider from a first position to a second position and thereby alter the size of at least the first display region.
US08323109B2 Session monitoring on gaming machines
A method, gaming machine and gaming system is described that provides for session information monitoring. Session information is formed by monitoring play of a game by a player on a gaming machine. At the option of the player of the gaming machine the session information is either combined with session information from another gaming machine, or is not combined.
US08323108B1 Double kick adapter for video game drum machine
An electronic apparatus that allows for the connection of a pair of bass drum pedals to a single controller further comprises an electronic circuit housed within an enclosure and provided with two (2) input jacks to allow connection of two (2) standard bass drum pedals from the drum controller used in the video game ROCK BAND® (video game). An output cable is then provided for connection to the drum controller. The electronic circuit accepts the switch closure connections from either pedal and uses an array of electronic components to drive a relay which produces a contact closure. This contact closure is then used to feed the controller. The electronic circuit eliminates the collision and cancellation effects associated with simply combining the pedal closures in parallel. In such a manner, a videogame player can generate a greater number of bass drum pedal actuations in a given period of time by using both feet.
US08323107B2 Method and device for scorekeeping watch
A device for monitoring a first player, the device includes: a location unit; a score button; a score calculating unit arranged to: receive a first player score indication, transmit a first player score message to another device that is designed to trigger a first player score alert, determine whether to update a first player score value based on at least zero responses to the first player score message, and update the first player score value based on the determination; a feedback unit arranged to receive a second player score message about an intent of a second player to update a second player score value, generate a second player score alert, and transmit a first player response based on at least zero responses of the first player to the second player score alert; and a display for displaying the first player score value and at least one other player score value.
US08323101B2 Gaming system having tools for pairing wagering games with available progressive games
A method of operating a wagering game comprises activating a progressive game having a first set of configuration parameters and providing a primary wagering game having a second set of configuration parameters. The method further comprises comparing the first set of configuration parameters with the second set of configuration parameters to determine, in accordance with at least a first rule set, if the primary wagering game can be activated and paired with the progressive game. The method further displays results from the comparing step.
US08323099B2 Associating portable wagering game machines with a stationary wagering game machine
Embodiments of a portable wagering game machine and a stationary wagering game machine are described herein. In one embodiment, a plurality of portable wagering game machines are associated with a stationary wagering game machine. Group wagering game data is displayed on the stationary wagering game machine. The group wagering game data includes wagering content for viewing by multiple players. At each of the plurality of portable wagering game machines, individual wagering game data is displayed. The individual wagering game data and the group wagering game data relate to a wagering game.
US08323087B2 Reduced power consumption wager gaming machine
A wager gaming machine having software and components allowing for automatic powering on and off (also referred to as remote out-of-band power control) bypassing the need for human operator intervention is described. The gaming machine has a master gaming controller and a network interface. The interface includes an input port supporting a TCP/IP connection which can be used by another network component having the gaming machine's IP address. The gaming machine may also include a Web server operating on the input port. The Web server may receive HTTP messages on the input port even when the gaming machine is powered off. Thus, the machine is capable of receiving an HTTP message at the input port instructing the machine to power on. The gaming machine may also contain a manageability engine processor for executing an active management system software component. This component implements the Web server on the gaming machine.
US08323085B2 Method and apparatus for increasing potential payout opportunities in card games
Systems, apparatuses and methods for increasing potential payout opportunities using multiple card indicia representing multiple cards. One embodiment involves determining whether any one or more of a plurality of cards of a draw poker hand are to be randomly provided with multiple card indicia representing multiple cards, presenting the plurality of cards of the draw poker hand, including the one or more of the plurality of cards determined to be randomly provided with multiple card indicia, facilitating user identification of which of the plurality of cards to hold, replacing the cards that are not held, and identifying a plurality of resulting hands, each of the plurality of resulting hands including a different subset of a total of the indicia of the cards that were held, the cards that were replaced, and any cards provided with multiple card indicia.
US08323084B2 Gaming machine that navigates dealer in game advancement
The present invention provides a gaming system that can allow a game to be appropriately advanced even by an inexperienced dealer by way of navigating the dealer in game advancement, thereby allowing fraud to be avoided and cost to be reduced. A gaming system 1 gives an instruction to a dealer by operating indicators of card placement areas in which a card is to be placed based on a game advancement program. When a card is placed in a predetermined card placement area, the gaming system 1 reads at least one face of the card being placed by image input devices and determines whether the card is placed in a right place and a right orientation and whether the card is appropriate. After that the abovementioned processing is repeated for a predetermined number of times, a score is calculated based on image data and finally a game result is output.
US08323082B2 Game device, recording medium and game control method
A game device which executes a baseball game where a batter character hits a ball object that is pitched by a pitcher character stores, for each batter character, first evaluation information showing an evaluation of battering power in each segment showing a region within a strike zone, and displays the region of the strike zone corresponding to respective segments after increasing transparency, as divergence from the first reference data of the first evaluation information increases, based on the first evaluation information of the batter character at bat.
US08323080B2 System and method for stunning poultry with gas
System and method for controlled atmosphere stunning of chickens or turkeys in a batch mode is provided. The disclosed method includes the steps of: loading one or more batches of chickens or turkeys in a stunning chamber and sealably enclosing the stunning chamber to isolate the atmosphere therein. Carbon dioxide is then introduced to the isolated atmosphere in a series of three, four, five or more phases to humanely stun and eventually kill the poultry. The carbon dioxide containing atmosphere is subsequently forcibly exhausted from the stunning chamber and the ranks of cages or modules containing the stunned poultry are advanced to a subsequent processing station such as a tipper or dumping station.
US08323073B2 Method for discontinuous profile grinding
A gear grinding tool can be trued and re-profiled. The geometry of the individual profiles in the direction of the tool axis is designed so that at least more than two, preferably all, flanks of the tool are used for rough machining of the work piece flanks, and that during finishing the re-profiled flanks provided only for roughing are set back far enough so that during finishing they do not come into contact with the work piece flanks.
US08323072B1 Method of polishing transparent armor
A method of polishing transparent armor, preferably to optical clarity. The method can be used on flat or contoured armor, manually or via robotic automation. The method includes using a step-wise progression of diamond, structured abrasive articles.
US08323071B2 Method of polishing the inner peripheral end surfaces of substrates for a recording medium using a brush
There is provided a method of polishing the inner peripheral end surfaces of disk-like substrates for a recording medium using a brush comprising, providing a plurality of pieces of disk-like substrates having circular holes at the central portion thereof; bringing a polishing material slurry containing a polishing material into contact with the object to be polished; inserting a polishing brush into the circular hole of the object from a first side of the object to be polished, and rotating the polishing brush with the shaft as a center to polish the inner peripheral end surfaces of the substrates; and inserting the polishing brush into the circular hole of the object to be polished from a second side opposite to the first side and rotating the polishing brush with the shaft as a center axis to polish the inner peripheral end surfaces of the substrates.
US08323069B2 Toy vehicle track set with rotatable element
An indexing stunt selector for a toy vehicle track set is provided. The indexing stunt selector may be disposed along a toy vehicle track and includes a first stunt element disposed in the vehicle pathway to cause a toy vehicle to perform a first stunt, where performance of a first stunt results in actuation of a first stunt trigger. The indexing stunt selector further includes a second stunt element adapted to be automatically disposed in the vehicle pathway following actuation of the first stunt trigger.
US08323065B2 Organic electro-luminescence display device and manufacturing method thereof
An OLED device is disclosed. The OLED device includes a first substrate including a driver element and a connection electrode connected to the driver element, a second substrate including an organic light emission diode element, a contact spacer electrically connected to the connection electrode, and a sealant disposed into a cavity which is formed by the first and second substrates, the connection electrode, the organic light emission diode element, and the contact space. Herein, the sealant is bonded to the contact spacer and the connection electrode and maintains the electric connection between the contact spacer and the connection electrode. In this manner, the driver element and the organic light emission diode element are protected from external oxygen and/or moisture, and the electric connection between the connection electrode and the contact spacer is reinforced. Accordingly, the contact defect between the connection electrode and the contact spacer can be prevented and the structural strength of the OLED device can be greatly improved.
US08323063B2 Watercraft drive
A surface drive that includes a shaft housing; a propeller; a propeller shaft that passes through the shaft housing with the propeller mounted at an end of the propeller shaft; and mounted to the shaft housing is at least one of a container, wherein a self-locking or automatic locking pitch change mechanism that is configured to adjust a propeller blade of the propeller is partially located in the container, or a propeller ventilation unit that is configured to direct exhaust gas to or away from the propeller based on a travel condition of the surface drive.
US08323061B2 Miniature receptacle terminals
This approach generally pertains to a miniature terminal receptacle (10) with a connection section (12) and a mating section (14). The mating section has a pseudo- two-beam component that includes a contact spring (20) having a stationary beam, a resilient contact beam (24) and a beam overlapping section (26). The resilient contact beam has a contact bump (40) and a stiffening section (30) with a pivotal point (38). The shape of the contact spring increases the contact engagement or holding force on a male pin during mating. Overstress protection of the contact spring is provided and the terminal is economical to produce.
US08323055B2 Plug-in connector for connecting to a coaxial cable
A cable assembly includes a coaxial cable and a plug-in connector. The cable has inner and outer conductors and an insulation layer between the conductors. The connector has first and second tubular components. The first tubular component is inserted between the insulation layer and the outer conductor at a free end section of the cable and the second tubular component is connected to the first tubular component and encloses the outer conductor whereby the plug-in connector is connected to the cable. The second tubular component forms a sleeve that opens toward the free end section of the cable.
US08323053B2 Connector having a constant contact nut
A connector comprising a connector body attached to a post, the post including a first end portion and an opposing second end portion, and a flange proximate the second end portion, a port coupling element rotatably attached to the post, wherein the port coupling element has a first end and a second end, and a plurality of openings on the port coupling element, the plurality of openings extending a distance toward the first end from the second end of the port coupling element. Furthermore, a method of maintaining ground continuity in a connector comprising the steps providing a connector body attached to a post, the post having a first end, an opposing second end, and port coupling element having a plurality of openings positioned thereon, and biasing the port coupling element in a position of interference with the post is also provided.
US08323049B2 Electrical connector having power contacts
An electrical power connector is provided that is configured to mate with a complementary electrical connector. The electrical power connector includes a connector housing that retains both electrical signal contacts and electrical power contacts. The electrical power connector includes an engagement assembly that includes 1) at least one polarization member configured to mate with a polarization member of the complementary electrical connector only when the electrical power connector is in a desired orientation relative to the complementary electrical connector, and 2) a securement member configured to releasably engage a securement member of the complementary electrical connector.
US08323048B2 Conduit connector with two housings for connection to flexible conduit
A conduit connector adapted to connect to flexible electrical conduit has a first housing with a front portion adapted to engage a front portion of a second housing. The front portion of the first housing comprises a cavity adapted to contain a first portion of an electrical connector assembly, while the front portion of the second housing comprises a cavity adapted to contain a respective second portion of the electrical connector assembly. The conduit connector further may include one or more sealing elements to prevent the intrusion of dust, debris or containments.
US08323047B2 Cordset assembly
An extension cordset assembly includes a receptacle and a sealing gasket. The receptacle includes a receptacle main body, a receptacle connecting interface and first and second spade mating holes extending into the receptacle main body from the receptacle connecting interface. The receptacle is configured to mate with a plug having a standard spade configuration. The sealing gasket is positioned on the receptacle connecting interface and includes first and second spade openings aligned with the first and second spade mating holes, respectively. The sealing gasket is configured to provide a water-resistant seal between the receptacle and the plug.
US08323046B1 Bi-directional CPA member to prevent unmating of multiple connectors
A ganged electrical connection system includes a plurality of first connectors matable to a plurality of second connectors along mating axes, and a connector position assurance (CPA) member. The CPA member includes a plurality of tabs and a plurality of release fingers. The plurality of first connectors include a plurality of lock arms and the plurality of second connectors include a plurality of inclined ramps. The plurality of tabs receive the plurality of lock arms and the plurality of inclined ramps deflectingly engage said plurality of release fingers to allow movement of the CPA member in to a position of the CPA member, that when disposed in the position, keeps the plurality of second connectors from unmating from the plurality of coupled first connectors. Methods of fabricating an electrical connection system and a ganged electrical connection system that include the CPA member are also presented.
US08323039B2 Contact element
The invention concerns a contact element (10) with a sliding contact element (11) for fitting flush against an electrically conductive rail and a support element (12) for connecting the sliding contact to a contact plug (13), which serves as a connector to an electric conductor, wherein the sliding contact element, the support element, and the contact plug are parts of a molded part which is constructed as a single unit.
US08323033B2 Methods and systems for demonstrating differences between and benefits of products
Disclosed are methods and systems of demonstrating advantages and benefits of premium animal care products, the methods comprising the steps of: presenting a first demonstration aid wherein the first demonstration aid demonstrates a first feature or characteristic; presenting a second demonstration aid wherein the second demonstration aid demonstrates a second feature or characteristic; describing to an audience the first feature or characteristic; describing to an audience the second feature or characteristic; and comparing the first and second features or characteristics to demonstrate the advantages and benefits of the animal care product. The methods and systems can include methods and systems of demonstrating reduced hair ingestion and hairball related effects; methods and systems of demonstrating improvements in skin and coat; and methods and systems of demonstrating better absorption and/or retention of food and nutrients, and production of less waste.
US08323032B2 Obstetrics simulation and training method and system
An embodiment of the invention provides a method wherein a simulation system having a simulator, a processor, and at least one display is assembled. This includes assembling a birthing mannequin and a mobile cart having at least one touch-screen monitor, wherein the birthing mannequin includes a means for shaking to simulate a generalized seizure. The simulation system is provided along with documentation to a plurality of medical facilities within a system. Training on use of the simulator, different simulations, and criteria for grading performance on the simulations is also provided. The training includes team training for conducting the simulations using the simulation system.
US08323031B2 Auscultation training system and related methods
An auscultation training device that utilizes a medical training mannequin, a controller, and a database of auscultation training sound data to simulate and communicate the sounds of the human body to users; the invention is able to initiate the playback of prerecorded sounds via a variety of trigger mechanisms, and transmit live sounds, or combinations of sounds, to remote examiners.
US08323030B2 Heart compression simulation device
A heart compression simulation device featuring a base with a compression spring; an actuator atop the compression spring that can move between an extended and fully compressed position; two pedestals atop the base opposite each other; actuator prongs on the actuator facing each pedestal; a hub attached to each pedestal that can pivot between a disengaged position and engaged position; leaf springs disposed on each hub adapted to engage the actuator prongs when the hubs are in the disengaged position and the actuator is moved to the fully compressed position, which causes a cracking sound to be produced; and a lock-out mechanism for securing the hubs in the engaged position keeping the leaf springs out of range of the actuator prongs, the lock-out mechanism is activated when the actuator is moved to the fully compressed position.
US08323029B2 Medical physiological simulator including a conductive elastomer layer
Conductive elastomeric circuits are used in various simulated physiological structures such as tissues and organs, enabling feedback to be provided indicating whether a simulated task is being performed correctly. For example, a surgical trainer has a simulated human tissue structure made of an elastomeric composition, at least one reinforcing layer of a fibrous material, and at least one flexible electrical circuit. The surgical trainer preferably includes multiple areas for practicing surgical skills, each with evaluation circuits for providing feedback regarding that skill. Conductive elastomers are also incorporated into other types of medical training simulators, to similarly provide feedback. In another embodiment, a simulated organ has a conductive elastomeric circuit in the periphery of the simulated organ, enabling feedback to be provided to evaluate whether a person is properly manipulating the organ in response to a manual applied pressure.
US08323025B2 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 or fail 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.
US08323022B2 Instant dental bridge
The instant dental bridge is one used in surgical operations in areas of missing teeth between abutment teeth includes: an artificial tooth or teeth (2) formed with slots (6) in recessed parts near to the gum; a connecting body (1) which has through holes (3) formed in positions corresponding to the slots (6) and projections joined onto the abutment teeth, and of which the entire surface, except the surfaces (5′) in contact with the abutment teeth, is covered by the artificial tooth (2) or by the same material as the artificial tooth; and wires (8) for securing the abutment teeth and the connecting body (1) to each other, by being wound through gaps (7) neighboring the abutment teeth and through the slots (6) and the through holes (3).
US08323021B2 Dental bilatetal bite block
A sheet of material having a central body portion with attached wings capable of folding towards each other on either side. The wings of the bite block fold toward each other along fold lines adjacent the central body portion and provide a structure for biting down upon for propping the mouth of a patient open during a dental procedure. A mirrored surface may be placed on the central body portion for improving visibility in the mouth. The bite block also holds or retracts the tongue and cheeks away from a work area in the mouth. The wings protect the cheeks as well as provide improved visibility within the mouth. Additionally, moisture control within the mouth is improved. The bite block may be made inexpensively and is disposable.
US08323020B2 Machine for manufacturing a spray head
A fluid spray head comprising an expulsion channel provided with a spray orifice (1) and a spray profile (10) formed in an end wall of said expulsion channel, said spray profile (10) comprising non-radial spray channels (11) opening out to a central spray chamber (12) disposed directly upstream from said spray orifice (1), the central axis (X) of said spray orifice (1) being offset from the central axis (Y) of the spray chamber (12) by a distance that is less than 0.12 mm, and preferably less than 0.08 mm.
US08323010B2 Expander-compressor unit
An expander-compressor unit (200) includes a closed casing (1), a compression mechanism (2) disposed at an upper position in the closed casing (1), an expansion mechanism (3) disposed at a lower position in the closed casing (1), a shaft (5) coupling the compression mechanism (2) to the expansion mechanism (3), and an oil pump (6) disposed between the compression mechanism (2) and the expansion mechanism (3). The oil pump (6) supplies the oil held in an oil reservoir (25) to the compression mechanism (2) via a suction passage. A strainer (65) is provided to the suction passage so that the oil to be drawn into the oil pump (6) passes through the strainer.
US08323002B2 Heat dissipation device and fan assembly thereof
A heat dissipation device includes a heat sink, a cooling fan, an electric motor and a belt. The cooling fan includes a fan housing and an impeller. The impeller includes a hub, a plurality of fan blades and a shaft extending from the hub and having a distal end protruded out of the fan housing. A fan pulley is fixed to the distal end of the shaft. The electric motor includes a driving pulley. The belt has one end engaging with the driving pulley of the electric motor and an opposite end engaging with the fan pulley of the cooling fan. Rotation of the driving pulley of the electric motor is transferred to the fan pulley via the belt to cause the impeller to rotate.
US08322994B2 Effervescent gas bleeder apparatus
A diaphragm metering pump suitable for metering an effervescent gas. The pump has a pump head with a product chamber having an inlet end with a one-way inlet valve and an outlet end with a one-way outlet valve. A displaceable diaphragm member defines a boundary of the product chamber. The diaphragm member is capable of being reciprocated to cause pumping displacements. A discharge side is disposed downstream from the outlet valve. A passageway is disposed in fluid communication between the discharge side and the product chamber. A valve is disposed in the passageway. The valve is opened intermittently to allow liquid to re-enter the product chamber in an amount effective to purge gas from the product chamber to prevent loss of prime.
US08322990B2 Vibration damper
A vibration damper (28) is disclosed for use in a turbomachine, the turbomachine comprising at least one turbine rotor (19) having a plurality of radially extending blades (16, 17). Each blade has an aerofoil (22), a platform (21) and a stem (20). The vibration damper (28) has a seal-region (29) which comprises a pair of sealing surfaces (24, 25) configured for engagement with respective contact surfaces (24, 25) provided on adjacent blade platforms (21). The vibration damper (28) also has a mass-region (30) which is configured to extend radially inwardly from the seal-region (29) and to terminate at a position located between adjacent blade stems (20) (FIG. 4).
US08322987B2 Cooling arrangement
With regard to cooling turbine blades in a gas turbine engine a compromise has to be made between convective cooling within the inner cavity defining a flow path for coolant and the blow rates for developing film cooling on an outer surface of the aerofoil. By providing a chamber between the flow cavity and external apertures reconciliation between the necessary flow rates for convective cooling within the cavity defining the pathway for coolant flow within the aerofoil and the necessary coolant blowing rate for film development can be achieved.
US08322986B2 Rotor blade and method of fabricating the same
A method of fabricating a rotor blade is provided. The method includes forming at least one passageway within the rotor blade, wherein the passageway extends substantially radially from a root of the rotor blade to a tip of the rotor blade, and coupling a shroud to the tip of the rotor blade. The shroud includes at least one substantially radially-outward extending wall that at least partially defines an outer plenum that is radially outward from at least the shroud, wherein the outer plenum is in flow communication with the passageway.
US08322985B2 Wind turbine generator
A wind turbine generator in which the temperature in a rotor head can be managed is provided. The wind turbine generator 1 includes, in a nacelle 3, a driving and generating mechanism that is connected to a rotor head 4 equipped with wind turbine blades 5, and devices are disposed inside the rotor head 4, wherein a rotary joint 30 is interposed on a driving shaft that joins the rotor head 4 and the nacelle 3, and fluid for regulating the temperature in the rotor head is supplied from the interior of the nacelle 3 into the rotor head 4 through the rotary joint 30.
US08322983B2 Ceramic matrix composite structure
A composite structure (10), which may be a 2-dimensional ceramic matrix composite material, may include a first body (30) made of a composite material defining a first in-plane direction, a second body (20) made of a composite material defining a second in-plane direction wherein the first body (30) is connected with the second body (20) so that the first in-plane direction is substantially normal to the second in-plane direction. The second body (20) of the composite structure may include a first leg (24), a first bolting surface (22) extending from the first leg (24) and at least one aperture (56) formed in the first bolting surface (22) substantially normal to the second in-plane direction. A first recess (32) may be formed within the first body (30) sized to receive the first leg (24).
US08322981B2 Aircraft fluid diversion inlet louver
An inlet system, including for an auxiliary power unit includes an inlet louver mounted to an inlet duct, the inlet louver defines a multiple of vanes positioned to shield the inlet duct from fluids which fall in direction generally transverse to a free stream airflow.
US08322978B2 Exhaust-driven turbocharger for a motor vehicle
An exhaust-driven turbocharger for a motor vehicle includes at least one of a variable turbine and a compressor geometry, a vane-mounting ring with guide vanes mounted rotatably thereon and a guide vane cage. The guide vane cage forms at least part of a flow duct and at the same time a mount for the vane-mounting ring. The guide vane cage is supported by spacer elements while creating an axial gap on a housing of the exhaust-driven turbocharger such that hot gas selectively flows behind the guide vane cage. Also, the guide vane cage is clamped between the turbine housing and the mounting housing of the exhaust-driven turbocharger without fixedly connecting the guide vane cage to either one of the two housings.
US08322977B2 Seal structure for preventing leakage of gases across a gap between two components in a turbine engine
A seal structure is provided for preventing leakage of gases across a gap between first and second components in a turbine engine. The seal structure is adapted to be received in first and second adjacent slots provided in the first and second components. The seal structure may comprise: a wear resistant layer; and a deformable layer defined by a material having one of a varying density and a varying porosity.
US08322976B2 High temperature seal for a turbine engine
A turbine includes a static member, a moveable member fluidly connected to the static member, and a flexible seal. The flexible seal includes a spring component having a base section mounted to one of the static member and the moveable member of the turbine and a plurality of biasing members. Each of the plurality of biasing members includes a first portion extending from the base section and a cantilevered portion. The flexible seal further includes a seal component provided on the cantilevered portion of each of the plurality of biasing members. The seal component is biased into contact with the other of the static member and the moveable member.
US08322974B2 Fan module with vibration-resistent mounting
A fan module includes a cooling fan, a support rack, and four fasteners fixing the cooling fan to the support rack. The fasteners are vibration-resistant material, and are disposed between the support rack and the cooling fan, and below the cooling fan.
US08322969B1 Loader assembly and method providing for cantilevered storage of lift arms
The front end loader and method of the present invention provides front end loader lift arms that may be removed from an implement, such as a bucket, and secured to the bucket in a cantilevered position for storage of the lift arms. Connections on the implement and lift arms allow the lift arms to be securely interconnected with connections on the bucket without the use of tools or pins so that the center of gravity of the lift arms is above the bucket. The lift arms may then be removed from a utility vehicle. In this storage position, the lift arms are stored and maintained in a secure position so that they may later be easily and quickly reattached to the utility vehicle.
US08322968B1 Fork lift for trucks, methods, and associated devices
A fork lift for a truck may have at least one mounting beam for pivotally supporting a fork lift mast on a truck frame. The mounting beam may be mounted in a bed of the truck via other structural members and bolts that extend through the members, bed, and truck frame. The fork lift may extend well below a level of the truck bed to enable engagement of palletized loads resting on the ground by the forks of the fork lift. The fork lift may have hydraulics including pumps, solenoids and motors that may be supported in a tool box that also helps to secure the mounting beam. An electric over hydraulic control system enables remote control from within the cab of the truck. Fork position during stabbing of a pallet may be viewed on a monitor in the cab, with the monitor operatively connected to one or more cameras.
US08322959B2 Self-boring screw
A self-boring screw (2) having a boring section (6) attached to the free end of the screw shaft (4), two vanes (12) radially protruding from the boring section, the edges of the vanes facing toward the boring tip (8) of the boring section (6) being configured as boring blades (13). The boring section (6) includes a chip discharge zone (14) that is configured such that the edges of the vanes (12) facing toward the boring tip (8) forms a cutting point (S) with a boring radius (16), the cutting point having a distance (A) to the screw shaft (4) that is at least ⅔ of the cutting edge length of the bore tip (8). The chip discharge zone (14) makes it possible that the chips produced by the boring blade (10) at the boring tip (8) can be discharged freely and without buildup. The material cut by the boring blade (10) is conveyed as chipped material away from the boring tip (8) in the direction of the cutting point (S) at a lower vane connection (15) as a result of the rotational motion of the screw (2), thus ensuring unhindered chip discharge. It is possible to compress the chips to be discharged to a maximum of ⅔ of the cross section occurring after the cut. This ensures that even critically sized chips are removed without blocking the discharge of chips from the area of the boring section (6).
US08322958B2 Fasteners with conforming sleeves
A sleeve interference fastener including a conformable sleeve, wherein the conformable sleeve is comprised of at least one first material having a hardness of X, and a pin member, wherein the pin member is comprised of at least one second material having a hardness of Y, wherein X is sufficiently less than Y so that, in an installed position of an interference fit, at least a portion of the at least one first material of the conformable sleeve conforms to a contour of an inner surface of a hole of a composite structure so as to create a continuous electrical contact at an interface between the inner surface of the hole of the composite structure and the conformable sleeve.
US08322944B2 Trench drain with sloping rails
A modular trench drain system with sloping overlay rails. A non-sloping section of trench drain is transformed into a sloping trench drain by installing sloping overlay rails. The overlay rails rest on the top of the upper edge of the sidewalls and may have a ledge which allows grating, which spans across the channel, to rest on top. The modular channel sections may be held together and in place by a channel bracket with holes for accepting support rods which further secure the channels in place before and after the concrete has been poured and cured around the channels.
US08322943B2 Transportation system for zero-emissions vehicles, rider propelled vehicles, and pedestrians
A transportation system for rider propelled vehicles, zero-emission vehicles, and pedestrians is disclosed. The system includes pathways (517, 317, 717, 519, 119, 319, 719, 919, 523, 123, 323, 723, 923, 525, 325, 725) that are integrated into a building structure (101) or a series of building structures (100, 300, 500, 700, 900) connected by bridges (34, 35, 36, 37, 30, 31, 32, 33) which have an overall downward sloping grade. Elevators (515, 520, 522, 527, 115, 120, 122, 127, 315, 320, 322, 327, 715, 720, 722, 727, 915, 920, 922, 927) are utilized to transport riders, vehicles, and pedestrians to the integrated pathway.
US08322942B2 Interlocking connector system
A connector system includes two connector members that can each be mounted to separate objects and then interlocked together to attach the two objects together. In one embodiment, the two connector members are identical and interchangeable with each other. In other embodiments, the two connector members are arranged to attach together objects having perpendicular mounting surfaces or coplanar mounting surfaces. The connector members include an alignment structure having a projection positioned between a first pair of inclined surfaces, and a receiver structure positioned between a second pair of inclined surfaces. The connector members are interlocked together by mating the alignment structure of one connector member with the receiver structure of the other connector member. The relative movement between the connector members causes the inclined surfaces of one connector member to wedge against the inclined surfaces of the other connector member to form a tight and strong connection.
US08322937B2 Thermochromic writing instrument
A thermochromic writing instrument contains a thermochromic ink, wherein a writing body 8 is accommodated in a barrel 2 movably in a longitudinal direction, an operation portion 5 is provided on the outer surface of the barrel 2, and a pen tip 81 of the writing body 8 is constituted so as to be projectable/retractable from/into a front-end hole 31 of the barrel 2 by operating the operation portion 5. The thermochromic ink 83 is contained in the inside of the writing body 8, the pen tip 81 capable of ejecting the thermochromic ink 83 is provided at the front end of the writing tool, and a friction portion 4 capable of thermally changing the color of the handwriting of the thermochromic ink 83 by the frictional heat generated when the handwriting is rubbed with the friction portion 4 is provided on the outer surface of the barrel 2.
US08322934B2 Camera device and drive mechanism
A drive mechanism (1) of a camera apparatus includes a worm gear (4) to which a rotational driving force of a drive motor (2) is transmitted, a worm wheel (6) around which a helical gear (5) is formed to engage with the worm gear (4), and a support frame (7) which supports the worm wheel (6) rotatably and movably along a rotation axis. A rotational driving force of the worm gear (4) is transmitted to the worm wheel (6) with reduced gear ratio. An externally threaded portion (10) of a shaft portion (8) of the worm wheel (6) is engaged with an internally threaded portion in a supporting hole (14) of the support frame (7), so that the shaft portion (8) moves along the rotation axis when the worm wheel (6) rotates. Consequently, the rotational driving force transmitted to the worm wheel (6) is converted into a linear thrust force along the rotation axis. This makes it possible to provide a camera apparatus which can develop a larger thrust force and adjust an amount of travel more finely.
US08322928B2 Pitch bearing for wind turbine rotor blades
A pitch bearing for a wind turbine rotor comprises a rotor hub and at least one rotor blade, the pitch bearing comprising a cylindrical inner bearing ring connectable to a rotor blade of the wind turbine rotor, a cylindrical outer bearing ring connectable to the rotor hub of the wind turbine rotor and an annular reinforcement section for reinforcing the outer bearing ring. The annular reinforcement section adjoins the cylindrical outer bearing ring at its radial outer surface.
US08322926B2 Piping bag, blank for manufacturing a piping bag and method of manufacturing a piping bag
Example embodiments relate to a disposable piping bag, having a container of polymer film. The piping bag may be made essentially from a thin-walled polymer tube, and an outwardly oriented surface of the piping bag may be provided with a rough surface structure. The rough surface structure may have the form of a pattern of raised dots or grooves presenting a surface friction coefficient which may be higher than that of the polymer film.
US08322917B2 Method for testing a heat pipe and corresponding test device
The operational reliability of a heat pipe 200 provided for carrying heat dissipated by an electronic component 101 to a heat exchanger 300 is tested by using the heat pipe in the reverse direction, by providing energy in the form of heat at the exchanger 300, and by measuring the propagation time ΔP of the heat from the exchanger to the electronic component. Application to heat pipe tests in onboard computers.
US08322916B2 Thermal expansion compensator for liquid-filled watches
A watch comprises a case, an electronic movement module inside the case, a piece of closed-cell foam inside the case, and a dielectric liquid filling the remaining voids of the interior of the case. The closed-cell foam compensates for thermal expansion of the dielectric liquid over a wide range of operating temperatures. Upon heating, the liquid expands and the foam is compressed. Upon cooling, the liquid contracts and the foam is decompressed.
US08322913B2 Method of mixing paint by shaking container
A plastic container used to hold a dispersion-based paint colorant and capable of dispensing the colorant into paint dispensing machines, comprising an open top capable of holding and securing a cap, and having a wide mouth with a diameter of at least 50 mm. The plastic container has a cylindrical body extending below the open top, and a plurality of vertical ribs spaced around the body to strengthen the container.
US08322911B2 Method for preparing a dispersion of water-soluble polymers in water
A method for dispersing a water-soluble polymer includes: metering and prewetting polymer with primary water; grinding and draining of the dispersed polymer in a chamber comprising a rotor and a stator; and providing a ring with perforations fed by a secondary water circuit on all or part of the periphery of the chamber for spraying of pressurized water on the blades of the stator.
US08322910B2 Apparatus and method for mixing by producing shear and/or cavitation, and components for apparatus
An apparatus and method for mixing by producing shear and/or cavitation, and components for the apparatus are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a mixing and/or cavitation chamber with an element such as an orifice component that is located adjacent the entrance of the cavitation chamber. The apparatus may further include a blade, such as a knife-like blade, disposed inside the mixing and/or cavitation chamber opposite the orifice component. In one version of such an embodiment, the apparatus is configured to be cleaned in place. The apparatus may, be provided with at least one drain in liquid communication with the mixing chamber. If the apparatus comprises a blade, the apparatus may further include a blade holder that is movable so that the distance between the tip of the blade and the discharge of the orifice can be varied. In this or other embodiments, the apparatus is configured to be scalable. In this, or other embodiments, the apparatus is provided with an injector that is movable so that the distance between the discharge end of the injector and the orifice can be adjusted. A process for mixing by producing shear and/or cavitation in a fluid is also contemplated herein.
US08322888B2 Through-the-lens illuminator for optical comparator
An illumination system shares portions of an objective of an optical inspection system. A plurality of beam-shaping optics collects light from a plurality of effective light sources and directs the light through a portion of the objective for illuminating an object under inspection. The objective includes a front relay lens, a rear relay lens, and an objective stop disposed between the front and rear relay lenses for collecting light scattered from the object and forming an image of the object with the collected light. The beam-shaping optics, which surround the objective stop, are arranged together with the associated effective light sources for non-uniformly distributing light within a range of angles required for illuminating the object.
US08322881B1 Lighting fixture
A light emitting diode (LED) lighting fixture includes a base plate having a front side and a rear side. A plurality of lighting strips is mounted on the front side of the base plate. A reflector is mounted to each of the lighting strips and desirably comprises multi-faceted side walls extending away from the light strip. Driver circuitry and control circuitry are mounted to the base plate, and are electrically coupled to a power supply for powering and controlling the plurality of LEDs. Each of the lighting strips includes a plurality of linearly-arranged LEDs, and each of the light emitting diodes has a diode base and a light emitting portion. The multi-faceted side walls of the reflector cause light produced by the plurality of LEDs to be amplified and formed into a bath or wash of light.
US08322879B2 Multi-wavelength semiconductor laser device
A multi-wavelength semiconductor laser device includes a plate stem; a prism shaped submount with a bottom face on a face of the stem; laser diodes having emission wavelengths different from each other are mounted on lateral sides of the submount so that their respective emission points are positioned at substantially the same distance from a center axis of the stem; and lead pins penetrating the stem are located along and opposite edge lines between adjacent pairs of the lateral sides of the submount.
US08322874B2 Lightguides having light extraction structures providing regional control of light output
Lightguides, devices incorporating lightguides, and processes for making lightguides are described. A lightguide includes light extractors arranged in a pattern on a surface of the lightguide. The pattern of light extractors is arranged to enhance uniformity of light output across a surface of the lightguide and to provide enhanced defect hiding. The efficiency of the light extractors is controlled by a shape factor. The areal density of the light extractors across the surface of the lightguide may be substantially constant or may decrease along the direction of propagation of light from the light source.
US08322873B2 Lighting system for appliance
A lighting system for an appliance is disclosed. In one embodiment, the lighting system includes a light shelf including a substantially planar light guide having a support member for releaseably coupling the light shelf to the appliance, a light injector coupled to a first end the light shelf, the light injector including a substrate having at least one light source disposed thereon and a housing for at least partially enclosing the at least one light source, wherein light emitted from the at least one light source is directed into the light guide, and an end piece coupled to a second end of the light shelf opposite the first end.
US08322870B2 Fast steering, deformable mirror system and method for manufacturing the same
A fast-steering, deformable mirror system is configured to manipulate a reflective surface in order to control the reflection of electromagnetic radiation off of the reflective surface. The system is configured to steer the reflective surface as a unit, and also to deform the reflective surface. The system is designed to reduce hysteresis in drive signals that control deformation of the reflective surface, to maintain an overall size and/or footprint of conventional fast-steering, non-deformable mirror systems, and/or provide other enhancements.
US08322867B2 Projector apparatus
A projector apparatus includes a housing having an air inlet and an air outlet, a light source device provided in the housing, an image projection unit provided in the housing and configured to emit an image projection light beam so as to project an image onto a screen, and a cooling device configured to cool the light source device and the image projecting unit. The cooling device includes a cooling passage extending from the air inlet to the air outlet, and a fan configured to suck in outside air from the air inlet and to exhaust the outside air passing through the cooling passage, out of the housing from the air outlet. The air filter section includes a cylindrical filter body, a filter support member configured to support the filter body, and a rotating unit configured to rotate the filter support member.
US08322863B1 Apparatus and method for automated visual distortion adjustments for a portable projection device
An apparatus and a method are disclosed for automated projection image adjustments for a portable projection device. In one embodiment of the invention, the apparatus periodically polls a tilt sensor inside the portable projection device and uses the tilt sensor reading as a key to a lookup table which stores pre-computed visual distortion adjustment values. Furthermore, the apparatus can also poll a distance measurement sensor to measure a distance between a projector lens and a presumed projection surface periodically. The measured distance value can also be used as an additional parameter to the key for the lookup table to retrieve appropriate visual distortion adjustment values which are pre-computed and stored in the lookup table. The fast pre-computed adjustment value retrieval without real-time computation of graphical transformations to correct the visual distortions minimizes processor load, energy consumption, and processing delays for projection image corrections.
US08322860B2 Projector apparatus and method of controlling the color fluctuation of the light
According to one of embodiment, an apparatus for image projecting and a method for controlling color fluctuation of light are acquired the temperatures of a plurality of light sources configured to emit light beams of different colors or the temperature at a position near the light-emitting elements, set an amount of light each of the light sources emits, in accordance with the temperature acquired of the light source, and set at least one of the color and brightness of the image to be projected. The fluctuation of the color or brightness of the image to be projected can therefore be controlled.
US08322859B2 Projector
A projector includes: a light source which emits light; a light modulating device which modulates the light emitted from the light source according to image information; an image forming system which forms an image corresponding to the optical image formed by the light modulating device of modulated light which is modulated by the light modulation device at an image forming position; a polarized light emitting unit disposed at the image forming position of the image forming system to selectively convert the polarization direction of a part of entering light; and a projecting device which projects the light from the polarized light emitting unit.
US08322847B2 Liquid droplet ejection system and control program of ejection condition of compositions
When using a liquid droplet ejection method, a conventional photomask is not required, however, it is required instead that a moving path of a nozzle or a substrate is controlled with accuracy at least in ejecting liquid droplets. According to the characteristics of compositions to be ejected or their pattern, such ejection conditions are desirably set as the moving rate of a nozzle or a substrate, ejection quantity, ejection distance and ejection rate of compositions, atmosphere of the space that the compositions are ejected, the temperature and moisture of the space, and heating temperature of the substrate. A liquid droplet ejection system in accordance with the invention comprises an input means for inputting data of a thin film pattern, a set means for setting a nozzle for a ejecting a composition containing a material for forming the thin film or setting a moving path of the substrate to which the composition is ejected, an image pick-up means for detecting an alignment marker formed on a substrate and a control means for controlling the moving path of the nozzle or the substrate.
US08322843B2 Inkjet recording apparatus and inkjet recording method
An inkjet recording apparatus which ejects an ink so as to record an image on a recording medium has: a conveyance device which conveys a recording medium; a liquid deposition device which deposits a liquid onto a recording surface of the recording medium which is conveyed by the conveyance device; an intermediate conveyance body which moves the recording medium in rotation onto the recording surface of which the liquid has been deposited by the liquid deposition device while holding an edge of the recording medium; a conveyance guide which guides a non-recording surface of the recording medium which is moved in rotation by the intermediate conveyance body; and a pressure application device which applies a pressure differential between the recording surface and the non-recording surface of the recording medium which is moved in rotation by the intermediate conveyance body.
US08322829B2 Liquid discharge head substrate and manufacturing method thereof, and liquid discharge head using liquid discharge head substrate and manufacturing method thereof
A liquid discharge head substrate includes an electrode layer, which is electrically connected to an element that generates energy used for discharging a liquid and provided in an inner side of a region between a first face and a third face of a substrate, and a member made of resin which covers the electrode is provided in the region.
US08322828B2 Liquid ejection head and liquid jet apparatus
A liquid jet head includes: a nozzle plate having a nozzle opening; a pressure chamber substrate having a pressure chamber communicating with the nozzle opening and formed above the nozzle plate; a vibration formed on one side of the pressure chamber substrate; and a piezoelectric element formed above the vibration plate and provided at a position corresponding to the pressure chamber, wherein the piezoelectric element includes two electrodes, a piezoelectric layer provided between the electrodes, and an orientation layer that is provided between one of the electrodes closer to the vibration plate and the piezoelectric layer, wherein the orientation layer includes a mixed crystal of lanthanum nickelate, and the lanthanum nickelate included in the mixed crystal is expressed by a formula LaxNiyOz, where x is an integer of any of 1 to 3, y is 1 or 2, and z is an integer of any of 2 to 7.
US08322816B1 Cap design for an inkjet print head with hand-held imaging element arrangement with integrated cleaning mechanism
The hand-held printer includes a print module configured for multidirectional printing, a print head in communication with the print module. The print head includes a plurality of nozzle arrays and wherein the nozzles in each of the plurality of nozzle are disposed substantially equidistant from a reference point. The hand-held printer further includes a circular cap configured to rotatably cooperate with the print head, wherein the circular cap cooperates with the print head to define a seal when the circular cap is disposed in a closed position.
US08322815B2 Method of cleaning fluid ejecting apparatus and fluid ejecting apparatus
Provided is a method of cleaning a fluid ejecting apparatus including an ejection head including a plurality of ejection nozzles for ejecting a fluid to a target and a common fluid chamber from which the fluid is supplied to the ejection nozzles, the method including: performing a preliminary discharge operation for discharging the fluid from the ejection nozzles before the fluid is ejected to the target; detecting a fluid ejection state of the ejection nozzles after the preliminary discharge operation is finished; determining a processing parameter at the time of cleaning of the ejection head on the basis of the detected result; and performing cleaning with respect to the ejection heads on the basis of the processing parameter, wherein, in the performing of the preliminary discharge operation, the fluid of the amount corresponding to at least the volume of the common fluid chamber is ejected.
US08322813B2 Discharge defect detecting method and discharge defect detecting device
A discharge defect detecting device including a sensor that reads image, which has been formed on a medium by moving nozzles relative to the medium in a relative movement direction and discharging a fluid, at a reading resolution lower than the resolution of an image data in the relative movement direction, based on the image data; a standard data forming unit that forms a standard data having the same resolution as the reading resolution in the relative movement direction, based on the image data; and a detecting unit that compares a plurality of the reading data pixels on the same row in the relative movement direction in the data read by the sensor with a plurality of standard data pixels each corresponding to the plurality of the reading data pixels in the standard data, to detect the discharge defects of the nozzles.
US08322811B2 Multi-pass calibration in fixed printhead array printers
Methods and apparatus herein provide for automated calibration of multiple printheads used in a multi-pass printing system. Aspects hereof print a plurality of gray scale printed patterns each printed pattern corresponding to a gray scale value for each of the multiple printheads. The printed patterns are then measured to determine the intensity (e.g., optical density) of each of the printed patterns. A measurement function is derived from the measured intensity and gray scale levels used to print each pattern. Calibrated transfer functions are then determined from the measurement function and target function where each calibrated transfer function relates, for a corresponding printhead, an input gray scale level of a pixel in an image to be printed to a calibrated gray scale level to use for the corresponding printhead when operating in multi-pass mode.
US08322809B2 Recording head and recording apparatus using recording head
A recording head having a plurality of recording elements that are grouped into a plurality of blocks and ejecting ink by driving the recording elements in a time-divisional manner includes driving units configured to drive the recording elements, an input unit configured to receive an enable signal that defines a period during which the driving of the recording elements is enabled at one ink ejection, and a control unit configured to control the time-divisional driving by the driving units on the basis of pulses detected during the period defined by the enable signal received by the input unit.
US08322806B2 Coding and marking printing system
A method and device for coding and marking printing including defining a print image in dot formation of various sizes and locations; determining and providing a set of individual print control instructions for individually controlling a plurality of dot image print head nozzles to form the defined print image at absolute dot positions; and undertaking the individual control instructions to provide a printed image on a printing substrate corresponding to the defined print image, whereby the system allows for calculated adjustment of each dot position without computational limitation during the printing cycle.
US08322802B2 Office furniture system
Office furniture system, in particular, a desking system, with various useful features including a display pool, a vertical storage system, a support system for facilitating the distribution of power and data to electrical devices used with the desk system as well to adjacently disposed desks to enable a wide range of multi-desk configurations, and privacy panels. The support system includes a central spine and various ribs for supporting accessory brackets including a tackable binder.
US08322801B2 Housing for an electronic device
A housing for an electronic device includes a housing body, a bottom cover, and a locking member. The housing body includes an engaging slot and a through hole. The bottom cover includes an engaging hook for engaging the engaging slot. An inner surface of the housing body or the bottom cover is provided with a positioning element. The locking member extends through the through hole, and includes an engaging portion disposed on the inner surface of the housing body, and a control portion exposed from the through hole. The control portion is operable to move the engaging portion between a locking position where the engaging portion engages the positioning element and an unlocking position where the engaging portion is separated from the positioning element to thereby facilitate assembly and disassembly of the bottom cover to and from the housing body.
US08322800B2 Control system for hydraulic braking system
The invention relates to a braking control system for automotive vehicles comprising a braking control member (1), a brake booster (4) and a brake master cylinder (5). The system of the invention further comprises a simulator (3) coupled pneumatically to the piston (42) of the brake booster (4). Said simulator (3) receives at least one braking command from the braking control member (1) and makes it possible to establish, in return, a difference in pressure between the front chamber (40) and the rear chamber (41) of the brake booster so as to control the displacement of the piston (42).Application: Brakes for automotive vehicles.
US08322798B2 Parking brake control unit
When a brake force is generated by a service brake in accordance with the depression of a brake pedal by a driver, a brake force generated by an electric parking brake is reduced when lock control is performed, taking the brake force generated by the service brake into consideration. More specifically, a target motor current value increase amount is corrected such that as the brake force generated by the service brake becomes larger, the target motor current value increase amount becomes smaller. Thus, when brake force is generated by the electric parking brake and the service brake compensates for the brake force, it is possible to inhibit generation of a brake force larger than necessary.
US08322797B2 Hydraulic device for actuating the braking of work vehicles and the like
A hydraulic device for actuating the braking of work vehicles and the like, comprising a duct for connecting the delivery duct to the discharge duct or to an auxiliary duct, along which there are auxiliary pumping elements, which can be actuated in order to pump pressurized liquid into the feed duct; a one-way valve being provided which allow the liquid to flow along the connecting duct exclusively toward the delivery duct.
US08322791B2 Footrest
A footrest for supporting the feet of a user above a floor is disclosed. The footrest comprises a platform having an upper surface for accommodating the feet of the user and a pair of planar portions extending downwardly from said generally flat portion. The platform is coupled to at least one support arm for supporting a portion of the platform in an elevated position relative to the floor. The at least one support arm having a first end dynamically coupled to a fulcrum whereby the support arm is biased towards a first position and moveable towards a second position responsive to a force being applied in use to the upper surface of the platform by the feet of the user.