Document Document Title
US08367804B2 High affinity NY-ESO T cell receptors
The present invention provides T cell receptors (TCRs) having the property of binding to SLLMWITQC-HLA-A*0201, the SLLMWITQC SEQ ID NO:126 peptide being derived from the NY-ESO-1 protein which is expressed by a range of tumour cells. The TCRs have a KD for the said peptide-HLA complex of less than or equal to 1 μM and/or have an off-rate (koff) of 1×10−3 S−1 or slower.
US08367802B2 Method to produce fibrin monomer in acid media for use as tissue sealant
A hemostatic agent designed for use in cases of non-compressible hemorrhage. It can be applied through a mixing needle and/or a spray injection method following abdominal, chest, extremities or other intracavitary severe trauma to promote hemostasis, or it can be used for laparoscopic procedures or other surgical procedures in which compression is not possible or recommended. Its crosslinking technology generates an adhesive three-dimensional polymeric network or scaffold that carries a fibrin sealant required for hemostasis. When mixed, it produces a foam that spreads throughout a body cavity reaching the lacerated tissue to seal tissue and promote the coagulation cascade. The fibrin components are produced by a novel dialysis method which does not present thrombin to the immune system and can be maintained in solution for six weeks without significant proteolytic degradation.
US08367799B2 TEM8 peptides and vaccines comprising the same
According to the present invention, peptides comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3, 4, 9, 23, 25, 30, 60, 63 or 68 were demonstrated to have cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) inducibility. Therefore, the present invention provides a peptide having the amino acid sequence selected from the group of SEQ ID NOs: 3, 4, 9, 23, 25, 30, 60, 63 and 68. The peptide can include one, two, or several amino acid substitutions or addition so long as its CTL inducibility is retained. Furthermore, the present invention provides pharmaceutical agents for treating and/or prophylaxis of tumors, and/or prevention of postoperative recurrence thereof, which comprises any of these peptides. The pharmaceutical agents of this invention include vaccines.
US08367798B2 Active materials for photoelectric devices and devices that use the materials
A conjugated polymer has a repeated unit having the structure of formula (I) wherein A1, A2, R1 and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of a proton, an alkyl group comprising up to 18 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group comprising up to 18 carbon atoms, cyano, nitro, aryls and substituted aryls, and wherein Ar is selected from the group consisting of ethenylene, ethynylene, monocyclic arylene, bicyclic arylene, polycyclic arylene, monocyclic heteroarylene, bicyclic heteroarylene, polycyclic heteroarylene, and one to five such groups one of fused or linked.
US08367796B2 Catalytic polymerization of polymers containing electrophilic linkages using nucleophilic reagents
The disclosure relates to methods and materials useful for polymerizing a monomer. In one embodiment, for example, the disclosure provides a method for polymerizing a monomer containing a plurality of electrophilic groups, wherein the method comprises contacting the monomer with a nucleophilic reagent in the presence of a guanidine-containing catalyst. The methods and materials of the disclosure find utility, for example, in the field of materials science.
US08367791B2 Composition and method for corrosion protection of a structure
A method and composition for corrosion protection of a structure is provided. In one disclosed embodiment, a polysiloxane ureide which inhibits corrosion formation on a surface of a physical object is provided. The polysiloxane ureide has a backbone including, (i) at least one diamine-terminated polysiloxane as disclosed; (ii) at least one aromatic diamine; and, (iii) at least one diisocyanate. In another disclosed embodiment, there is provided a polyureide which inhibits corrosion formation on a surface of a physical object. The polyureide comprises: (i) at least one aliphatic diamine; (ii) at least one aromatic diamine; and, (iii) at least one diisocyanate.
US08367790B2 RTV-organopolysiloxane compositions and novel organopolysiloxane polycondensation catalysts therefor
RTV-organopolysiloxane compositions are crosslinkable by polycondensation and are devoid of alkyltin-based catalysts; novel organopolysiloxane polycondensation catalysts are useful therefor.
US08367787B2 Polyolefin production
Use of a metallocene compound of general formula Ind2R″MQ2 as a component of a catalyst system in producing polyethylene, wherein each Ind is the same or different and is indenyl or substituted indenyl; R″ is a bridge which comprises a C1 to C4 alkylene radical, a dialkyl germanium or silicon or siloxane, alkyl phosphine or amine, which bridge is substituted or unsubstituted, M is a Group IV metal or vanadium and each Q is hydrocarbyl having 1 to 20 carbon atoms or halogen; and the ratio of meso to racemic forms of the metallocene in the catalyst system is at least 1:3. The metallocene may be supported. The ethylene may be polymerized in a reaction medium that is substantially free of any external comonomer, with comonomer being formed in situ. The produced polyethylene may have long chain branching. The produced polyethylene may be atactic.
US08367786B2 Two stage activation of oligomerisation catalyst and oligomerisation of olefinic compounds in the presence of an oligomerisation catalyst so activated
This invention relates to the oligomerisation of olefinic compounds in the presence of an oligomerisation catalyst activated in two stages by two catalyst activators According to the invention there is provided a process for activating an oligomerisation catalyst by contacting the catalyst with i) a first activator component selected from the group consisting of the aluminoxanes and a mixture of at least one aluminoxane and at least one organylaluminium compound, and ii) a second activator component which is an organylaluminium compound, the process being characterised therein that the oligomerisation catalyst is first contacted with one of the first activator component or second activator component, and the resulting mixture is thereafter contacted with the other of the first activator component or second activator component.
US08367782B2 Polymer stream transfer
Process for heating a polymer-containing stream being transferred from a polymerization reactor to a separation zone or device, by passing the stream through a heater having at least one transfer line for the stream and a heater for heating the transfer line. The average particle size of the solid polymer is less than 3mm, the mass flowrate of the polymer-containing stream exiting the heater is no more than 15% greater than the mass flowrate exiting the reactor, the average velocity of the polymer-containing stream either at a point 80% along the length of the heated part of the transfer line measured from the transfer line inlet, or at the transfer line outlet, is at least 6 m/s, and the pressure drop across the transfer line per unit length is between 0.0125 bar/m and 0.1 bar/m.
US08367781B2 Golf ball
The invention provides a golf ball having a core and one or more cover layer encasing the core, wherein at least one cover layer is formed by injection-molding a single resin composition of primarily (A) a thermoplastic polyurethane and (B) a polyisocyanate compound, and at least some polyisocyanate compound in which all the isocyanate groups on the molecule remain in an unreacted state is present in the resin composition. The golf ball has a high rebound, an excellent spin performance and an excellent scuff resistance, and the cover layer-forming resin composition has excellent flow properties and an excellent cover layer manufacturability.
US08367779B1 Rubber composition for golf ball
The invention provides a rubber composition for golf balls which includes (A) a base rubber containing a polybutadiene having a cis-1,4 bond content of at least 60 wt %, (B) an unsaturated carboxylic acid and/or a metal salt thereof, and (C) an anthranilic acid derivative of the general formula wherein R1 and R2 are each independently a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group of 1 to 20 carbons, m is an integer from 1 to 4, and n is an integer from 1 to 3, with the proviso that if m and/or n is 2 or more, each occurrence of R1 and R2 may be the same or different. The golf ball rubber composition of the invention enables a high-quality molded and crosslinked product having a suitable hardness and a high resilience to be obtained.
US08367778B2 Process for the elimination of residual mercaptans from nitrile rubbers
Process for the elimination of residual mercaptans from nitrile rubbers, comprising: a. adding a colloidal emulsion of sulfur to a nitrile latex emulsion (NBR rubber latex) containing free mercaptan and with a pH of between 7 and 14, at a temperature ranging from 30 to 120° C.; b. coagulating the nitrile latex c. washing with demineralized water and drying the NBR rubber recovered after coagulation.
US08367773B2 Chemical blends of polyolefins and poly(hydroxy carboxylic acid)s
A process is described for obtaining a chemical blend of a polyolefin with a poly(hydroxy carboxylic acid) by mixing poly(hydroxy carboxylic acid) with at least one polyolefin in the presence of a compatibilising compound having at least one polymerisable double bond and at least one electrophilic functional group. The invention also relates to the chemical blend obtainable according to this process, as well as the use of the compatibilising compound to obtain chemical blends of polyolefin with poly(hydroxy carboxylic acid).
US08367772B2 Crosslinked aramid polymer
A crosslinked aramid polymer comprising a first aramid backbone which is crosslinked through a poly(meth)acrylic acid with a second aramid backbone. The crosslinked aramid polymer is obtained by polymerizing a monomeric aromatic diamine with a monomeric aromatic diacid, or halide or ester thereof in the presence of poly(meth)acrylic acid, followed by a curing step. The crosslinked aramid polymer is crosslinked through its amide bonds and can be made to a fiber, film or fibrid.
US08367771B2 Composition for producing organic insulator comprising an organic-inorganic metal hybrid material
A composition for producing an organic insulator is provided which comprises an organic-inorganic hybrid material (as defined). The hybrid material shows high solubility in organic solvents and monomers, and superior adhesion to substrates. In addition, the hybrid material displays a high dielectric constant and a high degree of crosslinking. Based on these advantages, the composition comprising the organic-inorganic hybrid material can be utilized during the fabrication of various electronic devices by a wet process. A method for producing the organic insulator while utilizing the composition also is provided, as well as the resulting organic insulator, and an organic thin film transistor which incorporates the resulting insulating layer.
US08367766B2 Tire with a component made of a rubber composition comprised of a rubber having pendant hydroxyl groups and a nonsulfur containing silane
A tire with a rubber containing component compound of a copolymer rubber having pendant hydroxyl groups; and a non-sulfur containing silane.
US08367765B2 Conjugated diene-based polymer, conjugated diene-based polymer composition, and process for producing conjugated diene-based polymer
Disclosed are a conjugated diene-based polymer from which a polymer composition excellent in fuel cost-saving properties and elongation at break can be obtained, a polymer composition containing the conjugated diene-based polymer and a reinforcing agent, and a process for producing the conjugated diene-based polymer. There is provided a conjugated diene-based polymer having a conjugated diene unit, a monomer unit based on a compound represented by the following formula (1) and a monomer unit based on a compound represented by the following formula (2). wherein R11 represents a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbyl group, m is 0 or 1, R12 represents a hydrocarbylene group, and X1, X2 and X3 each independently represent a substituted amino group, or a hydrocarbyl group optionally having a substituent, provided that at least one of X1, X2 and X3 is a substituted amino group. wherein R21 represents a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbyl group, n is 0 or 1, R22 represents a hydrocarbylene group, and A represents a substituted amino group, or a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic group.
US08367762B2 Compositions comprising glycidyl ether copolymers
The present invention relates to a composition comprising at least one amphiphilic glycidyl ether copolymer composed of special structural units I to V, wherein at least one of the structural units I has an aromatic group, and wherein the structural units may each be arranged in a block, a gradient or randomly, as a dispersant and a dispersed solid matter or as an emulsifier and an unsaturated polymer system in the form of a water-in-oil emulsion to be cured.
US08367756B2 Stabilized coating dispersions for porous inkjet recording media
The invention relates to an inkjet-recording element comprising a support and at least one coated ink-receiving layer, wherein the ink-receiving layer comprises silica particles, optional hydrophilic polymeric binder, and a combination of surfactants, including a fluorosurfactant and a non-fluorine-containing non-ionic surfactant. Also disclosed is a coating composition for such an inkjet recording element. The invention can provide improved image quality (reduced coalescence) of the inkjet recording element or increased stability of the coating composition.
US08367755B2 Thermoplastic resin composition, and molded product and sheet comprising the composition
There are provided a thermoplastic resin composition excellent in a balance between fluidity and low outgassing, and a molded product and a sheet including the thermoplastic resin composition.The thermoplastic resin composition may include from 70 to 99% by mass of (A) a polyphenylene ether, from 1 to 30% by mass of (B) a copolymer including an aromatic vinyl compound and an unsaturated dicarboximide derivative as constituent monomers, and from 0 to 20% by mass of (C) a copolymer including an aromatic vinyl compound and a cyanided vinyl compound as constituent monomers, based on 100% by mass of the total of the (A) component, the (B) component and the (C) component, wherein the (B) component has a weight-average molecular weight of from 70,000 to 250,000.
US08367754B2 Flameproof thermoplastic resin composition and method for preparing the same
A flameproof thermoplastic resin composition comprises (A) 100 parts by weight of a thermoplastic resin; (B) about 1 to about 40 parts by weight of a sublimational filler; and (C) about 1 to about 30 parts by weight of a flame retardant. The thermoplastic resin composition can solve the problems of high specific gravity and deterioration of flame retardancy caused by adding a conventional filler.
US08367751B2 Tri-component resins for pigmented ink
A solid ink that includes an ink carrier and a resinous compound of the formulas or a salt thereof, wherein G1 is —X1C(O)OR1, —X2OC(O)R2, or —X2OH; G2 is R4, R12, —C(O)R2, —C(O)X1C(O)OR1, or —C(O)X2OC(O)R2; R1 is an alkyl having from 10 to 80 carbon atoms; R2 is an alkyl having from 2 to 40 carbon atoms; each R3 and R4 is independently hydrogen, alkyl, arylalkyl or alkylaryl; each R5 and each R6 is independently hydrogen or alkyl; X1 and X2 are both a straight or branched alkylene group; t1 is 1 to 20; t2 and t3 is independently 0 to 20; u1 is 1 to 30; u2 and u3 is independently 0 to 30; each R7 and each R8 is independently hydrogen, alkyl, or alkoxyl; each R9 and each R10 is independently hydrogen, alkyl, or alkoxyl; Ar is a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic moiety; p is 1 to 5; q is 1 to 12; AΘ is selected from the group consisting of Cl−, Br−, I−, HSO4−, HSO3−, CH3SO3−, NO3−, HCOO−, CH3COO−, H2PO4−, SCN−, ClO4−, SSO3−, PF6−, and SbCl6−; and J is alkyl, arylalkyl, or alkylaryl.
US08367747B2 Bioabsorbable polymers from bioabsorbable polyisocyanates and uses thereof
Novel bioabsorbable and/or biocompatible polyurethanes, polyureas, polyamideurethanes and polyureaurethanes with tunable physical, mechanical properties and hydrolytic degradation profiles are provided for use in biomedical applications such as stents, stent coatings, scaffolds, foams, and films. The disclosed polymers may be derived from biocompatible and/or bioabsorbable polyisocyanates. The present invention also relates to new and improved methods for the preparation of the biocompatible and/or bioabsorbable polyisocyanates.
US08367746B2 Silicone hydrogel contact lens
Silicone hydrogel contact lenses are provided which have reduced modulus and contact angle properties, and which have acceptable wettabilities for use in daily wear and extended or continuous wear applications.
US08367745B2 Dental composite resin for core build-up
To provide a dual curing type composite resin for core build-up having improved curing property by chemical polymerization with improved mechanical strength of a cured body under the condition of no light irradiation and with a shortened setting time, the composite resin is composed of a first component including a (meth)acrylate polymerizable resin and an organic peroxide, and a second component including (meth)acrylate polymerizable resin and a reducing agent, a photopolymerizaton initiator and a filler are included in the first component and/or the second component, and oxide powder of a Group II element in the periodic table having an average particle diameter of 1 μm or less is blended in the first component and/or the second component.
US08367744B2 Sealant composition for liquid crystal display device
Disclosed is a sealant composition for a liquid crystal display device, the sealant composition including a (meta) acrylate compound as expressed in Chemical Formula 1 below
US08367742B2 Removable color layer for artificial nail coatings and methods therefore
The present disclosure relates to a nail coating system comprising a basecoat, a color layer, and a topcoat. The system of the present disclosure may be applied to natural and/or pre-existing artificial nail coatings. The present disclosure relates generally to compositions for natural and artificial nail coatings, and particularly, but not by way of limitation, to polymerizable compositions and color layers polymerized therefrom. The disclosure further relates to methods of making a polymerized color layer.
US08367739B2 Asphalt release agent
A composition for promoting the release of bituminous materials and other adhesive materials from a substrate and methods of use thereof. More particularly, a composition comprising a silicone oil-in-water emulsion, which is stabilized by an alkoxylated polysiloxane surfactant, for use as a release agent that can be applied to a substrate, such as a truck bed, prior to use for promoting the free release of a bituminous material, such as asphalt, from the substrate.
US08367738B2 Smooth muscle contraction inhibitors
An emulsion comprising L-Menthol, a fat or oil and a surfactant wherein oil particles have an average diameter of 100 nm or less inhibits a content reduction attributed to, for example, evaporation of L-menthol, enhances a light transmission through liquid and is stable despite long-term storage. Thus, the emulsion can be appropriately used in the temporary inhibition of contraction of gastrointestinal tract for, for example, observation of gastrointestinal tract by an endoscope. This emulsion can be obtained by heating an oil-in-water type emulsion comprising L-menthol, a fat or oil and a surfactant at 60° C. or higher.
US08367737B2 Method of using biothionol and biothionol-like compounds as anti-angiogenic agents
The present disclosure relates generally to treating or preventing diseases associated with angiogenesis by administering to a patient certain compounds found to inhibit or substantially reduce angiogenesis. Compounds employed according to the present disclosure exhibit good anti-angiogenic activity as well as demonstrate a prophylactic effect for preventing and substantially reducing angiogenesis. Examples of such compounds include Ritanserin, Amiodarone, Terfenadinc, Perphenazine, Bithionol, and Clomipramine.
US08367736B2 Anticancer composition comprising obovatol or obovatal
Disclosed herein is an anticancer composition, comprising obovatol, represented by the following Chemical Formula 1, obovatal, represented by the following Chemical Formula 2, and/or pharmaceutical salts thereof. The composition exhibits the activity of inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and suppressing the expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and thus can be useful for the prophylaxis and treatment of cancer as well as for the inhibition of cancer metastasis.
US08367735B2 Pharmaceutical compositions
The present invention relates to compounds of formula I or II:—wherein R is an alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, aralkyl, aralkenyl, or aralkynyl group, that may be substituted or unsubstituted, and that optionally includes at least one heteroatom in its carbon skeleton; R1 is hydrogen, or an alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, substituted aryl, or aralkyl group; and R2 is an alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, aralkyl, aralkenyl, or aralkynyl group containing 4-12 carbon atoms, that may be substituted or unsubstituted, and that optionally includes at least one heteroatom in its carbon skeleton; provided that in a compound of formula I, when R1 is an iso-propyl or phenyl group, R2 is not an acetyl or tert-butyldimethylsilyl group; and their use in therapeutic, diagnostic and research methods.
US08367733B2 Infiltration of capsaicin into surgical sites and open wounds
The present invention is directed to methods for attenuating pain associated with a surgical site or an open wound by administration of single doses of a capsaicinoid formulation in proximity to a surgical site or wound opening.
US08367729B2 Composition with preventive or improvement effect on symptoms or diseases associated with stress-induced behavior disorders
A composition with a preventive or improvement effect on symptoms or diseases associated with stress-induced behavior disorders, comprising arachidonic acid and/or a compound comprising arachidonic acid as a constituent fatty acid.
US08367728B2 Production of peracids using an enzyme having perhydrolysis activity
A process is provided for producing peroxycarboxylic acids from carboxylic acid esters. More specifically, carboxylic acid esters are reacted with an inorganic peroxide, such as hydrogen peroxide, in the presence of an enzyme catalyst having perhydrolysis activity. The present perhydrolase catalysts are classified as members of the carbohydrate esterase family 7 (CE-7) based on the conserved structural features. Further, disinfectant formulations comprising the peracids produced by the processes described herein are provided.
US08367725B2 Composition and/or method for preventing onset and/or recurrence of cardiovascular events
Provided are composition and/or methods useful in preventing onset and/or recurrence of cardiovascular events, especially in patients who have escaped the unstable period after cardiovascular angioplasty or in hyperlipidemia patients who have been treated with HMG-CoA RI.
US08367721B2 Methods of treating an overweight or obese subject
The invention generally relates to methods of treating an overweight or obese subject, and treating overweight- or obesity-related conditions. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a method of treating an overweight or obese subject including administering a MetAP2 inhibitor in which the amount administered does not substantially modulate angiogenesis.
US08367716B2 Method for attentuating virulence of microbial pathogens and for inhibiting microbial biofilm formation
The present invention relates to the use of the cyclic dinucleotide c-di-GMP and cyclic dinucleotide analogues thereof in a method for attenuating virulence of a microbial pathogen or for inhibiting or reducing colonization by a microbial pathogen. This method further inhibits microbial biofilm formation and is capable of treating bacterial infections. The microbial colonization or biofilm formation inhibited or reduced may be on the skin or on nasal or mucosal surface. The microbial colonization or biofilm formation inhibited can also be on the surfaces of medical devices, especially those in close contact with the patient, as well on the surfaces of industrial and construction material where microbial colonization and biofilm formation is of concern.
US08367711B2 Angiotensin II receptor antagonists
A compound having the structure wherein R is, for example, Y is selected from the group consisting of 1) R5, 2) —C(R1R2) (C(R3R4))0-1Y1R5, and 3) —C(R1R2)—O—Y1R5; R1, R2, R3 and R4 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C1-4 alkyl; R5 is; Y1 is selected from the group consisting of C(O)—O— and P(O)(OR6)—O—; and R6 is hydrogen or CH3, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and methods of using the compounds for treating hypertension.
US08367710B2 Bicyclo-substituted pyrazolon azo derivatives, preparation process and pharmaceutical use thereof
The bicyclo-substituted pyrazolon-azo derivatives of formula (I) or pharmaceutical acceptable salts, hydrates or solvates thereof, methods for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing the same and their use as a therapeutic agent, especially as thrombopoietin (TPO) mimetics and their use as agonists of thrombopoietin receptor are disclosed. The definition of substituents in formula (I) are the same as defined in the description.
US08367709B2 Dipeptide analogs as coagulation factor inhibitors
Disclosed are novel dipeptide analogs compounds of Formula (I), (II) or (III): or a stereoisomer, a tautomer, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, a solvate, or a prodrug thereof, which are inhibitors of factor XIa and/or plasma kallikrein, compositions containing them, and methods of using them, for example, for the treatment or prophylaxis of thrombotic diseases.
US08367706B2 Inhibitors of janus kinases
The instant invention provides for compounds that inhibit the four known mammalian JAK kinases (JAK1, JAK2, JAK3 and TYK2) and PDK1. The invention also provides for compositions comprising such inhibitory compounds and methods of inhibiting the activity of JAK1, JAK2, JAK3 TYK2 and PDK1 by administering the compound to a patient in need of treatment for myeloproliferative disorders or cancer.
US08367704B2 Process for preparation of 2-methyl-2′ phenylpropionic acid derivatives and novel intermediate compounds
The present invention relates to a process for preparing 2-methyl-2′-phenylpropionic acid derivatives showing antihistamine activity in more simplified way, intermediate compounds and their preparation processes used therefor. According to the present invention, pharmaceutically useful 2-methyl-2′-phenylpropionic acid derivatives can be prepared with high yield and purity on industrial scale.
US08367702B2 Quinolone derivative
As a result of extensive studies on NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitors, the present inventors found that a quinolone derivative having, at the 2-position, an alkyl group substituted with a heteroatom or the like has an excellent NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitory activity, and accomplished the present invention. The compound of the present invention has a reactive oxygen species production inhibitory activity based on the NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitory activity, and therefore can be used as an agent for preventing and/or treating diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, hyperlipidemia, fatty liver, diabetic complications and the like.
US08367695B2 Condensed tetrahydroquinoline derivative and use thereof for medical purposes
The problem of the present invention is to provide a compound having a GR selective binding activity, which shows less action on other nuclear receptors such as progesterone receptor (PR), mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) and the like. The present invention provides a condensed tetrahydroquinoline compound represented by the following formula (I) wherein each symbol is as defined in the present specification, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a hydrate thereof.
US08367693B1 Opioid salts and formulations exhibiting anti-abuse anti-dose dumping properties
A drug substance with a pharmaceutically acceptable organic acid addition salt of an opioid wherein said organic acid is selected from Structure A: wherein R1-R4 are independently selected from H, alkyl or substituted alkyl of 1-6 carbons, adjacent groups may be taken together to form a cyclic alkyl, cyclic alkyl-aryl, or cyclic aryl moiety; R5 is selected from H, or an alkali earth cation; R6 and R7 are independently selected from H, alkyl of 1-6 carbons, an alkali earth cation, and aryl of 6 to 12 carbons, in a number sufficient to complete the valence bonding of X, and wherein X is selected from nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur; and wherein the drug substance has a morphology selected from amorphous and crystalline.
US08367689B2 Inhibitors of JAK
The present invention is directed to compounds of formula I and tautomers and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof which are selective inhibitors of JAK. The present invention is also directed to intermediates used in making such compounds, the preparation of such a compound, pharmaceutical compositions containing such a compound, methods of inhibition JAK activity, and methods to prevent or treat a number of conditions mediated at least in part by JAK activity.
US08367688B2 Carbamate compounds which inhibit leukocyte adhesion mediated by VLA-4
Disclosed are compounds which bind VLA-4. Certain of these compounds also inhibit leukocyte adhesion and, in particular, leukocyte adhesion mediated by VLA-4. Such compounds are useful in the treatment of inflammatory diseases in a mammalian patient, e.g., human, such as asthma, Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis, AIDS dementia, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, tissue transplantation, tumor metastasis and myocardial ischemia. The compounds can also be administered for the treatment of inflammatory brain diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
US08367687B2 Pyrazole derivatives
The present application describes organic compounds that are useful for the treatment, prevention and/or amelioration of diseases, particularly pyrazole compounds and derivatives are described which inhibit protein kinases. The organic compounds are useful in treating proliferative disease.
US08367686B2 Heterocycle compounds and uses thereof
The invention relates to chemical compounds, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof of the formula (I): which penetrate the blood-brain barrier, inhibit the formation and accumulation of beta-amyloid, and are useful in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease. Further, the compounds of the present invention inhibit certain kinases, thereby being useful for the treatment of cancers of the central nervous system.
US08367685B2 Stable pharmaceutical compositions comprising a pyrimidine-sulfamide
Stable pharmaceutical compositions include the compound of the below formula, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, hydrates or morphological forms thereof:
US08367682B2 Pyrimidine derivatives and their use as pesticides
The invention relates to new pyrimidine compounds of formula (1) wherein the variables have the meaning as indicated in the claims; in free form and in salt form; and optionally the enantiomers and geometrical isomers thereof. The compounds of formula (1) are useful in the control of parasites, in particular ectoparasites, in and on warmblooded animals.
US08367679B2 Biaryl carboxamides
This invention provides compounds of Formula (I) which are PAFR antagonists: Formula (I) and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The compounds are useful for treating PAF-mediated disorders, and can be used in methods for treating atherosclerosis and preventing or reducing risk for atherosclerotic disease events. The compounds are also useful for treating or ameliorating pain, e.g. inflammatory pain and/or nociceptive pain, and for treating or ameliorating autoimmune and/or inflammatory diseases, among other conditions.
US08367677B2 Non-glycosylated/non-glycosidic/non-peptidic small molecule PSGL-1 mimetics for the treatment of inflammatory disorders
Pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one compound of the formulas (Ia) or (Ib) and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier which is useful in a medicine wherein the symbols, indices and substituents have the following meaning R1═H, CN, NO2, CF3, F, Cl, Br, I, CH3 R2═H, CN, NO2, CF3, F, Cl, Br, I, CH3, Et, n-Pr, i-Pr, n-Bu, t-Bu, phenyl, thienyl, furyl, thiazolyl and either R1 or R2 must be H R3═H, CN, NO2, CF3, F, Cl, Br, I, CH3, Et, n-Pr, i-Pr, n-Bu, t-Bu, phenyl, thienyl, furyl, thiazolyl then X is e.g. with R4 being H, CH3, CH2CH3 or and Y being or the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters or amides and prodrugs of the above identified compounds of formulas (Ia) or (Ib). The compounds are applied to modulate the in-vitro and in-vivo binding processes mediated by E-, P- or L-selectin binding.
US08367672B2 Pyridazine compounds, compositions and methods
The invention relates to novel chemical compounds and methods of making and using the same. In particular, the invention provides pyridazine compounds and/or related heterocyclic derivatives, compositions comprising the same, and methods of using pyridazine compounds and/or related heterocyclic derivatives and compositions comprising the same, for modulation of cellular pathways (e.g., signal transduction pathways), for treatment or prevention of inflammatory diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's disease), for research, drug screening, and therapeutic applications.
US08367669B2 Inhibitors of hemeprotein-catalyzed lipid peroxidation
Methods and compounds for the treatment or prevention of oxidative damage in a mammalian subject. The treatment and/or prevention may be on inhibiting heme-induced lipid peroxidation. Also discloses are methods and compounds for treating or preventing isoprostane-mediated tissue damage.
US08367663B2 Phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitors with a zinc binding moiety
The instant application relates to deazapurines, thienopyrimidines and furopyrimidines with zinc-binding moiety based derivatives and their use in the treatment of phosphoinositide 3-kinase related diseases and disorders such as cancer. The instant application further relates to the the treatment of histone deacetylase related disorders and diseases related to both histone deacetylase and phosphoinositide 3-kinase.
US08367662B2 Organic compounds
Compounds of formula I: in free or salt or solvate form, where R1, R2, R3 and R20 have the meanings as indicated in the specification, are useful for treating diseases mediated by the ALK-5 and/or ALK-4 receptor. Pharmaceutical compositions that contain the compounds and processes for preparing the compounds are also described. These compounds are useful for the treatment of inflammatory or obstructive airways diseases such as pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary fibrosis, liver fibrosis, cancer, muscle diseases such as muscle atrophies and muscle dystrophies, and systemic skeletal disorders such as osteoporosis.
US08367651B2 Solid ganaxolone formulations and methods for the making and use thereof
In certain embodiments, the invention is directed to composition comprising stable particles comprising ganaxolone, wherein the volume weighted median diameter (D50) of the particles is from about 50 nm to about 500 nm.
US08367650B2 Oil composition based on peroxidised lipids, which can be used in the treatment of xerostomia
The invention relates to an oily pharmaceutical composition based on peroxidized lipids and on silica, characterized in that it contains, as essential constituents, peroxidized lipids which have a degree of peroxidation of between 5 and 600 milli-equivalents per kilogram, and silica which is dispersed within said peroxidized lipids at a concentration of greater than or equal to 0.5% by weight and less than 4% by weight with respect to the weight of said composition. In this composition, the peroxidized lipids are preferably obtained by peroxidation of a natural plant oil and the silica is preferably colloidal silica. The invention also relates to the use of the composition for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition which is intended for treating xerostomia.
US08367649B2 Formulations of deoxycholic acid and salts thereof
The present application is directed to an aqueous pharmaceutical formulation comprising less than about 5% w/v sodium deoxycholate maintained at a pH sufficient to substantially inhibit precipitation of the sodium deoxycholate. Also disclosed herein, are methods for inhibiting precipitation of sodium deoxycholate in an aqueous solution comprising less than about 5% w/v of sodium deoxycholate, said method comprising maintaining pH of the solution of from at least about 8.0 to about 8.5.
US08367644B2 Methods and compounds useful to induce apoptosis in cancer cells
The present invention provides a method for treating cancer in a mammal comprising contacting the cancer cells with a compound which is a apogossypol, derivative.
US08367635B2 Antimicrobial sucralfate paste methods and compositions
Methods for the prevention and treatment of infection, preferably antibiotic resistant wound infection, using a paste formed by the reaction of sucralfate with an acid component are provided. Methods of preparing stable sucralfate compositions are disclosed. Compositions of and products containing the sucralfate paste are also described.
US08367633B2 Methods of treating B-cell cancers
The present invention is directed to methods of causing malignant B-cells and treating malignant B-cells. These methods involve the use of an inhibitor of PKK activity, whether active directly against PKK or effective to knockdown PKK expression, which when introduced into a malignant B cell (or administered to a patient) is effective to cause cell death of the malignant B cell, thereby treating the B-cell malignancy.
US08367628B2 Amphoteric liposome formulation
The invention relates to compositions and methods to inhibit gene expression. In particular, the invention provides DNAi oligonucleotides sequestered by amphoteric liposomes for the treatment of cancer.
US08367627B2 Focused libraries, functional profiling, laser SELEX, and DESELEX
Focused aptamer libraries are constructed in accordance with a proteome (i.e., complex mixture of native biomolecules). The libraries may be screened to identify one or more candidate aptamers with desired biological activities other than specific binding to a target. Aptamers which are selected or derivatives thereof may be used for those specific activities in biological systems. Any combination of deconvoluting a focused library (functional profiling), increasing frequencies of particular aptamers in a focused library (Laser SELEX), and decreasing frequencies of particular aptamers in a focused library (DeSELEX) may be performed prior to assaying biological activity.
US08367625B2 Antibacterial aminoglycoside analogs
Compounds having antibacterial activity are disclosed. The compounds have the following structure (I): including stereoisomers, pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof, wherein Q1, Q2, R1, R2 and R3 are as defined herein. Methods associated with preparation and use of such compounds, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, are also disclosed.
US08367622B2 Sulfated C-glycoside, method for isolating same and method for synthesizing same
Provided are a sulfated C-glycoside which is a novel compound serving as a precursor of chafuroside and chafuroside analogs; a method for efficiently producing the sulfated C-glycoside; and a method for efficiently producing chafuroside and chafuroside analogs using said sulfated C-glycoside. A sulfated C-glycoside represented by general formula (A1) or (B1) [wherein R1, R2 and R3 independently represent each a hydrogen atom or an OH group] is obtained by extracting tea leaves or tea tannins with water, a lower alcohol solvent having 1 to 3 carbon atoms or a liquid mixture comprising the same. Alternatively, the sulfated C-glycoside is produced by reacting a flavone C-glycoside such as isovitexin or vitexin with a sulfate group-introducing agent to thereby sulfate the flavone C-glycoside. By heating the sulfated C-glycoside thus obtained, chafuroside and chafuroside analogs are efficiently produced.
US08367620B2 Peptidic growth hormone secretagogues analog compounds and preparations thereof
Peptidic chemical compounds obtained by in silico molecular modelling, having a structure that enables them to perform the same functions of peptidic growth hormone secretagogues. The invention also comprises the preparations containing such compounds and the use in medicines, food additives, nutritional supplements or other formulations of human or animal use.
US08367618B2 Cyclosporin analogues for preventing or treating hepatitis C infection
The present invention relates to cyclosporin analogues having antiviral activity against HCV and useful in the treatment of HCV infections. More particularly, the invention relates to novel cyclosporin analogue compounds, compositions containing such compounds and methods for using the same, as well as processes for making such compounds.
US08367617B2 Crystalline peptide epoxy ketone protease inhibitors and the synthesis of amino acid keto-epoxides
The invention relates to crystalline peptide keto epoxide compounds, methods of their preparation, and related pharmaceutical compositions. This invention also relates to methods for the preparation of amino acid keto-epoxides. Specifically, allylic ketones are stereoselectively converted to the desired keto epoxides.
US08367604B2 Fermented milk or vegetable proteins comprising receptor ligand and uses thereof
The present invention relates to the use of compositions comprising receptor ligands obtainable by a process comprising fermenting a food material, comprising animal milk or vegetable proteins, with lactic acid bacteria to obtain a fermented food or feed material that comprises ligands of specific adrenoreceptors and/or serotonin receptors. The fermented food or feed material is useful e.g. for reducing and/or stabilizing heart rate in a mammal. It may furthermore be used for treatment and/or relief of erectile dysfunctions and for treatment and/or relief of benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH), in a mammal.
US08367603B2 Protein capable of inhibiting anthrax toxin activity
The invention particularly relates to inhibition of the cleavage of protective antigen (PA) of Bacillus anthracis, which subsequently leads to inhibition of activity of anthrax toxin.
US08367599B2 Dishwashing composition with particles
This invention is directed to a water soluble sachet comprising a detergent composition having a discrete particle that enhances cleaning in a dishwashing machine. The water soluble sachet unexpectedly results in excellent cleaning properties and minimizes spot and film formation on items being cleaned in a dishwasher.
US08367598B2 Whitening agents for cellulosic subtrates
This invention relates to novel whitening agents for cellulosic substrates. The whitening agents are comprised of at least two components: at least one chromophore component and at least one polymeric component. Suitable chromophore components generally fluoresce blue, red, violet, or purple color when exposed to ultraviolet light, or they may absorb light to reflect these same shades. The whitening agents are further characterized by having a dispersion component value of the Hansen Solubility Parameter of less than or equal to about 17 MPa0.5. This invention also relates to laundry care compositions including but not limited to liquid and/or powder laundry detergent formulations and rinse added fabric softening (RAFS) compositions that comprise such whitening agents.
US08367597B2 Stabilization of perhydrolases
Disclosed herein is a method for stabilization of the perhydrolase activity of the CE-7 esterase in a formulation with a carboxylic acid ester that employs the addition of a buffering agent, substantially undissolved, to the mixture of the CE-7 esterase and the carboxylic acid ester. Further, disinfectant and laundry care formulations comprising the peracids produced by the processes described herein are provided.
US08367595B2 Solid treatment blocks for sanitary appliances
Improved treatment blocks useful in the treatment of lavatory appliances, particularly toilets are provided. The improved treatment blocks are solid block compositions which comprise at least one detersive surfactant, a film forming constituent, optionally a bleach constituent and one or more further optional constituents. The improved treatment blocks provide good detersive characteristics and further provide a film forming material which contacts the surfaces of the lavatory appliance, e.g., toilet, in which the block compositions are used. Methods of producing the solid block composition and treatment blocks therefrom, as well as methods of use are also disclosed.
US08367593B2 Method for improving the resistance to one or more of corrosion, oxidation, sludge and deposit formation of lubricating oil compositions for biodiesel fueled engines
Lubricating oil used for the lubrication of engines run on biodiesel fuels are improved in their resistance to oxidation, sludge and deposits formation by the addition to said lubricating oil of detergent to increase the TBN of the lubricating oil or the addition of organic bases.
US08367591B2 Lubricating oil composition
Provided is a lubricating oil composition of an environmental regulation compliant type, comprising (A) a base oil for a lubricating oil, (B) sulfated oxymolybdenum dithiocarbamate, (C) an acid amide compound, (D) (d1) a fatty acid partial ester compound and/or (d2) an aliphatic amine compound and (E) a specific benzotriazole derivative, wherein a content of the component (B) is 0.02 to 0.1% by mass in terms of molybdenum; a content of the component (C) is 0.2 to 1.0 % by mass; a content of the component (D) is 0.2 to 1.0% by mass; and a content of the component (E) is 0.02 to 0.1% by mass each based on the whole amount of the composition, and it has an excellent friction reducing effect in combination with a high corrosion preventing effect to copper and lead.
US08367587B2 Methods for discretized processing and process sequence integration of regions of a substrate
The present invention provides methods and systems for discretized, combinatorial processing of regions of a substrate such as for the discovery, implementation, optimization, and qualification of new materials, processes, and process sequence integration schemes used in integrated circuit fabrication. A substrate having an array of differentially processed regions thereon is processed by delivering materials to or modifying regions of the substrate.
US08367585B2 Superconducting strip having metal coating layer and method of manufacturing the same
Disclosed herein is a superconducting strip having a metal coating layer and a method of manufacturing the superconducting strip. The method of manufacturing the superconducting strip includes: washing a superconducting thin film, a stabilizing substrate and an anti-bonding substrate with alcohol; forming a metal coating layer on each of the superconducting thin film and stabilizing substrate; adhering the superconducting thin film and stabilizing substrate to each other such that the metal coating layer formed on the superconducting thin film faces the metal coating layer formed on the stabilizing substrate; disposing the anti-bonding substrate on an outside of the stabilizing substrate and then winding the anti-bonding substrate such that the anti-bonding substrate and the stabilizing substrate are closely adhered to each other by winding the anti-bonding substrate around a bobbin under a predetermined tension; and heat-treating the superconducting thin film and stabilizing substrate such that they are bonded to each other by the metal coating layer disposed therebetween.
US08367583B2 Composition and method for controlling pests
The present invention provides a composition comprising, as active ingredients, 4-oxo-4-[(2-phenylethyl)amino]-butyric acid and fipronil; a method of controlling pests, which comprises applying effective amounts of 4-oxo-4-[(2-phenylethyl)amino]-butyric acid and fipronil to a plant or growing site of plant and so on.
US08367582B2 Urea phosphite fertilizer
A new fertilizer comprising Urea Phosphite, which is made by reacting phosphorous acid with urea. Urea Phosphite is characterized by being a liquid produced in an unprocessed reaction, and by having phosphite as a phosphorus source and urea as a nitrogen source. The reaction product may be blended with an admix and spray dried, or dissolved in water.
US08367580B2 Dual-sided thermal security features
There is provided a method for providing a security enabled dual-sided thermal medium, which includes imaging a first side of the thermal medium with a first data security feature, and imaging a second side of the thermal medium with a second data security feature. There is also provided a security enabled dual-sided thermal medium, which includes a first data security feature disposed at a predetermined location of a first side of the thermal medium, and a second data security feature disposed at a predetermined location of a second side of the thermal medium. Additionally, there is provided a system for providing a security enabled dual-sided thermal medium, which includes a dual-sided direct thermal printer adapted to image a first side of the thermal medium with a first data security feature and image a second side of the thermal medium with a second data security feature.
US08367579B2 Self-cleaning surface coating (photocatalysis)
A self-cleaning surface coating is easy and inexpensive to produce because it has only a simple titanium dioxide layer.
US08367577B2 Thin film of aluminum nitride and process for producing the thin film of aluminum nitride
Flat, thin AlN membranes and methods of their manufacture are made available. An AlN thin film (2) contains between 0.001 wt. % and 10 wt. % additive atomic element of one or more type selected from Group-III atoms, Group-IV atoms and Group-V atoms. Onto a base material (1), the AlN thin film (2) is formable utilizing a plasma generated by setting inside a vacuum chamber a sintered AlN ceramic containing between 0.001 wt. % and 10 wt. % additive atomic element of one or more type selected from Group-III atoms, Group-IV atoms and Group-V atoms, and with the base material having been set within the vacuum chamber, irradiating the sintered AlN ceramic with a laser.
US08367567B2 Shelf life extending container for fruits and vegetables
The Shelf Life Extending Container for fruits and vegetables extends the shelf life of various fresh fruits and vegetables and vase life of fresh cut flowers by changing the atmosphere in which these living products are stored and respires. The Shelf Life Extending Container does this by utilizing a Gas Permeable Non-Woven Fabric Based Film. The high oxygen and carbon dioxide permeability of the Gas Permeable Non-Woven Fabric Based Film establishes an ideal atmosphere for the multiple perishable items stored within the Shelf life Extending Container, and therefore extends their shelf life. The establishment of lower oxygen and carbon dioxide atmospheres within the Shelf Life Extending Container using the Gas Permeable Non-Woven Fabric Based Film, also leads to a reduction in the respiration rate of the perishable items stored. The reduction in the respiration rate of the perishable items prevents loss of moisture, production of metabolic heat, yellowing, browning, and reduces the production levels of ethylene by the perishable items. Therefore, the created atmosphere is able to extend shelf life, maintain high quality, and preserve nutrients of fresh produce items by naturally regulating respiration of said produce/flowers.
US08367565B2 Methods and systems of transferring, docking and processing substrates
In accordance with some embodiments described herein, a method for transferring a substrate is provided. The method includes loading one or more substrates into a respective mobile chamber of one or more mobile chambers. The mobile chambers are movable on a first rail positioned adjacent to two or more process modules. Each mobile chamber is configured to maintain a specified gas condition. The respective mobile chamber is moved along the first rail. The respective mobile chamber is docked to a respective process module of the two or more process modules. At least one of the one or more substrates is conveyed from the respective mobile chamber to the respective process module.
US08367562B2 Method for uniform nanoscale film deposition
Ultrathin layers are deposited by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) with reduced discontinuities, such as pinholes. Embodiments include depositing a material on a wafer by CVD while rotating the CVD showerhead and/or the wafer mounting surface, e.g., at least 45°. Embodiments include rotating the showerhead and/or mounting surface continuously through the deposition of the material. Embodiments also include forming subfilms of the material and rotating the showerhead and/or mounting surface after the deposition of each subfilm. The rotation of the showerhead and/or mounting surface averages out the non-uniformities introduced by the CVD showerhead, thereby eliminating discontinuities and improving within wafer and wafer-to-wafer uniformity.
US08367559B2 Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device
Characteristics of a low-k insulating film grown on a substrate is modulated in the thickness-wise direction, by varying the ratio of high-frequency input and low-frequency input used for inducing plasma in the course of forming the film, to thereby improve the adhesion strength while keeping the dielectric constant at a low level, wherein the high-frequency input and the low-frequency input for inducing plasma are applied from a single electrode, while elevating the level of low-frequency input at least either at the start of formation or at the end of formation of the insulating film, as compared with the input level in residual time zone.
US08367557B2 Method of forming an insulation film having low impurity concentrations
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, the method comprising: forming an oxide film on a substrate by alternately repeating: (a) forming an element-containing layer on the substrate by supplying a source gas containing an element into a process vessel accommodating the substrate; and (b) changing the element-containing layer to an oxide layer by supplying an oxygen-containing gas and a hydrogen-containing gas into the process vessel having an inside pressure lower than atmospheric pressure, reacting the oxygen-containing gas with the hydrogen-containing gas to generate oxidizing species containing oxygen, and oxidizing the element-containing layer by the oxidizing species; wherein the hydrogen-containing gas is supplied into the process vessel together with the source gas in step (a).
US08367549B2 Method of manufacturing semiconductor device
Provided is a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device. In the method, after a thin liner is formed on a substrate on which a lower interconnection is formed, a silicon source is supplied to form a silicide layer under the liner by a reaction between the silicon source and the lower interconnection, and the silicide layer is nitrided and an etch stop layer is formed. Therefore, the lower interconnection is prevented from making contact with the silicon source, variations of the surface resistance of the lower interconnection can be prevented, and thus high-speed devices can be fabricated.
US08367542B2 Semiconductor device manufacturing method and semiconductor device manufacturing apparatus
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device that improves the reliability of a metal cap layer and productivity. The method includes an insulation layer step of superimposing an insulation layer(11) on a semiconductor substrate (2) including an element region (2b), a recess step of forming a recess (12) in the insulation layer (11), a metal layer step of embedding a metal layer (13) in the recess (12), a planarization step of planarizing a surface of the insulation layer (11) and a surface of the metal layer (13) to be substantially flush with each other, and a metal cap layer step of forming a metal cap layer (16) containing at least zirconium element and nitrogen element on the surface of the insulation layer (11) and the surface of the metal layer (13) after the planarization step.
US08367541B2 Semiconductor device suitable for a ferroelectric memory and manufacturing method of the same
After a ferroelectric capacitor is formed, an Al wiring (conductive pad) connected to the ferroelectric capacitor is formed. Then, a silicon oxide film and a silicon nitride film are formed around the Al wiring. Thereafter, as a penetration inhibiting film which inhibits penetration of moisture into the silicon oxide film, an Al2O3 film is formed.
US08367538B2 Partitioned through-layer via and associated systems and methods
Partitioned vias, interconnects, and substrates that include such vias and interconnects are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a substrate has a non-conductive layer and a partitioned via formed in a portion of the non-conductive layer. The non-conductive layer includes a top side, a bottom side, and a via hole extending between the top and bottom sides and including a sidewall having a first section a second section. The partitioned via includes a first metal interconnect within the via on the first section of the sidewall and a second metal interconnect within the via hole on the second section of the sidewall and electrically isolated from the first metal interconnect. In another embodiment, the first metal interconnect is separated from the second metal interconnect by a gap within the via hole.
US08367536B2 Method for manufacturing silicon carbide semiconductor device
The present invention includes steps below: (a) forming, on a drift layer, a first ion implantation mask and a second ion implantation mask individually by photolithography to form a third ion implantation mask, the first ion implantation mask having a mask region corresponding to a channel region and having a first opening corresponding to a source region, the second ion implantation mask being positioned in contact with an outer edge of the first ion implantation mask and configured to form a base region; (b) implanting impurities of a first conductivity type from the first opening with an ion beam using the third ion implantation mask to form a source region in an upper layer part of the silicon carbide drift layer; (c) removing the first ion implantation mask after the formation of the source region; and (d) implanting impurities of a second conductivity type with an ion beam from a second opening formed in the second ion implantation mask after the removal of the first ion implantation mask to form a base region deeper than the source region in the upper layer part of the drift layer.
US08367531B1 Aluminum implant using new compounds
The present invention provides molecules useful for aluminum implant in semiconductor materials. The molecules can be used in various doping techniques such as ion implant, plasma doping or derivates methods.
US08367528B2 Cyclical epitaxial deposition and etch
Methods for selectively depositing high quality epitaxial material include introducing pulses of a silicon-source containing vapor while maintaining a continuous etchant flow. Epitaxial material is deposited on areas of a substrate, such as source and drain recesses. Between pulses, the etchant flow continues such that lower quality epitaxial material may be removed, as well as any non-epitaxial material that may have been deposited. The pulse of silicon-source containing vapor may be repeated until a desired thickness of epitaxial material is selectively achieved in semiconductor windows, such as recessed source/drain regions.
US08367517B2 Method for manufacturing SOI substrate
An insulating layer is formed over a surface of a semiconductor wafer to be the bond substrate and irradiation with accelerated ions is performed, so that an embrittlement region is formed inside the wafer. Next, this semiconductor wafer and a base substrate such as a glass substrate or a semiconductor wafer are attached to each other. Then, the semiconductor wafer is divided at the embrittlement region by heat treatment, whereby an SOI substrate is manufactured in which a semiconductor layer is provided over the base substrate with the insulating layer interposed therebetween. Before this SOI substrate is manufactured, heat treatment is performed on the semiconductor wafer at 1100° C. or higher under a non-oxidizing atmosphere such as an argon gas atmosphere or a mixed atmosphere of an oxygen gas and a nitrogen gas.
US08367512B2 Self-aligned implants to reduce cross-talk of imaging sensors
The embodiments of methods of preparing self-aligned isolation regions between two neighboring sensor elements on a substrate described above enable reducing cross-talk (or blooming) of neighboring. The methods use an oxide implant mask to form a deep doped region and also to form a shallow doped region. In some embodiments, the shallow doped regions are narrower and are formed by depositing a conformal dielectric layer over the oxide implant mask to narrow the openings for implantation.
US08367510B2 Process for producing silicon carbide semiconductor device
In a bipolar silicon carbide semiconductor device in which an electron and a hole recombine with each other during current passage within a silicon carbide epitaxial film grown from a surface of a silicon carbide single crystal substrate, an object described herein is the reduction of defects which are the nuclei of a stacking fault which is expanded by current passage, thereby suppressing the increase of the forward voltage of the bipolar silicon carbide semiconductor device. In a method for producing a bipolar silicon carbide semiconductor device, the device is subjected to a thermal treatment at a temperature of 300° C. or higher in the final step of production. Preferably, the above-mentioned thermal treatment is carried out after the formation of electrodes and then the resulting bipolar silicon carbide semiconductor device is mounted in a package.
US08367507B1 Manufacturing method of semiconductor device
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device according to the present embodiment includes the steps of forming a metallic silicide film on an n-type impurity region and a p-type impurity region made of silicon carbide (SiC), performing ion implantation of phosphorous (P) into the metallic silicide film on the n-type impurity region, performing a first thermal treatment, performing ion implantation of aluminum (Al) into the metallic silicide film on the p-type impurity region, and performing a second thermal treatment at a temperature lower than the first thermal treatment.
US08367503B2 Semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device, including: a first group of transistors formed on a semiconductor substrate; and a second group of transistors formed on the semiconductor substrate, each of which is lower in operating voltage than each of the transistors in the first group; wherein each of the transistors in the first group includes a first gate electrode formed on the semiconductor substrate through a first gate insulating film, and a silicide layer formed on the first gate electrode; each of the transistors in the second group includes a second gate electrode formed in a trench for gate formation, formed in an insulating film above the semiconductor substrate, through a second gate insulating film; and a protective film is formed so as to cover the silicide layer on each of the first gate electrodes of the first group of transistors.
US08367501B2 Oxide terminated trench MOSFET with three or four masks
An oxide termination semiconductor device may comprise a plurality of gate trenches, a gate runner, and an insulator termination trench. The gate trenches are located in an active region. Each gate trench includes a conductive gate electrode. The insulator termination trench is located in a termination region that surrounds the active region. The insulator termination trench is filled with an insulator material to form an insulator termination for the semiconductor device. The device can be made using a three-mask or four-mask process.
US08367499B2 Method for manufacturing semiconductor device with first and second gates over buried bit line
A semiconductor device and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The method includes forming a cell structure where a storage node contact is coupled to a silicon layer formed over a gate, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process of the device. The semiconductor device includes a bit line buried in a semiconductor substrate; a plurality of gates disposed over the semiconductor substrate buried with the bit line; a first plug disposed in a lower portion between the gates and coupled to the bit line; a silicon layer disposed on the upper portion and sidewalls of the gate; and a second plug coupled to the silicon layer disposed over the gate.
US08367495B2 Method for forming CMOS transistors having metal-containing gate electrodes formed on a high-K gate dielectric material
During the formation of sophisticated gate electrode structures, a replacement gate approach may be applied in which plasma assisted etch processes may be avoided. To this end, one of the gate electrode structures may receive an intermediate etch stop liner, which may allow the replacement of the placeholder material and the adjustment of the work function in a later manufacturing stage. The intermediate etch stop liner may not negatively affect the gate patterning sequence.
US08367492B2 Multiple Orientation Nanowires with Gate Stack Sensors
An electronic device includes a conductive channel defining a crystal structure and having a length and a thickness tC; and a dielectric film of thickness tg in contact with a surface of the channel. Further, the film comprises a material that exerts one of a compressive or a tensile force on the contacted surface of the channel such that electrical mobility of the charge carriers (electrons or holes) along the channel length is increased due to the compressive or tensile force in dependence on alignment of the channel length relative to the crystal structure. Embodiments are given for chips with both hole and electron mobility increased in different transistors, and a method for making such a transistor or chip.
US08367491B2 Method of manufacturing a vertical-type semiconductor device and method of operating a vertical-type semiconductor device
In a vertical-type semiconductor device, a method of manufacturing the same and a method of operating the same, the vertical-type semiconductor device includes a single-crystalline semiconductor pattern having a pillar shape provided on a substrate, a gate surrounding sidewalls of the single-crystalline semiconductor pattern and having an upper surface lower than an upper surface of the single-crystalline semiconductor pattern, a mask pattern formed on the upper surface of the gate, the mask pattern having an upper surface coplanar with the upper surface of the single-crystalline semiconductor pattern, a first impurity region in the substrate under the single-crystalline semiconductor pattern, and a second impurity region under the upper surface of the single-crystalline semiconductor pattern. The vertical-type pillar transistor formed in the single-crystalline semiconductor pattern may provide excellent electrical properties. The mask pattern is not provided on the upper surface of the single-crystalline semiconductor pattern in the second impurity region, to thereby reduce failures of processes.
US08367489B2 Method of fabricating a stacked oxide material for thin film transistor
Objects are to provide a semiconductor device for high power application in which a novel semiconductor material having high productivity is used and to provide a semiconductor device having a novel structure in which a novel semiconductor material is used. The present invention is a vertical transistor and a vertical diode each of which has a stacked body of an oxide semiconductor in which a first oxide semiconductor film having crystallinity and a second oxide semiconductor film having crystallinity are stacked. An impurity serving as an electron donor (donor) which is contained in the stacked body of an oxide semiconductor is removed in a step of crystal growth; therefore, the stacked body of an oxide semiconductor is highly purified and is an intrinsic semiconductor or a substantially intrinsic semiconductor whose carrier density is low. The stacked body of an oxide semiconductor has a wider band gap than a silicon semiconductor.
US08367486B2 Transistor and method for manufacturing the transistor
It is an object to reduce characteristic variation among transistors and reduce contact resistance between an oxide semiconductor layer and a source electrode layer and a drain electrode layer, in a transistor where the oxide semiconductor layer is used as a channel layer. In a transistor where an oxide semiconductor is used as a channel layer, at least an amorphous structure is included in a region of an oxide semiconductor layer between a source electrode layer and a drain electrode layer, where a channel is to be formed, and a crystal structure is included in a region of the oxide semiconductor layer which is electrically connected to an external portion such as the source electrode layer and the drain electrode layer.
US08367476B2 Metallic solderability preservation coating on metal part of semiconductor package to prevent oxide
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to metallic solderability preservation coating on connectors of semiconductor package to prevent oxide. Singulated semiconductor packages can have contaminants, such as oxides, on exposed metal areas of the connectors. Oxidation typically occurs on the exposed metal areas when the semiconductor packages are not stored in appropriate environments. Copper oxides prevent the connectors from soldering well. An anti-tarnish solution of the present invention is used to coat the connectors during sawing, after sawing, or both of a semiconductor array to preserve metallic solderability. The anti-tarnish solution is a metallic solution, which advantageously allows the semiconductor packages to not need be assembled immediately after fabrication.
US08367474B2 Method of manufacturing integrated circuit having stress tuning layer
Warpage and breakage of integrated circuit substrates is reduced by compensating for the stress imposed on the substrate by thin films formed on a surface of the substrate. Particularly advantageous for substrates having a thickness substantially less than about 150 μm, a stress-tuning layer is formed on a surface of the substrate to substantially offset or balance stress in the substrate which would otherwise cause the substrate to bend. The substrate includes a plurality of bonding pads on a first surface for electrical connection to other component.
US08367470B2 Semiconductor device and method of forming cavity in build-up interconnect structure for short signal path between die
In a semiconductor device, a first semiconductor die is mounted with its active surface oriented to a temporary carrier. An encapsulant is deposited over the first semiconductor die and temporary carrier. The temporary carrier is removed to expose a first side of the encapsulant and active surface of the first semiconductor die. A masking layer is formed over the active surface of the first semiconductor die. A first interconnect structure is formed over the first side of the encapsulant. The masking layer blocks formation of the first interconnect structure over the active surface of the first semiconductor die. The masking layer is removed to form a cavity over the active surface of the first semiconductor die. A second semiconductor die is mounted in the cavity. The second semiconductor die is electrically connected to the active surface of the first semiconductor die with a short signal path.
US08367466B2 Manufacturing stacked semiconductor device
A method in accordance with an embodiment of the invention can include forming fan-out wirings on an insulating layer formed on a wafer. Additionally, electrodes of a plurality of semiconductor chips stacked on the fan-out wirings can be electrically coupled with the fan-out wirings. The wafer can be removed.
US08367464B2 Nano-dimensional non-volatile memory cells
A non-volatile memory cell that includes a first electrode; a second electrode; and an electrical contact region that electrically connects the first electrode and the second electrode, the electrical contact region has a end portion and a continuous side portion, and together, the end portion and the continuous side portion form an open cavity, wherein the memory cell has a high resistance state and a low resistance state that can be switched by applying a voltage across the first electrode and the second electrode.
US08367462B2 Large-scale fabrication of vertically aligned ZnO nanowire arrays
In a method for growing a nanowire array, a photoresist layer is placed onto a nanowire growth layer configured for growing nanowires therefrom. The photoresist layer is exposed to a coherent light interference pattern that includes periodically alternately spaced dark bands and light bands along a first orientation. The photoresist layer exposed to the coherent light interference pattern along a second orientation, transverse to the first orientation. The photoresist layer developed so as to remove photoresist from areas corresponding to areas of intersection of the dark bands of the interference pattern along the first orientation and the dark bands of the interference pattern along the second orientation, thereby leaving an ordered array of holes passing through the photoresist layer. The photoresist layer and the nanowire growth layer are placed into a nanowire growth environment, thereby growing nanowires from the nanowire growth layer through the array of holes.
US08367460B2 Horizontally oriented and vertically stacked memory cells
Horizontally oriented and vertically stacked memory cells are described herein. One or more method embodiments include forming a vertical stack having a first insulator material, a first memory cell material on the first insulator material, a second insulator material on the first memory cell material, a second memory cell material on the second insulator material, and a third insulator material on the second memory cell material, forming an electrode adjacent a first side of the first memory cell material and a first side of the second memory cell material, and forming an electrode adjacent a second side of the first memory cell material and a second side of the second memory cell material.
US08367457B2 Polydiode structure for photo diode
An integrated circuit device for converting an incident optical signal into an electrical signal comprises a semiconductor substrate, a well region formed inside the semiconductor substrate, a dielectric layer formed over the well region, and a layer of polysilicon for receiving the incident optical signal, formed over the dielectric layer, including a p-type portion, an n-type portion and an undoped portion disposed between the p-type and n-type portions, wherein the well region is biased to control the layer of polysilicon for providing the electrical signal.
US08367455B2 Image sensor and related fabricating method thereof
A fabricating method of an image sensor includes the steps of: providing a substrate; forming sensing elements on the substrate; forming microlenses on the sensing elements; filling a stuffed material on the microlenses, and air regions are formed in the stuffed material; and forming optical filters on the stuffed material.
US08367454B2 Image capture unit
An image capture unit and its manufacturing method. The image capture unit includes a thinned-down integrated circuit chip having an image sensor on its upper surface side. A wall extends above a peripheral upper surface ring-shaped area, and a lens rests on the high portion of the wall.
US08367453B2 Method of manufacturing solar battery
When a layered structure of a transparent electrode layer and a metal layer is formed as a back side electrode layer over a surface on a side opposite to a side of incidence of light of a thin film solar battery, a time when formation of the transparent electrode layer is completed and a time when formation of the metal layer is started are made to coincide for one substrate.
US08367450B2 Light emitting system and method of fabricating and using the same
A light emitting system is disclosed. The system comprises an active region having a stack of bilayer quantum well structures separated from each other by barrier layers. Each bilayer quantum well structure is formed of a first layer made of a first semiconductor alloy for electron confinement and a second layer made of a second semiconductor alloy for hole confinement, wherein a thickness and composition of each layer is such that a characteristic hole confinement energy of the bilayer quantum well structure is at least 200 meV.
US08367447B2 Method for making light emitting diode
A method for making a light emitting diode comprises the following steps. First, a substrate having an epitaxial growth surface is provided. Second, a carbon nanotube layer is located on the epitaxial growth surface. Third, a first semiconductor layer, an active layer, and a second semiconductor layer is grown on the epitaxial growth surface. Fourth, a portion of the second semiconductor layer and the active layer is etched to expose a portion of the first semiconductor layer. Fifth, a first electrode is electrically connected to the first semiconductor layer, and a second electrode electrically is connected to the second semiconductor layer.
US08367446B2 Method for preparing patterned substrate by using nano- or micro- particles
A method for preparing patterned substrate by using nano- or micro-particles is disclosed, which comprises the following steps: (A) providing a substrate with a photoresist layer formed thereon; (B) coating a surface of the photoresist layer with plural nano- or micro-particles, to form a particle layer; (C) exposing and developing the photoresist layer to obtain a patterned photoresist layer; and (D) removing the particle layer. In addition, after the particle layer is removed, the method of the present invention further comprises: (E1) using the patterned photoresist layer as an etching template to etch the substrate; and (E2) removing the patterned photoresist layer to obtain a patterned substrate with plural cavities formed thereon.
US08367444B2 Display substrate and method of manufacturing the same
A display substrate includes a gate line, a gate insulation layer, a data line, a switching element, a protection insulation layer, a gate pad portion and a data pad portion. The gate insulation layer is disposed on the gate line. The switching element is connected to the gate line and the data line. The protection insulation layer is disposed on the switching element. The gate pad portion includes a first gate pad electrode which makes contact with an end portion of the gate line through a first hole formed through the gate insulation layer, and a second gate pad electrode which makes contact with the first gate pad electrode through a second hole formed through the protection insulation layer. The data pad portion includes a data pad electrode which makes contact with an end portion of the data line through a third hole formed through the protection insulation layer.
US08367441B2 Nitride semiconductor light emitting device, method of manufacturing nitride semiconductor light emitting device, and nitride semiconductor transistor device
Example embodiments herein relate to a nitride semiconductor light emitting device including a coat film formed at a light emitting portion and including an aluminum nitride crystal or an aluminum oxynitride crystal, and a method of manufacturing the nitride semiconductor light emitting device. Also provided is a nitride semiconductor transistor device including a nitride semiconductor layer and a gate insulating film which is in contact with the nitride semiconductor layer and includes an aluminum nitride crystal or an aluminum oxynitride crystal.
US08367439B2 Method of manufacturing a light emitting device and thin film forming apparatus
A method of manufacturing a light emitting device is provided in which satisfactory image display can be performed by the investigation and repair of short circuits in defect portions of light emitting elements. A backward direction electric current flows in the defect portions if a reverse bias voltage is applied to the light emitting elements having the defect portions. Emission of light which occurred from the backward direction electric current flow is measured by using an emission microscope, specifying the position of the defect portions, and short circuit locations can be repaired by irradiating a laser to the defect portions, turning them into insulators.
US08367438B2 Method for producing an optoelectronic semiconductor component and optoelectronic semiconductor component
An optoelectronic semiconductor component includes a semiconductor body connected to a main area of a carrier body by a solder layer, wherein sidewalls of the semiconductor body are provided with a dielectric layer, and a mirror layer applied to the dielectric layer.
US08367435B2 Methods and apparatus for control of hydrothermal nanowire synthesis
In exemplary implementations of this invention, hydrothermal synthesis of zinc oxide nanowires is morphologically controlled. Metal complex ions are used to suppress growth in a face-selective manner, by electrostatic crystal growth inhibition. This permits the aspect ratio (height/diameter) of the nanowires to be dynamically tuned over a wide range, from needle-like nanowires that are efficient field emitters to flattened nanowires with a platelet-like shape. The nanowire synthesis is all inorganic and occurs at low temperatures (e.g., <=60° C.). The growth inhibition may be predictively modeled, using speciation plots and treating non-zinc complex ions as ligands. Microfluidic channels may be used for the synthesis, with different solutions flowing down different channels, permitting nanowires with different properties to be synthesized in parallel. This invention may be used to produce field emission devices and nanowire-embedded AC electroluminescent devices, and for in-situ fabrication of spatially complex integrated devices in a polymeric microfluidic system.
US08367434B2 Method for fabricating a nanostructured substrate for OLED and method for fabricating an OLED
Method for fabricating a substrate comprising a nanostructured surface for an organic light emitting diode OLED, in which a layer of an organic resin or of a mineral material having a first nanostructuration is prepared by nano-imprint; the organic resin or mineral material is heated to a temperature equal to or higher than its glass transition temperature Tg or its melting point, and the organic resin or the mineral material is maintained at this temperature for a time tR called annealing time, whereby the organic resin or the mineral material flows and the first nanostructuration of the layer of organic resin or of mineral material is modified to produce a second nanostructuration; the organic resin or the mineral material is cooled.
US08367432B2 Manufacturing method of semiconductor device
To provide a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device capable of placing a larger number of alignment marks for lithography and PCM and at the same time, preventing information leakage from the PCM. In a portion of a first scribe region sandwiched between first semiconductor chip regions, a first region and a second region are placed in parallel to each other. The first region is equipped with at least one monitor selected from a first monitor for electrically evaluating at least either one of an active element (such as transistor) and a passive element (such as resistor or capacitor), a second monitor for dimensional control, and a third monitor for measuring film thickness. In the second region, an alignment mark for lithography is placed. In the cutting step, the first region is cut off.
US08367430B2 Shape characterization with elliptic fourier descriptor for contact or any closed structures on the chip
Shapes and orientations of contacts or other closed contours on an integrated circuit are characterized by calculating Elliptic Fourier descriptors. The descriptors are then used for generating design rules for the integrated circuit and for assessing process capability for the manufacturing of the integrated circuit. Monte Carlo simulation can be performed in conjunction with the elliptic Fourier descriptors.
US08367428B2 Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention provides a semiconductor device which is characterized as follows. The semiconductor device includes: an interlayer insulating film formed above a semiconductor substrate and provided with a hole above an impurity diffusion region; a conductive plug formed in the hole and electrically connected to the impurity diffusion region; a conductive oxygen barrier film formed on the conductive plug and the interlayer insulating film around the conductive plug; a conductive anti-diffusion film formed on the conductive oxygen barrier film; and a capacitor that has a lower electrode which is formed on the conductive anti-diffusion film and which exposes platinum or palladium on the upper surface, a capacitor dielectric film made of a ferroelectric material, and an upper electrode. The conductive anti-diffusion film is made of a non-oxide conductive material for preventing the diffusion of the constituent element of the capacitor dielectric film.
US08367426B2 Chemical sensor with oscillating cantilevered probe
The invention provides a method of detecting a chemical species with an oscillating cantilevered probe. A cantilevered beam is driven into oscillation with a drive mechanism coupled to the cantilevered beam. A free end of the oscillating cantilevered beam is tapped against a mechanical stop coupled to a base end of the cantilevered beam. An amplitude of the oscillating cantilevered beam is measured with a sense mechanism coupled to the cantilevered beam. A treated portion of the cantilevered beam is exposed to the chemical species, wherein the cantilevered beam bends when exposed to the chemical species. A second amplitude of the oscillating cantilevered beam is measured, and the chemical species is determined based on the measured amplitudes.
US08367425B1 Method for determining asphaltene stability of a hydrocarbon-containing material
A method for determining asphaltene stability in a hydrocarbon-containing material having solvated asphaltenes therein is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, it involves the steps of: (a) precipitating an amount of the asphaltenes from a liquid sample of the hydrocarbon-containing material with an alkane mobile phase solvent in a column; (b) dissolving a first amount and a second amount of the precipitated asphaltenes by changing the alkane mobile phase solvent to a final mobile phase solvent having a solubility parameter that is higher than the alkane mobile phase solvent; (c) monitoring the concentration of eluted fractions from the column; (d) creating a solubility profile of the dissolved asphaltenes in the hydrocarbon-containing material; and (e) determining one or more asphaltene stability parameters of the hydrocarbon-containing material.
US08367424B2 Microchip and method of using the same
A microchip includes fluid circuits therein, formed by uniting together at least a first substrate that is a transparent substrate and a second substrate having grooves provided at the substrate surface and/or through holes penetrating in a thickness direction. The fluid circuits include a liquid reagent receptacle unit to store a liquid reagent, a quantification unit to quantify the liquid reagent or specimen, and an overflow liquid storage unit connected to the quantification unit to store the liquid reagent or specimen overflowing from the quantification unit during quantification. There is also provided a method of using the microchip.
US08367423B2 Large capacity acid or base generator and method of use
Method and apparatus for generating an acid or base, e.g. for chromatographic analysis of anions. For generating a base the method includes the steps of providing a cation source in a cation source reservoir, flowing an aqueous liquid stream through a base generation chamber separated from the cation source reservoir by a barrier (e.g. a charged membrane) substantially preventing liquid flow while providing a cation transport bridge, applying an electric potential between an anode cation source reservoir and a cathode in the base generation chamber to electrolytically generate hydroxide ions therein and to cause cations in the cation source reservoir to electromigrate and to be transported across the barrier toward the cathode to combine with the transported cations to form cation hydroxide, and removing the cation hydroxide in an aqueous liquid stream as an effluent from the first base generation chamber. Suitable cation sources include a salt solution, a cation hydroxide solution or cation exchange resin.
US08367417B2 Methods for determining dysregulation of methylation of brain expressed genes on the X chromosome to diagnose autism spectrum disorders
The discovery that alterations in methylation, which can cause one or more genes on the single X chromosome in males to be partially silenced or overexpressed, constitute a predisposition to autism spectrum disorders is generally disclosed herein. These alterations provide the rationale and basis for methods to diagnose autism spectrum disorders.
US08367416B2 Nucleic acid based fluorescent sensor for mercury detection
A nucleic acid enzyme comprises an oligonucleotide containing thymine bases. The nucleic acid enzyme is dependent on both Hg2+and a second ion as cofactors, to produce a product from a substrate. The substrate comprises a ribonucleotide, a deoxyribonucleotide, or both.
US08367414B2 Tracing processes between precursors and products by utilizing isotopic relationships
Methods and systems are provided that utilize measured isotopic abundance data to correlate a product to the synthesis process by which it was made. By utilizing the principles described herein, isotopic process profiles for synthetic products can be constructed, products of unknown origin can be inferentially identified to the processes by which they were made, and synthesis processes can be monitored for consistency of process parameters.
US08367412B2 Protein crystallizing agent and method of crystallizing protein therewith
The present invention provides a technique for crystallizing a desired protein at a high probability; namely, a protein crystallizing agent and a method of crystallizing protein. The present invention also provides a technique for determining the conditions for protein crystallization easily with high efficiency; namely, a method of screening the conditions for protein crystallization and a protein crystallization screening reagent. As the protein crystallizing agent, at least one compound selected from the group consisting of a basic amino acid, acidic amino acid, ester derivative of amino acid and amide derivative of amino acid is used, or at least one of these compounds is used in combination with another protein crystallizing agent.
US08367409B2 Amnion derived adherent cells
Provided herein are novel angiogenic cells from amnion, referred to as amnion derived adherent cells, and populations of, and compositions comprising, such cells. Further provided herein are methods of obtaining such cells and methods of using the cells in the treatment of individuals.
US08367405B2 Isolation of adult multipotential cells by tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase
The present invention relates to the use of tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) as a marker for identifying and/or isolating adult multipotential cells. The present invention also relates to cell populations enriched by methods of the present invention and therapeutic uses of these cells.
US08367403B2 Vectors for directional cloning
The invention provides vectors and methods for directional cloning.
US08367402B2 Extranuclear RNA splicing in neuronal dendrites
The present invention relates to methods of synaptic network remodeling by means of extranuclear RNA splicing. The present invention also provides methods of extranuclear RNA splicing, and methods of protein translation based on extranuclear RNA splicing.
US08367399B2 Method for measuring molecular interactions by measurement of light reflected by planar surfaces
A procedure for the quantitative determination of interactions of ligands with receptors adsorbed or immobilized on the surface of a solid material which can be functionalized, transparent and with low refractive index, by direct measure of the reflection of light. The procedure includes utilizing a planar surface, flat or rough, of a transparent solid material formed from a hydrophobic amorphous polymer, having a refractive index between 1.3200 and 1.3500, which is brought into a solution of a mixture containing from 1 nanogram/ml to 10 milligrams/ml in concentration of molecules with a function of receptor or reagent.
US08367398B2 Centrifugal-based microfluidic apparatus, method of fabricating the same, and method of testing samples using the microfluidic apparatus
Provided is a microfluidic apparatus including: a microfluidic structure for providing spaces for receiving a fluid and for forming channels, through which the fluid flows; and valves for controlling the flow of fluid through the channels in the microfluidic apparatus. The microfluidic structure includes: a sample chamber; a sample separation unit receiving the sample from the sample chamber and separating a supernatant from the sample by using a centrifugal force; a testing unit receiving the supernatant from the sample separation unit for detecting a specimen from the supernatant using an antigen-antibody reaction, and a quality control chamber for identifying reliability of the test.
US08367392B2 Genetic transformation of algal and cyanobacteria cells by microporation
A method for transforming algal or cyanobacterial cells, comprising mixing a polynucleotide for transforming the cells with the polynucleotide; performing microporation by applying a plurality of electrical pulses to the cells with a microporation apparatus; and incubating said polynucleotide with the cells after said applying said electrical pulses.
US08367386B2 Cytochrome P450 oxygenases
Nucleic acids encoding cytochrome P450 variants are provided. The cytochrome P450 variants of have a higher alkane-oxidation capability, alkene-oxidation capability, and/or a higher organic-solvent resistance than the corresponding wild-type or parent cytochrome P450 enzyme. A preferred wild-type cytochrome P450 is cytochrome P450 BM-3. Preferred cytochrome P450 variants include those having an improved capability to hydroxylate alkanes and epoxidate alkenes comprising less than 8 carbons, and have amino acid substitutions corresponding to V78A, H236Q, and E252G of cytochrome P450 BM-3. Preferred cytochrome P450 variants also include those having an improved hydroxylation activity in solutions comprising co-solvents such as DMSO and THF, and have amino acid substitutions corresponding to T235A, R471A, E494K, and S1024E of cytochrome P450 BM-3.
US08367380B2 Compositions and methods for amino acid biosynthesis
The present invention relates generally to compositions and methods useful for, inter alia, production of commercial biologic products such as amino acids. More specifically, the present invention relates to genetically modified strains of microorganisms and the use thereof for the production of commercial products. The present invention also provides, inter alia, novel isolated DNA, nucleic acid, vectors and reduced genome bacteria.
US08367379B2 Transgenic photosynthetic microorganisms and photobioreactor
Provided herein is a transgenic bacteria engineered to accumulate carbohydrates, for example disaccharides. Also provided is a photobioreactor for cultivating photosynthetic microorganisms comprising a non-gelatinous, solid cultivation support suitable for providing nutrients and moisture to photosynthetic microorganisms and a physical barrier covering at least a portion of the surface of the cultivation support. Devices for the large scale and continuous cultivation of photosynthetic microorganisms incorporating photobioreactors and methods of use are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of producing fermentable sugar from photosynthetic microorganisms using a photobioreactor of the invention.
US08367375B2 Methods for producing human ceramide using yeast transformants
The present invention provides a method for producing human ceramide in a yeast cell.The method of the present invention comprises: 1) introducing the sphingoid Δ4-desaturase gene (DES1) by transformation of the yeast cell; 2) abolishing the expression of the yeast sphinganine C4-hydroxylase gene (SUR2) by transformation of the yeast cell; and 3) abolishing the expression of the yeast sphingoid base kinase gene (LCB4) by transformation of the yeast cell.
US08367373B2 Oviduct specific expression promoter and recombinant expression vector comprising the same
An oviduct specific expression promoter and a recombinant expression vector including the same. A promoter of an AGR2 gene is expressed specifically in the chicken oviduct, and a recombinant expression vector includes the promoter and a desired gene for encoding a desired protein. The oviduct specific promoter and the recombinant expression vector including the promoter can induce the expression of a protein specifically in the oviduct, i.e., an organ that secrets proteins so as to accumulate with a large amount in the egg. Accordingly, the oviduct specific promoter and the recombinant expression vector of the present invention can be advantageously used to produce transformed chickens, which can massively yield useful elements of high added value, produce functional eggs, and improve the economic traits of the poultry.
US08367372B2 Process of managed ecosystem fermentation
The presently disclosed subject matter relates to Managed Ecosystem Fermentation (MEF) which is a continuous microbial process utilizing a managed ecosystem approach employing dozens to thousands of species of microorganisms, occurring in a controlled artificial environment and consuming organic materials without benefit of sterilization. The process of utilizing this fermentation for the consumption of organic materials on a continuous basis is within the scope of this disclosed subject matter. The process of separating chemicals as industrial chemicals from this fermentation on a continuous basis is within the scope of this disclosed subject matter. The process of separating biomass useful as high protein animal feed or fertilizer from this fermentation on a continuous (or semi-continuous) basis is within the scope of this disclosed subject matter.
US08367367B2 Kit for positively detecting toxic material
A method of positively detecting toxic materials within a sample, the method including contacting sub-mitochondrial particles having competent mitochondrial enzymes formed from inner membranes of mitochondria, an electron donor which transmits electrons to an electron transfer system of the sub-mitochondrial particles and the sample, and forming reaction resultants, adjusting a pH of a pH indicator which change color according to a change in pH, adding the pH indicators to each reaction resultant and identifying color changes of the pH indicator. Also provided is a kit for positively detecting toxic materials within a sample.
US08367366B2 Methods and kits for quantitative methyltransferase and demethylase measurements
The invention provides methods and kits for characterizing the activity of a methyltransferase or demethylase. The method involves enzymatically methylating or demethylating in vitro a substrate that is a peptide fragment of a full-length polypeptide, and then non-enzymatically methylating the peptide substrate with methyl groups that differ in molecular weight from the enzymatically added or removed methyl groups. Typically, deuterated or 13C formaldehyde is used to non-enzymatically methylate the substrate. The fully methylated substrate is then characterized by mass spectrometry to determine the ratio of enzymatically produced nonmethyl, monomethyl, and dimethyl residues on the peptide.
US08367362B2 Aminoacylase 1 assay method for the in vitro diagnosis of colorectal cancer
A method for the in vitro diagnosis of colorectal cancer by determining the presence of Aminoacylase 1 tumor marker in a biological sample taken from a patient suspected of having colorectal cancer. Said method can be used for early diagnosis, screening, therapeutic follow-up and prognosis, and also for relapse diagnosis in relation to colorectal cancer.
US08367361B2 Methods using O6-alkylguanine-DNA alkytransferase
A method of using O6-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase (AGT) is disclosed for transferring a label from a substrate to a fusion protein comprising the AGT. This allows the detection and/or manipulating of the fusion protein, both in vitro and in vivo, by attaching molecules to the fusion proteins that introduce a new physical or chemical property to the fusion protein. Examples of such molecules are, among others, spectroscopic probes or reporter molecules, affinity tags, molecules generating reactive radicals, cross-linkers, ligands mediating protein-protein interactions or molecules suitable for the immobilisation of the fusion protein.
US08367354B2 Methods for determining the levels of TGF-β in a composition
A novel method for determining the levels of TGF-β1 or TGF-β2 in a sample of milk, raw protein source, or nutritional composition is provided. The method involves, in some cases, reconstituting the sample; in some cases, centrifuging the sample; activating the sample using particular ratios of sample:acid:base; diluting the sample using particular ratios of sample:buffer agent; and determining the concentration of TGF-β1 in the sample using an ELISA assay.
US08367351B2 Methods for determining signal transduction activity in tumors
The method of the invention pertains to determining the signal transduction activity in a tissue section by immunohistochemistry techniques. The expression level of the receptor of interest is determined as well as the expression levels of one or more effector molecules of the receptor signal transduction pathway. Furthermore a combined ratio of expression levels of effector molecules in subcellular compartments with the receptor expression was found to have prognostic significance.
US08367350B2 Compositions and methods for diagnosis, prognosis and management of malaria
Biomarkers for predicting the severity of malaria and methods for their detection are disclosed. In one aspect, the present application discloses CXCL4, CXCL10, VEGF, PGDF, IL-1Ra, IL-8, MIP-1β, sFas, Fas-L, sTNF-R2, and sTNF-R1 as biomarkers for the severity of malaria. In another aspect, the present application discloses a method for determining the severity of malaria and predicting mortality due to cerebral malaria. The method comprises the detection of the biomarkers CXCL4 and/or CXCL10 and at least one more biomarker and determining the severity of malaria and predicting mortality due to cerebral malaria based upon the ratio of expression of the biomarkers in the subject versus the expression of the biomarkers in a control.
US08367346B2 Methods for production of xylitol in microorganisms
The invention provides biosynthetic routes to xylitol production that do not require pure D-xylose for synthesis and that can utilize inexpensive substrates such as hemicellulose hydrolysates.
US08367345B2 Gene expression markers for colorectal cancer prognosis
A method of predicting clinical outcome in a subject diagnosed with colorectal cancer comprising determining evidence of the expression of one or more predictive RNA transcripts or their expression products in a biological sample of cancer cells obtained from the subject.
US08367344B2 Method of detecting oncogenesis of hematopoietic cells
Disclosed in a method of detecting cancer using IL-27 receptors. IL27R is a cytokine receptor identified as a novel oncogene from an acute myeloid leukemia patient. It induces cancer-like properties when expressed in cells and can activate a protein that causes various myeloid cell disorders. The data show cytokine receptors play unappreciated roles in mediating activation of signaling pathways in circulatory system cancers. Also method of screening for novel oncogenes using a functional, approach is disclosed using cytokine-dependent cells to screen for transforming events.
US08367341B2 Method for detection of genetically modified maize BT11
The invention discloses a method for detection of genetically modified maize BT11. The principle of the method is that the DNA template of the sample is amplified at a temperature of 63° C.˜65° C. for 45˜60 min by using 4 specific primers and a DNA polymerase with strand displacement activity. The identification thereof is to make a judgment on whether BT11 component is contained in the sample by directly observing the turbidity in the reaction tube or the color change after the addition of SYBR Green with naked eyes or by agarose gel electrophoresis. The detection method of the invention has the advantages of high specificity, quickness, simplicity and convenience and the like, which provides a convenient method for detection of genetically modified maize BT11 with an extensive application prospect.
US08367331B2 Method for enriching methylated CpG sequences
Compositions and methods are provided for facilitating the enrichment of single-stranded DNA containing methylated CpG in a mixture containing methylated and unmethylated DNA. The compositions relate to methylation-binding protein domains that selectively bind to methylated single strand DNA. In embodiments of the invention, the methylated DNA is eluted in 0.4M-0.6M NaCl while the unmethylated single strand DNA is eluted in less than 0.4M salt. The ability to readily enrich for methylated DNA permits high throughput sequencing of the methylated DNA and identification of abnormal methylation patterns associated with disease.
US08367330B2 Methods for detecting TCR-gamma gene rearrangement
The invention provides methods for detection of TCR-γ nucleic acid in acellular body fluid. The methods can be used to detect the TCR-γ gene rearrangement in acellular body fluid. The detection of TCR-γ gene rearrangement is useful in determination of clonality of T-cell population. The invention is useful in the diagnosis of lymphoproliferative disorder.
US08367329B2 Method of detecting interaction between nucleic acid and protein, and apparatus for the same
The invention is to easily detect an interaction between nucleic acid and protein with high sensitivity without the need of sample labeling with a fluorescent molecule or sample anchorage onto a metal thin-film. As means for it, the presence or absence of occurrence of the interaction between nucleic acid and protein in a sample (S) is detected in an optical manner. Specifically, the sample (S) is irradiated with excitation rays (Le) and with measuring rays (L2) for measuring a photothermal effect produced in the sample (S) through the irradiation with the excitation rays (Le). A measurement signal for the photothermal effect in the sample (S) by the excitation rays (Le) is produced on the basis of any phase change of the measuring rays (L2). A temporal variation in the measurement signal is used for making a judgment on the presence or absence of any occurrence of interaction between nucleic acid and protein.
US08367328B2 Method for synthesizing DNA
A DNA synthesis reaction-enhancer comprising at least one kind selected from the group consisting of acidic substances and cationic complexes; a DNA synthesis method in which during a DNA synthesis reaction a reaction is carried out in the presence of the above enhancer by using DNA polymerase; a DNA synthesis reaction composition comprising the above enhancer; a DNA synthesis reaction composition comprising two or more kinds of DNA polymerases each having 3′→5′ exonuclease activity; a DNA synthesis method in which during a DNA synthesis reaction two or more kinds of DNA polymerases each having 3′→5′ exonuclease activity are used; a kit for use in in vitro DNA synthesis, comprising two or more kinds of DNA polymerases each having 3′→5′ exonuclease activity; and a kit for use in in vitro DNA synthesis, wherein the kit comprises the DNA synthesis reaction-enhancer and DNA polymerase. According to the present invention, DNA synthesis can be carried out at an efficiency more excellent as compared to conventional DNA synthesis reaction.
US08367327B1 Method for simultaneously detecting multiple biological threat agents
A multiplex PCR assay for simultaneously detecting biological threat agents whose genome is DNA or RNA, by using computational tools to identify a specific target sequence which is unique to a specific genus or species of organism and is also a conserved sequence within that group, selecting specific primer sets, creating a probe to label the target nucleic acid, extracting the target nucleic acid from a sample, amplifying the targeted nucleic acid to detectible levels and reading the presence or absence of the target nucleic acid simultaneously from all threat agents.
US08367323B2 Analytical method involving detection of an exciplex
The invention relates to the use of an organic solvent selected from 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol, ethylene glycol or ethylene glycol dimethyl ether for enhancing formation, potential formation, fluorescence and/or detection of an exciplex. The invention is applicable particularly to nucleic acid hybridisation assay using two polynucleotide probes that will hybridise to a target nucleic acid. Each probe is labelled with one of two partners capable of forming an exciplex such that, on photoirradiation, the exciplex is formed when the probes are hybridised to the target nucleic acid.
US08367322B2 Accelerating identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms and alignment of clones in genomic sequencing
The present invention is directed to a method of assembling genomic maps of an organism's DNA or portions thereof. A library of an organism's DNA is provided where the individual genomic segments or sequences are found on more than one clone in the library. Representations of the genome are created, and nucleic acid sequence information is generated from the representations. The sequence information is analyzed to determine clone overlap from a representation. The clone overlap and sequence information from different representations is combined to assemble a genomic map of the organism. Once the genomic map is obtained, genomic sequence information from multiple individuals can be applied to the map and compared with one another to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms. These single nucleotide polymorphisms can be detected, and alleles quantified, by conducting (1) a global PCR amplification which creates a genome representation, and (2) a ligation detection reaction process whose ligation products are captured by hybridization to a support.
US08367319B2 Methods and compositions for the identification of antibiotics that are not susceptible to antibiotic resistance
Compositions and methods are provided to identify functional mutant ribosomes that may be used as drug targets. The compositions and methods allow isolation and analysis of mutations that would normally be lethal and allow direct selection of rRNA mutants with predetermined levels of ribosome function. The compositions and methods of the present invention may be used to identify antibiotics to treat a large number of human pathogens through the use of genetically engineered rRNA genes from a variety of species. The invention further provides novel plasmid constructs to be used in the methods of the invention.
US08367318B2 Screening of micro-RNA cluster inhibitor pools
The disclosure provides methods for inhibiting the activity of a miRNA cluster in a cell, and also for screening a cell for a phenotype(s) of interest resulting from inhibition of a miRNA cluster. The methods use a cluster pool which comprises at least one miRNA inhibitor specific for each miRNA in the miRNA cluster. MiRNA inhibitors are described that induce apoptosis in breast cancer cells and hence are useful in the treatment of breast cancer. The disclosure also provides pharmaceutical compositions which are useful for the treatment of breast cancer; methods for inducing the nuclear translocation of NF-κB in a breast cancer cell; methods for inducing the nuclear translocation of c-Jun in a breast cancer cell; method for inhibiting the nuclear translocation of NF-κB in a breast cancer cell; and methods for providing prognostic medical information relating to breast cancer progression.
US08367312B2 Detergent for lithography and method of forming resist pattern with the same
Conventional detergents for lithography which contain a surfactant as an active ingredient should have a reduced surfactant concentration because heightened surfactant concentrations result in dissolution of the resin component of a photoresist composition and hence in a dimensional change of a resist pattern. However, the conventional detergents have had a drawback that such a low concentration unavoidably reduces the ability to inhibit pattern falling and defect occurrence. A detergent for lithography is provided which is an aqueous solution containing (A) at least one member selected among nitrogenous cationic surfactants and nitrogenous ampholytic surfactants and (B) an anionic surfactant. This detergent retains a low surface tension even when it has a low concentration. It is effective in inhibiting pattern falling and defect occurrence. It can also inhibit resist patterns from fluctuating in dimension.
US08367310B2 Pattern forming process and resist-modifying composition
A patterning process includes (1) coating and baking a first positive resist composition to form a first resist film, exposing, post-exposure baking, and alkali developing to form a first resist pattern, (2) applying a resist-modifying composition to the first resist pattern and heating to modify the first resist pattern, (3) coating and baking a second positive resist composition to form a second resist film, exposing, post-exposure baking, and alkali developing to form a second resist pattern. The modified first resist film has a contact angle with pure water of 50°-85°.
US08367307B2 Solution to optical constraint on microtruss processing
A system for fabricating a radiation-cured structure is provided. The system includes a radiation-sensitive material having a first refractive index; a mask formed from a mask material having a second refractive index; and a radiation source. The mask is disposed between the radiation source and the radiation-sensitive material, and has a plurality of substantially radiation transparent apertures. The radiation source is configured to generate radiation beams for at least one of initiating, polymerizing, and crosslinking the radiation-sensitive material. The system includes at least one of a) an at least one normalizing surface disposed between the radiation source and the mask, b) a refractive fluid having a third refractive index disposed between the radiation source and the mask, and c) the refractive fluid having the third refractive index disposed between the mask and the radiation-sensitive material. A method for fabricating the radiation-cured structure is also provided.
US08367301B2 Mask for crystallizing silicon, apparatus having the mask and method of crystallizing with the mask
A mask for crystallizing silicon includes a first, a second, and a third pattern part arranged in a longitudinal direction, each of the first, second, and third pattern parts including a plurality of unit blocks for transmitting and blocking a portion of light. At least two of the first, second and third pattern parts have a corresponding pattern to each other. Advantageously, scans using the aforementioned mask effectively remove a boundary on the silicon formed by the difference in the amount of laser beam irradiation received by the silicon, thereby improving electronic characteristics of the silicon.
US08367299B2 Resist composition, method of forming resist pattern, compound and acid generator
A resist composition including: a base component (A) which exhibits changed solubility in an alkali developing solution under action of acid; and an acid-generator component (B) which generates acid upon exposure, wherein said acid-generator component (B) comprises an acid generator (B1) including a compound represented by general formula (b1-11) shown below: wherein R7″ to R9″ each independently represent an aryl group or an alkyl group, wherein two of R7″ to R9″ may be bonded to each other to form a ring with the sulfur atom, and at least one of R7″ to R9″ represents a substituted aryl group having a group represented by general formula (I) shown below as a substituent; X− represents an anion; and Rf represents a fluorinated alkyl group.
US08367297B2 Resist composition, method of forming resist pattern, novel compound and acid generator
A resist composition including a base component (A) which exhibits changed solubility in an alkali developing solution under action of acid and an acid-generator component (B) which generates acid upon exposure, the acid-generator component (B) including an acid generator (B1) containing a compound having a cation moiety represented by general formula (I) (in the formula, R5 represents a hydrogen atom or an organic group of 1 to 30 carbon atoms which may have a substituent; and Q5 represents a single bond or a divalent linking group).
US08367288B2 Yellow toner
To provide a yellow toner satisfying good toner particles and a superior coloring power, the toner has toner base particles having at least a binder resin, a colorant and a wax component, and contains as the colorant at least a coloring matter compound represented by the following general formula (1) and a pigment represented by the following formula (2).
US08367286B2 Phenolic urea hole blocking layer photoconductors
A photoconductor that includes, for example, a substrate, an undercoat layer thereover wherein the undercoat layer contains a metal oxide dispersed in a mixture of a urea formaldehyde resin and a phenolic formaldehyde resin; a photogenerating layer; and at least one charge transport layer.
US08367284B2 Exposure device, exposure method, and method for manufacturing semiconductor device
An exposure device includes a determining unit determines specific transfer patterns, which are transfer patterns of predetermined portions of a unit pattern, among transfer patterns projected through a photomask including an internal pattern having a plurality of unit patterns that is arranged at a predetermined interval and has the same shape, for two or more unit patterns, an error calculating unit calculates an error between the transfer pattern and the specified transfer pattern on the basis of the comparison between the relative position between the specific transfer patterns and a specified value of it, a correction parameter calculating unit calculates correction parameters for correcting the transfer patterns on the basis of the calculated error, and a correction control unit corrects exposure conditions using the correction parameters such that the transfer patterns are corrected.
US08367282B2 Compound or its tautomer, metal complex compound, colored photosensitive curing composition, color filter, and production
The invention provides a colored photosensitive curing composition useful for color filters in primary colors, including blue, green, and red, having a high molar absorption coefficient and allowing a reduction in film thickness and superior color purity and fastness; the colored photosensitive curing composition including, as its colorant, a dipyrromethene-based metal complex compound or a interconvertible isomer thereof, obtained from a metal or metal compound and a dipyrromethene-based compound represented by Formula (III): wherein R2 to R5, R7 represent a hydrogen atom or a substituent group; Ma represents a metal or metal compound; X3 represents NR, a nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur atom; X4 represents NR, an oxygen or sulfur atom; Y1 represents NR, a nitrogen or carbon atom; Y2 represents a nitrogen or carbon atom; R8 and R9 represent a substituent group; X5 represents a group that can bond to Ma; and a is 0, 1, or 2.
US08367279B2 Reflective mask blank, reflective mask, and method of manufacturing the same
A reflective mask blank includes a substrate, a multilayer reflective film formed on the substrate and having a structure in which a high refractive index layer and a low refractive index layer are alternately laminated, and an absorbing film stacked on the multilayer reflective film and adapted to absorb EUV exposure light. The absorbing film includes a phase shift layer adapted to give a predetermined phase difference to the EUV exposure light having passed therethrough and reflected by the multilayer reflective film with respect to the EUV exposure light directly incident on and reflected by the multilayer reflective film, and an absorber layer stacked on the phase shift layer and adapted to absorb and attenuate the EUV exposure light passing therethrough, either alone or jointly with the phase shift layer.
US08367277B2 Method for producing a multi-layer body, and multi-layer body
Described are various processes for the production of multi-layer bodies having at least one partially shaped functional layer and at least one further partially shaped layer and the multi-layer bodies produced in that way. The multi-layer body has at least one partially shaped functional layer in register relationship with at least one further partially shaped layer, which preferably supplement each other to provide a geometric, alphanumeric, pictorial, graphic or figurative colored representation.
US08367274B2 Hologram recording material, and hologram recording medium
The present invention provides a hologram recording material which attains high refractive index change, flexibility, high sensitivity, low scattering, environment resistance, durability, low shrinkage, and high multiplicity, and is suitable for volume hologram recording. Also, the present invention provides a hologram recording medium. A hologram recording material comprising: an organometallic compound at least containing at least two kinds of metals, oxygen, and an aromatic group, and having an organometallic unit wherein two aromatic groups are bonded directly to one metal; and a photopolymerizable compound containing at least a monofunctional compound (A) having one polymerizable functional group in the molecule. The hologram recording material may comprise, as the photopolymerizable compound, a polyfunctional compound (B) having two or more polymerizable functional groups in the molecule. A hologram recording medium 11 has a hologram recording material layer 21.
US08367272B2 Method for producing gold fine particle-supported carrier catalyst for fuel cell, and polymer electrolyte fuel cell catalyst having gold fine particle
A method for producing a gold fine particle-supported carrier catalyst for a fuel cell, which reduces a gold ion in a liquid phase reaction system containing a carbon carrier by means of an action of a reducing agent, to reduce the gold ion, deposit, and support a gold fine particle on the carbon carrier, wherein a reduction rate of the gold ion is set within the range of 330 to 550 mV/h, and pH is set within the range of 4.0 to 6.0 to perform the reduction of the gold ion, deposition, and support of the gold fine particle.
US08367271B2 Fuel cell device
A fuel cell device includes a housing containing a fuel processor that generates fuel gas and a fuel cell having electrodes forming an anode and cathode, and an ion exchange electrolyte positioned between the electrodes. The housing can be formed as first and second cylindrically configured outer shell sections that form a battery cell that is configured similar to a commercially available battery cell. A thermal-capillary pump can be operative with the electrodes and an ion exchange electrolyte, and operatively connected to the fuel processor. The electrodes are configured such that heat generated between the electrodes forces water to any cooler edges of the electrodes and is pumped by capillary action back to the fuel processor to supply water for producing hydrogen gas. The electrodes can be formed on a silicon substrate that includes a flow divider with at least one fuel gas input channel that can be controlled by a MEMS valve.
US08367270B2 Flow field plate arrangement for a fuel cell
A fuel cell comprising anode and cathode flow field plates having a multitude of flow channels separated by land features wherein the land features of the anode side are wider than the land features of the cathode side is disclosed. In fuel cells, the flow field plate arrangement of the present invention provides higher power (lower cost per kW), improved durability, and less stringent assembly alignment.
US08367269B2 Separator unit
A separator unit inserted into a fuel cell having an electrolyte layer interposed between a fuel electrode and an oxygen electrode is provided with a plate like separator that separates fuel gas supplied to the fuel electrode from oxidizing gas supplied to the oxygen electrode, and a mesh like collector having an opening that forms one of a passage through which the fuel gas flows and a passage through which the oxidizing gas flows. The collector is provided to at least one side of the separator base in abutment against one of the fuel electrode and the oxygen electrode. The separator base has a coolant passage formed therein, through which a coolant is allowed to flow, and an electrode abutment portion of the collector, which abuts against one of the fuel electrode and the oxygen electrode, has an aperture ratio higher than those of other portions of the collector.
US08367266B2 Catalyst layer
A porous catalyst layer formed from discrete particles of unsupported metal, wherein at least 80%, suitably at least 90%, of the discrete particles have a mass of from 1 to 1000 zeptograms, and wherein the catalyst layer has a metal volume fraction of less than 30% and a metal loading of less than 0.09 mg/cm2 is disclosed. The catalyst layer is suitable for use in fuel cells and other electrochemical applications.
US08367265B2 Uniform gas distribution through channels of SOFC
A solid oxide fuel cell includes an anode layer, an electrolyte layer over the anode layer, and a cathode layer over the electrolyte layer. At least one of the anode layer and the cathode layer defines a gas manifold. The gas manifold includes a gas inlet, defined by an edge of the anode layer or cathode layer, a gas outlet, defined by the same or a different edge of the anode layer or cathode layer, and a plurality of gas flow channels in fluid communication with the gas inlet and gas outlet. The gas flow channels can have diameters that conduct flow of gas from the gas inlet at substantially equal flow rates among the gas flow channels.
US08367262B2 Heat controllable visualization apparatus for transparent PEMFC
Provided is a visualization apparatus for a transparent PEMFC using a transparent window having conditions approximating a real PEMFC. More specifically, the present invention includes a heat-exchange passage heat exchanging a transparent plate of a visualization apparatus with a current collector plate in order to control heat. In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes: current collector plates each provided at both surfaces of a membrane electrode assembly of a fuel cell and formed with a channel in which reaction gas and products flow; transparent plates provided at an outer surface of the current collector plates and provided with a heat-exchange passage having a fluid flowing therein to be heat-exchanged with the current collector plates; and fixing frames having a visualization window for observing the current collector plates and provided at the outer side of the transparent plates.
US08367260B2 Remedial start method in a fuel cell
A remedial method for starting a fuel cell system is described. The method includes determining if the remedial method is required; providing air to an exhaust of a fuel cell stack; setting a hydrogen flow rate to an anode side of the fuel cell stack; providing a predetermined volume of hydrogen to the anode side of the fuel cell at the hydrogen flow rate; providing a predetermined volume of air to a cathode side of the fuel cell stack after the predetermined volume of hydrogen has been provided to the anode side while continuing to provide air to the exhaust of the fuel cell stack and hydrogen to the anode side of the fuel cell stack; determining if a stack voltage is stable after the predetermined volume of air has been provided to the cathode side; and closing the anode outlet valve after the stack voltage is stable.
US08367259B2 Fuel cell system
The present invention has been devised in order to solve the problems described above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell system that can discharge an impurity in an anode gas flow channel while suppressing wasteful discharge of a fuel gas to the outside of the system. An exhaust valve is connected to a downstream end of an anode gas flow channel of a fuel cell. The exhaust valve has an exhaust mode in which a substantially smaller amount of gas than the consumption of a fuel gas in the anode gas flow channel is discharged to the outside of the system. After a request to stop electric power generation by the fuel cell, the output current value of the fuel cell is increased to a predetermined value. Then, the exhaust valve is set in the exhaust mode before or when the output current value is increased, and the discharge flow rate of the exhaust valve is increased in accordance with the increase of the output current value.
US08367255B2 Non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery
A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery including: an electrode group in which a positive electrode and a negative electrode are spirally wound with a separator interposed therebetween; and a non-aqueous electrolyte including a non-aqueous solvent and a lithium salt dissolved in the non-aqueous solvent, the positive electrode including a positive electrode material mixture layer containing a nickel-containing lithium composite metal oxide, wherein a product of A and B equals 150 to 350, A equals 15 to 20%, and B equals 10 to 25%, where A (%) represents a porosity of the positive electrode material mixture layer, and B (%) represents a volume percentage of ethylene carbonate in the non-aqueous solvent.
US08367245B2 Non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery
A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery having a high negative electrode energy density, good safety and high discharge characteristics is provided without damaging manufacturing facilities. The non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a porous heat-resistant layer interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and a non-aqueous electrolyte. The negative electrode comprises a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode mixture layer on a surface of the negative electrode current collector, and the negative electrode mixture layer has an active material density of 1.5 g/ml to 1.8 g/ml. The porous heat-resistant layer is carried on the negative electrode, and the porous heat-resistant layer comprises magnesium oxide particles having a mean particle size of 0.5 μm to 2 μm.
US08367244B2 Anode material having a uniform metal-semiconductor alloy layer
The present invention relates to methods for producing anode materials for use in nonaqueous electrolyte secondary batteries. In the present invention, a metal-semiconductor alloy layer is formed on an anode material by contacting a portion of the anode material with a solution containing metals ions and a dissolution component. When the anode material is contacted with the solution, the dissolution component dissolves a part of the semiconductor material in the anode material and deposit the metal on the anode material. After deposition, the anode material and metal are annealed to form a uniform metal-semiconductor alloy layer. The anode material of the present invention can be in a monolithic form or a particle form. When the anode material is in a particle form, the particulate anode material can be further shaped and sintered to agglomerate the particulate anode material.
US08367235B2 Battery pack, holster, and extendible processing and interface platform for mobile devices
A battery pack is provided for a mobile communication device, comprising a casing defining a cavity that conforms, at least partially, to the outer shape of the mobile communication device and one or more rechargeable power cells housed within the thickness of the casing. An internal interface engages a corresponding interface on the mobile communication device to provide power from the one or more rechargeable cells to the mobile communication device. An external interface is electrically coupled to the internal interface in order to transmit signals from the mobile communication device to an external device and may further serve to recharge the one or more rechargeable power cells. The battery pack may also serve as an extendible platform by providing additional integrated communication interfaces and/or processors that can be utilized by the mobile communication device to extend its communication and/or processing capabilities.
US08367234B2 Semiconductor device for protecting secondary battery, battery pack, and electronic device using same
A battery pack includes a secondary battery, a discharge-control transistor, a charge-control transistor connected in series with the discharge-control transistor between a negative power source terminal of the secondary battery and either a terminal of a load or a negative power source terminal of a charger, and a battery protection semiconductor device for protecting a secondary battery. The battery protection semiconductor device includes a detection circuit that detects at least one of an excessively charged state, an excessive discharging state, an overcurrent state, a short-circuit state, and an overheating state of the secondary battery, a control circuit that turns on and off the discharge-control transistor and the charge-control transistor, and a charge prevention circuit that prevents the secondary battery from being charged by turning off the charge-control transistor when a voltage of the secondary battery is not greater than a predetermined low-voltage criterial voltage variable by trimming a portion of the charge prevention circuit.
US08367233B2 Battery pack enclosure with controlled thermal runaway release system
A battery pack thermal management system is provided that is comprised of at least one enclosure failure port integrated into at least one wall of a battery pack enclosure, where the enclosure failure port(s) remains closed during normal operation of the battery pack, and opens during a battery pack thermal runaway event, thereby providing a flow path for hot gas generated during the thermal runaway event to be exhausted out of the battery pack enclosure in a controlled fashion.
US08367230B2 Perpendicular magnetic recording medium and magnetic recording/reproduction apparatus
According to one embodiment, a soft magnetic layer, a first nonmagnetic underlayer having a fine crystal structure and made of Pd or a Pd alloy, a second nonmagnetic underlayer made of Ru or an Ru alloy, and a perpendicular magnetic recording layer are stacked on a nonmagnetic substrate.
US08367229B2 Perpendicular magnetic recording medium and magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus
The present invention relates to a perpendicular magnetic recording medium including a nonmagnetic substrate, and at least a soft magnetic layer (SUL), an alignment control layer, a magnetic recording layer and a protective layer formed on the nonmagnetic substrate, wherein the magnetic recording layer is constituted of two or more layers and includes a first magnetic recording layer and a second magnetic recording layer from the nonmagnetic substrate side and, regarding magnetocrystalline anisotropic energy Ku of each magnetic recording layer, the first magnetic recording layer has 4×106 erg/cc or higher and the second magnetic recording layer has 2×106 erg/cc or lower, wherein the first magnetic recording layer is constituted of CoCrPtRu magnetic alloy crystal grains and grain boundaries made of an oxide and the area of grain boundaries is 30% or more based on the entire area in a planar TEM observation of the first magnetic recording layer. The present invention also relates to a magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus using the perpendicular magnetic recording medium.
US08367226B2 Annealable layer system
A layer system that can be annealed comprises a transparent substrate, preferably a glass substrate, and a first layer sequence which is applied directly to the substrate or to one or more bottom layers that are deposited onto the substrate. The layer sequence includes a substrate-proximal blocking layer, a selective layer and a substrate-distal blocking layer. Also provided is a method for producing a layer system that can be annealed and has a sufficient quality even under critical climatic conditions and/or undefined conditions of the substrate. During the heat treatment (annealing, bending), the color location of the layer system is maintained substantially stable and the color location can be widely varied at a low emissivity of the layer system. For this purpose, a first dielectric intermediate layer is interposed between the substrate-proximal blocking layer and the selective layer and is configured as a substoichiometric gradient layer.
US08367225B2 Coating, article coated with coating, and method for manufacturing article
A coating includes a deposited layer. The deposited layer is a nickel-titanium carbonitride layer.
US08367224B2 Organic electroluminescence element, new compound for the same, display device and lighting device using the same
Disclosed is an organic electroluminescence element comprising an anode, a cathode and a plurality of organic compound layers between the anode and the cathode, provided that one of the organic compound layers is a light emitting layer containing a phosphorescence emitting compound, wherein at least one of the organic compound layers contains a compound represented by Formula (1), wherein, X represents O or S; Y1 to Y3 each represents a hydrogen atom, a substituent or a group represented by Formula (A) disclosed in the specification, provided that at least two of Y1 to Y3 are groups represented by Formula (A), not all of Y1 to Y3 are the same group, and at least one of the groups represented by Formula (A) has Ar of a carbazolyl group, or an azacarbazolyl group containing 2 to 5 nitrogen atoms.
US08367223B2 Heteroleptic phosphorescent emitters
Heteroleptic compounds containing phenylpyridine and phenylbenzimidazole are provided. The compounds may be used in organic light emitting devices, particularly as emissive dopants in the emissive layer of such devices.
US08367220B2 Anthracene-based compound and organic light emitting device employing the same
Provided are an anthracene-based compound represented by Formula 1 or 2 and an organic light emitting device employing the same: where R is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a cyano group, a hydroxyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C20 alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted C3-C20 cycloalkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted C5-C30 heterocycloalkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C20 alkoxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted C6-C30 aryl group, a substituted or unsubstituted C6-C30 aralkyl group or a substituted or unsubstituted C2-C30 heteroaryl group, L is a bivalent linking group and a substituted or unsubstituted C6-C30 arylene group or a substituted or unsubstituted C2-C30 heteroarylene group, and m is an integer of 0 to 3.
US08367218B2 White organic electroluminescent elements and displays using the same
A white organic electroluminescent element for an organic electroluminescent display and a display using the white organic electroluminescent are provided. The organic electroluminescent display comprises a white organic electroluminescent element and a color filter. The white organic electroluminescent element comprises an anode, a cathode, a capping layer, and an organic layer. The capping layer is disposed on the cathode. The organic layer is disposed between the anode and the cathode, and comprises a blue light emitting layer. The thickness of the organic layer is X+120N nm, wherein 85≦X≦125, and N=0, 1, or 2. The white organic electroluminescent element is configured to emit a white light. The color filter is configured to convert the white light to a first color beam, with the first color beam being either red, blue, or green.
US08367212B2 Ultraviolet-curable silicone composition
Provided is an ultraviolet-curable silicone composition including: (A) a non-terminal epoxy group-containing organopolysiloxane, (B) an organopolysiloxane containing epoxy groups at the two terminals of the molecular chain, and an onium salt photoinitiator capable of generating cations upon irradiation with ultraviolet light. The silicone composition of the present invention yields a cured film that exhibits excellent ultraviolet-curability and can be readily peeled from a pressure-sensitively adhesive material. In particular, the silicone composition yields a cured film that exhibits a tight release force relative to pressure-sensitive adhesives such as acrylic-based pressure-sensitive adhesives, and also exhibits minimal fluctuation in the release force.
US08367211B2 Photochromic lens
A cast photochromic lens including a photochromic film and a cast resin, curable by heat or radiation.
US08367204B2 Liquid curable resin composition and cured products
A curable resin composition comprising an antioxidant, a UV absorber, and a (meth)acrylate oligomer comprising polyether units. Cured products made from the liquid curable resin composition of the present invention have excellent light stability. The resin composition is suitable as a coating material for optical fibers.
US08367203B2 Cellulosic molded body, method for manufacturing it and use thereof
The present invention relates to a cellulosic molded body containing a cellulose/clay nanocomposite, wherein the clay component of said nanocomposite comprises a material selected from the group consisting of unmodified hectorite clays and hydrophilically modified hectorite clays.
US08367198B2 Precisely-shaped porous particles
Precisely-shaped composites and methods for making these composites are disclosed. The method of this disclosure comprises introducing a precursor composition onto a production tool having at least one continuous surface and a plurality of cavities so as to fill at least a portion of the cavities with the precursor composition and wherein the precursor composition, upon curing, forms a composition having a shape corresponding to the cavities thereby resulting in a plurality of discrete, precisely-shaped particles having a porosity comprising one of the following: (a) 10 m2/g or greater or (b) 5 kdalton or greater. The precisely-shaped particles have at least one essentially flat side. The precisely-shaped particles can be confined in a vessel and used for chromatographic applications.
US08367192B2 Intermediate transfer belt
A main object of the present invention is to provide an intermediate transfer belt for image-forming devices and a method for producing the intermediate transfer belt, the intermediate transfer belt having excellent image transfer to rough paper and resistance to abrasion and being free from problems such as filming, by forming a surface layer that has excellent resistance to abrasion and in which defects such as pinholes are not likely to occur even when the surface layer is thinned.
US08367187B2 Vehicle window pane and manufacturing method therefor
A window pane for an automobile includes a single sheet of glass plate and an infrared cutoff film formed on the single sheet of glass plate. A film thickness of the infrared cutoff film on an upper portion of the window pane is greater than the film thickness on a lower portion of the window pane when the window pane is installed in the automobile. A variation from a minimum value in the film thickness on the lower portion to a maximum value in the film thickness on the upper portion is at least 1000 nm per 600 mm in a vertical direction of the window pane when installed in the automobile. The infrared cutoff film is formed on a surface of the single sheet of glass plate by using a flow coating method.
US08367185B1 Sticky mosaic art kit
An art kit having a template, preferably with a pre-printed design defined by specifically positioned squares and a plurality of polygonal monochromatic tiles of various colors is provided. The pre-printed design has a numerical grid formed thereon which corresponds to a legend for positioning particular colors of tiles in particular locations to complete the intended artwork. This artwork can be framed and hung when completed. Optionally, the template may be formed of transparent material for backlighting purposes, have a hole pattern to accommodate positioning of lamps in a particular array, or be formed on an item of clothing and made permanent through the application of heat.
US08367178B1 Carbon phenolic ablative gap filler
A robust, chemically, structurally, and thermodynamically compatible ablative gap filler that can be processed with ease is provided. The gap filler uses a carbon phenolic mixture that has nearly the same material property characteristics as the adjacent PICA or carbon phenolic tiles. The gap filler is applied into the gaps using an innovative processing approach that involves preparation of a ‘dry mixture’ of the ingredients, which is then packed manually or robotically (if needed) into the gaps. During the packing process, the dry mixture may be vented, and pressed periodically to ensure that there are no trapped voids. After each gap is adequately filled with the mixture, the assembly is bagged and cured in the oven at about 250 or 300° F. for about 1.5 to 2 hours. The gap filler thereby forms a bond with the adjacent PICA or carbon phenolic tiles, without degrading or modifying the properties at any of the interfaces (e.g., with the tiles, adhesives, substrate, etc.).
US08367176B1 Repositionable, self-adhesive wallpaper
A repositionable, self-adhesive wallpaper can be applied to a surface, positioned, repositioned, and can be removed without damaging the underlying surface, allowing the user to change wallpaper designs periodically. Embodiments comprise a vinyl sheet having front and rear surfaces, the front surface having a surface coating that is capable of having an image printed thereon; a removable backing layer comprising a clay coated kraft paper and a release agent; and a pressure sensitive adhesive disposed between the sheet rear surface and the backing layer, the adhesive being an acrylic emulsion adhesive applied to the rear surface, such that after the backing layer has been separated to expose the adhesive the surface covering can be applied to a surface, and the applied surface covering can be removed from the surface and the surface covering can be repositioned and/or reused.
US08367173B2 Degradable sachets for developing markets
Disclosed herein are degradable sachets useful for enclosing a consumer product, such as, for example, shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, bar soap, and detergent. The sachets of the invention have a moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) of less than about ten grams per square meter per day (g/m2/day) at 37° C. and 90% relative humidity (RH), and can disintegrate into pieces sufficiently small to pass through a one millimeter sieve, within two years after first and continuous exposure to water and microorganisms.
US08367169B2 Multilayered stretched film with barrier property
A multilayer stretched film with barrier property that is free from deterioration of barrier properties attributable to dimensional change caused by moisture absorption, and bending, etc. A multilayer stretched film with barrier property obtained by biaxially stretching a multilayer laminate including at least three layers, namely, a polyester-based resin layer (Layer A), a polyamide-based resin layer (Layer B), and a polyester-based resin layer (Layer A), in this order (wherein the two Layers A may be the same or different) to obtain a biaxially stretched multilayer film; and providing a deposition layer (Layer C) on at least one surface of the biaxially stretched multilayer film; both of the Layers A containing a crystalline polyester; Layer B containing 70 to 99 wt % of aliphatic polyamide and 1 to 30 wt % of aromatic polyamide; and Layer C containing an inorganic substance.
US08367168B2 Polymeric shell adherently supported by a liner and a method of manufacture
An article comprising at least one cured, liquid-impervious polymeric shell substantially free from defects, at least one liner, and a non-tacky, thermoplastic adhesive layer between the shell and the liner, wherein the adhesive layer is melted and solidified to create a non-tacky bond between the shell and the liner, which can be moisture-absorbing or cut-resistant, whereby the liner supports and limits stretch ability of the shell, thereby preventing adhesive delamination between the adhesive layer and either of the shell and/or the liner; a method for the manufacture of an article comprising a supported, polymeric shell, such as a glove, a gauntlet, an apron, or a boot, comprising providing a cured, liquid-impervious, polymeric shell, providing a knitted/woven liner, incorporating a non-tacky, thermoplastic adhesive layer between the shell and the liner, such as by hot-melt spraying, dry-powder spraying or fiber-coating, creating intimate contact between the shell, the adhesive layer, and the liner, subjecting the shell, the adhesive layer, and the liner to infrared radiation to melt the adhesive layer and create a bond between the shell and the liner, and cooling the shell; as well as other methods.
US08367167B2 Liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal composition that satisfies at least one characteristic, such as, high maximum temperature of a nematic phase, low minimum temperature of a nematic phase, small viscosity, suitable optical anisotropy, large dielectric anisotropy, large specific resistance, large elastic constant, high stability to ultraviolet light and high stability to heat, or that is suitably balanced between at least two of the characteristics; and provides an AM device that has short response time, large voltage holding ratio, large contrast ratio, long service life and so forth. A liquid crystal composition is provided that has a nematic phase and includes a specific three-ring compound having a large dielectric anisotropy as a first component, a specific four-ring compound having a high maximum temperature and a large dielectric anisotropy as a second component, and a liquid crystal display device containing the composition.
US08367158B2 Liquid-repellent film forming method, inkjet head and inkjet recording apparatus
The method forms a liquid-repellent film on a surface of a nozzle plate having nozzle apertures through which droplets of liquid are ejected. The method includes: a termination process step of carrying out a hydrogen termination process or a halogen termination process on a surface of a nozzle plate, at least a portion of the surface of the nozzle plate being made of a material containing silicon; and a liquid-repellent film formation step of forming a liquid-repellent film on the surface of the nozzle plate after the termination process step by bringing a liquid-repellent film raw material into contact with the surface of the nozzle plate while applying energy to the surface. Each molecule constituting the liquid-repellent film raw material has an unsaturated carbon bond at an end and has a liquid-repellent functional group. The liquid-repellent film is bonded to the surface of the nozzle plate through silicon-carbon bonds.
US08367157B2 Radiation curable compositions
Radiation curable compositions comprising at least one radiation curable oligomer responding to a structure (C)—(B)-(A)-[(B)(C)]x wherein (A) is the residue of one or more hydroxyl functional polyester having a molecular weight MN higher than 900, a TG and/or Tm of 5 less than 30° C., and which is obtained from an acid constituent comprising at least 75 mole % of saturated aliphatic polyacid and, optionally, 0 to 25 mole % of another polyacid and an alcohol constituent, (B) is the residue of one or more polyisocyanate, (C) is the residue of one or more ethylenically unsaturated hydroxyl compound, and x is from 0.5 to 10.
US08367155B2 Manufacturing method of magnetic recording medium and magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus
There is provided a manufacturing method of a magnetic recording medium that maintains a high level of perpendicular orientation of a perpendicular magnetic layer and enables to further increase high recording density, prepared such that at least on a non-magnetic substrate, there are laminated a soft magnetic base layer, an orientation control layer 11 that controls the orientation of the layer immediately thereabove, and a perpendicular magnetic layer with a magnetization easy axis thereof primarily oriented perpendicular to the non-magnetic substrate. The manufacturing method is characterized in that when configuring the perpendicular magnetic layer with two or more magnetic layers 12 to 14 and crystal-growing each layer so that the crystal grains that constitute the respective magnetic layers 12 to 14, together with the crystal grains that constitute the orientation control layer 11, form column-shaped crystals S1 to S3 in a consecutive manner in the thickness direction, lamination of the orientation control layer 11 is performed while the substrate is being cooled or immediately after the substrate has been cooled.
US08367154B2 Method for coloring electrical wires
The present invention is to provide an apparatus for coloring an electrical wire to improve a visibility and design of the electrical wire. The apparatus includes a coloring device for ejecting a liquid coloring material to an outer surface of the electrical wire and a sliding device for moving relatively the coloring device in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the electrical wire so as to color each whole outer surface of a plurality of coloring regions thereof responsive to a belt-shaped design pattern.
US08367153B2 Method of using white resin in an electronic device
The coating agent of the invention is a coating agent to be used between conductor members, comprising a thermosetting resin, a white pigment, a curing agent and a curing catalyst, the coating agent to be used between conductor members having a white pigment content of 10-85 vol % based on the total solid volume of the coating agent, and a whiteness of at least 75 when the cured product of the coating agent has been allowed to stand at 200° C. for 24 hours.
US08367151B2 Stent coating for eluting medication
A vascular stent comprising a drug-eluting outer layer of a porous sputtered columnar metal having each column capped with a biocompatible carbon-containing material is described. This is done by placing the stent over a close-fitting mandrel and rotating the assembly in a sputter flux. The result is a coating that is evenly distributed over the outward-facing side of the stent's wire mesh while preventing the sputtered columnar coating from reaching the inward facing side where a smooth hemocompatible surface is required. The stent is then removed from the mandrel, exposing all surfaces, and finally coated with a layer of carbon such as amorphous carbon or diamond-like carbon. The carbonaceous coating enhances biocompatibility without preventing elutriation of a therapeutic drug provided in the porosity formed between the columnar structures. The result is a stent that is adapted to both the hemodynamic and the immune response requirements of its vascular environment.
US08367150B2 Methods and apparatus for coating stents
Various embodiments of methods and devices for coating stents are described herein.
US08367148B2 Methods of making biocomposite medical constructs and related constructs including artificial tissues, vessels and patches
Methods for making collagen based biocomposite constructs and related devices include: (a) winding at least one collagen fiber a number of revolutions about a length of a support member having a long axis, the winding having at least one defined pitch and/or fiber angle relative to the long axis of the support member to form an elongate construct; and (b) applying a fluid polymeric material, such as, for example, an acrylate emulsion and/or other thermoplastic material, onto the collagen fiber during the winding step. Optionally, the fluid polymeric material can include antibiotics and/or other therapeutic agents for additional function/utility.
US08367143B2 Granola and granola products containing chocolate and methods of preparation
Improved granola and granola products containing chocolate and their methods of preparation are provided. The methods include adding chilled chocolate containing dextrose to granola ingredients prior to the addition of a sugar binder formulated to perform as required at about 29-32° C. (85-90° F.) or colder. The methods include baking granola containing chocolate, cooling and packaging granola products such as breakfast cereals and granola bars. By using chilled chocolate and the sugar binder formulated for this method the problems of chocolate separation, smearing and off-flavors can be avoided in granola products containing chocolate.
US08367142B2 Production of shredded or flaked whole grain-containing composite food products
Shredded or flaked whole grain-containing composite food products, such as ready-to-eat cereals, and sweet and savory snacks, are continuously produced by pelletizing cooked, tempered, whole cereal grain particles in the presence of vegetables, fruit, or dairy cheese. In another aspect, an enrobing coating containing chocolate is applied to a baked shredded laminate product of the pelletization, wherein the shredded product may further optionally include fruit added and present during pelletization.
US08367139B2 Process for making enzyme-resistant starch for reduced-calorie flour replacer
An enzyme resistant starch type III having a melting point or endothermic peak of at least about 140° C. as determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is produced in yields of at least about 25% by weight, based upon the weight of the original starch ingredient. A gelatinization stage, nucleation/propagation stage, and preferably a heat-treatment stage are used to produce reduced calorie starch-based compositions which contain the enzyme resistant starch type III. The high melting point of the enzyme resistant starch permits its use in baked good formulations without substantial loss of enzyme resistance upon baking. A gelatinized, starch-based bulking agent having at least 30% by weight of the enzyme-resistant starch may be used in bar-type, extruded, sheeted, or rotary molded food products. The melting enthalpy of the bulking agent may be from about 0.5 to about 4 Joules/g and its water-holding capacity may be less than 3 grams.
US08367138B2 Dairy composition with high-potency sweetener
The present invention relates generally to dairy compositions comprising non-caloric or low-caloric high-potency sweeteners and methods for making and using them. In particular, the present invention relates to different dairy compositions comprising at least one non-caloric or low-caloric natural and/or synthetic high-potency sweetener, at least one sweet taste improving composition, and a dairy product. The present invention also relates to dairy compositions and methods that can improve the tastes of non-caloric or low-caloric natural and/or synthetic, high-potency sweeteners by imparting a more sugar-like taste or characteristic. In particular, the dairy compositions and methods provide a more sugar-like temporal profile, including sweetness onset and sweetness linger, and/or a more sugar-like flavor profile.
US08367136B2 Process and apparatus for preparing a beverage under controlled pressure
A process of preparing a beverage from a beverage preparation chamber includes the steps of feeding water to the preparation chamber (2) until a first pressure (P1) of at least 3 bar is reached, interrupting the flow of water to the preparation chamber, holding said preparation chamber (2) in a closed condition for a first time interval (t1), opening said outlet (3) of the preparation chamber (2) and delivering the thus prepared beverage whereas the pressure is decreased at least once during said time interval (t1).
US08367134B2 Printing on comestible products
A method for applying a color image to a non-planar comestible may include applying a color image onto a substantially planar carrier and deforming the carrier to form a non-planar relief mold of a three-dimensional image, including deforming the color image whereby the deformed color image is proportionate relative to, i.e., is in register with, the three-dimensional image. A comestible material, e.g., chocolate or a gelatinous edible composition, may be deposited into the relief mold to substantially overlie the color image. The comestible material may be removed from the relief mold, with the color image applied thereto. In one implementation, the color image may be applied to the substantially planar carrier by screen printing one or more colors forming the color image onto the carrier using an edible ink composition.
US08367132B2 Extraction method and apparatus of juice and/or puree, in particular from partially or completely frozen vegetables
A rotating machine operated along an axis (3a) by a motor (3), for extraction of puree or juice from animal or vegetable food, comprises an inlet duct (1) where the animal or vegetable food (2) is loaded, for example fruit or vegetables, conveyed by a feeding screw conveyor not shown. The food pulps of the products (2) are loaded in frozen condition and enter then a shredding section comprising an armature (4) rotatable at a high speed in a stator (5) where the product is subjected to pressure pulses in quick succession by the movement of the frozen product (2) between the armature (4) and the stator (5). This way, there is a significant transformation of the mechanical energy into thermal energy that assists partial defrosting (at least 10%) of the product, obtaining a desired, temperature course of the product at least up to the end of the extraction with respect to the defrosting temperature (T*) of the product, which can be 0OC or even less. A fluid material is obtained that has the consistency of a puree even if it contains still small frozen parts. On the external wall of the stator (5) thermal power can be applied contemporaneously to the pressure pulses, in order to heat the inner surface of the stator (5) or the rotor (4), by applying vapor or by means of electric resistance.
US08367124B2 Lymphatic vessel stabilizer
Provided is a lymphatic vessel stabilizer composed of Tie2 activator. The Tie2 activator is preferably at least one type selected from the group consisting of angiopoietin 1 (Ang-1), extract of Cinnamomum species plants, extract of Siberian Ginseng and syringaresinol.
US08367123B2 Supplement formula to prevent and deter muscle trauma and method of using same
A body supplement and method for improving blood flow, muscle chemistry and/or the oxygenation of muscles, said supplement including cinchona bark or quinine in the range of approximately 0.0010 grams and 4.0 grams per dosage.
US08367122B2 Control of blood vessel physiology to treat skin disorders
In a method for treating an affected skin region of a patient having a skin disorder, a vasodilation composition is applied to an affected skin region of a patient, the affected skin region exhibiting a skin disorder characterized by at least one abnormal blood vessel, and the affected skin region is then treated so as to non-invasively disrupt tissue architecture, e.g., by inducing ischemia, of the at least one abnormal blood vessel. A vasoconstriction composition can then be applied to the skin region to cause vasoconstriction of the at least one blood vessel in order to promote healing.
US08367119B2 Pharmaceutical composition, use of the pharmaceutical composition for treating a brain tumor, production process thereof and a kit of parts comprising the pharmaceutical composition
The invention relates to the pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of a brain tumor, which contains in an effective amount from pharmaceutical point of view Peptidtoxin from spiders, Sicarius species and/or the saliva of the vipers from the Elaphe species; and the total poison or part of the spiders poison from the Latrodectus species, as well as the use of the pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of the brain tumor, a process for producing the pharmaceutical composition as well as a kit of parts containing the pharmaceutical composition.
US08367116B2 Buoyant polymer particles for delivery of therapeutic agents to the central nervous system
The invention provides compositions and methods for treating a subject who has suffered from a central nervous system disorder. More particularly, the invention provides sustained polymeric drug delivery systems having a polymer particle, a therapeutic agent, and a buoyancy agent for direct delivery of therapeutic agents into the central nervous system.
US08367115B2 Process for production of crystalline cellulose and tablets containing granules
A process for producing a granule-containing tablet comprising mixing more than 25 mass % to 89 mass % or less of crystalline cellulose exhibiting a tensile displacement at break of 25 to 80 μm and a relative fluidity index of 2.15 to 2.80 at a maximum compaction stress of 15 kPa, 10 to 70 mass % of spherical granules, and 20 mass % or less of a disintegrant, and then compressing the obtained mixture.
US08367114B2 Method for preparing particles from an emulsion in supercritical or liquid CO2
The present invention relates to a method for preparing particles, notably particles encapsulating an active substance. It also relates to particles obtainable by this process, dispersion thereof, and their use as a vehicle for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, diagnostic, veterinary, phytosanitary active substances or processed foodstuff.
US08367110B2 Polymeric drug delivery compositions and methods for treating ophthalmic diseases
Degradable polymeric compositions containing water-insoluble drugs blended with copolymers of biocompatible diphenol compound monomer units with pendant carboxylic acid groups polymerized with biocompatible diphenol compound monomer units with pendant carboxylic acid ester groups and poly(alkylene oxide) blocks, wherein the molar fraction in the copolymer of biocompatible diphenol compound monomer units with pendant carboxylic acid groups and poly(alkylene oxide) blocks relative to the weight percentage of the drug in the composition is effective to provide pseudo-zero order release of the drug from the composition during the sustained-release phase of drug delivery under physiological conditions. Ocular treatment methods and manufacturing methods are also disclosed.
US08367101B2 Pharmaceutical formulation
The present invention is directed to pharmaceutically acceptable polymeric compositions suitable for injection molding of single or multi-component pharmaceutical dosage forms comprising a plurality of drug substance containing sub-units, being capsule compartments and/or solid sub-units comprising a solid matrix of a polymer which contains a drug substance, the sub-units being connected together in the assembled dosage form by a weld between parts of the assembled dosage form.
US08367098B2 Unique combinations of antimicrobial compositions
Disclosed are compositions for inhibiting transmission of a sexually transmitted infection that contain one or more polyanionic microbicides, such as carrageenans, including lambda carrageenan, as well as water-soluble metal salts and specified antiretroviral agents comprising NNRTIs and NRTIs. Also disclosed are methods for making and using the compositions.
US08367095B2 Two-piece, internal-channel osmotic delivery system flow modulator
An osmotic delivery system flow modulator includes an outer shell constructed and arranged for positioning in an opening, an inner core inserted in the outer shell, and a fluid channel having a spiral shape defined between the outer shell and the inner core. The fluid channel is adapted for delivery of an active agent formulation from the reservoir of the osmotic delivery system.
US08367093B2 Functionalized chemically inert polymers for coatings
Provided herein are methods for functionalizing an polymer for forming a coating and coatings and devices formed thereof or for functionalizing a coating or device surface including an polymer.
US08367090B2 Coating on a balloon comprising a polymer and a drug
A coating on a balloon of a medical device is provided. The coating comprises a drug and a polymer. Also provided are methods of forming and using the coating.
US08367086B1 Process and product for inhibiting or preventing bacterial infections
A process for inhibiting or preventing bacterial infections in animals by administering a mixture of a hop composition and an antibiotic selected from the group consisting of polymyxin, ciprofloxacin and tobramycin.
US08367083B2 Cosmetic makeup and/or care method using a siloxane resin and a phenyl silicone oil
The present invention relates to a process for making up and/or caring for keratin materials, in which a composition is applied to the keratin materials, and especially to the lips, this composition containing, in a physiologically acceptable medium: a) a siloxane resin comprising the following units: (i) (R13SiO1/2)a (ii) (R22SiO2/2)b (iii) (R3SiO3/2)c and (iv) (SiO4/2)d with R1, R2 and R3 independently representing an alkyl group containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an aryl group, a carbinol group or an amino group, a being between 0.05 and 0.5, b being between 0 and 0.3, c being greater than 0, d being between 0.05 and 0.6, a+b+c+d=1, on condition that more than 40 mol % of the groups R3 of the siloxane resin are propyl groups, and b) at least one phenyl silicone oil.
US08367082B2 Microgel and external compositions containing the same
The present invention provides a microgel having a mean particle size of 0.1-1,000 μm, the microgel being produced from a gel which is formed by use of a hydrophilic compound capable of forming a gel. An external composition containing the microgel provides an excellent sensation during use; i.e., the composition provides neither sticky sensation during use nor frictional sensation. Furthermore, even when a large amount of a pharmaceutical ingredient, such as a whitening ingredient, or a salt is incorporated into the composition, the viscosity of the composition is not lowered, and the composition exhibits excellent viscosity increasing property. In addition, the composition exhibits long-term stability, without inviting separation of water.
US08367081B2 Macrocyclic lactone compounds and methods for their use
A method of inhibiting smooth muscle cell proliferation or cytokine production in a subject, comprising administering a compound disclosed herein to the subject, is provided. The compound can be administered systemically, locally, or a combination thereof. For example, the compound can be locally delivered from a temporary device or an implant, such as a vascular prosthesis.
US08367080B2 Pharmaceutical formulation for use in HIV therapy
The invention discloses a formulation prepared by granulating at least one anti-retro viral drug and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable additive, using an organic solvent; milling the product; finally processing the milled product to form tablets or capsules.
US08367075B2 Synergistic combination and method thereof
A method for the treatment of myeloma and thymoma by administering a therapeutically effective dose of Mycobacterium indicus pranii with Cyclophosphamide. This disclosure generally relates to the field of cancer biology. More specifically, this disclosure relates to the immunotherapeutic treatment of myeloma and thymoma, using a combination of heat killed Mycobacterium indicus pranii and the widely administered chemotherapeutic drug, Cyclophosphamide. Mycobacterium indicus pranii has already shown its efficacy as an immunomodulator and has been safely administered to humans. The most common method of cancer management is the application of chemotherapeutic drugs which results in side-effects. At lower non-toxic doses Cyclophosphamide is not effective. The present disclosure discloses a method of improving efficacy of non-toxic doses of Cyclophosphamide by administrating it together with Mycobacterium indicus pranii. This disclosure is relevant for the treatment of other lymphomas as well.
US08367074B2 Recovery of recombinant human parainfluenza virus type 2 (HYPIV2) from cDNA and use of recombinant HPIV2 in immunogenic compositions and as vectors to elicit immune responses against PIV and other human pathogens
Recombinant human parainfluenza virus type 2 (HPIV2) viruses and related immunogenic compositions and methods are provided. The recombinant HPIV2 viruses, including HPIV2 chimeric and chimeric vector viruses, provided according to the invention are infectious and attenuated in permissive mammalian subjects, including humans, and are useful in immunogenic compositions for eliciting an immune responses against one or more PIVs, against one or more non-PIV pathogens, or against a PIV and a non-PIV pathogen. Also provided are isolated polynucleotide molecules and vectors incorporating a recombinant HPIV2 genome or antigenome.
US08367071B2 Verotoxin B subunit for immunization
Methods for stimulating an immune response in a mammal by administering a toxin-antigen conjugate are provided. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating an antigen-related state are also described.
US08367068B2 Use of triplex structure DNA in transferring nucleotide sequences
A method to induce an immune response in a host in need thereof, comprises administering to the host, recombinant lentiviral vector particles comprising: a) a GAG polypeptide or a functional GAG-polypeptide derivative; b) a POL polypeptide or a functional POL-polypeptide derivative ; c) an ENV polypeptide or a functional ENV-polypeptide derivative; and d) a recombinant polynucleotide. The recombinant polynucleotide comprises a transgene placed under the control of regulatory signals for transcription and expression, regulatory signals, of lentiviral origin, for reverse transcription, expression and packaging, and a polynucleotide comprising a cis-acting central initiation region (cPPT) and a cis-acting termination region (CTS). The regions are of lentiviral origin and are inserted in a functional orientation with the regulatory signals of lentiviral origin. The polynucleotide forms a DNA triplex during reverse transcription.
US08367066B2 Antiviral bifunctional molecules, methods of construction and methods of treating virus-induced cancer therewith
The present invention relates to molecules that are capable of killing cells. The molecules comprise a targeting agent and a channel-forming moiety. The molecules may be polypeptides. The present invention also relates to polynucleotide sequences encoding the polypeptides of the invention. In a preferred embodiment, the channel-forming moiety comprises a colicin and the targeting agent is an antibody. Methods of treatment by administering the molecules of the present invention are also provided.
US08367065B2 Targeted polymeric prodrugs containing multifunctional linkers
The present invention provides single chain antibody-directed polymeric prodrugs containing multifunctional linkers. Methods of making the polymeric delivery systems and methods of treating mammals using the same are also disclosed.
US08367061B2 Anti-idiotype monoclonal antibodies mimicking the HIV gp120 CD4-binding (CD4bs)
Novel anti-idiotype monoclonal antibodies are described which are capable of specifically reacting with the idiotype of human anti-gp120 antibodies, of inhibiting the binding between the gp120 antigen and human anti-gp120 antibodies, and of evoking a neutralising anti-gp120 immune response in an animal host to which they are administered. The anti-idiotype antibodies of the invention can be identified based on the amino acid sequences of the variable portions of their light and heavy chains. In addition, a method for obtaining a panel of anti-idiotype monoclonal antibodies, expression vectors and transformed host cells usable in a recombinant DNA procedure in order to generate the aforesaid anti-idiotype monoclonal antibodies, as well as the therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnostic use of such antibodies are disclosed.
US08367060B2 Pharmaceutical composition containing arazyme for the prevention of liver dysfunction
The present invention relates to a composition and a method for the treatment of liver dysfunction which contains administration of a composition containing arazyme as an active ingredient, more precisely arazyme produced by Aranicola proteolyticus. The arazyme of the present invention inhibits apoptosis in injured liver cells, increases SMP30 expression, inhibits P-smad3 expression and protects the liver by inhibiting liver injury around the central vein region. Therefore, the arazyme of the invention can be effectively used as a composition for the treatment of liver dysfunction.
US08367059B2 Materials and methods for cryopreserved bone constructs
Porous HCG scaffolds are provided in a perfusion bioreactor. Cells are seeded in the HCG scaffolds and cell culture media is perfused through the bioreactor to allow for cell seeding and growth. The cell culture media is removed, the HCG-cell constructs washed, and then preserved in the bioreactor with a perfusion comprising cryopreservation fluid comprising one or more of DMSO, trehalose, glycerol, ethylene glycol, or serum. The HCG-cell constructs (or the perfusion chambers containing them) are then removed from the bioreactor and placed in a cryopreservant media and maintained at about −80° C. The frozen HCG-cell constructs (or the chambers containing them) can then be stored at a suitable cryogenic temperature until needed. When needed, frozen HCG-cell constructs can be removed from cold storage and thawed using suitable means.
US08367056B2 In vivo and ex vivo gene transfer into renal tissue using gutless adenovirus vectors
A method for treating a renal disease in a subject is disclosed. The method includes administering into a kidney of the subject with an effective amount of a gutless adenoviral vector containing a polynucleotide encoding a therapeutic agent. The gutless adenoviral vector contains the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:13 or SEQ ID NO:15 and expresses the therapeutic agent in a kidney tissue of the subject.
US08367052B2 Methods for promoting protection and regeneration of bone marrow using CXCL9 and anti-CXCL9 antibodies
CXCL9 promotes bone marrow regeneration, increases peripheral white blood cells, and increases survival if administered prior to treatment of a subject with chemotherapeutic drugs such as 5-FU or radiotherapy. Similar effects are obtained by administering an anti-CXCL9 antibody following chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Compositions and methods are presented for the treatment of cancer and bone marrow diseases.
US08367050B2 Photocatalytic material and photocatalytic member and purification device using the photocatalytic material
Provided are a photocatalytic material that improves a decomposition performance and a decomposition rate, as well as a photocatalytic member and a purification device in which the photocatalytic material is used. The photocatalytic member is a photocatalytic member (1) that includes a substrate (10) and a photocatalyst layer (11) formed on a surface of the substrate (10), wherein the photocatalyst layer (11) contains a titanium oxide photocatalyst and zeolite, the titanium oxide photocatalyst containing at least an anatase-type titanium oxide and fluorine, in which a content of the fluorine in the titanium oxide photocatalyst is 2.5 wt % to 3.5 wt %, and 90 wt % or more of the fluorine is chemically bonded to the anatase-type titanium oxide.
US08367048B2 Shampoo containing a gel network
Shampoo compositions comprise (a) from about 5% to about 50% of one or more detersive surfactants, by weight of the shampoo composition; (b) a dispersed gel network phase comprising, by weight of the shampoo composition, (i) at least about 0.05% of one or more fatty amphiphiles; (ii) at least about 0.01% of one or more secondary surfactants; and (iii) water; and (c) at least about 20% of an aqueous carrier, by weight of the shampoo composition. A process for preparing a shampoo composition comprises the steps of: (a) combining a fatty amphiphile, a secondary surfactant, and water at a temperature sufficient to allow partitioning of the secondary surfactant and the water into the fatty amphiphile to form a pre-mix; (b) cooling the pre-mix below the chain melt temperature of the fatty amphiphile to form a gel network; (c) adding the gel network to one or more detersive surfactants and an aqueous carrier to form a shampoo composition.
US08367046B2 Guar gum containing compounds
Disclosed is a method of reducing the appearance of coloring streaks in a composition that has a colorant comprising adding a guar gum containing compound to said composition.
US08367044B2 Sunscreen cosmetic
The present invention provides a sunscreen cosmetic comprising, relative to the total amount of the sunscreen cosmetic, 10-90 wt % of agar microgel (wherein the agar content in the agar microgel is 0.4-1 wt %) and 0.1-5 wt % of a water soluble ultraviolet absorbent.It was necessary to blend in an organic ultraviolet absorbent and such to give sunscreen cosmetics a high SPF value. However, there was a problem in that it was hard for a water soluble ultraviolet absorbent in the formulation to achieve the expected SPF function. Also, sunscreen cosmetics are particularly desired to give a freshing texture upon use.In view of the fact that a high blend ratio of an oil soluble ultraviolet absorbent inhibits the freshing texture upon use, the object of the present invention is to provide a sunscreen cosmetic that achieves a high SPF value and a freshing texture upon use by mainly blending in a water soluble ultraviolet absorbent.
US08367033B2 Fullerene-based material and process for producing fullerene-based material
In order to isolate and purify an endohedral fullerene, a solvent washing was performed using toluene to concentrate the endohedral fullerene in a residual, but endohedral fullerene could not be efficiently purified because impurities other than the endohedral fullerene could not be sufficiently removed. Thus, the endohedral fullerene is isolated and purified by using a solvent such as chloronaphthalene or tetralin having a high solubility for the endohedral fullerene and concentrating the endohedral fullerene in the solvent. The endohedral fullerene isolated and purified by solvent extraction has a cluster structure where the endohedral fullerene is surrounded with empty fullerenes. Thus, this endohedral fullerene is highly stable and is a useful material applicable to various fields such as medical care and electronics.
US08367031B1 Silane compositions, methods of making the same, method for forming a semiconducting and/or silicon-containing film, and thin film structures formed therefrom
A method of making hydrogenated Group IVA compounds having reduced metal-based impurities, compositions and inks including such Group IVA compounds, and methods for forming a semiconductor thin film. Thin semiconducting films prepared according to the present invention generally exhibit improved conductivity, film morphology and/or carrier mobility relative to an otherwise identical structure made by an identical process, but without the washing step. In addition, the properties of the present thin film are generally more predictable than those of films produced from similarly prepared (cyclo)silanes that have not been washed according to the present invention. The present invention advantageously provides semiconducting thin film structures having qualities suitable for use in electronics applications, such as display devices or RF ID tags, while enabling high-throughput manufacturing processes that form such thin films in seconds or minutes, rather than hours or days as with conventional photolithographic processes.
US08367028B2 Amorphous acidic materials, their synthesis and use
A porous material comprises oxides of silicon and aluminum and is substantially free of X-ray diffraction peaks in its calcined form. The material is characterized by the following properties: (a) a Bronsted acid site density as measured by temperature programmed ammonia adsorption of at least 0.005 mmol/g; (b) an alpha value of at least 0.5; (c) a specific surface area of about 50 to about 160 m2 g−1; (d) a total pore volume of about 0.14 to about 1.0 cm3 g−1; and (d) a micropore volume of about 0.001 to about 0.015 cm3 g−1.
US08367024B2 Test tube holder
According to an example of the invention, a test tube holder includes a holder body including a cylindrical wall defining a cylindrical hollow portion, at least three guide grooves in the cylindrical wall and open on the inner peripheral side and upper end surface side, cam grooves which face the guide grooves and inclined obliquely upward, a plurality of holder members for test tube attachment which are fitted individually in the guide grooves of the holder body so as to be movable vertically and radially, cam pins which engage with the cam grooves so as to guide the holder member vertically and radially, and an urging spring which elastically urges the holder member to be pushed up so that the holder member is pressed upward and toward the inner periphery of the cylindrical wall.
US08367023B2 Reagent vessel
Provided is a reagent vessel which is inserted into a measuring cassette for measuring a biological sample. The reagent vessel includes: a reagent storage unit including at least one space in which a reagent that is to react with the biological sample is stored; and an adhesive cover sealing up the at least one space in which the reagent is stored, and being stripped off to discharge the reagent from the at least one space when the reagent vessel is inserted into the measuring cassette. Therefore, since a plurality of reagents are poured simultaneously and automatically into a measuring cassette through a reagent vessel, it is possible to simplify manipulations and minimize a measuring time. Furthermore, it is possible to resolve problems regarding storage and distribution of reagents.
US08367022B2 Unintended motion control for manually directed multi-channel electronic pipettor
A manually directed, electronic multi-channel pipettor uses servo controlled motors to drive a carriage and pipetting head in response to a user's manipulation of a control handle. The pipetting head include an array of tip fittings, e.g. 96. The system includes a check processor to avoid unintended motion in case of system faults or crashes. The system requires substantial force to attach the array of tips, and therefore includes controls that require both of the user's hands be occupied during the tip attachment process.
US08367018B2 Chip with tri-layer electrode and micro-cavity arrays for control of bioparticle and manufacturing method thereof
A chip with tri-layer electrodes and micro-cavity arrays for control of bioparticles and a manufacturing method thereof are revealed. The chip captures and releases bioparticles into and from preset cavities by dielectrophoresis (DEP) force generated by electrodes. The chip includes an upper layer body, a middle layer body, a lower layer body, respectively disposed with an electrode, and micro flow chambers. The electrodes of the upper layer body and the middle layer body are common electrodes while the electrode of the lower layer body is a dispersive electrode array exposed on the bottom of lower-layer microcavity. The cell capture and release at the single-cell level and the cell population level are attained by application of an AC electric field.
US08367016B2 Method and system for microfluidic device and imaging thereof
A method for producing an image of an object within a chamber of a microfluidic device includes providing the microfluidic device having x, y, and z dimensions and a chamber depth center point located along the z dimension. The chamber depth center point is located a known z dimension distance from a fiducial marking embedded within the microfluidic device. The method also includes placing the microfluidic device within an imaging system that includes an optical device capable of detecting the fiducial marking. The optical device defines an optical path axially aligned with the z dimension and has a focal plane perpendicular to the optical path. When the focal plane is moved along the optical path, the fiducial marking is maximally detected when the focal plane is at the z depth in comparison to when the focal plane is not substantially in-plane with the z depth.
US08367014B2 Low-mass sample block with rapid response to temperature change
A sample block for use in the polymerase chain reaction, DNA sequencing, and other procedures that involve the performance of simultaneous reactions in multiple samples with temperature control by heating or cooling elements contacting the bottom surface of the block is improved by the inclusion of hollows in the block that are positioned to decrease the mass of the block in the immediate vicinity of the wells.
US08367013B2 Reading device, method, and system for conducting lateral flow assays
An optical reflectance kit including a reading device and membrane test strip is disclosed for conducting a lateral flow assay. The reading device is portable. Assays may be conducted on bodily fluids to detect with high sensitivity the presence of certain hormones, glucose, or other bodily fluids of interest. Membrane test strips may receive a test fluid or test sample containing an analyte to be detected. The membrane test strips may be inserted directly into a receiving port of a reading device. Shielding stray light from the receiving port improves sensitivity and reduces the entry of stray or ambient light into the reading device. The reading device also includes one or more sensors capable of detecting the intensity of reflected electromagnetic radiation.
US08367010B2 Ozone device for deodorizing dresses
An ozone device for deodorizing dresses within a closet, includes an ozone generator. The ozone generator includes a casing formed with first and second ventilation vents, an ozone producing element installed within the casing for generating ozone in order to deodorizing dresses within the closet, a circulating fan installed within the casing for circulating ozone generated by the ozone producing element, and a hanging unit projecting outward from the casing and adapted to be hung onto a suspension member. The closet is sleeved over and cooperates with the casing to define a sealed chamber so that dresses can be kept therein.
US08367007B2 Feedback stabilized ozone generator circuit
A control circuit is connected to sense the impedance changes in a transformer driven ozone generating circuit cause by inadvertent immersion in water of the ozone generating field and to respond by reducing the strength of the ozone generating field as result thereof. To retain some ozone generating usefulness during the presence of mist or vapors in the ozone generating field the control circuit includes a series connected operational amplifier in the feedback loop that while operating in its linear range effects a proportional feedback response to reduce the ozone output. In this manner the usefulness of ozone generation is extended during highly active periods in a pool or spa.
US08367006B2 Platinum microparticles generator
A platinum microparticles generator comprises a linear first electrode, a board-shaped second electrode, and an applying means. The first electrode contains at least platinum. The second electrode comprises an outlet opening, which is a circular through-hole, located so as to face one end of the first electrode. The applying means applies a voltage between the first and second electrodes. Then, the first electrode has an outside diameter in a range of 0.03 [mm] to 0.10 [mm]. Further, the outlet opening has an inside diameter in a range of 1.0 [mm] to 4.5 [mm]. Thus, the platinum microparticles generator can emit a sufficient amount of platinum microparticles while restraining generation of ozone.
US08367003B2 Acoustically controlled reaction device
Embodiments of a system including a remotely controlled reaction device and associated controller are described. Methods of use and control of the device are also disclosed. According to various embodiments, a reaction device is placed in an environment in order to perform a chemical reaction in an environment. Exemplary environments include a body of an organism, a body of water, or an enclosed volume of a fluid. In selected embodiments, an acoustic control signal may be used.
US08367000B2 Cassette and measuring apparatus
An object of the invention is to provide a cassette and a measuring apparatus that can filter a sample for the optical measurement of an optically active substance and clean a sample flow channel by using a simple configuration. More specifically, the invention is directed to a cassette which includes a filter for filtering out a measurement interfering component from a sample, a container containing the filter, a cleaning liquid or cleaning agent for cleaning a sample flow channel, and a storage tank for storing the cleaning liquid or cleaning agent, and to a measuring apparatus having such a cassette.
US08366998B2 Sample analyzer and sample analyzing method
A sample analyzer includes an order receiver for receiving an analyzing order of a sample having analyzing item information; an analyzing section for analyzing a sample according to the analyzing order received by the order receiver; a calculator for counting a first number of analyses by the analyzing section in a first counting period, and a second number of analyses by the analyzing section in a second counting period different from the first counting period; a selection receiver for receiving a selection of either one of the first counting period and the second counting period; an output section; and an output controller for outputting a number of analyses in the counting period received by the selection receiver to the output section based on the counted result by the calculator is disclosed. A sample analyzing method is also disclosed.
US08366994B2 Method for manufacturing cobalt alloy-based ceramic composite sputtering target
A method for manufacturing a cobalt (Co) alloy-based ceramic composite sputtering target is provided. A cobalt ingot and a chromium (Cr) ingot are melted in vacuum and then nebulized to form a cobalt-chromium (CoCr) alloy powder. Additionally, a ceramic powder and a platinum powder are wetly mixed to form a platinum-ceramic (Pt-ceramic) slurry, in which the ceramic powder is applied onto the platinum powder's surface uniformly. Next, the CoCr alloy powder and the Pt-ceramic slurry are wetly mixed to form a CoCrPt-ceramic slurry. Thereafter, the CoCrPt-ceramic slurry is dried, molded and compressed to form the cobalt alloy-based ceramic composite sputtering target. The resulted cobalt alloy-based ceramic composite sputtering target, which has a fine and dense structure, uniform composition and lower magnetic permeability, is beneficial to a magnetron sputter deposition process, as well as a film sputtering process used in the magnetic recording industry.
US08366992B2 Gas injection lance
A hot gas injection lance (26) for injecting hot gas into a vessel (11) is made of three modules (26A, 26B and 26C) which all fabricated separately and brought together in successive steps and connected together by releasable fastenings. Lance module (26A) is a main duct module providing an elongate duct (31) through which to direct hot gas into an upper region of the vessel. Lance module (26B) is a gas inlet module through which to direct hot gas into duct (31) of module (26A). Lance module (26C) is a central module which includes an elongate central tubular structure (33) that extends within the gas flow duct (31) and carries at its lower end a series of swirl imparting tubular structure (33) that extends within the gas flow duct (31) and carries at its lower end a series of swirl imparting vanes (34) for imparting swirl to the gas flow exiting the duct. Main duct module (26A) has a mounting flange (110) that abuts a flange (122) on vessel (11) and the flanges (110, 122) are fastened together by bolts (121). Gas inlet module has a lower mounting flange 111 which abuts a flange (103) at the upper end of module (26A) and the flanges (111, 103) are connected together by bolts (112). Central module (26C) has a mounting flange (115) that abuts a flange (114) at the upper end of inlet module (26B) and the flanges (114, 115) are fastened together by bolts (116).
US08366982B2 Differential pressure underfill process and equipment
The present disclosure relate to the field of depositing an underfill material between a microelectronic die and a substrate for flip-chip packages. In at least one embodiment, differential pressure is used to meter the underfill material during the underfill deposition process.
US08366980B2 Method for producing hollow structual body
It is intended to provide a method of producing a hollow construct, which may be in various shapes such as a fiber or a film as well as in various sizes and has chemical resistance, made of a fluorinated hydrocarbon polymer, a fluorinated carbon polymer or a polymer carrying a nitrogen-containing group, a silicon-containing group, an oxygen-containing group, a phosphorus-containing group or a sulfur-containing group having been introduced into the above-described polymer; and a hollow construct obtained by this method. The method of producing a hollow construct as described above is characterized by comprising the fluorination step wherein a construct made of a hydrocarbon polymer or a polymer carrying a nitrogen-containing group, a silicon-containing group, an oxygen-containing group, a phosphorus-containing group or a sulfur-containing group having been introduced into the above-described polymer is brought into contact with a treating gas containing fluorine under definite conditions and thus the treating gas is allowed to penetrate from the outer surface of the construct toward the inside thereof to thereby fluorinate the construct excluding the core part, and the removal step wherein the core part having been not fluorinated as described above is removed.
US08366979B2 Robust carbon monolith having hierarchical porosity
A carbon monolith includes a robust carbon monolith characterized by a skeleton size of at least 100 nm, and a hierarchical pore structure having macropores and mesopores.
US08366977B2 Process of making recycled polyamide yarn
Provided is a process for manufacturing a polyamide yarn exhibiting good dyeability, while utilizing polyamide waste. The recycled polyamide yarn with a high waste polymer content is used for making quality articles by a low cost method, which is further friendly to the preservation of the environment.
US08366965B2 Blue phosphor, light-emitting device, and plasma display panel
The present invention provides a blue phosphor that exhibits high luminance and shows less luminance degradation during driving of a light-emitting device. The present invention is a blue phosphor represented by the general formula aBaO.bSrO.(1−a−b)EuO.cMgO.dAlO3/2.eWO3, where 0.70≦a≦0.95, 0≦b≦0.15, 0.95≦c≦1.15, 9.00≦d≦11.00, 0.001≦e≦0.100, and a+b≦0.97 are satisfied. In this blue phosphor, two peaks whose tops are located in a range of diffraction angle 2θ=13.0 to 13.6 degrees are present in an X-ray diffraction pattern obtained by measurement on the blue phosphor using an X-ray with a wavelength of 0.774 Å.
US08366963B2 Compound having hydrocoumarin skeleton, liquid crystal compostition, and liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal compound is to be obtained that has stability to heat, light and so forth, a high clearing point, a suitable optical anisotropy, a large negative dielectric anisotropy, and excellent compatibility with other liquid crystal compounds. A liquid crystal composition containing the compound is also to be obtained that has a low viscosity, a suitable optical anisotropy, a suitable negative dielectric anisotropy, a low threshold voltage, a high maximum temperature of a nematic phase (phase transition temperature from a nematic phase to an isotropic phase), and a low minimum temperature of a nematic phase. A compound having a hydrocoumarin skeleton is synthesized, and a liquid crystal composition containing the compound is produced.
US08366961B2 Chemical combination for the generation of disinfectant and heat
This invention comprises a lightweight, portable chemical combination of reagents for sterilizing or disinfecting objects in the absence of electrical power or fire. The chemical combination includes a chemical oxidant with the capacity to liberate a biocidal intermediate, a chemical reductant of the oxidant with the capacity to react with the oxidant, and an effector to induce a reaction between the oxidant and reductant. In one embodiment, the oxidant comprises chlorite, the reductant comprises sulfite, and the effector comprises ascorbate. In another embodiment, the chemical combination comprises the oxidant, reductant, effector and iron-activated magnesium. When water or water solutions are added to either embodiment, the chemical combination generates heat, steam and a biocidal intermediate that can destroy contaminating microorganisms. In one embodiment, the biocidal intermediate is a halogen-based biocidal intermediate, such as chlorine dioxide. In another embodiment, the biocidal intermediate is a halogen-free biocidal intermediate.
US08366958B2 Etching solutions
The present invention provides an etching solution for silver or silver alloy including at one at least ammonium compound represented by the formula (1), (2) or (3) below and an oxidant: wherein each of the variables is as defined herein.
US08366955B2 Fire extinguishing composition
A fire extinguishing composition is provided that is suitable for use as a fire extinguishing agent in fire suppression, particularly in off-road vehicles exposed to low ambient temperature environments. The fire extinguishing composition includes an aqueous solution of potassium formate. In an embodiment, the fire extinguishing composition includes an aqueous solution of potassium formate and an aqueous film forming foam. In an embodiment, the fire extinguishing composition is an aqueous solution including an aqueous film forming foam, potassium formate and potassium acetate in water.
US08366950B2 Liquid-ejection head and method for manufacturing liquid-ejection head substrate
A method for manufacturing a liquid-ejection head substrate including a silicon substrate having a supply port for supplying liquid is provided. The method includes: forming an etching mask layer on a surface of the silicon substrate, the etching mask layer having an opening in a portion corresponding to the supply port; forming a first recess in the surface of the silicon substrate by anisotropically etching the silicon substrate through the opening in the etching mask layer; forming a second recess that extends toward the other surface of the silicon substrate, in a surface of the first recess in the silicon substrate; and forming the supply port by anisotropically etching the silicon substrate from the surface provided with the second recess.
US08366949B2 Mold for microlens and process for producing the same
A mold for producing microlenses or a microlens array is produced by sequentially carrying out an etching step of forming quadrangular pyramid concave parts on a single crystal silicon substrate by anisotropic etching and an ion etching step of forming molding concave parts with spherical or cylindrical surface parts from the quadrangular pyramid concave parts.
US08366945B2 Diamond electrode and process for producing it
Diamond electrodes with improved adhesion of the diamond layer to the electrode are produced by sandblasting a surface of the electrode body, and then non-oxidatively etching the roughened (sandblasted) surface so as to remove at least 5 μm of material from under the roughened surface. By removing at least 5 μm of material, the sand particulates in the surface of the electrode body are eliminated, and damage in the form of cracks in the electrode body which result from sandblasting is reduced or eliminated, and further, a surface metal oxide coating is not created. All of these contribute to preparing a surface where spalling of the diamond layer is less likely to occur. Concentrated phosphoric acid is an exemplary non-oxidative etchant used in the process.
US08366942B2 Method and apparatus for the solid-liquid-separation of material mixtures and suspensions
Method for the liquid solid separation of material mixtures and suspensions in which the material mixture under pressure is fed into a closed chamber having at least one filter surface and a hydrostatic pressure is generated within said chamber for separating the liquid phase. After separating the liquid phase the chamber is opened and the filter surface together with the filter cake is removed from said chamber. The material mixture firstly is treated by the means of hydrostatic pressure of about up to 0.2 bar, wherein 80 to 90% of the fed volume is removed as filtrate. Thereafter the concentrated remaining volume is drawn off and is further treated in the closed chamber with a pressure of up to 5 bar. By reducing the volume of the chamber finally with a pressure of up to 50 bar the remaining filtrate is separated.
US08366941B2 Process for exothermal treatment and recovery of solid, semi-solid, pasty and/or damp waste
A process for exothermic treatment and recovery of masses including: urban solid waste (USW), including differentiated and non-differentiated damp waste and non-differentiated waste of vegetable origin; sludge generated by industrial and non-industrial water treatment; solid, semi-solid, pasty residue and/or sludge residue coming from industrial, agricultural and food-processing operations; soils and inert materials contaminated by organic matrices; solid, semi-solid, pasty residue and/or sludge residue of hydrocarbon compounds, including asphalt and organic-chemical compounds; contaminating animal excrements, such as those of poultry and/or swine. In particular, the process envisages the use of an exothermic reaction produced by mixing the mass to be treated with a mixture of calcium oxides (CaO) and/or calcium hydroxides Ca(OH)2, in the presence of an inert catalyst moistened with water, in the absence of oxygen using the charcoal-pile technique.
US08366940B2 Zero valent metal composite, manufacturing, system and method using thereof, for catalytically treating contaminated water
Zero valent metal composite, manufacturing thereof, using thereof, and system including thereof, for (in-situ or ex-situ) catalytically treating contaminated water, such as sub-surface water, surface water, above-surface water, water vapor, or/and gaseous water. Composite includes powdered diatomite matrix incorporated with nanometer (1-1000 nm) sized particles of a zero valent (transition) metal (iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, palladium, platinum, or/and gold) and at least one electron transfer mediator (catalyst) from porphyrinogenic organometallic complexes (e.g., metalloporphyrins (chlorophylls, hemes, cytochromes) or metallocorrins (e.g., vitamin B12), and optionally, includes vermiculite. System includes composite and in-situ or/and ex-situ unit containing the composite, enabling exposure of contaminated water thereto. Applicable to in-situ sub-surface permeable reactive barriers (PRBs). Treatable water contaminants are organics (halogenated organic compounds), or/and inorganics (metal elements, metal element containing inorganic species, nonmetal elements, and nonmetal element containing inorganic species). Applicable to non-aqueous fluids (liquids, vapors, gases), for removing contaminants therefrom.
US08366939B2 Methods and compositions for reducing chlorine demand, decreasing disinfection by-products and controlling deposits in drinking water distribution systems
Methods and compositions for improving water quality by reducing chlorine demand, decreasing disinfection by-products and controlling deposits in drinking water distribution systems include adding low concentrations of supplemental oxidants, for example, RE-Ox® to the systems.
US08366938B2 Method and device for purifying liquid effluents
The invention relates to a method and a device for purifying liquid effluents, in which water is separated from substances by performing, in a single vertical enclosure (3), a vertical bubbling in the effluents fed at a flow rate d. The enclosure has a free surface and includes at least two compartments (4, 5, 6, 7) communicating together for enabling a circulation between the compartments successively from the top to the bottom and from the bottom to the top between the lower portion thereof and a medium level at a flow rate D at least three times higher than the flow rate d. The supernatant phase is continuously discharged and a hydraulic or gaseous chemical oxidation of said effluents is simultaneously carried out in the same enclosure, the chemical oxidation rate and the bubble flow rate and size being selected in order to progressively obtain a separation of the solid/liquid and liquid/liquid phases at the surface of the enclosure for obtaining a COD below a predetermined threshold.
US08366936B1 Water treatment system with water filter having zeolite layers and activated carbon layer
A water filtration system with a filter and method for filtering raw water having a series of media layers in the following order: 1) sand to gravel or coarse silica; 2) zeolite; 3) activated carbon; 4) a second layer of sand to gravel or coarse silica; and 5) a second layer of zeolite is disclosed. Optionally, the series further has a ceramic media layer, which may have a reactive coating such as calcium hypochloride. Further options include ferruginous latertic clay spheres (FLCS) or iron oxide brick particles, at least one grid, which may be charged, and/or at least one sand arch. A rapid sand filter may be used prior to filtering water through the series of media layers. The water may also be further filtered through a mixture of zeolite and carbon. Chlorine may be added to the filtered water. Specialized water filters for reducing fluoride and arsenic concentrations and taste aesthetics are also disclosed.
US08366935B2 Phyllanthus extract
A method is described for producing an extract of Phyllanthus comprising the steps of: (a) extracting Phyllanthus components with a solvent; (b) fractionating the extract obtained in the preceding step on the basis of hydrophobicity; (c) collecting and combining fractions that correspond in hydrophobicity to elute fractions resulting from 10-50% methanol elution steps, wherein the elute fractions are obtained by low pressure vacuum liquid chromatography (VLC) using a C18 reversed-phase lipophilic column and a water/methanol gradient system, wherein the gradient system is based on an initial elution step of loading the column with 100% water, on intermediate elution steps with gradually decreasing water content and on a terminal elution step loading the column with 100% methanol; and (d) optionally drying the extract obtained in step (c). The invention also relates to an extract of Phyllanthus obtainable or obtained by the method or a fraction thereof and a Phyllanthus extract or fraction thereof comprising repandusinic acid, wherein the repandusinic acid is present at a concentration of at least 42 mg/g.
US08366934B2 Method for the elution of 18F fluoride trapped on an anion-exchange phase in a form suitable for efficient radiolabeling without any evaporation step
A method extracts out of an aqueous solution, concentrate and/or reformulate [18F] fluorides without any evaporation step. The eluting solution is a low water content, preferably <3% water, organic solution containing at least: a first compound (A) which is a tertiary alcohol-function bearing molecule, a second compound (B) which is a phase transfer agent suitable for radiolabeling and which is necessary to the anion exchange process.
US08366932B1 Micro-aeration of sulfide removal from biogas
A novel method for treating sulfide-containing wastewater is described which involves treating sulfide-laden biogas produced in a bioreactor in a sulfide oxidizing unit (SOU). Oxidation in the SOU is monitored by an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) probe which minimizes the input of air/oxygen to produce elemental sulfur without significant production of sulfate.
US08366931B2 Filtering unit
A filtering unit includes alternately arranged membranes and positioning rings. A seal is secured to each of the positioning rings. Each of the positioning rings includes an annular body, arched cutouts defined in an internal edge of the annular body, first and second engaging members formed on the annular body, and at least one slot defined in the annular body. Each of the first engaging members is located near an end of a related one of the arched cutouts. Each of the second engaging members is located near another end of a related one of the arched cutouts. The second engaging members can be engaged with the first engaging members of another positioning ring extending through the arched cutouts. Each of the seals includes two sealing portions extending on two opposite faces of the annular body and at least one connecting portion extending between the sealing portions through the slot.
US08366929B2 Spacing member, membrane element, and submerged membrane separation device
A membrane element 36 includes filtration membranes 45 on the flat part of the membrane element 36. Spacing members 60 keep spacing S between the filtration membranes 45 between the membrane elements 36 when the membrane elements 36 are arranged with the filtration membranes 45 opposed to each other. The spacing members 60 each have spacer sections 61a and 61b that keep the spacing S between the filtration membranes 45 between the membrane elements 36 in the direction of a membrane surface cleaning stream that flows along the surface of the filtration membrane 45.
US08366927B2 Device for altering molecular bonds in fluids
A device for altering molecular bonds in fluids (1) having a substantially tubular housing (2). The substantially tubular housing has a perimeter wall (3), a first end (4), a second end (5), an inner surface (6) and an outer surface (7). Caps (8) are located on the first end and on the second end. One or more geometrically shaped extensions (11) may be located on the caps to allow a user to rotate the caps and/or the entire housing with a wrench. An aperture is located on each cap to allow liquid to pass though into or out of the housing. Threads (10) are located within the apertures to allow a user to install the device for altering molecular bonds in fluids in a fuel line, water line or other liquid conduit. A plurality of magnets (13) are secured within one or more casings (14) that separate and hold the magnets in place within the housing.
US08366925B2 Treatment of fluids with wave energy from a carbon arc
A method of and apparatus for treating liquids flowing in a thin film around a source of wave energy to directly expose the liquid to the wave energy, preferably generated in whole or part by an electrical arc between carbon electrodes. In addition to the wave energy generated by the electrical arc, energy generated by cavitation of the flowing liquid may be used in treating the liquid.
US08366922B2 Exchangeable media filter
A filter element for a pool or spa including a sintered plastic outer cylinder of a first diameter, a sintered plastic inner cylinder of a second diameter less than said first diameter; the inner cylinder being position coaxially with respect to the outer cylinder to define an annular interior chamber; and a selected granulated filter medium or combination of media residing in the annular interior chamber.
US08366913B2 Process to produce low sulfur catalytically cracked gasoline without saturation of olefinic compounds
The invention relates to a process for the desulfurization of a gasoline fraction with high recovery of olefins and reduced loss of Research Octane Number (RON). A petroleum fraction is contacted with hydrogen and a commercially available hydrodesulfurization catalyst under mild conditions with to remove a first portion of the sulfur present, and is then contacted with an adsorbent for the removal of additional sulfur.
US08366912B1 Method for producing base lubricating oil from waste oil
A method for recovering base oil from waste lubricating oil by separating base oil range constituents from a waste lubricating oil mixture, thereafter separating higher quality base oil constituents and lower quality base oil constituents from the base oil recovered from the waste lubricating oil mixture and thereafter treating the lower quality base oil constituents to produce marketable base oil. The total base oil produced from a waste lubricating oil mixture by this process is greater than the quantity producible by previous processes using only base oil separation from the waste lubricating oil mixture or processes which use only treatment of the base oil recovered from the waste lubricating oil mixture to produce the product base oil.
US08366911B2 Method of producing liquid fuel
The present invention provides a method of producing a liquid fuel enabling production of middle distillate at a high yield from a feed oil containing paraffinic hydrocarbons having 20 to 100 carbon atoms as main components without losing the high cracking activity and also enabling provision of high quality gas oil included in the middle distillate.A feed oil containing paraffinic hydrocarbons having 20 to 100 carbon atoms as main components is subjected to hydrotreating in the present of a prespecified hydrotreating catalyst and under the conditions for hydrotreating including a temperature of 200 to 350° C., a liquid hourly space velocity of 0.1 to 5.0 h−1, and a partial pressure of hydrogen of 0.5 to 8 MPa to obtain an effluent oil, and then the effluent oil is fractionated to obtain middle distillate including a gas oil with a cetane number of 75 or over and a pour point of −27.5° C. or below at a yield of 55% or over against a total weight of the feed oil.
US08366907B2 Deoxygenation of fatty acids for preparation of hydrocarbons
Embodiments of methods for making renewable diesel by deoxygenating (decarboxylating/decarbonylating/dehydrating) fatty acids to produce hydrocarbons are disclosed. Fatty acids are exposed to a catalyst selected from a) Pt and MO3 on ZrO2 (M is W, Mo, or a combination thereof), or b) Pt/Ge or Pt/Sn on carbon, and the catalyst decarboxylates at least 10% of the fatty acids. In particular embodiments, the catalyst consists essentially of 0.7 wt % Pt and 12 wt % WO3, relative to a mass of catalyst, or the catalyst consists essentially of a) 5 wt % Pt and b) 0.5 wt % Ge or 0.5 wt % Sn, relative to a mass of catalyst. Deoxygenation is performed without added hydrogen and at less than 100 psi. Disclosed embodiments of the catalysts deoxygenate at least 10% of fatty acids in a fatty acid feed, and remain capable of deoxygenating fatty acids for at least 200 minutes to more than 350 hours.
US08366903B2 Method for manufacturing printed wiring board and electrolytic etching solution for use in the manufacturing method
In a method of manufacturing a printed wiring board, a via reaches from a surface copper layer to an inner-layer copper layer of a multilayer board, and copper layers and insulating layers are alternately layered. The wiring board is machined by a laser, and a process of machining the via includes forming a laser absorbing layer on a surface of a copper layer disposed on the surface of the multilayer board. The laser is irradiated, and an electrolytic etching and removal of the laser absorbing layer is carried out in this order.
US08366900B2 High speed, high resolution compositions, methods and kits for capillary electrophoresis
The invention provides compositions, methods and kits for high speed, high resolution of analytes by capillary electrophoresis starting with uncoated capillaries. The compositions comprise a sieving component, comprising a non-crosslinked acrylamide polymer, and a surface interaction component, comprising at least one uncharged and non-crosslinked water-soluble silica-adsorbing polymer. Methods for employing the novel compositions in capillary electrophoresis are provided. Kits comprising the novel compositions for use in the novel methods are also provided.
US08366898B2 System and method for high throughput particle separation
The high throughput particle separation system includes an aqueous solution container for storing an aqueous solution containing specific particles to be separated, an electrode array, having a plurality of electrodes arranged at regular intervals or at various different intervals in series or in parallel, for deflecting specific particles simultaneously in a nonuniform electric field according to sizes and dielectric properties of the particles to separate a large quantity of the particles at high throughput, a path separation unit for establishing movement paths of the particles separated by the electrode array, and a control unit for applying the same voltage and frequency or different voltages and frequencies to the electrodes of the electrode array based on sizes and dielectric properties of specific particles to be separated.
US08366894B2 Multi-gas microsensor assembly
A multi-gas microsensor assembly for simultaneously detecting carbon dioxide and oxygen in real time. According to one embodiment, the assembly comprises a non-conductive, solid substrate. A plurality of sensing electrodes, a single reference electrode, and a single counter electrode are positioned on one side of the non-conductive, solid substrate. In addition, all of the electrodes are in intimate contact with the same side of a solid-polymer electrolyte anion-exchange membrane, the solid polymer electrolyte membrane having at least one gas diffusion opening aligned with each sensing electrode. The sensor is operated in a three-electrode potentiostatic mode, in which a constant potential is maintained between the sensing and reference electrodes, and the current is measured between the sensing and counter electrodes. Control of the electrodes is achieved with a small bi-potentiostat. The design of the bi-potentiostat allows at least two different sensing electrodes to share the same counter and reference electrodes.
US08366890B2 Electrode for electrolysis cell
The invention relates to an electrode formulation comprising a catalytic layer containing tin, ruthenium, iridium, palladium and niobium oxides applied to a titanium or other valve metal substrate. A protective layer based on titanium oxide modified with oxides of other elements such as tantalum, niobium or bismuth may be interposed between the substrate and the catalytic layer. The thus obtained electrode is suitable for use as an anode in electrolysis cells for chlorine production.
US08366888B2 Water treatment apparatus
A water softening module has a case body which includes cover members secured to their respective ends of a cylindrical case. A pair of electrodes are provided in the case body. A fibrous medium is located in contact with a water-outlet-side face of the electrodes. The fibrous medium has a stacked structure constituted of a first fiber layer and a second fiber layer, which are electrically conductive. The first fiber layer is positioned in contact with the upstream side of the second fiber layer, and the first fiber layer is positioned in contact with the downstream-side face of the electrodes. The specific surface area of the first layer is smaller than that of the second fiber layer.
US08366887B2 Hydrogen generating system and operating method therefor
A hydrogen generating system is equipped with a water electrolysis unit for producing hydrogen by performing electrolysis on pure water supplied from a pure water supply apparatus, with a back-pressure valve mechanism disposed in a hydrogen outlet port of the water electrolysis unit. The back-pressure valve mechanism is equipped with a first back-pressure valve, which sets a first back pressure, for discharging hydrogen to the outside of a hydrogen supply passage, and a second back-pressure valve, which sets a second back pressure at a higher pressure than the first back pressure, for extracting high-pressure hydrogen into the hydrogen supply passage.
US08366885B2 Water body self-generating electrolytic reduction module
A water body self-generating electrolytic reduction module is applied to a water body containing oxidizing substances. The water body self-generating electrolytic reduction module includes a self-generating unit and an electrolysis unit. The self-generating unit is coupled to the electrolysis unit. When circulating in a water transmission pipeline, the water body drives the self-generating unit to generate an electric power and deliver the electric power to the electrolysis unit. Upon receiving the electric power, the electrolysis unit performs electrolysis on the water body circulating to the electrolysis unit, so that a reduction reaction occurs to the oxidizing substances in the water body.
US08366881B2 Method of making a paper web having a high internal void volume of secondary fibers
The present invention is a method of making a near-premium quality paper product having good strength and absorbency characteristics and a product made by that method. The invention is also a method for retaining a high ash content within a paper web formed by conventional wet pressing. The present invention is also a method for retaining a high percentage of softening agent within a paper web that includes such an agent. Further, the present invention is a soft absorbent paper product having a high void volume. Finally, the invention is also a method for producing a soft, absorbent, and near premium paper product having a high void volume using an undulatory crepe blade having a multiplicity of serrulations in its rake surface which presents differentiated creping angles and/or rake angles as to the paper being creped.
US08366878B2 Structuring belt, press section and tissue papermaking machine for manufacturing a high bulk creped tissue paper web and method therefor
A structuring layer of a structuring belt for structuring a wet fibrous web in a press section of a tissue papermaking machine for manufacturing high bulk tissue paper, the structuring layer having a web-carrying side with a surface for cooperating with the fibrous web, the surface having depressions distributed over the web-carrying side and forming a three-dimensional structure of the surface. The depressions altogether constitute 20-80% of the surface. Each depression has a dimension l of 0.25-2.5 mm in a first direction in the plane of the top surface area, a dimension b of 0.25-2.0 mm in a second direction in the plane of the top surface area, such directions being at right angles to each other, a mean depth d of 0.05-0.6 mm, and an area a as measured in the plane of the top surface area of 0.063-5.0 mm2.
US08366877B2 Lipohydrophilic glycerol based polymers as digestion aids for improving wood pulping processes
The invention provides a method of improving the digestion of wood chips into pulp. The method involves: adding a liphohydrophilic glycerol-based polymer additive to a solution used in the digestion process. This additive is unexpectedly effective at facilitating digestion. The branched and ether structure of the additive allows it to withstand the harsh nature of a highly alkaline environment. In addition, it is more soluble in high pH than other surfactants. The structure, resistance, and particular balance between hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions, causes the additive to increases the interaction between the wood chips and the digestion chemicals. This in turn reduces the costs, the amount of additive needed, and the amount of reject wood chunks that result from the digestion process.
US08366873B2 Debonding equipment and methods for debonding temporary bonded wafers
A debonder apparatus includes a chuck assembly, a flex plate assembly, a contact roller and a resistance roller. The chuck assembly includes a chuck and a first wafer holder holding a first wafer of a bonded wafer pair in contact with the chuck. The flex plate assembly includes a flex plate and a second wafer holder holding a second wafer of the bonded wafer pair in contact with the flex plate. The flex plate is placed above the chuck. The contact roller is arranged adjacent to a first edge of the chuck and pushes and lifts up a first edge of the flex plate, while the resistance roller traverses horizontally over the flex plate and applies a downward force upon the flex plate and thereby the bonded wafer pair delaminates along a release layer and the first and second wafers are separated from each other.
US08366871B2 Method and apparatus for cleaning and surface conditioning objects using plasma
A method and apparatus for cleaning and surface conditioning objects using plasma are disclosed. One embodiment of the apparatus for cleaning conductive objects using plasma discloses at least one planar dielectric barrier plate having a first surface and a second surface, and at least one electrode proximate the second surface of the at least one planar dielectric barrier plate, wherein the planar dielectric barrier plate is positioned to receive at least one object substantially orthogonally proximate the first surface. Another embodiment of the apparatus includes a ground plane for cleaning non-conductive objects, wherein the ground plane has apertures sized and arranged for receiving each object to be cleaned.
US08366869B2 Processing apparatus and processing method
A processing apparatus includes a process container having a placing table for placing a processing object, an exhaust system having vacuum pumps and a pressure control valve for exhausting atmosphere in the process container. A gas injection unit having a gas ejection hole is provided in the process container, as well as a gas supplying unit for supplying a process gas to the gas injection unit. The entire process apparatus is controlled by a controlling unit. The control unit controls the exhaust system and the gas supplying unit. When starting a predetermined process, the process gas at a flow rate greater than a prescribed flow rate is supplied for a short time while exhausting the atmosphere in the process container by the exhaust system, and then the process gas at a prescribed flow rate is supplied.
US08366865B2 Nonreactive thermoplastic hot melt adhesives based on metallocene-catalytically manufactured polyolefins
The invention relates to an adhesive system which is based on a non-reactive thermoplastic adhesive melt. The adhesive melt (A) contains a mixture of at least two metallocene-catalytically produced copolymers which are different from each other, and which are based on at least two a-olefins, whereby the copolymers of the mixture, which are different from each other, have different melt indices (MFIs); (B) optionally, at least one additional polymer; and (C) optionally, at least one resin and/or at least one wax. The inventive adhesive system is particularly suitable for use in the wood and furniture industry, e.g. for covering profiles or for gluing edges, in particular, by comparing copolymer adhesives to EVA melt adhesives which are used in a traditional manner, and the system enables considerably lower application temperatures to be used, and at the same time exhibiting improved adhesion capacity.
US08366860B2 Laser welding method
The invention relates to a method for laser welding at least two components made of plastic, particularly a pipe and a carrier plate, wherein the first component at least in certain regions has a relatively high permeability for the laser beam used during laser welding. The second component at least in certain regions has a relatively low permeability for the laser beam used during laser welding. A compact design of the components can be achieved if the laser beam reaches the respective weld location by means of refraction and/or reflection during laser welding.
US08366856B2 Decorating accessory and method of its manufacture
A method for manufacturing a decorating accessory includes the steps of: (a) preparing a base, a first film and a second film; (b) attaching the first film to the base; (c) cutting the first film; (d) removing a remaining portion of the first film; (e) attaching the second film to the first film; (f) cutting the second film; (g) removing a remaining portion of the second film to form a stacked array; (h) hot pressing the stacked array to get a finished decorating accessory; (i) collecting the finished decorating accessory.
US08366852B2 Method of forming temporary carrier structure and associated release techniques
A method of forming a temporary carrier structure is disclosed which includes forming a plurality of recesses in a carrier structure, the recesses extending to a depth that is less than a thickness of the carrier structure, forming a dissolvable material in the recesses and above a first surface of the carrier structure, securing a thin substrate above the first surface of the carrier structure using the dissolvable material to secure the thin substrate in place, performing at least one process operation on a second surface of the carrier structure to expose the dissolvable material in the recesses and contacting the exposed dissolvable material with a release agent so as to dissolve at least a portion of the dissolvable material.
US08366848B2 Thick doped adhesive tape to enhance backscatter X-ray detectability
Doped adhesive tape is used during the manufacture of aircraft, including positioning marks, covering orifices from debris, allowing locations to be marked. Any doped adhesive tape inadvertently left in sub-assemblies during the manufacturing process can be detected using backscatter X-ray inspection technology. Detection is facilitated in one embodiment by making the tape thicker, to produce an increased mass density, and in another embodiment by adding a dopant comprising an element that is readily detected by the backscatter X-ray technology. The element can be iodine, and can be incorporated into the backing layer or the adhesive layer of the tape during manufacturing. The use of both thicker tape and a dopant can be used in combination to facilitate detection. If the doped adhesive tape is detected after components are assembled using a backscatter X-ray inspection device, then the doped adhesive tape is removed.
US08366845B2 Rapid thermal treatment for enhancing bending stiffness and yield moment of curved needles
An apparatus for thermally treating a plurality of curved suture needles. The apparatus includes a conveyer for transferring the plurality of curved suture needles from a source of curved suture needles to a receiver, a housing positioned adjacent the conveyer, the housing having a first end, a second end, and an opening running from the first end to the second end, the opening aligned with the conveyer to enable the plurality of curved suture needles to pass therethrough, and a heat source located within the housing for heating the plurality of curved suture needles as the plurality of curved suture needles are transferred by the conveyer from the first end of the housing to the second end of the housing. Also provided is a process for thermally treating a plurality of curved suture needles to enhance the stiffness and yield moment of the curved suture needles. The curved suture needles so treated have a desirable combination of stiffness, strength and ductility.
US08366844B2 Method of making hot rolled dual phase steel sheet
A method of making hot rolled steel sheet having a dual phase microstructure with a martensite phase of less than 35% by volume and a ferrite phase of more than 50% by volume and a composition containing by percent weight: 0.01≦C≦0.2; 0.3≦Mn≦3; 0.2≦Si≦2; 0.2≦Cr+Ni≦2; 0.01≦Al≦0.10; Mo less than about 0.2%, 0.0005≦Ca≦0.01, with the balance iron and incidental ingredients. Hot rolled sheet for cold rolling, the silicon range may be from about 0.05% to about 2%, and the amount of molybdenum may be up to 0.5%. Also, the hot rolled steel sheet has a tensile strength of at least 500 megapascals, a hole expansion ratio more than about 50%, and a yield strength/tensile strength ratio less than 70%.
US08366843B2 Method of manufacturing a martensitic stainless steel pipe
A method of manufacturing a 13Cr steel pipe which satisfies a hardness (HRC) of at most 22 with 13Cr grade L80 of American Petroleum Institute (API) standards, which is an indicator of a high strength, high yield ratio, and good corrosion resistance, is provided. A steel billet having a chemical composition comprising, in mass percent, C: 0.15-0.21%, Si: 0.16-1.0%, Mn: 0.35-1.0%, Cr: 10.5-14.0%, P: at most 0.020%, S: at most 0.0050%, Al: 0.025-0.050%, and a remainder of Fe and impurities is subjected to hot working with a finishing temperature of 800-960° C. to form a mother pipe, which is immediately quenched at a cooling rate of at least air cooling and then tempered by heating.
US08366842B2 Method and apparatus for manufacturing aluminum alloy strip for lithographic printing plates
An apparatus for manufacturing aluminum alloy strip for a lithographic printing plate supports includes a filter, a launder connected to the filter, a liquid level controller connected to the launder, and a melt feed nozzle connected to the liquid level controller. The liquid level controller includes a step to trap settled particles within an aluminum melt which forms the alloy strip. The launder has a length L (m) which satisfies the condition 4≧L≧V×270×1.2×D, where V is the flow velocity in meters per second of the aluminum melt in the launder and D is the depth in meters of the aluminum melt in the launder.
US08366841B2 Lead-free free-cutting corrosion-resistant silicon-bismuth brass alloy
A lead-free free-cutting corrosion-resistant silicon-bismuth brass alloy, including the following: between 60.0 and 65.0 wt % of Cu, between 0.6 and 1.8 wt % of Si, between 0.2 and 1.5 wt % of Bi, between 0.02 and 0.5 wt % of Al, less than 1.5 wt % of Ni+Mn+Sn, between 0.01 and 0.5 wt % of La—Ce alloy, between 0.002 and 0.02 wt % of B, with the remainder being Zn and inevitable impurities, wherein the total amount of impurities are no more than 0.5 wt %.
US08366835B2 Hydrodynamic nozzle
A hydrodynamic nozzle comprising a nozzle body having a first, forward end and a second, rear end, in the rear end a section-wise centrally located intake for rinsing water, internal rinsing water channels by which rinsing water is directed from the rinsing water intake to multiple rinsing water discharges mouthing in the rear end of the nozzle body in a radially outer region with respect to the rinsing water intake. The hydrodynamic nozzle has a passage for air extending through the nozzle body, said air passage connecting an air intake, mouthing in the forward end of the nozzle body, to an air discharge mouthing in the rear end of the nozzle body, wherein the air discharge is defined partly through an outer wall located radially inside the rinsing water discharges, and partly through an inner wall located radially outside the rinsing water intake.
US08366829B2 Multi-station decoupled reactive ion etch chamber
A tandem processing-zones chamber having plasma isolation and frequency isolation is provided. At least two RF frequencies are fed from the cathode for each processing zones, where one frequency is about ten times higher than the other, so as to provide decoupled reactive ion etch capability. The chamber body is ground all around and in-between the two processing zones. The use of frequency isolation enables feed of multiple RF frequencies from the cathode, without having crosstalk and beat. A plasma confinement ring is also used to prevent plasma crosstalk. A grounded common evacuation path is connected to a single vacuum pump.
US08366827B2 Chamber inserts and apparatuses for processing a substrate
Disclosed are chamber inserts and apparatuses using the chamber inserts. A chamber insert may include a cylindrical body portion including a top end portion and a bottom end portion, a first protruding portion extending outwardly from a first portion of the cylindrical body portion, the first portion positioned circumferentially along the cylindrical body portion and a second protruding portion extending outwardly from a second portion of the cylindrical body portion, the second portion positioned circumferentially along less than all of the cylindrical body portion. In another example, the chamber insert may include a cylindrical body portion including a top end portion and a bottom end portion, the cylindrical body portion including a slit and at least one hole, the slit and the at least one hole positioned circumferentially along the cylindrical body portion and a first protruding portion extending outwardly from a first portion of the cylindrical body portion.
US08366820B2 Curable composition, paste, and oxidatively carbonated composition
An oxidatively carbonatable composition, a paste for forming an oxidatively carbonated composition, an oxidatively carbonated composition, methods of making an oxidatively carbonated composition, and articles formed from an oxidatively carbonated composition.
US08366819B2 Oily inkjet ink
An oily inkjet ink comprises a pigment, a dispersant, and a water-insoluble organic solvent, wherein an ester solvent contained in the water-insoluble organic solvent is an ester solvent that is represented by the general formula: CnHx—COO—CmH2m+1, in which n represents an integral number falling within the range of 8 to 15, m represents an integral number falling within the range of 4 to 7, and x represents a number falling within the range of 2n−1 to 2n+1. The ester solvent is contained in a containing quantity falling within the range of 10% by mass to 30% by mass with respect to the total quantity of the ink.
US08366817B2 System for purification of air in an inner space
A system for purification of air in an inner space has a housing having air inlet unit and air outlet units; air filtering means located in the housing between the air inlet unit and the air outlet units; and vertical attachment attached to the air outlet units and extending vertically upwardly so that air enters the housing at a lower level through the air inlet units and leaves the system at an outlet of the attachment at a level substantially higher than the level of the inlet units and air conditioner located in said housing, a humidifier located in the vertical attachment, a water container for supplying water to said humidifier. The air conditioner is connected with the water container so that a spray of water from the air conditioner flows into the container.
US08366816B2 Adsorption filter material with integrated particle- and/or aerosolfiltering function and its use
The invention provides an adsorptive filtering material endowed with integrated particle and/or aerosol protection and with protective performance with regard to biological and/or chemical noxiants, in particular biological and/or chemical warfare agents, the adsorptive filtering material having a multilayered construction comprising a carrier layer, an adsorptive layer assigned to and preferably fixed to the carrier layer, and optionally a covering layer disposed on that side of the adsorptive layer that is remote from the carrier layer, wherein the adsorptive filtering material is additionally equipped with a particle and/or aerosol filtering layer which is preferably disposed between the adsorptive layer and the covering layer, wherein the particle and/or aerosol filtering layer is embodied as an air pervious textile fabric formed from fibers. The adsorptive filtering material is particularly useful in NBC protective materials of any kind (e.g. NBC protective apparel) and for producing filters.
US08366813B2 Particulate matter detection device
A particulate matter detection device (100) includes a first electrode (10) that includes a conductive section (12) and a dielectric (14) that covers the conductive section (12), and a second electrode (20) that is disposed opposite to the first electrode (10) at an interval of 0.3 to 3.0 mm. Charged particulate matter contained in a fluid that passes through the space between the first electrode (10) and the second electrode (20), or particulate matter that is contained in a fluid and charged by a discharge that occurs due to application of a voltage between the electrodes (10) and (20) is electrically adsorbed on at least one of the electrodes (10) and (20), and the particulate matter adsorbed on the electrodes (10) and (20) is detected by measuring a change in electrical properties of the first electrode (10), or a change in electrical properties of the electrodes (10) and (20).
US08366811B2 Drying substances, preparation and use thereof
There is provided herein a dryer polymer substance including a hetero-phase polymer composition including two or more polymers wherein at least one of the two or more polymers include sulfonic groups, wherein the substance is adapted to pervaporate a fluid. The fluid may include water, water vapor or both. There is also provided herein a process for the preparation of a dryer polymer substance adapted to pervaporate a fluid (such as water, water vapor or both) the process includes mixing two or more polymers, wherein at least one of the two or more polymers may include groups which are adapted to be sulfonated, to produce a hetero-phase polymer composition and processing the polymer blend into a desired form.
US08366809B2 Deaerating method and assembly
An example deaerator assembly includes a deaerating member disposed within a housing. The deaerating member includes an apertured stem extending from a pedestal. The apertured stem is configured to communicate air away from a mixture of air and coolant when the mixture of air and coolant is communicated about the apertured stem.
US08366808B2 Process and apparatus for removing methane or another fluid from a fluid mixture
A method and apparatus for separating a first fluid from a fluid mixture. In one embodiment water containing methane is passed through an agitation chamber with a plate at the chamber's proximal and distal ends. Both plates have orifices permitting the mixed fluid to pass into and out of the agitation chamber. In one embodiment, the mixed fluid rotates about its axis of flow through the agitation chamber. In one embodiment, the mixed fluid passes through a separation chamber having a plurality of baffles that promote separation of the methane from the methane/water mixture. In one embodiment, the separated methane is removed from the water in a collection chamber that facilitates gravity separation of the mixed fluids. In one embodiment, liquid hydrocarbon is removed from water.
US08366803B2 Air cleaner having regenerative filter, and method for regenerative of air cleaner filter
The invention relates to an air cleaner, and more particularly to an air cleaner which includes a regenerative deodorizing filter to purify and treat gaseous substances contained in air, thus enabling efficient regeneration of the regenerative deodorizing filter, and a method of regenerating the filter of the air cleaner.
US08366799B2 Silver particles and a process for making them
Silver powders containing particles with a different morphology are disclosed. The silver particles are spherically-shaped with an open structure surface. The majority of the spherically-shaped silver particles have one or more silver plates attached to each of the majority of the spherically-shaped silver particles. Also provided is a process for making these silver particles. The silver particles formed are particularly useful in electronic applications.
US08366793B2 Method of decarbonation and its use in producing crystalline sodium sulfite or other alkali products
A sodium sulfite liquor is formed by reacting sodium carbonate with sulfur dioxide. A CO2 byproduct may be removed from the formed liquor by injecting a stripping gas (e.g., steam and/or air) into the liquor, either into a transfer pipe or into a tank that is vented; by increasing the liquor temperature; and/or by reducing the liquor pressure. The decarbonated sodium sulfite liquor with a reduced carbon dioxide content is introduced into a crystallizer connected to a circulation loop comprising a heater and/or a filter. Additional decarbonation by heating, stripping and/or depressurization of the liquor may be carried out in a circulation loop connected to the crystallizer. The condensing side of the heater may be vented. The flow rate of the circulation loop and/or heater temperature differences may be monitored. Additional CO2 may be vented from a holding tank to maintain circulation loop flows and heater temperature differences.
US08366792B2 Dye composition comprising a heterocyclic oxidation base and an indole coupler
The subject of the present invention is dye composition for keratin fibers, comprising, in suitable dyeing medium, a coupler of formula (I) or addition salts thereof with an acid a particular cationic or noncationic aminopyrazolopyridine derivative. The composition of the present invention makes it possible in particular to obtain a coloring with varied, intense and/or chromatic, aesthetic and relatively nonselective shades which are highly resistant to the various attacks to which the hair may be subjected.
US08366790B2 Prosthetic foot with energy returning heel and keel
A keel is provided having a spring portion and a connecting portion. The spring portion can have a channel that is compressible during compression of the keel. A variably adjustable compression member can be provided. The connecting portion is rigidly connected to a rigid center support. A heel is also provided having a spring portion and a connecting portion. The spring portion can have a top open channel formed therein. The channel is compressible during compression of the heel. A variably adjustable compression member can be placed within the channel. Alternatively, heel and keel springs located at least partially external of the heel and keel can be provided. The heel spring can act against either the keel or the center support, and the keel spring can act against either the heel or the center support.
US08366789B2 Prosthetic limb
A prosthetic limb has an outer surface that is a mirror image of an intact limb or a generic limb design. The intact limb is scanned and the surface data is manipulated to create a virtual mirror image. If generic data is used, the intact leg can be measured and the generic surface can be adjusted so the prosthetic limb appears similar to the intact limb. The end of the amputated limb is also measured to obtain socket data. A knee and foot are incorporated to form a virtual prosthetic limb represented by design data. The design data for the virtual prosthetic limb is forwarded to a rapid prototyping machine that fabricates the entire leg simultaneously. Once completed, the prosthetic limb is shipped to the patient.
US08366787B2 Hybrid biologic-synthetic bioabsorbable scaffolds
A bioprosthetic device is provided for soft tissue attachment, reinforcement, and or reconstruction. The device comprises a naturally occurring extracellular matrix portion and a three-dimensional synthetic portion. In illustrated embodiments, the naturally occurring extracellular matrix portion comprises layers of small intestine submucosa, and the three-dimensional synthetic portion comprises a foam or a three-dimensional mesh, textile, or felt.
US08366785B1 Basal thumb joint implant
Basal thumb joint implant has a head with a smooth, generally hemispherical, medio-proximally directed, articulating surface, and a generally abrupt, distally directed, truncation thereto; and a stem attached to the head, which arises from the truncation of the head and includes at least one of the following features: A) a general angle of attachment to the head which is acute in relation to the truncation of the head; B) a flanged cross-sectional stem profile; C) an inwardly curved stem; D) an eccentric head attachment site for the stem. The implant may be one-piece or modular in construction. The modular basal thumb joint implant, however, which is not necessarily limited by requiring inclusion of the aforesaid additional features A-D, includes a head with a smooth, generally hemispherical, medio-proximally directed, articulating surface, a generally abrupt, distally directed truncation thereto, and a stem trunion-receiving cup in the truncation; and a stem attachable to the head, which stem has intracarpal spike-like distal end, and a proximally directed trunion, which trunion is insertable into the stem trunion-receiving cup of the head. Other digits may be provided with analogous implants, particularly with respect to those digital implants amenable to modularity.
US08366784B2 Distal radioulnar joint device
A system and method of implanting a distal wrist implant relative to a host bone is presented. A distal radial component having a body including a first connection portion couplable to a stem is coupled to a second prosthetic coupled to a medial surface of the body. The second prosthetic replaces at least a portion of the sigmoid notch.
US08366783B2 Systems and methods for providing deeper knee flexion capabilities for knee prosthesis patients
Systems and methods for providing deeper knee flexion capabilities, more physiologic load bearing and improved patellar tracking for knee prosthesis patients. Such systems and methods include (i) adding more articular surface to the antero-proximal posterior condyles of a femoral component, including methods to achieve that result, (ii) modifications to the internal geometry of the femoral component and the associated femoral bone cuts with methods of implantation, (iii) asymmetrical tibial components that have an unique articular surface that allows for deeper knee flexion than has previously been available, (iv) asymmetrical femoral condyles that result in more physiologic loading of the joint and improved patellar tracking and (v) modifying an articulation surface of the tibial component to include an articulation feature whereby the articulation pathway of the femoral component is directed or guided by articulation feature.
US08366778B2 Bioadhesive hydrogels
A method of forming and the resulting bioadhesive hydrogel composition for repairing or supplementing a nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc comprises at least a first component, a second component and a third component, wherein the first component, the second component and the third component are crosslinked. The first component comprises an amine-containing polymer component at a concentration from about 0.1% weight by weight to about 13.65% weight by weight. The second component comprises a hydrophilic polymer or pre-polymer component at a concentration from about 3% weight by weight to about 35% weight by weight. The third component comprises an aldehyde component at a concentration from about 0.1% weight by weight to about 30% weight by weight. A method of repairing or supplementing a nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc comprises implanting the bioadhesive hydrogel composition in a patient.
US08366774B1 Spinal cage having deployable member
A spinal cage with a wall extending in a longitudinal direction defining an interior space is disclosed. There is also provided a deployable element in movable relation to the spinal cage.
US08366772B2 Artificial disc replacements with natural kinematics
This invention improves upon prior aft total disc replacements (TDRs) by more closely replicating the kinematics of a natural disc. The preferred embodiments feature two or more fixed centers of rotation (CORs) and an optional variable COR (VCOR) as the artificial disk replacement (ADR) translates from a fixed posterior COR that lies posterior to the COR of the TDR to facilitate normal disc motion. The use of two or more CORs allows more flexion and more extension than permitted by the facet joints and the artificial facet (AF). AF joint-like components may also be incorporated into the design to restrict excessive translation, rotation, and/or lateral bending.
US08366767B2 Methods and devices for transapical delivery of a sutureless valve prosthesis
A method for delivering a sutureless cardiac valve prosthesis using a transapical approach is provided. The implantation device utilizes movable claspers for both positioning and anchoring the valve prosthesis within the native cardiac valve, minimizing the extent of imaging necessary.
US08366766B2 Assembly comprising a ring for attachment in a passage surrounded by body tissue as well as an applicator for fitting the ring in the passage
The present invention relates to an assembly comprising: a ring having anchoring elements for attaching the ring in a passage surrounded by body tissue, in particular blood vessel tissue. An applicator for fitting the ring in the passage; in which the anchoring elements have an anchoring position in which they protrude with respect to the ring, and in which the anchoring elements comprise a memory material, such as a memory metal or memory polymer, and are designed so that they can be bent from an anchoring position counter to a spring force into a fitting position and can be frozen in this fitting position by a temperature treatment in order to bend the anchoring elements back from the fitting position by the effect of this spring force into the anchoring position when a predetermined threshold temperature is exceeded, and in which the applicator is provided distally with a carrier for carrying the ring. The assembly according to the invention is provided with an influencing system for influencing the temperature of the anchoring elements of the ring carried by the carrier in such a way that the anchoring elements bend back from the fitting position to the anchoring position by increasing the temperature of the anchoring elements to above the threshold temperature.
US08366762B2 Method of making a medical device with regioselective structure-property distribution
A medical device and methods of making the medical device such as a stent having selected regions with different material properties than other regions are disclosed. Selection and modification of the regions may be based on facilitating a desired mechanical behavior and/or therapeutic prophylactic property of the device.
US08366759B2 Therapy device
A therapy device comprises a flexible sealed envelope and a gel within the envelope. The gel comprises water, thickening agent, and biodiesel by-product glycerin comprising glycerol and soap.
US08366752B1 Cervical plate having graduated thickness
A cervical plate is disclosed. The plate includes plate body with a first end adapted for attachment to a first vertebra in a cephalad relation to the plate body and a second end adapted for attachment to second vertebra in a caudad relation to the plate body. The plate body being of a first thickness at the first end and of a second thickness at the second end, the first thickness being smaller than the second thickness, and the plate body transitioning from the first thickness to the second thickness in a graduated manner.
US08366748B2 Apparatus and method of spinal implant and fusion
An apparatus and method of performing a minimally invasive posterior spine fusion. More specifically an apparatus with a handle and a forked head on the distal end of the handle is used to grasp implant material and introduce the material to an implant site. The shaft of the apparatus is shaped so as to allow the affixation of a drill guide and drill while simultaneously holding the implant material in the implant site. After removal of the boring tools and assembly of the fusing element, the apparatus can be selectively removed from the implant site. A method of achieving facet joint fusion with near simultaneous fixation is also disclosed.
US08366743B2 Heart septal defect occlusion device
An occlusion device has a right disc made from a metal mesh having a plurality of openings, and a left disc having at least two skeletons that are covered by a membrane. Each skeleton passes through openings of the metal mesh to interlock the right and left discs, and a coil is wrapped around each opposing end segment of the skeletons. The skeletons can have a looped section where the skeleton is twisted or looped to cross or overlap itself. In addition, each skeleton can be formed from a braided strand of a plurality of wires.
US08366742B2 Wound closure devices and system
Methods and devices are provided for closing a puncture wound. In one exemplary embodiment, a puncture closure device is provided having an elongate tubular body that is disposable through a puncture in tissue and that includes proximal and distal portions. The proximal portion can be adapted to expand to form proximal wings upon rotation of the elongate tubular body, preferably in a first direction. The distal portion can be adapted to expand to form distal wings upon rotation of the elongate tubular body, preferably in a second, opposite direction. The proximal and distal portions can also be adapted to be moved toward one another as they expand upon rotation. As a result, the proximal and distal wings can engage tissue therebetween.
US08366740B2 Ultrasonic tourniquet system
A system for controlling blood flow through a zone of a patient limb, the zone being bounded by a proximal end and a distal end, comprises: a cuff configured for securing to the limb and for covering the zone, the cuff being inflatable to provide pressure to the zone for occluding the flow of blood flowing through the zone in the direction from the proximal to distal ends of the zone; an array of sensors fitting between the cuff and the limb and arranged for sensing and signaling the amount of penetration of blood flow into the zone; and a control instrument connected to the array and to the cuff for regulating the pressure in the cuff to occlude the blood flow in the zone depending upon the amount of blood flow penetration signaled by the array.
US08366737B2 Expandable emboli filter and thrombectomy device
Expandable emboli filter and thrombectomy devices adapted for use with microcatheters to remove debris from blood vessels. The devices embody expanded profiles that span the entirety of various sized target vessels and thus are particularly effective in the engagement of debris found in vessels.
US08366736B2 Vein filter
A vessel filter comprising a first region and a second region wherein the filter is movable between a collapsed position for delivery to the vessel and an expanded position for placement within the vessel. A first region has a filter portion having a converging region to direct particles toward the center of the filter and the second region is flared in the expanded position to have a transverse dimension increasing toward a second end portion opposite the first end portion. The second region includes a vessel engaging portion at the second end portion. The first region includes a plurality of spaced apart elongated struts with adjacent struts being joined.
US08366731B2 Artificial hair transplantation method
An artificial hair transplantation method for implanting, directly or indirectly, artificial chemically synthesized filaments into the epidermal layer and the dermal layer of the human scalp features painless incisions and allows hair restoration to be attained in a short period of time, such as a few hours.
US08366727B2 Tissue pad ultrasonic surgical instrument
An ultrasonic clamp coagulator assembly that is configured to permit selective cutting, coagulation and clamping of tissue during surgical procedures. An elongated portion of the instrument can be configured for endoscopic applications and has an outside diameter of less than 6 mm. The construction includes a clamping mechanism, including a clamp arm pivotally mounted at the distal portion of the instrument, which is specifically configured to create a desired level of tissue clamping forces. The clamping mechanism includes a two-piece pad design and pad material that enables the higher tissue clamping forces and a force-limiting mechanism that effectively smoothes out abusive tissue forces.
US08366723B2 Hair harvesting device and method with localized subsurface dermal fluid insertion
The stabilization of the dermal area around a follicular unit of hair for harvesting comprises the introduction of a small volume of fluid into the dermal area around a target follicular unit in order to stabilize the dermal area and initiate a limited time period during which the harvesting of the target follicular unit can occur.
US08366722B2 Method for removing a tick
The invention relates to a device for removing a parasite from the skin of a host, wherein the device comprises engaging means for engaging the parasite and removing the parasite from the skin of the host, and wherein the device comprises fixation means for fixing the device on the skin of the host, wherein the engaging means are adapted for movement. The device is preferably provided with administering means for the purpose of supplying a cooling medium to at least the parasite. The invention also relates to a method for removing a parasite from the skin, comprising of engaging the parasite, removing the parasite from the skin of the host, supplying a cooling medium to the parasite, fixing the device on the skin of the host and moving the engaging means for the purpose of engaging the parasite.
US08366721B2 Positioning device for surgical operation
The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a positioning device for surgical operation, which could allow a surgical tool to be positioned precisely at a specific operating spot or a specific operating angle by providing a three axial free-moving function and a vertical and horizontal free-rotating function. Furthermore, the present invention is able to be electrically connected to and controlled by an automatic control system to achieve a more precise and efficient positioning function.
US08366720B2 Interventional medical device system having an elongation retarding portion and method of using the same
An interventional medical device system operable while within a body vessel is provided with a generally hollow tubular proximal portion, distal portion, and intermediate portion. The proximal portion and at least part of the distal portion remains outside of the body in use, with the remainder of the distal portion positioned within the body. The intermediate portion includes a spiral ribbon having adjacent turns, with at least one frangible bridge member between two adjacent turns. The proximal and distal portions are movable away from each other by elongating the spiral ribbon and, eventually, breaking the frangible bridge member. According to a method of using such a system to deploy an implantable medical device, such as an embolic coil, an actuation member is moved proximally with the proximal portion to disengage a bond or joint between the actuation member and the implantable medical device.
US08366716B2 Constrained acetabular trialing system
A trial head and shell for use in trial reduction of hip implants, and particularly bipolar implants, having locking features that prevent the head from dissociating from the shell during trialing, yet which allow the head and shell to be readily assembled and disassembled in the operating room. A cut-out region is formed in an outer bearing surface of the head. The cut-out region allows the head to pass through a trial shell opening and into the shell, yet is oriented such that when the head is associated with a femoral neck, the head cannot disassociate from the shell. Orientation indicators can be provided for use in assembly and disassembly. The trial head and associated shells can be provided in the form of a surgical kit including hip implants. Methods of use are provided.
US08366710B2 External fixator
An external fixator for fixing bones includes a coupling member, a plurality of ball joints, each ball joint comprising a pin to be inserted into a bone, a rotary member in form of a ball, a supporting member in which a first supporting member and a first thread for supporting the ball rotatably are formed, and a tubular fastening member that contains the ball and that has openings at the opposite ends, the tubular fastening member is provided at one end with a second thread corresponding to the first thread. The tubular fastening member is provided at the other end with a second supporting portion for pushing the ball against the first supporting portion when the second screw is driven into the first thread, wherein the pins and the coupling member are fixed to the supporting member and the rotary member.
US08366706B2 Systems and methods for puncture closure
Systems, apparatuses and methods are provided for use in closing punctures in vessel walls. An apparatus may have various combinations of an anchoring device, a positioning device and a heating element for closing a puncture within a vessel wall. An anchoring device may be a balloon, an expansible cage, a wire operated T-anchor, and/or a floating anchor. A positioning device may be a balloon, a sponge, and/or an expansible cage. A heating element may be flexible or rigid and preferably provides heat to target tissue through conduction and convection. A heating element may be flat-ended or dome-shaped. The heating element and anchoring device may be positioned a fixed distance apart to sandwich tissue between the heating element and the anchoring device. The heating element may operate in multiple stages. An initial stage may non-permanently adhere the heating element to the tissue and the subsequent stage may close the puncture.
US08366703B2 Fractional scanner for dermatological treatments
A dermatological treatment device is disclosed for generating a matrix of two dimensional treatment spots on the tissue. A handpiece carrier a laser which generates a beam of laser pulses. The pulses are focused onto the tissue with a lens system. A diffractive element is positioned between the laser and the lens system for splitting the laser beam into a plurality of sub-beams. A scanner translates the beam over the diffractive element to generate the two dimensional spot pattern. The laser has a semi-monolithic resonator design with one integral end mirror defining the output coupler and a second, independent mirror for adjustment.
US08366702B2 Methods for treating hyperopia and presbyopia via laser tunneling
A method for treating presbyopia utilizes an Erbium based, pulsed laser to sever sub-conjunctival strictures located within the scleral matrix of the eye. Introduction of treatment energy into the scleral matrix increases or facilitates an increase in accommodation, thereby mitigating the effects of presbyopia. The treatment energy can be directed into the scleral matrix to form tunnel ablations in and through the strictures of the scleral matrix. The tunnel ablations can enhance the accommodation of the patient's eye, enabling the eye to refocus at near distances while not losing its ability to focus at a distance.
US08366697B2 Enteral feeding safety reservoir and system
The present invention provides a one-piece bottle containing enteral feeding material and having a top end with a threaded section and a bottom end comprising a funneled connector port; and a threaded cap dimensioned to mate with the threaded section of the one-piece bottle; wherein the funneled connector port connects to an enteral feeding assembly; wherein the threaded cap provides a leak proof seal such that there is no exposure point until it is used for feeding, thereby preventing contamination.
US08366691B2 Reduced-pressure treatment systems with reservoir control
A reduced-pressure system for delivering reduced pressure for medical purposes to a desired site and to receive fluids in one instance includes a reservoir having an interior space operable to contain the fluids. A reduced-pressure delivery conduit is placed in fluid communication with the interior space for delivering the reduced pressure to the desired site. A source conduit and a pressure sensor conduit are placed in fluid communication with the interior space. A pressure sensor is placed in fluid communication with the pressure sensor conduit. A reduced-pressure source is placed in fluid communication with the source conduit. A reduced-pressure control unit is associated with the pressure sensor and the reduced-pressure source and is operable to receive pressure data from the pressure sensor and supply data from the reduced-pressure source and to determine when a reservoir-full/blockage condition exists. Other systems and methods are presented.
US08366689B2 Method for making structural changes in corneal fibrils
In a system for stabilizing a pattern of structural changes in corneal fibrils, an eye treatment system causes corneal fibrils of a cornea of an eye to transition from a first structure to a second structure. An application device applies a cross-linking element to the corneal fibrils. An activating device applies an initiating element to the corneal fibrils and activates the cross-linking element. The cross-linking element causes cross-linking in the corneal fibrils to preserve the second structure of the corneal fibrils. Another application device may apply a cross-linking breaker to the corneal fibrils. The cross-linking breaker halts or reverses at least partially the cross-linking in the corneal fibrils. Another activating device applies an initiating element to the corneal fibrils and activates the cross-linking breaker. Advantageously, the cross-linking breaker provides greater control over the amount and progress of cross-linking that occurs in the corneal fibrils.
US08366687B2 Injection access port with chamfered top hat septum design
An access port comprises a housing with a first opening and a self sealing septum sealing the first opening, the septum including an attachment portion for securing the septum to the housing, the attachment portion including a chamfer which, when the septum is mounted within the housing is subject to a force oriented substantially perpendicularly with respect to a plane of the outer surface, the chamfered portion redirecting a portion of the force to compress the outer surface. A septum for an access port comprises an attachment portion for abutting a septum seat of the access port and an operative surface permitting penetration by a needle and resealing itself after removal of the needle in combination with a chamfered portion providing a transition between the attachment portion and the operative surface, the chamfered portion re-directing a component of a force applied to the chamfered portion to compress the operative surface.
US08366686B2 Subdermal material delivery device
A method may include placing a first device on a first side of a skin portion of a subject and transferring a material through the skin portion of the subject from the first device to a subdermal second device disposed on a second side of the skin portion of the subject.
US08366684B2 Intravenous catheter blood control device
An apparatus to control blood flow through an intravenous catheter in accordance with the present invention may include a substantially resilient helical outer shell and an inner valve portion formed therein. The inner valve portion may be configured to open upon compressing the substantially resilient helical outer shell. In some embodiments, the inner valve portion may include mating portions that substantially align to provide fluid leakage therebetween. Compressing the substantially resilient helical outer shell by, for example, inserting a Luer device into a catheter adapter containing the substantially resilient outer shell, may cause the mating portions to misalign, thereby creating a fluid path.
US08366681B2 High flow volume nasal irrigation device and method for alternating pulsatile and continuous fluid flow
A high flow volume nasal irrigation device for alternating pulsatile and continuous fluid flow includes a tube comprising a free end and a housing at a second end adjoined to a cap with a coaxial cap nipple. A valve assembly inside the housing comprises a disk-like valve and a plurality of housing standoffs configured to stop the valve but allow a fluid flow in the housing and out the nipple. A cylindrical elastic valve seat is adjoined to the cap nipple and forms a gap with the valve on the standoffs. A spring opposes the valve moving toward the valve seat from the standoffs and assists in returning the valve from the seat to the standoffs and thus with the valve seat creates a periodic pulsatile fluid flow in the nipple in response to a chamber pressure which exceeds a critical chamber pressure threshold.
US08366678B2 Medical anchoring system
An anchoring system for an elongated medical article comprises an anchor pad and a retainer mounted upon the anchor pad. The retainer includes a base, a cover, and a compressible member including a receptacle into which the medical article to be retained is placed. When the cover is closed, the medical article is secured within the receptacle by the pressure of the compressible member and the cover upon the medical article. One or more biasing members act upon the compressible member to increase the frictional forces acting on the retained section of the medical article. The receptacle may form a channel that follows a curved path through the retainer. The retainer may also include guide extensions to support the medical article along a transverse bend toward the skin of the patient.
US08366673B2 Method and devices for selective endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
A catheter for inserting into a bodily structure. The catheter includes a primary lumen and a secondary lumen having a side hole for engaging under negative pressure with an inter-mural mucosa of the bodily structure. Methods of use of a catheter involving insertion of the catheter into a bodily structure and engaging the catheter under negative pressure with an inter-mural mucosa of the bodily structure.
US08366672B1 Fluid administration system
A needle has distal, proximal and intermediate extents. The proximal extent has an electrical assembly. A pump has a reservoir. A feed tube operatively couples the reservoir and the needle. An actuator on the electrical assembly is operatively coupled to the pump. The actuator is adapted to activate the pump. In this manner a flow of fluid is fed from the reservoir to and through the needle. A haptic feedback device is operatively coupled to the pump and the electrical assembly. The haptic feedback device is adapted to sense the flow of fluid through the electrical assembly. A sensory signal generator activates the sensory signal generator in response to the sensed flow of fluid through the electrical assembly.
US08366669B2 Injection device
An injection device (110) comprises a housing (112) adapted to receive a syringe (116) having a discharge nozzle (118) and dispensing piston (114) movable in the syringe to expel the contents of the syringe through the discharge nozzle. There is also a drive (130) adapted to act on the syringe to advance it from a retracted position in which the discharge nozzle is contained within the housing to an extended position in which the discharge nozzle extends from housing. A drive coupling (134) extends from the drive to the dispensing piston of the syringe so as to transfer movement of the drive to the piston. The drive coupling comprises a fixed-length drive-coupling and an interchangeable drive coupling. There is also a method of manufacturing an injection device by assembling a first sub-assembly (210) and second sub-assembly (220).
US08366668B2 Autoinjector with audible indication of completed delivery
The present invention relates to a device for automatic injection of a product into an injection site. The product is being carried by a container having a proximal open-end, a substantially closed distal end, carrying a needle to provide an outlet port for the product from the container and a piston provided in the container and distally movable with respect to the container. The movement of the piston causes the product to be expelled from the container. The device further comprises: automatic injection means for causing the piston to move with respect to the container; a housing receiving the automatic injection means; controlling means cooperating with the automatic injection means to produce an audible indicator when the piston is near the distal end of the container and the product is substantially completely expelled from the container thereby informing a user that injection of the product is completed; The present invention is characterized in that the controlling means comprise at least an intermediate part coupled to the automatic injection means and at least a flexible part coupled to the housing, the intermediate part cooperating with the flexible part to produce the audible indicator.
US08366663B2 Method and apparatus for increasing blood flow through an obstructed blood vessel
A method of increasing blood flow through an obstructed blood vessel includes providing an expandable member substantially made of a mesh having a plurality of interstices. The expandable member is inserted into the blood vessel, positioned within the blood vessel with the proximal member end upstream of the distal member end and the member body located radially adjacent at least a portion of an obstruction, and expanded to bring at least a portion of the member body into contact with the obstruction. An outward radial force is exerted on the obstruction to dislodge at least one fragment from the obstruction and to enhance blood flow through the blood vessel past the obstruction. The at least one fragment is passed through at least one interstice of the member body in the radial direction, and is selectively retained within the expandable member.
US08366661B2 Medical device with expandable body for drug delivery by capsules
Medical devices using an expandable body to deliver a therapeutic agent. In one particular embodiment, the medical device comprises a tubular catheter and an inner expandable body (e.g., a scaffolding) contained within the catheter. The inner expandable body is connected to a core wire for advancing or retracting the inner body. The inner body may be advanced to exit out of the catheter or retracted to withdraw the inner body back into the catheter. This particular embodiment further comprises a sheath on the outside of the interior of the catheter. The sheath carries a plurality of capsules that contain a therapeutic agent. The therapeutic agent is delivered by pushing the core wire to advance the inner body, which expands against the sheath, causing the capsules on the sheath to be compressed against body tissue such that the therapeutic agent is released.
US08366660B2 Drug releasing coatings for medical devices
The invention relates to a medical device for delivering a therapeutic agent to a tissue. The medical device has a layer overlying the exterior surface of the medical device. The layer contains a therapeutic agent and an additive. The additive has a hydrophilic part and a hydrophobic part and the therapeutic agent is not enclosed in micelles or encapsulated in particles or controlled release carriers.
US08366649B2 Manually operated disposable single-needle circuit for extracorporeal treatment of blood
A disposable single-needle extracorporeal blood treatment circuit for such treatments of blood hemofiltration, plasma filtration, detoxification and alike includes a manually operated syringe attached to a proximal bifurcation and a patient's access port attached to a distal bifurcation. Both bifurcations are connected with each other by a withdrawal line and in parallel by a treatment loop including a blood treatment unit and an air removal element. In the first embodiment, one or two three-way valves (such as stop-cocks) are positioned at these bifurcations to allow directing the flow of blood from the patient to the syringe through the withdrawal line and redirecting the flow through the treatment loop when blood is being returned to the patient from the syringe. In a second embodiment, two check valves are positioned along said withdrawal line and said treatment loop to automatically direct the blood floe in the same manner. Additional flush and drain circuits are optionally included allowing a “stand-by” mode of operation.
US08366648B2 Medical connector able to connect specific medical tube and input port
A medical connector (18) has a visual signal (67) formed by a colored screen-applied band arranged on a bolt (63). In a correct engaged position of the bolt (63) with an external element, the signal is visible. In an incorrect engaged position, the part of the bolt (63) bearing the signal is lowered, so that the signal is hidden from view, providing an indication of a faulty situation. The medical connector serves to connect the end of a dialysate supply tube to an inlet port of a dialyser.
US08366647B2 Apparatus and method for treating ulnar neuropathy
An apparatus and method for treating ulnar neuropathy are disclosed. An apparatus for treating ulnar neuropathy includes an inner face for engaging an arm with an upper end terminating above the elbow and a lower end terminating below the elbow; a plurality of mechanical fasteners along an edge of the inner face; an outer face having channels to promote circumferential flexibility; and a plurality of mechanical fasteners on the outer face positioned to oppose the plurality of mechanical fasteners on the inner face. A method of treating ulnar neuropathy includes placing an inner face in contact with the arm; wrapping the device around the arm to extend above and below the elbow; engaging mechanical fasters on the inner face with mechanical fasteners on the outer face; and tightening the device to support the elbow while allowing normal circulation in the arm.
US08366638B2 Guide wire loading method and apparatus with towel attachment mechanism and retaining member
A device for loading a guide wire into the open end of a tubular instrument, such as a catheter. The device can be a block of material having a groove in its surface. The ends of the guide wire and the tubular instrument are placed into the groove and moved toward each other. When the ends meet, the groove guides the guide wire into the open end of the tubular instrument. The groove, or at least a portion of the groove, can have a cross-sectional contour that closely matches the outside radius of the tubular instrument. The groove can have a substantially vertical wall and a substantially non-vertical wall. A variety of attachment mechanisms may be provided for attaching the device to a towel draping a patient. A retaining member is disposed on the surface of the device for retaining a guide wire or tubular instrument against movement.
US08366637B2 Method and apparatus for penetrating tissue
A skin penetrating system is provided with a drive force generator and a disposable housing member. A plurality of penetrating members are positioned in the disposable housing member. Each penetrating member is coupled to the drive force generator. A plurality of analyte detecting members are each associated with a penetrating member and are positioned in the disposable housing member. Each analyte detecting member is positioned in a sample chamber. The sample changers have openings for transport of a body fluid into the sample chamber. Each analyte detecting member is configured to determine a concentration of an analyte in a body fluid using a sample of less than 1 μL of a body fluid disposed in the sample chamber. A user interface is configured to relay at least one of, skin penetrating performance or a skin penetrating setting.
US08366635B2 Biopsy probe and targeting set interface
A biopsy device comprises a targeting set assembly, a probe assembly, and a holster assembly, which are detachable from one another. The targeting set assembly comprises a needle assembly, which comprises a connecting member. The probe assembly comprises components configured to selectively attach to the connecting member of the needle assembly. In some versions, the connecting member comprises a recess, and the probe assembly comprises a protrusion configured to selectively engage the recess. The protrusion may be provided on a rocking member or on a resilient arm. The rocking member or resilient arm may bias the protrusion to enter the recess. The connection of the probe assembly to needle assembly provides a device for use during a biopsy procedure. The connection of the probe assembly to needle assembly may further permit rotation of the needle assembly for indexing.
US08366632B2 Stenger screening in automated diagnostic hearing test
Method and system are disclosed for automated testing of a patient's hearing. The automated hearing test allows the patient to quickly and accurately test his own hearing. The patient is instructed and prompted for inputs and responses as needed. The patient and/or operator can select one or several tests to be performed, including air and bone conduction testing with masking, speech reception threshold, speech discrimination, tympanogram, acoustic reflex, and otoacoustic emissions testing. Stenger screening is automatically performed for some patients based on the difference in pure tone frequency air conduction thresholds. Multiple languages are supported. Data obtained from one test may be used for another test or another iteration of the same test to calculate masking levels. The automatic hearing test also detects and compensates for ambient noise in the test results. If a contingency occurs, the automated hearing test is configured to page the operator for assistance.
US08366631B2 System and method for detecting respiratory events
A method for determining the respiratory flow of a patient receiving bi-level respiratory therapy is provided. The method may include measuring the total air flow through a breathing area at a time approximately when the patient has completed exhalation, measuring the pressure in the breathing area, determining a constant representing a corrective flow factor by dividing the measured total air flow by the square root of the measured pressure, and determining the patient's respiratory flow by subtracting from a subsequent total air flow the product of constant and the square root of a subsequent pressure.
US08366621B2 Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and medical image display apparatus
A transmission and reception unit repeatedly scans a three-dimensional scanning area including a specific part of a patient with an ultrasonic beam via an ultrasonic probe. A volume data set generation unit generates a plurality of volume data sets whose scanning times different from one another in accordance with the output from the transmission and reception unit. A section image generation unit respectively generates the data of a plurality of the section images concerning the predetermined section of the specific part based on the plurality of the volume data sets. An image display unit displays the plurality of section images by changing at least one of the position and the size of each of the plurality of section images against the display area in accordance with variation of at least one of the position and the shape of the specific part on the plurality of section images.
US08366620B2 Methods and apparatus for intracranial ultrasound delivery
A method for delivering ultrasound energy to a patient's intracranial space involves forming at least one hole in the patient's skull, advancing at least one ultrasound delivery device at least partway through the hole(s), and transmitting ultrasound energy from the ultrasound delivery device(s). According to various embodiments, ultrasound delivery devices may be advanced into the epidural space, one or both ventricles and/or an intracerebral space of the patient's brain. In alternative embodiments, one or multiple holes may be formed in the skull, and any number of ultrasound delivery devices may be used. Intracranial ultrasound delivery may be used in diagnostic or therapeutic treatment of ischemic stroke, head trauma, atherosclerosis, perfusion disorders and other acute or chronic neurological conditions.
US08366618B2 Radiotherapy treatment monitoring using ultrasound
Methods and systems for assessing the effects of therapy on a patient include obtaining baseline and treatment ultrasound scans of a treatment area of a patient where the treatment ultrasound scans are taken subsequent to the baseline scan and at various times during a course of radiotherapy treatment sessions. The baseline and treatment ultrasounds are compared, and as a result a damage map representing cell death within the treatment area can be constructed.
US08366617B2 Breast scanning system
A breast scanning system configured to scan a breast of a patient includes a table configured to receive the patient thereon. The table has an aperture formed therein configured to receive the breast of the patient pendant therethrough and positionable over and into a bath configured to contain a medium. An armature is movably disposable in the bath. The armature carries transducer arrays that are disposable in the bath, and configured to transmit and receive acoustic and/or ultrasound signals. A manual control is operatively coupled to the armature to manually move the armature and thus the transducer arrays within the bath.
US08366616B2 Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus
For realization of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of satisfactorily narrowing a beam width while suppressing an increase in the number of focus data, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is designed to include an ultrasonic probe 10 that transmits or receives ultrasonic waves to or from a subject, a transmission unit 12 that supplies a driving signal to the ultrasonic probe 10, a reception unit 16 that handles a received signal sent from the ultrasonic probe 10, a unit 18 that reconstructs an ultrasonic image on the basis of a signal sent from the reception unit 16, and a unit 20 that displays the ultrasonic image. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus further includes an element selection unit 22 that selects a plurality of driving oscillatory elements, which constitutes an aperture through which ultrasonic waves are transmitted or received, from among a plurality of oscillatory elements that constitutes the ultrasonic probe 10 and transforms ultrasonic waves into electric signals or vice versa. The element selection unit 22 groups the plurality of driving oscillatory elements into a plurality of sets, each of which includes one driving oscillatory element or a plurality of adjoining driving oscillatory elements, according to the depth of a focal point.
US08366609B2 Actuator and image pickup apparatus
An actuator has a magnet moved together with a moving lens frame, an SMA wire capable of extending and contracting in a moving direction I of the moving lens frame with execution or non-execution of energization thereof, a fixing member made of a magnetic material attached to a distal end of the SMA wire, a pressing spring which urges the fixing member toward the magnet along the moving direction I, and a stopper member and a stopper portion which limits the movement of the magnet along the moving direction I at a first position or a second position.
US08366607B2 Manually controlled endoscope
A control handle for use with a steerable endoscopic device. The endoscopic device having a pair of control wires to effect steering. The control handle includes a steering mechanism that includes an actuator, such as a control knob, drivingly connected to a drive member, such as a sprocket or drive gear. To transmit force from the drive member to the control wires, a length of transmission structure, such as bead chain, is connected to the proximal ends of the control wires and is engaged with the drive member. In one embodiment, a single-use endoscope may be provided, which includes a control handle, a steerable endoscopic device, and a umbilical cord or communications conduit for functionally connecting the control handle to a control cabinet of an endoscopic imaging system.
US08366604B2 Endoscope combined deflection control and lock
An endoscope including a shaft having a deflectable distal end; a handle at a proximal end of the shaft; and a deflection control connected to the distal end. The deflection control includes a combined lock and deflection control member at the handle. The control member is adapted to be moved to a selected location by a single finger of a user and thereby deflect the distal end. The control member is adapted to be locked at the user selected location by movement of the control member to a locked position by the single finger of the user.
US08366600B2 Polyamine enhanced formulations for triptan compound iontophoresis
A patch and compositions for iontophoresis of triptan compounds are described.
US08366591B2 Reconfigurable ankle exoskeleton device
The present invention relates to a ungrounded, reconfigurable, parallel mechanism based, force feedback exoskeleton device for the human ankle. The primary use for the device is aimed as a balance/proprioception trainer, while the exeskeleton device can also be employed to accommodate range of motion (RoM)/strengthening exercises. This device is also used for metatarsophalangeal joint exercises.
US08366590B2 Back machine and method
A back machine and method that can be employed by individuals particularly those with chronic back pain to stretch the lower back muscles, realign and strengthen the lower spine and also to reduce pain. The back machine includes a base portion and a frame portion. The frame portion includes a lower end attached to the base portion. The frame portion extends in a vertical direction from the base portion to a height that is substantially above that of an average user standing upright on said base portion. The back machine includes a handle bar portion, a right foot support elevated above the base; a right leg restraint adjacent to the right foot support; a left foot support elevated above the base; and a left leg restraint restraining movement of a user's left leg when elevated.
US08366578B2 Apparatus and method for lubricating a gear
A gear train assembly includes a first reduction planetary gear set having a rotating carrier and a second reduction planetary gear set having a non-rotating carrier. A plurality of vanes are attached to the carrier to direct oil from an oil bath towards the non-rotating carrier as the rotating carrier rotates.
US08366576B2 Toothed chain, in particular for a vehicle drive
A toothed chain, which has a multiplicity of toothed links and cover links articulatedly connected to one another by cradle pieces. The cradle pieces are arranged in cradle piece openings of the toothed links and cover links. The cover links form guide links situated at the outside at both sides of a longitudinal direction and hold the toothed links between them. The cover links are formed with link yokes, which have a respective opening for the cradle pieces, and with an upper and lower link web which connect the link yokes. An opening is formed in the region between the upper and lower link webs, which has, in plan view, a substantially trapezoidal shape with sides of substantially equal lengths and an upper side and lower side of different lengths. The upper side is assigned to the upper link web and the lower side to the lower link web.
US08366573B2 Light-emitting components for arrows
Arrow components, such as vanes and nocks, are provided with a light-emitting material for enhancing their visibility to the shooter, a camera, spectators, and/or others attempting to view the flight-path of the shot arrow during low-light conditions. In various embodiments, the light-emitting material is provided by a photo-luminescent material, a chemi-luminescent material, a refractive material, a reflective material, another material that will emit light in low-light conditions, or a composite of these. The light-emitting material is preferably selected for its ability to emit light, upon exposure to natural or artificial light and with no electric power source.
US08366571B2 Waist-mounted tethered ball and target
A game device has a target plate fixed to the waist area of a person who will play the game, and a ball is tethered to the target plate. The tether is flexible to allow the ball to engage a target on the target plate. To facilitate control of the ball on the tether, the tether has a rigid rod flexibly fixed to the bottom of the target plate, and a flexible string extending from the rod to the ball. There are sights between the targets on the target plate. By swinging the tethered ball with the tether aligned with a sight, the player can align the ball to be received by a target. Baskets in the targets catch the ball, so the ball can be easily removed from the target. Electronic play instructions, electronically directed game play, electronic scorekeeping means, and electronically directed alternative player goals are provided.
US08366570B1 Sports event advertising display system
A method for using a netting apparatus adapted to display advertising content at a sporting event is disclosed. The netting apparatus comprises a first panel and a second panel. The first panel may comprise an open mesh netting, wherein the open mesh netting is adapted to safely stop a ball without significant obstruction of view through the open mesh netting. The second panel may comprise a solid material, wherein the solid material is located either in front of the first panel or behind the first panel.
US08366567B2 Golf club head
A golf club head according to one or more aspects of the present invention may include a main cavity having at least one auxiliary cavity and a base surface. An insert may be associated with the base surface and may comprise at least two contact elements, with a bridge member disposed therebetween. Different contact elements of the insert may be disposed in separate respective auxiliary cavities, such that each contact element may be associated with the base surface. The bridge member of the insert may be dissociated from the base surface. Moreover, a surface coating may be selectively applied to the head to permit a durable adhesive bond between the insert and the base surface.
US08366565B2 Golf club assembly and golf club with aerodynamic features
A golf club head includes a body member having a ball striking face, a crown, a toe, a heel, a sole, a back and a hosel region, located at the intersection of the ball striking face, the heel, the crown and the sole. The body member may have a first cross-section having a first airfoil-shaped surface in the heel. The first cross-section may be oriented at approximately 90° from the centerline of the club head. The body member may have a second cross-section having a second airfoil-shaped surface. The second cross-section may be oriented at approximately 45° or at approximately 70°. The airfoil-shaped surfaces may be defined by spline points or by equations. A golf club including the golf club head is also provided.
US08366562B2 Arch-based play system
Embodiments of an arch-based play system are disclosed. The system incorporates an arch assembly or a group of arch assemblies. Play elements are connected to the arch assembly or assemblies. The system is modular in nature such that there are a wide variety of different possible implementation configurations. The wide variety of possible implementation configurations corresponds to a wide variety of different play experiences.
US08366561B2 Riding floor assembly
A riding floor assembly has a support layer laid on a subfloor. The support layer, or ground preparation layer, is formed of ground preparation elements that are substantially formed of plates and are arranged next to one another. A footing layer covers the upper side of the ground preparation layer. A plurality of tufts of bristles are provided on that side of the ground preparation layer facing toward the footing layer. The tufts of bristles have a length selected such that the bristles do not project out of the footing layer.
US08366555B2 Rotating quick release button panel
A gaming machine having a support bracket coupled to a cabinet front of the gaming machine, and a modular user interface hingedly coupled to the support bracket with at least one connector, the modular user interface having a button panel and a wrist support, wherein the modular user interface is configured to rotate along an axis of the at least one connector to expose an interior portion of the gaming machine.
US08366552B2 System and method for multi-stream video compression
A computer-implemented system and method are described for online gaming. For example, a system according to one embodiment comprises: a video game server receiving user inputs related to an online video game and responsively executing program code of the video game to render a sequence of video images; a first stream encoder to compress the sequence of video images and generate a live video stream during a live gaming session with a user of a client device, the first stream encoder receiving channel feedback signals from the client device and responsively adapting compression of the sequence of video images based on the channel feedback signals, the first stream encoder continually transmitting the live video stream to the client device during the live gaming session with the user; a second stream encoder to compress the sequence of video images at a specified video quality and/or compression ratio unrelated to the channel feedback signal during the live gaming session with the user, thereby generating a High Quality (HQ) video stream, the HQ video stream having a relatively higher video quality and/or lower compression ratio than the live video stream; and a storage device for storing the HQ video stream for subsequent playback to the user of the client device and to other users upon request.
US08366550B2 System and method for collecting and using player information
A distributed computer system is provided for collecting player information. Further, a scoring system is provided that rates a player based on one or more elements of the collected information. Players may be rated with respect to a number of characteristics. Responsive to a determined rating or score, action may be taken by the distributed system with regard to the player. For instance, the player may be provided a complimentary offer, provided an award, and invitation to come to a gambling location, presented an advertisement, or other action may be performed involving the player. Further, the distributed computer system may permit a player to manage their frequent player accounts and receive complimentary offers based on a set of criteria specified by the player.
US08366549B2 Controller
A controller (1) converts physical movement in eight directions of motion into electrical signals. The controller (1) has two opposed handles (2a, 2b) connected together using a gimbal (150) having a telescoping device (200) that is rotatable relative to the gimbal (150). The telescoping device (200) has an inner member (18) that is biased in either telescoping direction using one spring. The inner member (18) can be locked along either of the telescoping directions using a locking device (26). The gimbal (150) has four sensors sensing movement of one handle (2a) relative to the other handle (2b).
US08366548B2 Storage medium storing information processing program, information processing apparatus, information processing method and information processing system
A game apparatus includes a CPU and a main memory. The main memory stores a first character, is capable of storing a second character, and stores a first movement history being brought into association with the first character. The CPU acquires position information indicating a position in which the game apparatus exists, updates a first movement history on the basis of the position information, receives a second character and a second movement history being brought into association with the second character from another game apparatus, and performs processing of writing down a diary and giving a quiz by the character on the basis of at least one of the first character and the second character, and at least one of the first movement history and the second movement history.
US08366545B2 Screen operation system, screen operation method, and method for providing network service
Provided is a screen operation method for operating a character in a virtually 3-dimensional space displayed on a 2-dimensional screen. The method includes: inputting a movement command for an object by an input device; displaying on a movement amount display unit, a change of an object movement amount in accordance with the movement command; displaying accumulated effect by the object movement on an accumulated effect display unit; and executing the next event process in the virtually 3-dimensional space by an event generation unit when the accumulated effect has reached a predetermined value. Thus, it is possible to provide GUI exhibiting higher reality in an operation of a simulation game and the like and provide a new business of an online game in which a virtual game world is linked with a real service.
US08366544B2 Method and apparatus for conducting or facilitating a promotion
A method and apparatus for conducting a promotion and for distributing promotions to potential users provide a merchant or promotion organizer flexibility in the way they conduct the promotion as well as an ability to change one or more aspects of the promotion during the operation of the promotion. In accordance with one embodiment, such a promotion may provide for a game on a mobile device, wherein a locked outcome of the game may be unlocked using an unlock code. In one embodiment, a result of the locked outcome may correspond to an intra-game benefit.
US08366537B2 Apparatus and method for controlling reel game
An apparatus and method for controlling reel games is described. The apparatus may include a display part for displaying an alignment status of reels caused by playing a first reel game. The apparatus may also include a control part for determining whether a combination of symbols or the number of event symbols of at least one or more reels sequentially re-aligned out of the reels satisfies a predetermined event-playing condition, and for playing the event. The apparatus may also include a user interface part for inputting user's random halt settings to spins of at least one or more remaining reels yet to be re-aligned out of the reels based on the playing of the event, and for stopping corresponding reel spins.
US08366534B2 Systems and methods for conducting a sweepstakes in a gaming environment
Certain embodiments provide systems and methods for sweepstakes awards in a gaming environment. Certain embodiments provide a method including accumulating sweepstakes entries for a player based on at least one sweepstakes entry criterion and randomly selecting a winner from the pool of sweepstakes entries. The sweepstakes entries are associated with the player and incorporated in a pool of sweepstakes entries. In certain embodiments, the at least one sweepstakes entry criterion comprises at least one of one entry per player, accumulating points based on play, accumulating points based on machine outcome, and coin in. In certain embodiments, the method further includes determining eligibility of a player for the sweepstakes. In certain embodiments, eligibility is determined based on at least one of a player group, a machine group, a machine denomination, a machine type, a machine manufacturer, a game manufacturer, a game theme and a game title, for example.
US08366533B1 Gaming system, gaming device, and method providing an obstacle board slot game
A gaming system, gaming device, and method providing an obstacle board slot game. A wagering game including object starting and ending areas spaced apart in relation to one another, a plurality of obstacles and a plurality of designated target areas between the object starting area and the object ending area, and a plurality of reels including a plurality of symbols is displayed. The gaming system receives a wager, causes the reels to display a plurality of the symbols, and displays an object moving from the object starting area to one of the designated target areas and/or the object ending area along one of a plurality of object paths through the obstacles. If the object moves into one of the designated target areas, the gaming system determines whether to cause one of the reels to move and causes one of the reels to move if it so determines.
US08366532B1 Gaming system, gaming device, and method providing an obstacle board slot game
A gaming system, gaming device, and method providing an obstacle board slot game. A wagering game including object starting and ending areas spaced apart in relation to one another, a plurality of obstacles and a plurality of designated target areas between the object starting area and the object ending area, and a plurality of reels including a plurality of symbols is displayed. The gaming system receives a wager, causes the reels to display a plurality of the symbols, and displays an object moving from the object starting area to one of the designated target areas and/or the object ending area along one of a plurality of object paths through the obstacles. If the object moves into one of the designated target areas, the gaming system determines whether to cause one of the reels to move and causes one of the reels to move if it so determines.
US08366531B2 Methods and systems for determining and selling wagering game outcomes to be viewed remotely
In accordance with some embodiments, a plurality of outcomes are generated and used to create a video presentation of representative outcomes. The video presentation is recorded onto a tangible medium (e.g., DVD or CD-ROM) or otherwise provided to a player (e.g., player may access the video presentation online). This allows a player to purchase a video presentation of (e.g., predetermined) outcomes in a jurisdiction in which gambling is legal yet view the presentation at the player's convenience (e.g., from any jurisdiction and at any time). A player who purchases such a video presentation may subsequently redeem it for a redemption value associated therewith.
US08366530B1 Cube insertion game
An electronic insertion type game system wherein an image of a game cube formed of a plurality smaller cubes, some of which are scoring cubes, arranged in a generally cubic center array having six square faces is displayed on an electronic display and players operating user input devices simulate inserting a smaller cube into the game cube, forcing another smaller cube to be ejected from the opposite side of the game cube. A score is tallied for a player when a scoring cube is ejected from the frame.
US08366529B2 Game in which clips are stored on a DVD and played during the course of the game
A media game that employs a method for randomly shuffling through a large set of video and/or audio clips stored on readable media using a media player, such as a DVD player, is disclosed. In addition to the readable media, the game also includes a game board, moveable play pieces, trivia question cards, random name cards, a numbered die, and a challenge die. The game board can be converted from long play to short play by lifting the endmost sections of the game board and placing them next to each other on top of intermediate sections of the game board. A path circumnavigates the game board and appears to be continuous in both long and short play modes. The begin and end regions reside at least partially on the endmost sections and appear as unbroken shapes when configured for both long and short play.
US08366527B2 Puzzle game apparatus, program and method
When small blocks are cleared by an object clearance controller (113) in any one of game fields, a field movement controller (114) causes the game fields to move in accordance with the number of the cleared small blocks. The game field in which the small blocks are cleared is caused to move away from a game end determination line while the other game field(s) is caused to move closer to the game end determination line. Thus, a puzzle game is realized, which implements a new display configuration and thereby improves a player's interest. Further, the player is able to intuitively grasp his/her lead over the opponent in the course of a battle.
US08366519B2 Inner surface grinding tool
An inner surface grinding tool is provided with a plurality of machining units for simultaneously machining inner surfaces of a plurality of portions of a workpiece. The plurality of machining units respectively include expanding and contracting mechanisms and grinding blade portions. In the respective machining units, outer diameters of the respective grinding blade portions are capable of individually expanding and contracting by the respective expanding and contracting mechanisms.
US08366516B2 Partial-area polishing device for optical disc
An optical disc polishing device includes a housing in which a disc turntable assembly is arranged for carrying an optical disc on a rotation surface thereof. The housing includes a cover that carries a polishing assembly. The cover forms a slot serving as a track extending in a radial direction of the optical disc. The polishing assembly includes a positioning member, a polishing wheel, and a locking knob. A threaded section is provided on the positioning member and the polishing wheel is coupled to the positioning member to be opposite to the threaded section. The threaded section is set through the track slot to threadingly engage the locking knob in a releasable and re-tightenable manner so as to allow for position adjustment of the polishing assembly with respect to the track slot. The polishing assembly can thus be positionable to oppose a scratch formed on the disc.
US08366513B2 Apparatus and method for the prototype and small-batch production of gear wheels
This invention relates to an apparatus for the prototype and small-batch production of gear wheels with a dressing disk. In accordance with the invention, the dressing disk has an asymmetric flank shape and a defined head radius. Furthermore, this invention relates to a method for the prototype and small-batch production of gear wheels by using such dressing disk.
US08366510B2 Shooting toy
A shooting toy where players determine whether or not a shot has hit a target based on image recognition is provided. A determination section (43) of a controller (5) determines whether or not the shot has hit the target based on image recognition by comparing a target image to be recognized, acquired by a target image data acquiring section (41) with a reference image stored in a reference image data storing section (45). A game executing section (35) proceeds with the game based on a hit signal outputted from the determination section (43).
US08366504B2 Method of manufacturing a display device having an orientation film
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display device having a TFT substrate and a counter substrate, and prevents brightness unevenness from being caused by orientation film thickness unevenness. Orientation films for the TFT substrate (10) and the counter substrate (20) are formed by offset printing that is performed to transfer an orientation film material from a printing plate to the TFT substrate (10).The direction in which the printing plate for an offset printing machine rotates during offset printing is the long-axis direction of the TFT substrate (10) in the case of the TFT substrate (10) or the short-axis direction of the counter substrate in the case of the counter substrate. This ensures that brightness unevenness caused by orientation film thickness unevenness is inconspicuous even when the orientation film thickness unevenness is produced during offset printing.
US08366503B2 LED lamp and production method of the same
An LED lamp including a glass lampshell and a stem assembly with one end inserted into the glass lampshell. The stem assembly comprises a glass trumpet tube with one end sealed within the glass lampshell to form a cavity within the glass lampshell and within the cavity a supporting component connected to the glass trumpet tube and supporting an LED emitter. The stem assembly further comprises a wire encompassed within the glass trumpet tube. The wire has one end extending outside of the cavity and the other end electrically connected to the LED emitter.
US08366502B2 Inflatable device with electronic devices
An inflatable device that floats on water has an inflatable body that has a hollow interior, a speaker unit removably secured to the body, a battery box removably secured to the body, and wiring that electrically connects the speaker unit with the battery box. The wiring is housed inside a tube that extends inside the hollow interior of the body and exits the body at least one exit location, the wiring including a first electrical connector that is removably coupled to the speaker unit, and a second electrical connector that is removably coupled to the battery box.
US08366500B2 Outboard motor control apparatus
In an apparatus for controlling an outboard motor having an internal combustion engine to power a propeller, and a torque converter interposed between the engine and a drive shaft and equipped with a lockup clutch, it is configured to have a throttle opening detector that detects throttle opening of a throttle valve of the engine, a throttle opening change amount calculator that calculates a change amount of the calculated throttle opening, and a clutch ON unit that makes the lockup clutch ON when the calculated change amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and keeps the lockup clutch ON during a predetermined time period. With this, it becomes possible to improve acceleration performance immediately after the engine speed is accelerated.
US08366499B2 Ground terminal assembly for a vehicle
A ground terminal is provided for a vehicle. The ground terminal includes a hub having an opening extending therethrough. The opening is configured to receive a fastener for attaching the hub to the vehicle. A plurality of electrical contacts extend radially outward from the hub. Each electrical contact extends outwardly from the hub to a free end portion. The free end portions of the electrical contacts are arranged in an arcuate pattern.
US08366498B2 Power jack for a welding device
The invention relates to a power jack (27) for a welding device (1), in particular an electrode and/or TIG welding device, wherein the power jack (27) made of conductive material comprises a bore (28) for receiving a plug element (29) attached to a hose packet, and an axial guide groove (33) is disposed in the bore (28), the guide groove being guided to the outside by way of a longitudinal groove (34) such that a locating pin (35) disposed on the plug element (29) can be inserted and rotated, wherein in the bore (28) a radial groove (36) is disposed and a retaining element (38) is positioned, preferably in the intersecting region of the groove (36) and the longitudinal groove (34), and a spring element (40) designed to transmit power is disposed in the groove (36), the spring element (40) protruding from the groove (36) and thereby reducing the diameter of the bore (28), wherein the retaining element (38) forms a contact surface (41) for the ends of the spring element (40) which is configured over only part of the entire periphery.
US08366496B2 Composite contact assembly having lower contact with contact engaging points offset from each other
An electrical contact assembly electrical contact assembly comprises upper contact having a lower mating end at a lower end thereof, a lower contact having a base portion and a pair of mating beams extending vertically from the base portion for a length respectively and for engaging with the lower mating end of the upper contact, and a spring located between the upper contact and the lower contact. A channel is defined between the mating beams and providing a space to allow movement of the lower mating end. The pair of mating end has unequal lengths for providing unequal torque on the lower mating end, thus ensuring reliable electrical connection between the upper contact and lower contact even under worse circumstance.
US08366494B2 Terminal fitting
A terminal fitting (10) has a rectangular tube (11) and a wire connecting portion (12) rearward of the rectangular tube (11). Two rib-like stabilizers (31F, 31R) project from the rectangular tube (11) by closely folding pieces extending from a side wall (19) of the rectangular tube (11). The stabilizers (31F, 31R ) are spaced apart in forward and backward directions. An entrance preventing portion (35) in the form of a single plate is formed between the two stabilizers (31F, 31R).
US08366486B1 Electrical connector
An electrical connector includes an insulating housing, a plurality of terminals, a main shielding shell and an auxiliary shielding shell. The insulating housing includes a base body and a tongue portion. The insulating housing defines a plurality of terminal grooves of which each includes a receiving slot passing through a rear surface and a bottom surface of the base body. The terminals are received in the terminal grooves with soldering portions disposed in the receiving slots. A bottom face of the soldering portion is in alignment with the bottom surface of the base body to be soldered on a circuit board. The main shielding shell surrounds the tongue portion with the terminals. The auxiliary shielding shell has a base plate positioned to the rear surface of the base body to cover up top portions of the soldering portions, and two bending plates attached to the main shielding shell.
US08366475B2 Dual directional latch
The present device, system, and method pertain to locking and/or latching mechanisms that utilize canted coil springs and specific groove geometries in connecting parts to achieve locking and/or latching. In specific locking and/or latching embodiments, built in release features are provided to enable unlatching even after being locked, such as by moving in the opposite direction as when moving the connector to lock. Unlatching can implemented by rotating the spring to permit moving in the opposite direction.
US08366474B2 Electronic device and releasing apparatus thereof
An electronic device includes a housing, an electronic module received in the housing, a locking member fixed to the electronic module and locked to the housing, and a releasing apparatus fixed to the housing. The releasing apparatus includes a mounting member fixed to the bracket, an operation member slidably mounted to the mounting member, a first connecting member hinged to the mounting member, and a second connecting member hinged to the first connecting member and the operation member. The operation member is pushed to drive the first connecting member and the second connecting member to rotate to raise a junction of the first and second connecting members, to resist against the locking member to be deformed and released from the housing.
US08366473B2 Connector
Front ends of the locking strips (59) of the holder (50) are shifted from each other in a longitudinal direction thereof. Front ends of the locking part receiving parts (37) of a sub-housing (31) are located at different positions in a longitudinal direction thereof. When the holder (50) takes a normal mounting posture relative to the sub-housing (31), all of the locking parts (60) are fitted on the locking part receiving parts (37) corresponding thereto respectively after each of the locking strips (59) performs an elastic operation. Thereby the holder (50) is held by the sub-housing (31). When the holder (50) takes an incorrect mounting posture relative to the sub-housing (31), at least one of the locking parts (60) cannot be fitted on the locking part receiving parts (37) corresponding thereto. Thereby the holder (50) is separable from the sub-housing (31).
US08366472B2 Connector
A connector (10) has first and second housings (20, 40). The first housing (20) has a tubular hood (21) with opposite first and second surfaces and the second housing (40) can be fit in the tubular hood (21). A terminal fitting (80) and a retainer (60) are mounted in the second housing (40). A guide (29) projects from the second inner surface of the hood (21), and a striking part (27) projects from the first inner surface of the hood (21). The second housing (40) slides along the guide (29) in a process of fitting the second housing (40) in the hood (21) and is displaced toward the striking part (27). The retainer (60) projects from the second housing (40) prior to complete insertion and will strike against the striking part (27) to prevent the second housing (40) from fitting farther into the hood (21).
US08366469B2 Connector isolator system
A connector isolator system, having a mounting plate with a contact surface and an opposing operational surface and an aperture extended therebetween; a plurality of backstops spaced a distance away from the operational surface of the mounting plate; a printed circuit board (PCB) or other connector carrier member that is movable out-of-plane between the backstop and the operational surface of the mounting plate, and a plurality of in-plane isolators mounted therein with an electrical connector mounted thereon in a position to pass through the aperture in the mounting plate; and one or more biasing members arranged for urging the connector carrier member toward the mounting plate and the electrical connector through the aperture therein.
US08366467B2 Illumination device with a connector having a retainer with a rotary member
An illumination device includes a light tube holder including two connectors for receiving either a light-emitting diode (LED) tube or a fluorescent tube. The connector includes a rotary member rotatably received in a through hole defined in a retainer, and three conductive elastic pieces positioned in the retainer around the through hole. One elastic piece is electrically connected to an LED tube drive circuit board, and the other two elastic piece are electrically connected to a fluorescent tube drive circuit board. The rotary member can be rotated to first and second positions, wherein at the first position, the LED tube can be activated, and at the second position the fluorescent tube can be activated. The LED tubes has two conductive pins at each end thereof. The LED tube can be mounted to the connectors regardless an orientation of the LED tube.
US08366466B2 Connector
An air hole (29) is formed to penetrate through a back wall (23) of a receptacle (22). Leading end portions (61) of male terminal fittings (60) are inserted into an inner portion (28) of a tube (27) and the air hole (29) communicates with the inner portion (28). If a female connector is connected in a posture inclined from a proper connecting posture, the tube (27) interferes with the female connector to prevent any further connecting operation. The tube (27) surrounds a plurality of male terminal fittings (60) together. A wall (31) for partially closing openings of the inner portion (28) is formed at a leading end portion of the tube (27).
US08366464B1 Retraction arm to extract a mezzanine circuit board connector from a motherboard connector
An information handling system mezzanine circuit board disposed in a parallel configuration over a motherboard is selectively coupled and de-coupled at the motherboard with a retraction and latching device that translates retraction force applied at an accessible actuation portion to push upward from below the mezzanine circuit board. A retraction portion of the retraction and latching device provides an upward force at the bottom surface of the mezzanine circuit board to separate the mezzanine circuit board connector from the motherboard connector so that an end user can lift the mezzanine circuit board away from the motherboard.
US08366463B2 Safety structure for electric receptacles and power strips
A symmetrically movable safety structure disposed inside of an upper lid of a power panel, includes a cover plate disposed with a jack corresponding to the upper lid, a first shielding part and a second shielding part, disposed within the cover plate, where a first bonding position and a second bonding position corresponding to the jack are formed at a contacting place of the above two shielding parts, and a first elastic part and a second elastic part, wherein the first elastic part is disposed between the cover plate and the first shielding part, the second elastic part is disposed between the cover plate and the second shielding part, and the first shielding part and the second shielding part contact with each other under elastic force application directions.
US08366461B2 Electrical plug having rotatable prongs
An electrical plug includes a base having an accommodating portion, a first hinge member rotatably disposed in the accommodating portion and having a recess, a first prong having one end connected to the first hinge member, a second prong having one end connected to the first hinge member. And the recess is disposed between the first prong and the second prong, a second hinge member is rotatably disposed in the accommodating portion, and a third prong has one end connected to the second hinge member. The first prong and the second prong are rotated by the first hinge member to be selectively received in the accommodating portion, and when the first prong and the second prong are received in the accommodating portion, the third prong is selectively rotated to be received in the recess.
US08366454B2 Socket for electrical component
In an electrical component socket, an electrical component can be removed easily even if a fixed contact potion bites into an electrical component terminal. In the electrical component socket (11), a floating plate (14) to accommodate an IC package (12) is provided in a socket body to be able to move up and down, and is biased upward by a biasing member. In a movable contact piece (15b) of a contact pin (15), a pressing projecting piece (15m) is formed. In the floating plate (14), a pressed part (14m) to be pressed by the pressing projecting piece (15m) is formed. When the movable contact piece (15b) is elastically deformed in an opening direction and a movable contact part (15g) separates from an IC lead (12b), the floating plate (14) rises upward by the biasing member, and the IC lead (12b) separates from a fixed contact part (15d).
US08366449B2 Method and system for knowledge diagnosis and tutoring
The present invention includes method and system for intelligent knowledge diagnosis and tutoring in any knowledge domain. It differs from prior arts with new knowledge model for knowledge presentation and heuristic algorithms. The knowledge model allows the present invention to be applied to curricula in different knowledge domains quickly and cost effectively.The knowledge model and related computational algorithms provide effective and intelligent knowledge diagnosis and tutoring with minimum requirement on assessment content and learning content. It also allows easy curriculum customization and learner initiated learning assistance to meet needs of different teaching and learning styles.The present invention gains better understanding of learner's knowledge status and hence provides more accurate assistance as learner progresses in the curriculum. The present invention can be an add-engine to existing learning management systems working with existing assessment and learning content in any format.
US08366446B2 Integrating real time data into virtual settings
Data from live events is incorporated into virtual simulations and games. The data may be obtained from various sensors and transferred over a network. However, should one of the participants be a threat, then portions of the virtual simulations and games may be disabled to protect the other participants.
US08366445B2 Method for dental restoration and related kit
The disclosure generally relates to a method for forming a dental mold. The method generally includes: (a) scanning an existing dental structure to generate a three-dimensional first digital model of the existing dental structure, (b) modifying the first digital model of the existing dental structure to generate a three-dimensional second digital model of a planned dental structure; (c) generating a three-dimensional third digital model corresponding to a negative of the second digital model; (d) digitally sectioning the third digital model into at least one buccal model portion and at least one lingual model portion of the third digital model; and (e) creating a dental mold comprising at least one buccal mold portion and at least one lingual mold portion based on the sectioned third digital model. The disclosure also relates to (a) methods of assembling the dental mold over a tooth and a gum of a patient having an existing dental structure in need of dental restoration, (b) methods of performing a dental restoration on the existing dental structure of the patient using the dental mold, and (c) kits including components for forming the dental mold and/or for performing the dental restoration using the dental mold.
US08366444B2 Artificial tooth with multiple internal crowns
The present invention provides an artificial tooth with multiple internal crowns, which includes a plurality of the internal crown members, a plurality of the connection bars, and at least one external crown member. The internal crown members are respectively fit to a plurality of the abutments. Each of the connection bars connects to at least two of the internal crown members. The external crown member forms therein a plurality of recesses. The recesses are formed to correspond to the internal crown members. The external crown member, when fit to the internal crown members, forms a tight engagement with the internal crown members.
US08366439B2 Combustion of oil floating on water
A method for combusting oil from an oil-containing layer floating on water as from an oil spill or well leak. In the method, an oxygen-containing gas is passed through a conduit, the oxygen-containing gas from the conduit is introduced proximate the oil-containing layer floating on water, and oil from the oil-containing layer is combusted with the oxygen-containing gas in the presence of a flame. The oxygen-containing gas is introduced with an oxygen molar flow rate sufficient to decrease the opacity of a smoke plume from the combusting oil.
US08366438B2 Mold clamping device
In a mold clamping device including a fixed platen, a movable platen, a plurality of tie bars, and mold clamping half nuts, a pair of additional half members which is restricted in the axial direction of the tie bar and moves in an opening/closing direction of the half nuts relative to the mold clamping half nuts is further provided, and when the mold clamping half nuts are closed and mated with the screw or the ring groove of the tie bar, the additional half members are closed to hold the tie bar so that play at mated parts is removed or cancelled by fixation.
US08366435B2 Extrusion blow mold system
A mold unit has first and second parts, each with a plurality of cooperating cavity portions. The mold unit further has similarly interconnected third and fourth mold parts. An operating system moves the mold parts to change the mold unit between first and second states. The first and third mold parts meet at a fixed, first parting line to define a first plurality of mold cavities, and the second and third mold parts meet at a fixed, second parting line to define a second plurality of cavities with the mold unit in the first state. In the second state, molded products formed from the parisons can be released from their cavities.
US08366429B2 Vented mold and method for producing molded article
The invention relates mold, particularly a mold for producing foam articles. In a preferred embodiment, the mold comprises a lid and a bowl releasingly engageable to define a mold cavity, the lid comprising: (i) a vent having a passageway for gas to escape from the mold cavity, and (ii) a plurality of grooves connected to the vent. The use of a plurality of grooves/slots in the mold cavity surface effectively acts as a siphon to draw gas away from the composition to be molded. The plurality of grooves/slots is connected to one or more vents which then allows for escape of the gas from the mold cavity to the exterior of the mold.
US08366426B2 Combination loader and post cure inflator
A combination loader and post cure tire inflator for use with a tire press is provided. A post cure inflator for inflating and curing vulcanized tires includes a plurality of inflator stations with each inflator station including a pair of axially aligned, vertically separable tire inflating chuck rings. A loading apparatus includes a loading arm movable along a linear track relative to the plurality of inflator stations to load and unload each vulcanized tire in a selected one of the plurality of inflator stations without rotating the vulcanized tires in a turnover operation.
US08366425B2 Compressor slider, slider preform, scroll part, and compressor
A compressor slider has a carbon content of 2.0 wt % to 2.7 wt %, a silicon content of 1.0 wt % to 3.0 wt %, a balance of iron that includes unavoidable impurities, graphite that is smaller than the flake graphite of flake graphite cast iron, and a hardness that is greater than HRB 90 but less than HRB 100 in at least a portion of the slider.
US08366421B2 Fluid pressure pulsation damper mechanism and high-pressure fuel pump equipped with fluid pressure pulsation damper mechanism
A fluid pressure pulsation damper mechanism includes: a metal damper having two metal diaphragms joined together with a hermetic seal for forming a sealed spacing filled with a gas between the two metal diaphragms, an edge part overlapping along outer peripheries thereof, a main body having a damper housing in which the metal damper is accommodated, and a cover attached to the main body to cover the damper housing and isolate the damper housing from outside air.
US08366418B2 Magnetic centrifugal pump
The invention is a magnetically driven pump with a floating impeller and driven magnet, and the invention includes an impeller surface having geometric figures acting as the pumping bodies.
US08366414B2 Diaphragm pump
A diaphragm pump (1) having a diaphragm (11), a solenoid with a movable magnetic armature (8) as a drive element for the diaphragm (11), and a stop element (9) for adjusting the stroke for the drive element (8). The diaphragm pump includes at least one elastic damper (36) between the drive element (8) and the stop element (9), which elastic damper (36) has at least one compression chamber (26) which is surrounded and formed by at least one elastic boundary wall and by at least one rigid boundary wall of the drive element (8) and/or stop element (9).
US08366413B2 Low rate hydraulic artificial lift
In an embodiment of the invention, a down-hole pump comprises a hydraulic chamber having a passage for fluid communications with a hydraulic conduit, a produced fluid chamber having an inlet and an outlet, a first check valve associated with the inlet, a second check valve associated with the outlet, a stored energy unit, a piston, having one side exposed to the stored energy unit and a second side exposed to the hydraulic chamber and a displacement member projecting from said piston into the produced fluid chamber. Additional embodiments and aspects, including embodiments for power units as well as system and method aspects, are also disclosed.
US08366409B2 Reciprocating pump
A reciprocating pump is provided that does not leak working liquid to the exterior. A communicating tube 14 extends over both a first manifold 4 and a second manifold 5 such that a reciprocating member 1 constitutes a part of a reciprocating cylinder 2. An auxiliary O-ring 24 is disposed on connection surfaces 13a and 13b of a first manifold 4 and a second manifold 5 outside of the communicating tube 14 in the radial direction so that liquid leaking from at least one of a first O-ring 15 between the first manifold 4 and the periphery of the communicating tube 14 and a second O-ring 16 between the second manifold 5 and the periphery of the communicating tube 14 toward the exterior is blocked.
US08366408B2 Externally assisted valve for a positive displacement pump
A positive displacement pump having a valve with an actuation guide for assisting its actuation. The valve may be configured for controlling fluid communication relative to a chamber of the pump with the valve actuation guide positioned external to the chamber and configured to assist in the controlling. The valve actuation guide itself may include an arm extending into a valve actuation assembly below the valve. In such embodiments, the arm may be reciprocated by crankshaft, hydraulic, or other means. Alternatively, the valve actuation assembly may include electromagnetic means for assisting in actuation of the valve.
US08366407B2 Device for reducing pulsation in a variable displacement compressor
The present invention is directed to provide a device for reducing pulsation in a variable displacement compressor. The compressor is connected to an external refrigerant circuit. The device for reducing pulsation includes a flow passage and a control valve. The control valve includes a valve housing, a spool valve and a damper chamber. The spool valve has formed therethrough a flow hole. The damper chamber communicates with the flow passage adjacent to the external refrigerant circuit through the flow hole. Effective cross-sectional area and effective length of the flow hole are determined based on frequency of a specific pulsation of the refrigerant gas and volume of the damper chamber at the time of the development of the specific pulsation in such a manner that the specific pulsation is developed, resonance effect of a Helmholtz resonator takes place in the damper chamber.
US08366403B2 Fan assembly
A fan assembly includes a motor-driven impeller for creating an air flow, at least one heater for heating a first portion of the air flow, and a casing comprising at least one air outlet for emitting the first portion of the air flow, and first channel for conveying the first portion of the air flow to the at least one air outlet. To cool part of the casing, the casing diverts a second portion of the air flow away from the at least one heater, and comprises a second channel for conveying the second portion of the air flow along an internal surface of the casing. This second portion of the air flow may merge with the first portion within the casing, or it may be emitted through at least one second air outlet of the casing.
US08366396B2 Unit for cable management and wind turbine
According to the present disclosure, a cable drip loop securement system that during operation of a wind turbine, including a nacelle supported by a tower prevents knurl formations beyond a specified area of at least one cable that is routed from the nacelle into the tower is provided. The cable drip loop securement system includes a displaceable cable drip loop securement device that accommodates part of the at least one cable and a positioning element for connecting the cable loop securement device inside of the tower. The at least one cable can turn and eventually form knurls only above the cable loop securement device.
US08366388B2 Multi-stage centrifugal pump (axial face seal)
An axial face seal (13), which seals a pump housing in the region of the pump shaft (12), is constructed in an axially compact manner. Spring holders (24, 25), which transmit the required pressing force of a compression spring (23), are connected to one another with a positive fit in a rotation direction, and hold a rotating axial face seal ring (19) in a rotationally fixed manner to the pump shaft (12). The spring holders (24, 25) are compact and enclose an abutment ring (33) for pump impellers as well as the compression spring (23). A motor-side spring (24) engages over the rotating axial face seal ring (19), by which an axially extremely short constructional length is achieved.
US08366381B2 Rotary pump with hydrodynamically suspended impeller
A pump assembly 1, 33, 200 adapted for continuous flow pumping of blood. In a particular from the pump 1, 200 is a centrifugal pump wherein the impeller 100, 204 is entirely sealed within the pump housing 2, 201 and is exclusively hydrodynamically suspended therein as the impeller rotates within the fluid 105 urged by electromagnetic means external to the pump cavity 106, 203. Hydrodynamic suspension is assisted by the impeller 100, 204 having deformities therein such as blades 8 with surfaces tapered from the leading edges 102, 223 to the trailing edges 103, 224 of bottom and top edges 221, 222 thereof.
US08366366B2 Fixing device for rotary blade
A saw blade fixing device is constructed so that a screw flange of a screw body tightened into a screw hole of a spindle is made to have a truncated cone shape, an operating lever is provided to be operable to pivot to a received position and a use position by reversing the operating lever between front and back sides, and this operating lever does not protrude from the truncated cone shape when it is received.
US08366363B2 Blind rivet
A blind rivet assembly is provided. In another aspect, a blind rivet has ends that are received within countersinks in one or more workpieces and a mandrel head is completely pulled through the rivet without being severed from a mandrel stem. A further aspect includes a mandrel with an outwardly tapering shoulder.
US08366362B2 Rotatable partition system for a freight carrying enclosure
A flexible system is provided for preventing freight damage during shipment. The system has adjustable and interlocking hinged panels that are attached to the side walls of a shipping enclosure, so that the system can be readily adapted to secure different types and sizes of loads. One embodiment of the invention, provided for use with a freight carrying enclosure that has an internal wall, includes first and second panel segments that each have an edge. A first mounting structure supports the first panel segment for rotation about a vertical axis, between a first position wherein the first panel segment is in perpendicular relationship with the wall, and a second position wherein the first panel segment is in abutting relationship with the wall. A second mounting structure joins the first and second panel segments together along their respective edges, and enables rotation of the second panel between vertical and horizontal orientations. A support structure selectively maintains the second panel segment in its horizontal orientation.
US08366355B2 Cutting insert and cutting method
A cutting insert, wherein: a cutting edge part having a quadrangular shaped cutting face, which is provided with a pair of side cutting edges extending in a longitudinal direction of an insert body, and a front cutting edge between ends of the side cutting edges that extends in a direction that intersects the longitudinal direction, is formed at an end of the insert body having a bar-shape; and viewed from a direction facing the cutting face perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction, at least one of a pair of corner edges where the side cutting edge and the front cutting edge intersect is formed in a convex shape such that it has a point of inflection at which, after a tangent line that makes contact with the corner edge rotates in a direction extending in the longitudinal direction along the corner edge from the front cutting edge, its direction of rotation changes, and it joins the side cutting edge.
US08366353B2 Pneumatic transport system with reception chamber assembly with access cover seal assembly
An access chamber assembly for use in a pneumatic transport system with a sealing arrangement that provides an intended bearing clearance relative to an access door device which is rotated between an open, access state and a closed state. The bearing clearance allows for radial adjustment of the door while being rotated between states of being fully closed and fully open to avoid binding and seal friction noise. When a seal status is desired, as when the access door is closed and the access chamber is in a pressurized state (such as when a carrier is being braked to a stop state in the access chamber), the seal arrangement provides for a tight seal as the access door device is radially adjusted by the pressure to take up the clearance, at a diametrically opposed side, which movement also increases a seal enhancement effect provided by the seal components surface interrelationship as with door bar seals having a slight taper that provides an increased seal wedge effect as the access door is radially pushed out by the pressure against a second seal component such as a fixed lip seal of a carrier support pocket.
US08366349B2 System and method for aggregate disposal
A system for disposing of aggregate material in a mine cavern between a mine ceiling and a mine floor includes a first pump for pumping water from the cavern, a second pump for pumping emulsion to the cavern, a gated proportioning mechanism, and a water line extending between the first and second pumps and being accessible at the gated proportioning mechanism such that aggregate in the gated proportioning mechanism is introduced into the water line to form the emulsion. The second pump is configured such that the emulsion is pumped into the cavern at a pressure between about 20 pounds per square inch and about 30 pounds per square inch and settles on the mine floor in a pile having an angle of repose between about 1:1.5 and about 1:3.5. The pressure is insufficient to fracture the mine floor and insufficient to fracture the mine ceiling.