最新美国发明专利第2013-05-14期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

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US08440928B2	Rotary electronic component In a rotary electronic component, the rotor includes a flange with the first face on which grooves are formed radially and the second face. The plate spring with a ring shape in the top view, includes resilient arms and flat parts. The upper member has the bottom face covering the plate spring and the first face, and retains the flat part such that the flat part can be attached to or detached from the bottom face of the upper member while preventing the plate spring from rotating responsive to rotation of the rotor. A spring constant of the resilient arms and the shape of the flat part are set to achieve the state such that the resilient, arms bend and the flat part is partially released from the bottom face of the upper member when the resilient arms go over a position between adjacent grooves.
US08440924B2	Switch unit with multi-layer resin switch cover A switch unit includes a switch cover having an opening; a knob for operating a switch, the knob being provided within the opening in such a manner as to oscillate or rotate; and a parting line is set on a circumferential edge portion of the opening of the switch cover. The switch cover includes a first resin layer which is molded of a resin material having a property in which a plate layer does not adhere thereto, in which the opening is formed and which defines a rear side of the switch cover; a second resin layer which is molded of a resin material having a property in which a plated layer can adhere thereto and which is provided on a surface side of the first resin layer in such a manner as to be integral with the first resin layer; and a plated layer which is provided to cover a surface of the second resin layer.
US08440923B2	Electrical closing switch made from reactive composite materials Devices and components that can interact with or modify propagation of electromagnetic waves are provided. The design, fabrication and structures of the devices exploit the properties of reactive composite materials (RCM) and reaction products thereof.
US08440922B2	Water inhibiting slide switch Electromechanical switches are provided. The electromechanical switches can include conductive components that are configured to change position relative to one another in response to a mechanical input. The electromechanical switch can include a distribution mechanism for replenishing a moisture inhibiting layer, such as an oleophobic material, on surface portions of conductive components within the switch. During actuation of the electromechanical switch, the distribution mechanism can be configured to reapply the moisture inhibiting material to the surface portions of the conductive components to prevent damage resulting from moisture intrusion.
US08440920B2	Circular single-layer touch sensors A two-dimensional capacitive sensor device comprises a sensor substrate with a plurality of wedge shaped sensor cells arranged in a single-layer circular pattern proximal to the substrate. The plurality of wedge shaped sensor cells are arranged in a rotationally symmetric pattern about a center of the single-layer circular pattern. A sensor cell of the plurality of wedge shaped sensor cells comprises a first sensor electrode and a second sensor electrode separated by a border. The first and second sensor electrodes are configured for detecting changes in capacitance caused by one or more input objects. The first and second sensor electrodes become substantially thinner in width approaching the center of the single-layer circular pattern than at a distance further from the center. A sensor circuitry is communicatively coupled with the sensor electrodes of the sensor cell and the sensor circuitry is configured to interpret the changes in capacitance.
US08440917B2	Method and apparatus to reduce impedance discontinuity in packages A method, system and apparatus for coating plated through holes (PTHs) to reduce impedance discontinuity in electronic packages. PTH vias are imbedded in the core of a printed circuit board comprising a core layer, a plurality of buildup layers, a plurality of micro-vias, and a plurality of traces. Traces electrically interconnect each of the micro-vias to PTH vias, forming an electrically conductive path. PTHs are coated with a magnetic metal material, such as nickel, to increase the internal and external conductance of the PTHs, thereby providing decreased impedance discontinuity of the signals in electronic packages.
US08440913B2	Breaker with improved shipping configuration A pole assembly for a three phase breaker includes a center pole and a pair of outer poles positioned on opposed sides of the center pole. A pair of brackets are positioned at opposed ends of the pole, and include a center groove and a pair of outer grooves. The center pole is positioned in the center groove. The outer poles are secured in the outer groove in a shipping configuration and an installed configuration. When in the shipping configuration the bushings of all the poles are parallel. When in the installed configuration the bushings of the outer poles are angled away from the bushings of the center pole.
US08440912B1	Securing electrical devices An electrical cable includes first and second conductive strips and an electrically insulative base extending between and joining the first and second conductive strips and electrically isolating the first conductive strip from the second conductive strip. The first and second conductive strips each include an electrically conductive thermoplastic resin in contact with a longitudinally continuous electrical conductor, the electrically conductive thermoplastic resin having a lower electrical conductivity than the electrical conductor. The electrically conductive thermoplastic resin forms an exposed surface of the cable and a field of fastener elements extending from the exposed surface. Lighting systems and electrical fastening devices include similar features.
US08440911B2	Flat cable A flexible flat cable having good flexibility and bending resistance without deterioration of a good electrical characteristic of a strip structure and capable of enhancing cost effectiveness is provided. The flexible flat cable includes: a first shield member and a second shield member disposed in such a manner as to cover a surface of a cable body including a plurality of conductors arranged in parallel with a prescribed pitch therebetween. Each of the first and second shield members includes a metal member formed by placing a conductive adhesive layer placed between a plurality of metal layers, and allows one of outer most layers of the metal layers to be conductively connected with a ground layer.
US08440907B2	Solar cell, solar cell string and solar cell module A solar cell includes a semiconductor substrate having a photoelectric converting portion, a first electrode formed on a first main surface of the semiconductor substrate, and a second electrode connected to the first electrode on the first main surface. The first electrode includes a plurality of first connecting portions to be connected to an interconnector and a first non-connecting portion not connected to an interconnector. The first non-connecting portion is arranged between first connecting portions to electrically connect the first connecting portions together. The first connecting portion and first non-connecting portion are coupled forming an angle larger than 90° and smaller than 180°. A solar cell string and a solar cell module employ the solar cells.
US08440905B2	Copper complex dye sensitized solar cell A dye-sensitized semiconductor includes a semiconductor, and a copper(I) coordination compound comprising 2,9-dialkyl-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthrolinedisulfonate, on the semiconductor. The dye-sensitized semiconductor may be used as part of a photoanode in a solar cell, which also contains a counter-electrode, and a conductive medium containing a redox-active mediator, in contact with and separating the photoanode and the counter-electrode.
US08440902B2	Interactive multi-channel data sonification to accompany data visualization with partitioned timbre spaces using modulation of timbre as sonification information carriers Interactive data sonification for representing multidimensional numerical information with a plurality of variable-timbre channels for use complementing data visualization is described. The method includes generation of a plurality of variable-timbre audio waveforms, each having an audio frequency parameter and at least one timbre modulation parameter having an adjustable value that affects the timbre of the audio waveform. The method includes associating aspects of multidimensional numerical data with the timbre modulation parameter of each audio frequency waveform using a mapping element. The mapping element varies values of timbre modulation parameters responsive to selected values from the multidimensional numerical data. Each audio frequency waveform can be positioned within a sonically-rendered sound field, associating information with positions within the sound field. Mapping elements can vary the positions responsive to selected values from the multidimensional numerical data. In an implementation, a cursor moves over visualized data as associated multidimensional numerical data values are sonified.
US08440899B1	Lighting systems and related methods A lighting system. Implementations may include an AC input power source coupled with a power conditioning and control module adapted output a low voltage high frequency pulse width modulated (PWM) signal. A remote transmission cable may be adapted to carry the low voltage high frequency PWM signal to a remote transformer adapted to convert the low voltage high frequency PWM signal to a high voltage high frequency PWM signal. A charge pump may be included which is adapted to receive the high voltage high frequency PWM signal and increase a voltage of the signal. A gas discharge tube may be coupled to the charge pump. A controller may be coupled to the power conditioning and control module and adapted to operate the gas discharge tube at two or more light intensity levels with the low voltage high frequency PWM signal.
US08440898B2	Automatic positioning of music notation A system that allows the repositioning (scrolling) of the displayed portion of a music notation computer file in rasterized format, according to an internal or external time code/metronome, to constantly display the currently active part of the music notation file. By use of a corresponding data file describing the relative position of each music stave and form defining musical markings such as repeats or codas, a software application based on this invention can shift the displayed part of the entire music file to match the current played portion of the music notation file.
US08440897B1	Guitar with high speed, closed-loop tension control A guitar is played during performance by rapid change in the tension of its strings. In one embodiment, rapid, accurate, and repeatable tuning is obtained by a two-step process of adjusting the tension of the string to a stored value which may be then be corrected according to the pitch of the string obtained at later various times during the performance.
US08440893B2	Therapeutic agent for rheumatoid arthritis When C60 was added to synovial fibroblasts, infiltrating lymphocytes, and macrophages, and the inflammatory cytokine production level was measured, the inflammatory cytokine production level was significantly suppressed in all cells. Furthermore, when C60 was added to osteoclast precursor cells and cultured in the presence of osteoclast differentiation-inducing factors, a certain concentration or more of C60 suppressed their differentiation into osteoclasts. Observation of the effect of C60 addition on bone resorption showed that C60 suppressed bone resorption by osteoclasts. In addition, the use of arthritis model animals confirmed in vivo that C60 suppressed inflammatory symptoms, as well as bone resorption and bone destruction by osteoclasts. C60 is effective for treating arthritic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis through its effects of suppressing osteoclast differentiation, bone resorption, and inflammatory cytokines.
US08440891B2	Rice cultivar CL 142-AR A rice cultivar designated CL 142-AR is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of rice cultivar CL 142-AR, to the plants of rice CL 142-AR, to methods for producing a rice plant produced by crossing the cultivar CL 142-AR with itself or another rice variety, and to methods for controlling weeds in the vicinity of plants of rice cultivar CL 142-AR, which comprises increased resistance to acetohydroxyacid synthase-inhibiting herbicides. The invention further relates to hybrid rice seeds and plants produced by crossing the cultivar CL 142-AR with another rice cultivar.
US08440890B1	Maize variety inbred PH1D0D A novel maize variety designated PH1D0D and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH1D0D with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH1D0D through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH1D0D or a locus conversion of PH1D0D with another maize variety.
US08440885B2	Soybean cultivar 08093572 A soybean cultivar designated 08093572 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 08093572, to the plants of soybean cultivar 08093572, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 08093572, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 08093572. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 08093572. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 08093572, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar 08093572 with another soybean cultivar.
US08440881B2	Plants having enhanced yield-related traits and a method for making the same The present invention relates generally to the field of molecular biology and concerns a method for enhancing various economically important yield-related traits in plants. More specifically, the present invention concerns a method for enhancing yield-related traits in plants by modulating expression in a plant of a nucleic acid encoding a Harpin-associated Factor G polypeptide (hereinafter termed HpaG″). The present invention also concerns plants having modulated expression of a nucleic acid encoding an HpaG polypeptide, which plants have enhanced yield-related traits relative to control plants. The invention also provides constructs comprising HpaG-encoding nucleic acids, useful in performing the methods of the invention. The present invention also provides a method for enhancing yield-related traits in plants relative to control plants, by modulating (preferably increasing) expression in a plant of a nucleic acid sequence encoding a SWITCH 2/SUCROSE NON-FERMENTING 2 (SWI2/SNF2) polypeptide. The present invention also concerns plants having modulated expression of a nucleic acid sequence encoding a SWI2/SNF2 polypeptide, which plants have enhanced yield-related traits relative to control plants. The invention also provides constructs useful in performing the methods of the invention.
US08440876B2	Chemical decontamination apparatus and decontamination method therein A chemical decontamination apparatus of the present invention chemically dissolves radioactive substance-containing oxide films formed or adhering on the surface of a decontamination object by using ozone water to conduct decontamination. The chemical decontamination apparatus includes an ozone generating unit for generating ozone gas, an ozone supplying device for supplying the generated ozone gas to an ozone supplying unit in water, and a sintered metal element 37 which is disposed in the ozone supplying unit and to which ozone gas is supplied from the ozone supplying device. The ozone gas supplied to a sintered metal element interior from the ozone supplying device is allowed to flow out of the element into water so as to generate ozone water.
US08440875B1	Method and apparatus for high acid content feed for making diesel and aviation fuel A method of making a diesel fuel from a renewable feedstock is described. Ammonia or an amine compound is used to neutralize the organic acids in the renewable feedstock. The ammonia or amine compound is removed from the product mixture before the isomerization zone so that it does not affect the isomerization catalyst.
US08440874B2	Olefin isomerization and metathesis catalyst A process for the production of propylene, the process including: contacting ethylene and a hydrocarbon stream comprising 1-butene and 2-butene with a bifunctional isomerization-metathesis catalyst to concurrently isomerizes 1-butene to 2-butene and to form a metathesis product comprising propylene; wherein the bifunctional isomerization-metathesis catalyst comprises: a catalyst compound may include at least one element selected from tungsten, tantalum, niobium, molybdenum, nickel, palladium, osmium, iridium, rhodium, vanadium, ruthenium, and rhenium for providing metathesis activity on a support comprising at least one element from Group IA, IIA, IIB, and IIIA of the Periodic Table of the Elements; wherein an exposed surface area of the support provides both isomerization activity for the isomerization of 1-butene to 2-butene; and reactive sites for the adsorption of catalyst compound poisons. In other embodiments, the catalyst compound may include at least one element selected from aluminum, gallium, iridium, iron, molybdenum, nickel, niobium, osmium, palladium, phosphorus, rhenium, rhodium, ruthenium, tantalum, titanium, tungsten, and vanadium.
US08440871B2	Tetramer production apparatus and process relating thereto One exemplary embodiment can be a tetramer production apparatus. The apparatus can include a fractionation zone and an oxygenate removal zone. The fractionation zone can produce a distillation product including one or more C6 hydrocarbons for producing one or more C12 compounds. The oxygenate removal zone may remove one or more oxygenate compounds from the distillation product passed through the oxygenate removal zone.
US08440866B2	Process for separating ethanol having low acid A process for operating a distillation column to separate an ethanol mixture comprising ethanol and acetic acid where the recovered ethanol comprises less than 700 wppm acetic acid. The operating conditions for the column may vary depending on the fed composition. In particular the process provides energy efficient recovery of ethanol with low concentration acetic acid.
US08440865B2	Process for the manufacture of alkenones Process for preparing an alkenone, which comprises the following steps: (a) providing a halogenated precursor of the alkenone; and (b) eliminating the hydrogen halide from said precursor to form the alkenone by a thermolysis treatment selected from the group consisting of flash thermolysis, vacuum thermolysis, and thermolysis under stripping with inert gas.
US08440862B2	Process for preparing β-amino-α-hydroxycarboxamides The present invention is directed to a process for preparing β-amino-α-hydroxycarboxamides. The process works with epoxycarboxamides of the formula 2 which are reacted with ammonia or other amines.
US08440861B2	Solid forms of an N-(phenylmethyl)propanamide derivative and processes of preparation The invention relates to solid forms of the anti-epileptic agent lacosamide (I). The invention also relates to mixtures of solid forms of lacosamide. The invention further relates to mixtures of lacosamide enantiomers crystallized in a conglomerate Form and the use thereof in providing enantiomerically enriched lacosamide, preferably lacosamide enriched with the (R)-enantiomer of lacosamide.
US08440860B2	Process for manufacturing N, N-dialkyl lactamide A process for manufacturing dialkyl lactamide including reacting lactide and dialkylamine selected from one or more of dimethylamine, diethylamine, and methylethylamine to form a reaction mixture which includes dialkyl lactamide selected from N,N-dimethyl lactamide, N,N-diethyl lactamide, and N,N-methylethyl lactamide, N,N-dialkyl lactoyl lactamide, and dialkylamine, subjecting the reaction mixture to a separation step to form a product stream including N,N-dialkyl lactamide, a first recycle stream including dialkylamine and a second recycle stream including N,N-dialkyl lactoyl lactamide, feeding the recycle streams to the reaction step, and isolating the product stream. The process allows the manufacture of N,N-dimethyl lactamide, N,N-diethyl lactamide, and N,N-methylethyl lactamide on a commercial scale.
US08440859B2	Method for producing bioresourced propionic acid from glycerol The invention relates to a method for producing bioresourced propionic acid from glycerol. The invention also relates to a composition comprising more than 85 mass % of bioresourced propionic acid, and to the use of the propionic acid obtained from the method as a solvent, as a food preservative, for producing herbicide or for preparing vinyl propionate.
US08440858B2	Method of making fluorinated alkoxy carboxylic acids and precursors thereof A method for preparing saturated partially fluorinated alkoxy carboxylic acids or salts thereof by treating a compound: (II), where Rf represents a fluorinated, linear or branched alkyl residue interruptible by one or more oxygen atoms, n is 0 or 1, with a Z-anion in a reaction medium comprising water and an organic solvent, where the Z-anion is selected from CN—, SCN— and OCN— or combinations thereof. A method of making partially fluorinated ethers of the general formula (I) wherein Rf is defined as above, n is 0 or 1, and Z is nitrile (—CN), azide (—N3), thiocyanate (—SCN) or cyanate (—OCN) group, said method comprising treating a fluorinated olefin of the general formula (II) wherein the Z-anion is CN—, OCN—, SCN— or N3−. A compound of the general formula (I) as previously described where Z is selected from SCN, OCN and N3.
US08440856B2	Method for treating residues from the production of isocyanates This invention relates to a process for working up residues from production of isocyanates. This process involves hydrolyzing residues from production of at least one isocyanate with water to form a hydrolysis product, and processing the hydrolysis product within an extruder or a kneader having a heat transfer surface, to form a mixed product containing at least one amine and water. The amine and the water are separated from the mixed product to form an amine/water mixture, which is then separated to obtain the water and the amine. The process may also involve separating all or part of the water from the hydrolysis, or separating part of the amine from the hydrolysis, prior to the processing of the hydrolysis product.
US08440855B2	Process for the production of acetic acid ethylene and vinyl acetate monomer An integrated process for the production of acetic acid, ethylene and vinyl acetate monomer comprising the steps of: (a) evaporating at least part of an ethanol feed stock (b) producing in a first reaction zone a first product stream comprising acetic acid by oxidative or partly oxidative dehydrogenation of ethanol feed stock; (c) producing in a second reaction zone a second product stream comprising ethylene from an ethanol feed stock; (d) reacting in a third reaction zone an acetic acid reaction stream containing at least a portion of the acetic acid from the first reaction zone with an ethylene reaction stream containing at least a portion of the ethylene product from the second reaction zone and with oxygen to a third product stream comprising vinyl acetate monomer; (e) passing at least a portion of the third product stream to a distillation section and isolating at least a portion of the vinyl acetate monomer; (f) supplying at least part of reaction heat from the third reaction zone to provide heat for evaporating at least part of the ethanol feed stock in step (a); (g) supplying at least part of reaction heat from the first reaction zone to provide heat for producing the second product stream in the second reaction zone in step (c) and for distilling of the third product stream in the distillation section in step (e).
US08440854B2	Antioxidant inflammation modulators: oleanolic acid derivatives with amino acid and other modifications at C-17 This invention provides, but is not limited to, novel oleanolic acid derivatives having the formula: wherein the variables are defined herein. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions, kits and articles of manufacture comprising such compounds, methods and intermediates useful for making the compounds, and methods of using the compounds and compositions.
US08440851B2	Spatially-defined macrocyclic compounds useful for drug discovery Novel spatially-defined macrocyclic compounds containing specific conformational control elements are disclosed. Libraries of these macrocycles are then used to select one or more macrocycle species that exhibit a specific interaction with a particular biological target. In particular, compounds according to the invention are disclosed as agonists or antagonists of a mammalian motilin receptor and a mammalian ghrelin receptor.
US08440844B2	Process for the preparation of β-amino alcohol A high-yielding enantioselective synthesis of the bioactive (S)—N-(5-chlorothiophene-2-sulfonyl)-β,β-diethylalaniol (7.b.2), a Notch-1-sparing γ-secretase inhibitor metabolite (with EC50=28 nM) effective in reduction of Aβ production in vivo, has been realized starting from readily available 3-pentanone. The key steps of the synthesis are proline-catalyzed α-aminooxylation and α-amination of aldehyde; the latter contributing an overall yield of 50-75% and 90-99% enantiomeric excess.
US08440841B2	5-pyrrolidinylsulfonyl isatin derivatives The present invention relates to novel 5-pyrrolidinylsulfonyl isatin derivatives, non-peptidyl Caspase binding Radioligands (CbRs) and CbR-transporter conjugates derived from said isatin derivatives, diagnostic compositions comprising said compounds of the invention and their use for non-invasive diagnostic imaging.
US08440830B2	Tetrahydro-fused pyridines as histone deacetylase inhibitors The compounds of formula (I), wherein ring D and ring E together form a fused ring system selected from formula (II), (III), (IV), (V), (VI), (VII), and the salts of these compounds are novel, effective inhibitors of histone deacetylases.
US08440829B2	PI3 kinase/mTOR dual inhibitor The present invention provides an imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-2-one compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, that inhibits both PI3K and mTOR and, therefore, is useful in the treatment of cancer.
US08440827B2	Photolabile caged transition metal complexes and methods of using the same The present invention provides compounds of Formula I: (I) along with compositions comprising the same and methods of using the same, such as for photodynamic therapy in the treatment of cancer.
US08440824B2	Method for producing pyrimidine compound To provide a method for producing pyrimidine compound useful as an intermediate for agricultural chemicals or pharmaceuticals, which is simple in operation, presents high yield and produces only a small amount of by-products.The method comprises reacting a compound represented by the formula (I) with a compound represented by the formula (II) in the presence of a pyridine compound to produce a compound represented by the formula (III), a compound represented by the formula (IV) or their mixture.
US08440818B2	System and method for gas reaction Herein disclosed is an apparatus having a first porous rotor positioned about an axis of rotation, wherein the first porous rotor comprises a first catalyst; an outer casing, wherein the outer casing and the first porous rotor are separated by an annular space; and a motor configured for rotating the first porous rotor about the axis of rotation.
US08440815B2	Pneumococcal serotype 6D Disclosed is a new and emerging serotype of Streptococcus pneumoniae designated serotype 6D, and assays and monoclonal antibodies useful in identifying same. Also disclosed is a novel pneumococcal polysaccharide with the repeating unit →2) glucose 1 (1→3) glucose 2 (1→3) rhamnose (1→4) ribitol (5→phosphate. This new serotype may be included in pneumococcal vaccines.
US08440813B2	Antiviral nucleoside analogs The invention provides compounds of Formula (I), as described herein, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, and synthetic methods and intermediates that are useful for preparing the compounds. The compounds of Formula (I) are useful as anti-viral agents and/or as anti-cancer agents.
US08440807B2	A34 and A33-like 3 DNA protein, antibodies thereto and methods of treatment using same Polynucleotide molecules and polypeptide molecules A34 and A33-like 3 are described, as well as antibodies to polypeptide molecules A34 and A33-like 3. Also described are methods of detecting cancers expressing these polypeptides, and methods and kits for diagnosing said cancers, and methods of inhibiting effects of a cancer in a patient.
US08440805B2	Algal desaturases Provided herein are exemplary isolated nucleotide sequences encoding polypeptides having desaturase activity, which utilize fatty acids as substrates.
US08440804B2	Polypeptides having modulatory effects on cells The present invention relates to peptides and polypeptides having the sequence SAVTFAVCAL or variants thereof, capable of binding to Calcineurin and/or to NS5A-TP2 and to their use in therapy, as well as to nucleic acid sequences and vectors encoding these peptides and polypeptides, and to cells comprising said polypeptides, nucleic acid sequences or vectors. The invention further relates to the use of the peptides, polypeptides or their derivatives to bring about phenotypic changes in mammalian cells, particularly to up-regulate calcineurin activity. The invention finally relates to a method for intracellular identification of substances which bind to calcineurin and which modulate the physiological effects of calcineurin.
US08440796B2	Lenalidomide and thalidomide immunoassays Novel conjugates and immunogens derived from lenalidomide and antibodies generated by these immunogens are useful in immunoassays for the quantification and monitoring of thalidomide and lenalidomide in biological fluids.
US08440787B2	Hydroxyapatite-targeting multiarm polymers and conjugates made therefrom The present invention provides hydmoxyapatite-targeting, multiarm polymer reagents suitable for reaction with biologically active agents to form conjugates, the polymeric reagents comprising one or more polymer chains and a plurality of hydroxyapatile-targeting moieties located at the terminus of one or more of the polymer chains. The multiarm polymers are optionally divided or separated by one or more degradable linkages into polymer segments having a molecular weight suitable for renal clearance. The polymeric reagents of the invention can have a substantially linear structure, although branched or multiarm structures are contemplated as well. The invention is suited for applications in which use of a high molecular weight polymer is desired, such as a total polymer number average molecular weight of at least about 30,000 Da for linear polymers and 20,000 Da for multiarm polymers. Each structure includes one or more linkages capable of degradation in vivo. The use of multiple hydroxyapatite-targeting moieties on each polymer molecule enhances the ability of the polymer reagent to selectively target and bind to hydroxyapatite surfaces, which in turn, can increase the concentration of biologically active moiety delivered to the bone site.
US08440786B2	PHOSPHORATED polymer, and LITHIUM-ION battery using the same A phosphorated polymer includes a conductive polymer main-chain and a side-chain connected to the conductive polymer main-chain. The side-chain includes an electrochemically active phosphorated group Pm. A method for making the phosphorated polymer and a lithium-ion battery using the phosphorated polymer is also provided.
US08440783B2	Enhanced oligomeric polyols and polymers made therefrom Enhanced oligomeric polyols are reported. The enhanced oligomeric polyols may be prepared by a method comprising the steps of: (a) providing an oligomeric polyol that comprises at least one glycerol fatty acid ester having at least one glycerol fatty acid ester bond; wherein at least 5% of the ethyldenyl groups (C═C) in the glycerol fatty acid ester are substituted with a bonding structure selected from the group consisting of: C-C—C-C; O-C—C-O; C=C—C-C, and mixtures thereof, where * is used to denote the original carbon atoms in the ethylidenyl group; and (b) cleaving at least a portion of the glycerol fatty acid ester bonds to form the enhanced oligomeric polyol. The enhanced oligomeric polyols are useful in making polymers such as polyurethanes.
US08440782B2	Titanium-based catalyst showing excellent activity and selectivity in polycondensation reactions Method for producing polyesters using titanium atrane catalysts is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for making the titanium atrane catalysts. The titanium atrane catalysts are useful as esterification and/or polycondensation catalysts, have similar activity, color and byproduct formation as conventional catalyst systems, but with reduced toxicity and regulatory concerns.
US08440776B2	Lens-forming silicone resin composition and silicone lens Silicone resin compositions comprising (A) an organopolysiloxane containing at least two aliphatic unsaturated bonds and having a viscosity of 100-1,000,000 mPa·s at 25° C., (B) an organohydrogenpolysiloxane having at least three silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms (SiH groups) in the form of HR62SiO—, and (C) a platinum group metal base catalyst cure into colorless transparent parts which are useful lenses.
US08440775B2	Curable liquid composition, method of coating, inorganic substrate, and semiconductor device A curable liquid composition obtained by subjecting hydrogen halosiloxane or hydrogen alkoxysilane to condensation or to hydrolysis and condensation in an organic solvent in which fine polyvalent metal oxide particles with hydroxyl groups are dispersed; a method of forming a hard silica-type layer by applying onto an inorganic substrate the aforementioned composition and then curing the composition; an inorganic substrate with the aforementioned hard silica-type layer; and a semiconductor device comprising the aforementioned inorganic substrate on which a semiconductor layer is formed.
US08440774B2	Transparent silicone epoxy composition A transparent silicone epoxy composition is provided. The transparent silicone epoxy composition comprises (a) at least an epoxy modified siloxane, (b) at least a silanol-containing siloxane and (c) a catalyst. Each epoxy modified siloxane molecule comprises at least two cycloaliphatic epoxy groups and epoxy modified siloxane in the transparent silicone epoxy composition is about 10˜89 weight percentage. Silanol-containing siloxane can be cross-linked with epoxy modified siloxane. Silanol-containing siloxane comprises at least two hydroxyl groups. Silanol-containing siloxane in the transparent silicone epoxy composition is about 89˜10 weight percentage. The catalyst in the transparent silicone epoxy composition is about 0.01˜1 weight percentage.
US08440769B2	Polyester stilbene composition A copolyester composition comprising units of residues of a) about 1-40 mole % of trans 3,3′, trans 4,4′ stilbene dicarboxylic acid and the combination thereof, b) about 99-60 mole % of cis,trans, and the combination thereof of 1,4 cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid, and c) about 50-100 mole % of cis, trans, and the combination thereof of 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol. The resulting copolyester may be characterized by its clarity, as well as enhanced heat performance due to the presence of the stilbene moiety.
US08440768B2	Low amidine content polyvinylamine, compositions containing same and methods Low amidine content poly(N-vinylformamide-co-vinylamine) (PVAm), is described, as well as processes of making and providing same in fresh or aged formats, and the usage of such polymer to increase papermaking retention and drainage rate and enhance paper dry strength, and other applications.
US08440758B2	Flame retarder, flame retardant resin composition and method of producing the flame retarder A flame retardant resin composition is disclosed. An acrylonitrile-styrene based polymer, into which sulfonic acid groups and/or sulfonate groups have been introduced by sulfonating processing with a sulfonating agent containing less than 3 wt % of moisture, is contained in a resin to be made flame retardant, so that flame retardant properties will be conferred on the resin flame resistant.
US08440756B2	Flame-retardant polyamide resin composition Disclosed is a flame-retardant polyamide resin composition, including: a polyamide (A) containing a diamine unit including 70 mol % or more of a p-xylylenediamine unit and a dicarboxylic acid unit including 70 mol % or more of a linear aliphatic dicarboxylic acid unit having 6 to 18 carbon atoms; an organic halogen compound (B) that serves as a flame retardant; an inorganic compound (C) that serves as a flame retardant aid; and an inorganic filler (D), in which the polyamide (A) includes a polyamide having a phosphorus atom concentration of 50 to 1,000 ppm and a YI value of 10 or less in a color difference test in accordance with JIS-K-7105, and a content of the organic halogen compound (B), a content of the inorganic compound (C), and a content of the inorganic filler (D) are 1 to 100 parts by mass, 0.5 to 50 parts by mass, and 0 to 100 parts by mass, respectively, with respect to 100 parts by mass of the polyamide (A).
US08440749B2	Primer and laminate including resin coating film containing the same The present invention provides a primer for a laminate for packaging having print suitability, such as excellent transfer properties of printing ink and dot reproducibility, high adhesive properties, excellent storage stability for a long period of time under highly humid conditions, and acid resistance which are obtained by improving adhesion between the base layer, a printing ink layer, a coating layer, and an adhesive layer; and a laminate containing the primer layer, and the primer containing: a main component (A) containing a copolymer containing, as a monomer, an unsaturated compound (a) having a hydroxyl group, and at least one unsaturated compound (b) selected from the group consisting of unsaturated carboxylate, styrene, unsaturated carboxylic acid, unsaturated hydrocarbon, vinyl ester, and a halogenated vinyl compound; a curing agent (B) containing a compound having an isocyanate group; and a compound (C) having 2 or more of a carboxylic acid group or 1 or more of an anhydrous carboxylic acid group.
US08440746B2	One component epoxy structural adhesive composition prepared from renewable resources Curable, one-package, stable adhesive compositions are provided comprising: (a) a resin component comprising a polyepoxide, (b) a polyamine having at least two primary amine, secondary amine, and/or ketimine functional groups; and (c) a curing component comprising dicyandiamide and an accelerator. At least a portion of the polyepoxide in the resin component is reacted with carboxy-terminated butadiene acrylonitrile polymer. The accelerator comprises a reaction product comprising a renewable polyol, a diisocyanate, and a dialkyl monoamine containing alkyl groups with at least two carbon atoms each. The compositions are suitable for use as adhesive compositions over a wide temperature range.
US08440741B2	Dental adhesive compositions and methods A one-part, self-etching dental adhesive is disclosed. The adhesive includes a hydrolytically stable acidic adhesive monomer and a hydrolytically stable, difunctional hydrophilic monomer.
US08440740B2	Dental glass compositions utilizing a glass ionomer and an acidic copolymer A hardening composition comprising a particulate glass, said glass comprising 10-35% by weight of silica, 10-35% by weight of alumina, 3-30% by weight of zinc oxide, 4-30% by weight of P2O5 and 3-25% by weight of fluoride, and an acidic copolymer reactive with the particulate glass under aqueous conditions. An aqueous polymer solution comprising 10 to 65% by weight of the acidic copolymer of the hardening composition with a mean molecular weight of from 50,000 to 200,000, obtainable by a process comprising the copolymerization of a mixture containing acrylic acid and an acrylic acid ester (I) and/or a compound of the formula (II) and, optionally, a compound of the formula (III): wherein k is an integer of from 1 to 5; h is an integer from 0 to (5−k); n is an integer of from 1 to 3; R1 is hydrogen or a C1-6 alkyl group, and; R2 and R3 independently represent hydrogen, a C1-6 alkyl group or a moiety of the following formula (IV): wherein m independently is an integer of from 0 to 3, and L is —CH2— or —CH═CH—; provided that at least one of R1, R2 or R3 is not hydrogen.
US08440739B2	Dental composition and composite resin A dental composition of the present invention includes: a polymerizable monomer (A); an amorphous filler (B) having an average particle size of 1 to 20 μm and including silica-based fine particles and coatings of an oxide that cover the surfaces of the silica-based fine particles; and inorganic particles (C) having an average particle size of 0.1 to 1.0 μm. The oxide contains a zirconium atom, a silicon atom, and an oxygen atom. It is preferable that the dental composition contain 50 to 400 parts by weight of the filler (B) and 100 to 400 parts by weight of the inorganic particles (C) per 100 parts by weight of the polymerizable monomer (A).
US08440733B2	Semiconductor component and production method Semiconductor component and method for production of a semiconductor component. The invention relates to a semiconductor component having a semiconductor chip, which is arranged on a substrate, in one embodiment on a chip carrier, and an encapsulation material, which at least partially surrounds the semiconductor chip. The chip carrier is at least partly provided with a layer of polymer foam.
US08440729B2	Conversion of carbon dioxide to methanol using bi-reforming of methane or natural gas The invention provides for a method of forming methanol by combining a mixture of methane, water and carbon dioxide under specific reaction conditions sufficient to form a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide which are then reacted under conditions sufficient to form methanol. The molar ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide is at least two moles of hydrogen to one mole of carbon monoxide and the overall molar ratio between methane, water and carbon dioxide is about 3:2:1. Methane, carbon dioxide and water are bi-reformed over a catalyst. The catalyst includes a single metal, a metal oxide, a mixed catalyst of a metal and a metal oxide or a mixed catalyst of at least two metal oxides.
US08440720B2	Methods of use of antiviral compounds The present invention relates, in part, to methods of treatment, prevention, and inhibition of viral disorders. In one aspect, the present invention relates to inhibition of the M2 proton channel of influenza viruses (e.g. influenza A virus) and other similar viroporins (e.g., VP24 of Ebola and Marburg viruses; and NS3 protein of Bluetongue). The present invention further relates, inter alia, to compounds which have been shown to possess antiviral activity, in particular, inhibiting the M2 proton channel of influenza viruses.
US08440716B2	Deacetylase inhibitors and uses thereof The present invention provides novel compounds of formula (I) and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. The inventive compounds are useful as deacetylase inhibitors (e.g., histone deacetylase inhibitors) and may be useful in the treatment of proliferative diseases such as cancer. In particular, the inventive compounds are HDAC6 inhibitors. The invention also provide synthetic methods for preparing the inventive compounds.
US08440712B2	Crystalline sodium atorvastatin Crystalline sodium atorvastatin, compositions containing the same and methods for the production thereof.
US08440708B2	Triazole-substituted arylamides as P2X3 and P2X2/3 antagonists Compounds of the formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein, R1 is optionally substituted triazolyl, and R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and R8 are as defined herein. Also disclosed are methods of using the compounds for treating diseases associated with P2X3 and/or a P2X2/3 receptor antagonists and methods of making the compounds.
US08440707B2	Antagonists of lysophosphatidic acid receptors Described herein are compounds that are antagonists of lysophosphatidic receptor(s). Also described are pharmaceutical compositions and medicaments that include the compounds described herein, as well as methods of using such antagonists, alone and in combination with other compounds, for treating LPA-dependent or LPA-mediated conditions or diseases.
US08440700B2	Substituted aryloxazoles and their use The present application relates to novel substituted aryloxazole derivatives, to processes for their preparation, to their use for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases and to their use for preparing medicaments for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases, preferably for the treatment and/or prevention of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders.
US08440696B2	Method of using diketopiperazines and composition containing them The invention provides a method of inhibiting the effects of platelet activating factor (PAF). For instance, a disease or condition mediated by PAF (particularly inflammation) can be treated or platelet aggregation can be inhibited. The invention also provides a method of inhibiting the production and/or release of interleukin 8 (IL-8) by cells. The effects of PAF and the production and/or release of IL-8 are inhibited according to the invention by a compound of the formula: wherein R1 and R2 are defined in the application, or a physiologically-acceptable salt thereof. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds.
US08440691B2	Tetrahydroquinolinyl compounds that inhibit vanilloid receptor subtype 1 (VR1) receptor and uses thereof Compounds that are antagonists of the VR1 receptor, having formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, prodrug, or salt of a prodrug thereof, wherein A1, A2, A3, A4, R7, R8, R9, X, Y, Z, L, n, and m, are as defined herein, and are useful in disorders prevented or ameliorated by inhibiting the VR1 receptor.
US08440689B2	Fused heteroaromatic pyrrolidinones Disclosed are compounds of Formula 1, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein G, L1, L2, R1, R2, R3, and R4 are defined in the specification. This disclosure also relates to materials and methods for preparing compounds of Formula 1, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and their use for treating disorders, diseases, and conditions involving the immune system and inflammation, including rheumatoid arthritis, hematological malignancies, epithelial cancers (i.e., carcinomas), and other disorders, diseases, and conditions for which inhibition of SYK is indicated.
US08440687B2	Oligomer-opioid agonist conjugates The invention provides compounds that are chemically modified by covalent attachment of a water-soluble oligomer. A compound of the invention, when administered by any of a number of administration routes, exhibits characteristics that are different from those of the compound not attached to the water-soluble oligomer.
US08440686B2	Nalmefene prodrugs The present invention relates to ester prodrugs of nalmefene of formula (I), pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds, chemical processes for preparing these compounds and their use in the treatment of substance abuse disorders such as alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence and impulse control disorders such as pathological gambling and addiction to shopping.
US08440680B2	2,6-diphenyl-4,8-diazoadamantan-1-one and derivatives thereof, process of manufacture and use for the formulation of solutions with sterilizing and disinfectant effect A chemical compound having the following structural formula wherein optionally at least one of the phenyl —C6H5 groups bound to the Carbon atoms in position 2 and 6 is independently substituted with a methyl —CH3 or ethyl —C2H5 group, and wherein optionally the ═CH2 group in position 10 is substituted with a sulphinyl ═SO or sulphonyl ═SO2 group. Subject-matter of the invention is also a process of manufacture of 2,6-diphenyl-4,8-diazoadamantan-1-one and the use of this chemical compound and above-mentioned derivatives thereof as components for the formulation of solutions with sterilizing and disinfectant effect. The figure shows the IR spectrum of 2,6-diphenyl-4,8-diazoadamantan-1-one.
US08440678B2	Pharmaceutical composition The present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions, which are useful for treatment of depression and the like, and which comprises a compound having an adenosine A2A receptor antagonistic activity such as (E)-8-(3,4-dimethoxystyryl)-1,3-diethyl-7-methyl-3,7-dihydro-1H-purine-2,6-dione or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and an antidepressant drug (for example, a tricyclic antidepressant, a tetracyclic antidepressant, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, a selective noradrenalin reuptake inhibitor, a dopamine reuptake inhibitor, a serotonin-noradrenalin reuptake inhibitor, monoamine oxidase inhibitor, a 5-HT2 antagonist or the like), and the like.
US08440672B2	Diphenyl substituted alkanes The instant invention provides compounds of Formula I which are 5-lipoxygenase activating protein inhibitors. Compounds of Formula (I) are useful as anti-atherosclerotic, anti-asthmatic, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective agents.
US08440670B2	Pyridopyrazindione derivative and its use as an antiulcer drug The invention relates to the fields of the chemical and pharmaceutical industry and medicine and concerns a novel compound which can be used as an antiulcer agent. The compound is 9 -(quinony-2)-2-p-ethoxyphenylethyl-4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11-octahydropyrido [1,2-a]pyrazindione-1,4 of formula (I), or pharmaceutically acceptable complex derivatives thereof. The compound can be used as an antiulcer agent.
US08440669B2	Pharmaceutical composition for prevention and treatment of diabetes or obesity comprising a compound that inhibits activity of dipeptidyl peptidase-IV, and other antidiabetic or antiobesity agents as active ingredients The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention and treatment of diabetes or obesity comprising as active ingredients a compound which inhibits the activity of dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV), a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, a hydrate thereof, or a solvate thereof, and one or more other antidiabetic or antiobesity agents. The pharmaceutical composition exhibits excellent glucose tolerance and may be useful in the prevention and treatment of diabetes, obesity, and the like by effectively inhibiting blood glucose levels and reducing fat mass.
US08440668B2	Beta-amino heterocyclic dipeptidyl peptidase inhibitors for the treatment of type 2 diabetes The present invention is directed to compounds which are inhibitors of the dipeptidyl peptidase-IV enzyme (“DP-IV inhibitors”) and which are useful in the treatment or prevention of diseases in which the dipeptidyl peptidase-IV enzyme is involved, such as diabetes and particularly type 2 diabetes. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and the use of these compounds and compositions in the prevention or treatment of such diseases in which the dipeptidyl peptidase-IV enzyme is involved.
US08440664B2	Heteroaryls and uses thereof This invention provides compounds of formula I: wherein R1, R2, CY, Y1, Y2, X1, X2, and X3 are as described in the specification. The compounds are inhibitors of PI3K and are thus useful for treating proliferative, inflammatory, or cardiovascular disorders.
US08440663B2	4-aryl-2-amino-pyrimidines or 4-aryl-2-aminoalkyl-pyrimidines as JAK-2 modulators and methods of use This invention relates to certain pyrimidine derivative inhibitors of JAK-2, having Formula (I): wherein D, E, L, Z, R1, R2, R25, and n1 are as defined in the specification, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods of use thereof.
US08440660B2	Method for treating a disease related to the glucocorticoid receptor A method for treating a disease related to the glucocorticoid receptor involving administering a pharmacologically effective amount of a 1,2-hydroquinoline compound.
US08440655B2	Combination therapy for the treatment of diabetes The present invention provides methods of treating, reducing, preventing, or inhibiting symptoms of diabetes and/or lowering plasma levels of HbA1c by co-administration of therapeutic or subtherapeutic doses of telenzepine and sertraline to a subject in need thereof.
US08440654B2	Thieno- and furo-pyrimidine modulators of the histamine H4 receptor Thieno- and furo-pyrimidine compounds are described, which are useful as H4 receptor modulators. Such compounds may be used in pharmaceutical compositions and methods for the modulation of histamine H4 receptor activity and for the treatment of disease states, disorders, and conditions mediated by H4 receptor activity, such as inflammation.
US08440652B2	MST1 kinase inhibitors and methods of their use Compounds for the inhibition of mammalian Ste20-like kinase 1 (MST1) are disclosed, along with compositions comprising them and methods of their use in the treatment, management or prevention of an inflammatory or autoimmune diseases or disorders. Particular compounds are of the formula:
US08440649B2	Phenanthroindolizidine analogues Treatment of coronavirus infection with phenanthroindolizidine analogues.
US08440642B2	Boron-containing small molecules This invention relates to compounds useful for treating fungal infections, more specifically topical treatment of onychomycosis and/or cutaneous fungal infections. This invention is directed to compounds that are active against fungi and have properties that allow the compound, when placed in contact with a patient, to reach the particular part of the skin, nail, hair, claw or hoof infected by the fungus. In particular the present compounds have physiochemical properties that facilitate penetration of the nail plate.
US08440639B2	Combination compositions for reducing intraocular pressure Provided herein is a pharmaceutical composition or a kit comprising a combination of a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor analog and an adenosine A1 receptor agonist. Also provided herein is a method of reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) in a subject using such a combination or kit. In a particular embodiment, provided herein is a combination of dorzolamide marketed under the brand Trusopt™ and Compound A.
US08440632B2	Protopanaxadiol-type ginsenoside compositions and uses thereof Provided herein are ginsenoside compositions comprising at least 10% (w/w) of a protopanaxadiol type of ginsenoside suitable for administration to a subject. Also provided are methods using the ginsenoside compositions for reducing acetaldehyde concentrations, preventing or ameliorating a symptom of elevated acetaldehyde concentration, or reducing the risk of diseases or disorders caused by the intake of ethyl alcohol.
US08440627B2	G protein coupled receptor agonists and antagonists and methods of use The invention relates generally to G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and in particular to GPCR agonists and antagonists, use of these compounds and their pharmaceutical compositions, e.g., in the treatment, modulation and/or prevention of physiological conditions associated with GPCRs, such as in treating conditions in which chemokine receptors play a role, e.g., sepsis, arthritis, inflammation and autoimmune diseases.
US08440625B2	Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) as chemotherapeutic sensitizers The present invention relates to compositions and methods of use thereof for cancer therapy sensitization. Such compositions comprise functional fragments of the nucleotide and/or polypeptide sequences of a Secreted Protein Acidic and Rich in Cysteine (SPARC). The compositions can be used in combination with existing chemotherapeutic agents for treatment of cancers.
US08440621B2	Analogs of ShK toxin and their uses in selective inhibition of Kv1.3 potassium channels Analogs of ShK toxin and methods for using such ShK analogs. The ShK analogs generally comprise ShK toxin attached to a chemical entity (e.g. an atom, molecule, group, residue, compound, moiety, etc.) that has an anionic charge. The ShK analogs may be administered to human or non-human animal subjects to cause inhibition of potassium channels or to otherwise treat diseases or disorders. In some embodiments, the chemical entity to which the ShK toxin is attached may be chosen to provide selective inhibition of certain potassium channels (e.g., Kv1.3 channels) over other potassium channels (e.g., Kv1.1 channels). In come embodiments, the chemical entity to which the ShK toxin is attached may include a fluorophore and such fluorophore-tagged ShK analogs may be used in flow cytometry alone, or in conjunction with class II tetramers that can detect autoreactive cells.
US08440618B2	Composition for the attachment of implants to collagen or other components of biological tissue The present invention relates to a novel composition comprising an implant, scaffold or construct bound to a biological or chemical moiety. The bound moiety has the ability to bind to a component of the extracellular matrix of biological tissue, allowing the implant to be bound to the biological tissue in a short period of time after implantation. The invention also relates to the use and manufacture of this novel composition, as well as a novel use for the protein CNA.
US08440615B2	Pharmaceutical and/or cosmetic composition containing active-principle activators of aconitase A cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition, and in particular a dermatological one, including, in a physiologically adapted medium, active principles capable of activating aconitase, and methods of using the composition for protection of mitochondria, the skin and the appendages from external aggressions and to combat cutaneous aging. These active principles may be composed of polypeptides or of peptides, used alone or in association with at least one other active principle.
US08440614B2	Polymer microspheres/nanospheres and encapsulating therapeutic proteins therein This invention is an improved process to formulate polymeric microspheres/nanospheres and encapsulate therapeutic proteins or other useful substances, and a polymer sphere apparatus. The invention is also methods of purifying protein-containing-polymeric-microspheres from unused polymer, and an apparatus therefore.
US08440611B2	Analogues of neuropeptide Y having at least one synthetic amino acid substitution The present invention relates to novel analogues of neuropeptide Y, pharmaceutical compositions containing the same, pharmaceutical formulations containing the same, and method of treating diseases or conditions mediated by neuropeptide Y-receptor binding. More particularly, the present invention relates to novel analogues of neuropeptide Y having at least one unnatural amino acid substitution, such as 4Hyp at position 34 , that selectively bind to the neuropeptide Y1 receptor subtype compared to the neuropeptide Y2 receptor subtype.
US08440609B2	Peptides against autoantibodies causing intolerance to cold and use thereof The invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding peptides which are directed against autoantibodies associated with cold allergy, to the peptides themselves, to a pharmaceutical composition comprising said nucleic acid molecules and peptides, and to the use of said nucleic acid molecules and peptides for the treatment of circulatory disorders associated with exposure to cold or intolerance to cold, especially cold allergies.
US08440606B2	Foaming hand sponge for bodily cleansing with color change indicator A cleansing product suitable for making the cleaning of both inanimate and animate surfaces more fun and effective for children is disclosed. Specifically, the cleansing product is capable of expanding in volume under certain temperature conditions, and in some embodiments, can additionally include a coloring agent, providing a color change to indicate when sufficient cleansing has been performed.
US08440605B2	Process for making a cleaning composition employing direct incorporation of concentrated surfactants The proposed process of the present application passes a concentrated surfactant in a lamellar phase though a high-shear device diluting the concentrated surfactant in a lamellar phase to an isotropic phase without encountering the highly viscous middle phase.
US08440603B2	Liquid cleaning and/or cleansing composition comprising a polylactic acid biodegradable abrasive The present invention relates to a liquid, cleaning and/or cleansing composition comprising biodegradable abrasive cleaning particles.
US08440597B2	Graphite-containing high-temperature lubricant for high-grade steels and carbon steels The present invention concerns a high-temperature lubricant for the hot shaping of high-grade and carbon steels, which has a content of graphite, organic blowing agent and inorganic separation agent, and the use thereof. In order to provide a high-temperature lubricant which can be used for a wide range of steel qualities for different wall thicknesses to be rolled and stretching effects and which is moreover stable in respect of temperature, provides constant rolling results upon a change in the wall thickness and/or the quality of steel and does not lead to unwanted cementation of the rolled material,za the high-temperature lubricant according to the invention contains at least the following constituents in percent by weight with respect to the solids content: (a) 40 to 90% by weight graphite, (b) 2 to 50% by weight organic blowing agent, and (c) 5 to 50% by weight inorganic separation agent, wherein the organic blowing agent (b) is selected from the group consisting of melamine, melam, melem, melon, phosphate salts and polyphosphate salts of the aforesaid compounds with phosphate chain lengths in the region of n=1 to 1000, reaction products and adducts of the aforesaid compounds with cyanuric acid or isocyanuric acid, and mixtures of the aforesaid, and the inorganic separation agent (c) is a sheet silicate or a mixture of sheet silicates.
US08440592B2	Use of abscisic acid combinations for thinning The present invention is directed to the treatment of a plant at the flowering or fruiting stage with an effective amount of abscisic acid, its analogs or derivatives and salts thereof to reduce the number of fruits that the plant sets and grows to maturity.
US08440586B2	Low pressure drop extruded catalyst filter A batch composition for making a highly porous honeycomb ceramic catalytic filter article, including base inorganic components including a mixture of a nano-zeolite powder, and an inorganic filler, in amounts defined herein; and super additives including: a mixture of at least two pore formers; a binder; and a metal salt, in amounts defined herein. Also disclosed are extruded catalyst filter articles and methods for making the articles.
US08440585B2	Process for regenerating a spent sorbent A method and apparatus is provided for regenerating a sorbent that has been poisoned by components derived from flue gas. The sorbent is treated with an agent to remove the poisoning components and introduce a promoting agent into the sorbent. The method and apparatus can also be used to enhance the effectiveness of a new sorbent.
US08440583B2	Blue glass composition A blue colored, infrared and ultraviolet absorbing glass composition uses a standard soda-lime-silica glass base composition and additionally iron, cobalt, and additional colorants selected from the group of Er2O3, Cr2O3, CuO, NiO, TiO2, Nd2O3 and combinations thereof. The glass of the present invention has a luminous transmittance of up to 60 percent, a dominant wavelength in the range of 480 to 489 nanometers and an excitation purity of at least 8 percent at a thickness of 0.160 inches (4.06 millimeters). The glass composition can form transparent glass panels that have varying limited LTA from one another as panel sets for mounting in automobiles.
US08440581B2	Systems and methods for non-periodic pulse sequential lateral solidification The disclosed systems and method for non-periodic pulse sequential lateral solidification relate to processing a thin film. The method for processing a thin film, while advancing a thin film in a selected direction, includes irradiating a first region of the thin film with a first laser pulse and a second laser pulse and irradiating a second region of the thin film with a third laser pulse and a fourth laser pulse, wherein the time interval between the first laser pulse and the second laser pulse is less than half the time interval between the first laser pulse and the third laser pulse. In some embodiments, each pulse provides a shaped beam and has a fluence that is sufficient to melt the thin film throughout its thickness to form molten zones that laterally crystallize upon cooling. In some embodiments, the first and second regions are adjacent to each other. In some embodiments, the first and second regions are spaced a distance apart.
US08440579B2	Re-establishing surface characteristics of sensitive low-k dielectrics in microstructure device by using an in situ surface modification Patterning-induced damage of sensitive low-k dielectric materials in semiconductors devices may be restored to a certain degree on the basis of a surface treatment that is performed prior to exposing the device to ambient atmosphere. To this end, the dangling silicon bonds of the silicon oxide-based low-k dielectric material may be saturated in a confined process environment, thereby providing superior surface conditions for the subsequent application of an appropriate repair chemistry.
US08440575B2	Method of fabricating semiconductor device A method includes: forming an device isolation region in a substrate to divide the device isolation region into first and second diffusion regions; forming a target film on the substrate; forming a hard mask layer and a first resist layer on the film; forming a first pattern on the first resist layer; etching the hard mask layer by using the first pattern as a mask; forming a second resist layer on the hard mask layer; forming a second pattern including a first space on the second resist layer for isolating the first pattern; forming a third pattern including a second space shrunk from the first space on the hard mask layer by carrying out size conversion etching by using the second pattern formed on the second resist layer as a mask; and etching the film to be processed by using the third pattern formed on the hard mask layer.
US08440574B2	Post chromium alloy plasma etch ashing process A method for ashing hardened resist from a photoresist patterned chromium alloy post etch using a plasma ashing chemistry which contains no gaseous source of hydrogen and contains a gaseous source of oxygen and a gaseous source of nitrogen with an oxygen to nitrogen atomic ratio of at least 5.
US08440573B2	Method and apparatus for pattern collapse free wet processing of semiconductor devices A method is provided for processing a wafer used in fabricating semiconductor devices. The method can comprise forming high-aspect ratio features on the wafer, which is followed by wet processing and drying. During drying, pattern collapse can occur. This pattern collapse can be repaired to allow for additional processing of the wafer. In some instance, pattern collapse can be repaired via etching where the etching breaks bonds that can have formed during pattern collapse.
US08440570B2	Method for manufacturing semiconductor device The invention defines a pillar pattern or an island pattern by forming a contact hole and filling the contact hole with a hard mask material by using a spacer formation process, so that the mask pattern formation process margin for island (e.g., pillar) pattern formation is increased. Accordingly, the yield and reliability of the formation process of a semiconductor device are improved.
US08440569B2	Method of eliminating a lithography operation Methods of semiconductor device fabrication are disclosed. An exemplary method includes processes of depositing a first pattern on a semiconductor substrate, wherein the first pattern defines wide and narrow spaces; depositing spacer material over the first pattern on the substrate; etching the spacer material such that the spacer material is removed from horizontal surfaces of the substrate and the first pattern but remains adjacent to vertical surfaces of a wide space defined by the first pattern and remains within narrow a space defined by the first pattern; and removing the first pattern from the substrate. In one embodiment, the first pattern can comprise sacrificial material, which can include, for example, polysilicon material. The deposition can comprise physical vapor deposition, chemical vapor deposition, electrochemical deposition, molecular beam epitaxy, atomic layer deposition or other deposition techniques. According to another embodiment, features for lines and logic device components having a width greater than that of the lines are formed in the spacer material in the same mask layer.
US08440565B2	Semiconductor apparatus manufacturing method and semiconductor apparatus There is provided a method of manufacturing the semiconductor apparatus, including: forming through-hole which penetrates a semiconductor substrate at a point that corresponds to a location of an electrode pad; forming an insulating film on a rear surface of the semiconductor substrate, including the interior of the through-hole; forming an adhesion securing layer from a metal or an inorganic insulator on a surface of the insulating film at least in an opening portion of the through-hole; forming a resist layer to serve as a mask in bottom etching on the adhesion securing layer; performing bottom etching to expose the electrode pad; removing the resist layer to obtain the insulating film free of surface irregularities that would otherwise have been created by bottom etching; forming a barrier layer, a seed layer, and a conductive layer by a low-temperature process; and performing patterning.
US08440564B2	Schemes for forming barrier layers for copper in interconnect structures A method of forming a semiconductor structure includes providing a substrate; forming a low-k dielectric layer over the substrate; embedding a conductive wiring into the low-k dielectric layer; and thermal soaking the conductive wiring in a carbon-containing silane-based chemical to form a barrier layer on the conductive wiring. A lining barrier layer is formed in the opening for embedding the conductive wiring. The lining barrier layer may comprise same materials as the barrier layer, and the lining barrier layer may be recessed before forming the barrier layer and may contain a metal that can be silicided.
US08440561B2	Three-dimensional semiconductor device comprising an inter-die connection on the basis of functional molecules In a stacked chip configuration, the “inter chip” connection is established on the basis of functional molecules, thereby providing a fast and space-efficient communication between the different semiconductor chips.
US08440560B2	Method for fabricating tungsten line and method for fabricating gate of semiconductor device using the same A method for fabricating a tungsten (W) line includes forming a silicon-containing layer, forming a diffusion barrier layer over the silicon-containing layer, forming a tungsten layer over the diffusion barrier layer, and performing a thermal treatment process on the tungsten layer to increase a grain size of the tungsten layer.
US08440551B2	Plasma doping method and manufacturing method of semiconductor device A plasma doping method capable of introducing impurities into an object to be processed uniformly is supplied. Plasma of a diborane gas containing boron, which is a p-type impurity, and an argon gas, which is a rare gas, is generated, and no bias potential is applied to a silicon substrate. Thereby, the boron radicals in the plasma are deposited on the surface of the silicon substrate. After that, the supply of the diborane gas is stopped, and bias potential is applied to the silicon substrate. Thereby, the argon ions in the plasma are radiated onto the surface of the silicon substrate. The radiated argon ions collide with the boron radicals, and thereby boron radicals are introduced into the silicon substrate. The introduced boron radicals are activated by thermal processing, and thereby a p-type impurity diffusion layer is formed in the silicon substrate.
US08440549B2	Compound semiconductor device including aln layer of controlled skewness A semiconductor epitaxial substrate includes: a single crystal substrate; an AlN layer epitaxially grown on the single crystal substrate; and a nitride semiconductor layer epitaxially grown on the AlN layer, wherein an interface between the AlN layer and nitride semiconductor layer has a larger roughness than an interface between the single crystal substrate and AlN layer, and a skewness of the upper surface of the AlN layer is positive.
US08440547B2	Method and structure for PMOS devices with high K metal gate integration and SiGe channel engineering Various techniques for changing the workfunction of the substrate by using a SiGe channel which, in turn, changes the bandgap favorably for a p-type metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (pMOSFETs) are disclosed. In the various techniques, a SiGe film that includes a low doped SiGe region above a more highly doped SiGe region to allow the appropriate threshold voltage (Vt) for pMOSFET devices while preventing pitting, roughness and thinning of the SiGe film during subsequent cleans and processing is provided.
US08440545B2	Method of manufacturing semiconductor device with spraying fluid A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes spraying fluid onto a surface of a treatment target substrate including a semiconductor substrate; forming a protection layer on the surface of the treatment target substrate after spraying the fluid; selectively removing the protection layer and a part of the treatment target substrate by an energy beam; and conducting removal processing on an area of the treatment target substrate from which the protection layer and the part of the treatment target substrate are selectively removed.
US08440543B2	Hybrid circuit structure and partial backfill method for improving thermal cycling reliability of same A method of improving thermal cycling reliability for a hybrid circuit structure requires providing at least two circuit layers, aligning two of the circuit layers vertically such that their respective circuit elements have a precise and well-defined spatial relationship, and providing an adhesive material which wicks into a portion of the space between the aligned layers so as to mitigate damage to the structure and/or interconnections that might otherwise occur due to thermal contraction mismatch between the layers. The adhesive material is required to have an associated viscosity such that, when provided under predetermined conditions, the adhesive stops wicking before reaching, and possibly degrading the performance of, the circuit elements.
US08440538B2	Method of manufacturing airbridge In making an airbridge structure, a second resist layer is applied over a first resist layer. The resist layers are exposed and developed to have a predetermined width W2. A third resist layer is applied. The third resist layer is also exposed and developed to have a predetermined width W3. An airbridge-forming material layer is applied to the layer stack structure consisting of the first, second, and third resist layers, forming an airbridge. The resist layers are removed, completing the manufacture of the airbridge, which has a stepped cross section.
US08440536B2	Mask layout and method for forming vertical channel transistor in semiconductor device using the same A method for forming a vertical channel transistor in a semiconductor memory device includes: forming a plurality of pillars over a substrate so that the plurality of pillars are arranged in a first direction and a second direction crossing the first direction, and so that each of the pillars has a hard mask pattern thereon; forming an insulation layer to fill a regions between the pillars; forming a mask pattern over a resultant structure including the insulation layer, wherein the mask pattern has openings exposing gaps between each two adjacent pillars in the first direction; etching the insulation layer to a predetermined depth using the mask pattern as an etching barrier to form trenches; and filling the trenches with a conductive material to form word lines extending in the first direction.
US08440534B2	Threshold adjustment for MOS devices by adapting a spacer width prior to implantation Different threshold voltages of transistors of the same conductivity type in a complex integrated circuit may be adjusted on the basis of different Miller capacitances, which may be accomplished by appropriately adapting a spacer width and/or performing a tilted extension implantation. Thus, efficient process strategies may be available to controllably adjust the Miller capacitance, thereby providing enhanced transistor performance of low threshold transistors while not unduly contributing to process complexity compared to conventional approaches in which threshold voltage values may be adjusted on the basis of complex halo and well doping regimes.
US08440532B2	Structure and method for making metal semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) with isolation last process In one embodiment, a method of providing a semiconductor device is provided, in which instead of forming isolation regions before the formation of the semiconductor devices, the isolation regions are formed after the semiconductor devices. In one embodiment, the method includes forming a semiconductor device on a semiconductor substrate. A placeholder dielectric is formed on a portion of a first surface of the substrate adjacent to the semiconductor device. A trench is etched into the substrate from a second surface of the substrate that is opposite the first surface of the substrate, wherein the trench terminates on the placeholder dielectric. The trench is filled with a dielectric material.
US08440531B2	Methods of forming semiconductor memory devices having vertically stacked memory cells therein Methods of forming vertical nonvolatile memory devices utilize carbon-blocking sacrificial capping layers to increase device yield by reducing the likelihood that one or more vertically-stacked layers of materials will lift-off during fabrication. These capping layers may be provided to cover carbon-containing sacrificial layers that are highly polymerized.
US08440529B2	Method of manufacturing superjunction structure The present invention discloses a method of manufacturing superjunction structure, which comprises: step 1, grow an N type epitaxial layer on a substrate having a (100) or (110) oriented surface; step 2, etch the N type epitaxial layer to form trenches therein; step 3, fill the trenches by P type epitaxial growth in the trenches by using a mixture of silicon source gas, halide gas, hydrogen gas, and doping gas. By using the manufacturing method according to the present invention, no void or only small voids are formed in the trenches after trench filling.
US08440526B2	Method of fabricating memory A method of fabricating a memory is provided. A substrate including a memory region and a periphery region is provided. A plurality of first gates is formed in the memory region and a plurality of first openings is formed between the first gates. A nitride layer is formed on the substrate in the memory region, and the nitride layer covers the first gates and the first openings. An oxide layer is formed on the substrate in the periphery region. A nitridization process is performed to nitridize the oxide layer into a nitridized oxide layer. A conductive layer is formed on the substrate, and the conductive layer includes a cover layer disposed on the substrate in the memory region and a plurality of second gates disposed on the substrate in the periphery region. The cover layer covers the nitride layer and fills the first openings.
US08440524B2	Semiconductor device manufacturing method A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device including a semiconductor substrate composed of silicon carbide, an upper surface electrode which contacts an upper surface of the substrate, and a lower surface electrode which contacts a lower surface of the substrate, the method including steps of: (a) forming an upper surface structure on the upper surface side of the substrate, and (b) forming a lower surface structure on the lower surface side of the substrate. The step (a) comprises steps of: (a1) depositing an upper surface electrode material layer on the upper surface of the substrate, the upper surface electrode material layer being a raw material layer of the upper surface electrode, and (a2) annealing the upper surface electrode material layer. The step (b) comprises steps of: (b1) depositing a lower surface electrode material layer on the lower surface of the substrate, the lower surface electrode material layer being a raw material layer of the lower surface electrode, and (b2) annealing the lower surface electrode material layer with a laser to make an ohmic contact between the lower surface electrode and the substrate.
US08440523B1	Micromechanical device and methods to fabricate same using hard mask resistant to structure release etch A method is disclosed to fabricate an electro-mechanical device such as a MEMS or NEMS switch. The method includes providing a structure composed of a silicon layer disposed over an insulating layer that is disposed on a silicon substrate. The silicon layer is differentiated into a partially released region that will function as a portion of the electro-mechanical device. The method further includes forming a dielectric layer over the silicon layer; forming a hardmask over the dielectric layer, the hardmask being composed of hafnium oxide; opening a window to expose the partially released region; and fully releasing the partially released region using a dry etching process to remove the insulating layer disposed beneath the partially released region while using the hardmask to protect material covered by the hardmask. The step of fully releasing can be performed using a HF vapor.
US08440519B2	Semiconductor structures using replacement gate and methods of manufacture An improved semiconductor device manufactured using, for example, replacement gate technologies. The method includes forming a dummy gate structure having a gate stack and spacers. The method further includes forming a dielectric material adjacent to the dummy gate structure. The method further includes removing the spacers to form gaps, and implanting a halo extension through the gaps and into an underlying diffusion region.
US08440518B2	Method for manufacturing a pattern formed body, method for manufacturing a functional element, and method for manufacturing a semiconductor element A manufacturing method of a semiconductor element from a pattern formed body capable of attaining patterning efficiently with a high precision. The method includes a photoresist pattern formation step, a hydrophilicity imparting step and a photoresist pattern peeling step.
US08440517B2	FinFET and method of fabricating the same The disclosure relates to a fin field effect transistor (FinFET). An exemplary structure for a FinFET comprises a substrate comprising a top surface; a first insulation region and a second insulation region over the substrate top surface comprising tapered top surfaces; a fin of the substrate extending above the substrate top surface between the first and second insulation regions, wherein the fin comprises a recessed portion having a top surface lower than the tapered top surfaces of the first and second insulation regions, wherein the fin comprises a non-recessed portion having a top surface higher than the tapered top surfaces; and a gate stack over the non-recessed portion of the fin.
US08440515B2	Method of forming a field effect transistor In one implementation, a method of forming a field effect transistor includes etching an opening into source/drain area of a semiconductor substrate. The opening has a base comprising semiconductive material. After the etching, insulative material is formed within the opening over the semiconductive material base. The insulative material less than completely fills the opening and has a substantially uniform thickness across the opening. Semiconductive source/drain material is formed within the opening over the insulative material within the opening. A transistor gate is provided operatively proximate the semiconductive source/drain material. Other aspects and implementations are contemplated.
US08440513B2	Method of semiconductor processing In a semiconductor that has a structure in which a work function controlling metal conductor is provided on a high dielectric insulation film, fine processing is performed without deteriorating a device. In a method of semiconductor processing, in which the semiconductor has an insulation film containing Hf or Zr formed on a semiconductor substrate and a conductor film containing Ti or Ta or Ru formed on an insulation film, and the conductor film is processed by using a resist formed on the conductor film under a plasma atmosphere, the resist is removed under the plasma atmosphere of gas that contains hydrogen and does not contain oxygen.
US08440512B2	Circuits and methods for improved FET matching The present inventions are related to systems and methods for pre-equalizer noise suppression in a data processing system. As an example, a data processing system is discussed that includes: a sample averaging circuit, a selector circuit, an equalizer circuit, and a mark detector circuit. The sample averaging circuit is operable to average corresponding data samples from at least a first read of a codeword and a second read of the codeword to yield an averaged output based at least in part on a framing signal. The selector circuit is operable to select one of the averaged output and the first read of the codeword as a selected output. The equalizer circuit is operable to equalize the selected output to yield an equalized output, and the mark detector circuit is operable to identify a location mark in the equalized output to yield the framing signal.
US08440510B2	Method for manufacturing semiconductor device The method for manufacturing the semiconductor device is as follows: forming a gate electrode; forming a first insulating film over the gate electrode; performing halogen doping treatment on the first insulating film so that the first insulating film is supplied with a halogen atom; forming an oxide semiconductor film over the first insulating film so as to overlap with the gate electrode; performing heat treatment on the oxide semiconductor film so that a hydrogen atom is removed in the oxide semiconductor film; performing oxygen doping treatment on the oxide semiconductor film from which the hydrogen atom is removed so that the oxide semiconductor film is supplied with an oxygen atom; performing heat treatment on the oxide semiconductor film to which the oxygen atom is supplied; forming a source electrode and a drain electrode on and in contact with the oxide semiconductor film; forming a second insulating film.
US08440509B2	Method for producing a semiconductor device by etch back process A semiconductor device and a process for producing the same, the semiconductor device comprising two conductive layers provided as separate layers, and an insulating layer sandwiched by the two conductive layers, in which the two conductive layers are electrically connected to each other with an embedded conductive layer or an oxide conductive layer provided as filling an opening formed in the insulating layer, and the embedded conductive layer comprises an organic resin film containing a conductive material dispersed therein or an inorganic film containing a conductive material dispersed therein.
US08440505B2	Semiconductor chips including passivation layer trench structure An integrated circuit including an active region a passive region and a cut line in the passive region includes a passivation layer that includes an outer nitride layer over an oxide layer. The integrated circuit also includes a crack stop below the passivation layer and in the passive region, and a solder ball in the active region. The passivation layer has a trench formed therein in a location that is further from the active region than the crack stop and closer to the active region than the cut line, the trench passing completely through the outer nitride layer and a least a portion of the way through the oxide layer.
US08440499B2	Solid-state image pickup device, electronic apparatus using such solid-state image pickup device and method of manufacturing solid-state image pickup device A back-illuminated type solid-state image pickup device (1041) includes read circuits (Tr1, Tr2) formed on one surface of a semiconductor substrate (1042) to read a signal from a photo-electric conversion element (PD) formed on the semiconductor substrate (1042), in which electric charges (e) generated in a photo-electric conversion region (1052c1) formed under at least one portion of the read circuits (Tr1, Tr2) are collected to an electric charge accumulation region (1052a) formed on one surface side of the semiconductor substrate (1042) of the photo-electric conversion element (PD) by electric field formed within the photo-electric conversion element (PD). Thus, the solid-state image pickup device and the camera are able to make the size of pixel become very small without lowering a saturation electric charge amount (Qs) and sensitivity.
US08440495B2	Method for reducing crosstalk in image sensors using implant technology The present disclosure provides an image sensor semiconductor device. A semiconductor substrate having a first-type conductivity is provided. A plurality of sensor elements is formed in the semiconductor substrate. An isolation feature is formed between the plurality of sensor elements. An ion implantation process is performed to form a doped region having the first-type conductivity substantially underlying the isolation feature using at least two different implant energy.
US08440492B2	Assembly techniques for solar cell arrays and solar cells formed therefrom An assembly technique for assembling solar cell arrays is provided. During the fabrication of a solar cell, openings through the semiconductor layer are etched through to a top surface of the backmetal layer. The solar cells include an exposed top surface of the backmetal layer. A plurality of solar cells are assembled into a solar cell array where adjacent cells are interconnected in an electrically serial or parallel fashion solely from the top surface of the solar cells.
US08440491B2	Methods of forming imager device with electric connections to electrical device An imager device is disclosed including a first substrate having an array of photosensitive elements formed thereon, a first conductive layer formed above the first substrate, a first conductive member extending through the first substrate, the first conductive member being conductively coupled to the first conductive layer, a standoff structure formed above the first substrate, a second conductive layer formed above the standoff structure, the second conductive layer being conductively coupled to the first conductive layer, and an electrically powered device positioned above the standoff structure, the electrically powered device being electrically coupled to the second conductive layer. A method of making an imager device is disclosed including providing a first substrate having a first conductive layer and an array of photosensitive elements formed above the first substrate, forming a conductive member that extends through the first substrate and is conductively coupled to the first conductive layer, forming a standoff structure above the first substrate, forming a patterned conductive layer above the standoff structure, the patterned conductive layer being conductively coupled to the first conductive layer, and conductively coupling an electrically powered device to the patterned conductive layer positioned above the standoff structure.
US08440488B2	Manufacturing method and structure for wafer level image sensor module with fixed focal length This present invention discloses a manufacturing method and structure for a wafer level image sensor module with fixed focal length. The method includes the following steps. First, a silicon wafer comprising several image sensor chips having a photosensitive area and a lens module array wafer comprising several wafer level lens modules with fixed focal length are provided. Next, the image sensor chips and the wafer level lens modules are sorted in grades according to the different quality grades. According to the sorting results, each of the wafer level lens modules is assigned to be situated above the image sensor chip that has the same grade. At the same time, each of the wafer level lens modules is directed to face the photosensitive area of each image sensor chip. Finally, in the packaging process, the wafer level lens module is surrounded by an encapsulation material.
US08440487B2	Methods for manufacturing radio frequency (RF) powder The present disclosure provides methods for manufacturing a radio frequency (RF) powder including a plurality of RF particles, each of which includes a circuit element. A plurality of circuit elements, each corresponding to a different RF particle, may be formed on a first surface of a substrate. Grooves may be etched into the first surface of the substrate between the plurality of circuit elements. A protection film may be formed on each of the plurality of circuit elements and a portion of the substrate between a second, opposite surface of the substrate and bottoms of the grooves may be removed so that each of the plurality of circuit elements is associated with the remaining portion of the substrate.
US08440486B2	Electrophoretic display device and method of fabricating the same A method of fabricating an electrophoretic display device includes forming a gate line along a direction, a gate electrode extending from the gate line, a common line parallel to the gate line, and a first storage electrode extending from the common line on a substrate, forming a gate insulating layer on an entire surface of the substrate including the gate line, the gate electrode, the common line and the first storage electrode, forming a semiconductor layer, a data line, and source and drain electrodes through a mask process, wherein the semiconductor layer is disposed over the gate electrode, the data line crosses the gate line to define a pixel region, the source electrode extends from the data line, and the drain electrode is spaced apart from the source electrode over the semiconductor layer.
US08440485B2	Method for making light emitting diode A method of making a LED includes following steps. A substrate is provided, and the substrate includes an epitaxial growth surface. A carbon nanotube layer is placed on the epitaxial growth surface. A first semiconductor layer, an active layer, and a second semiconductor layer are grown in that order on the substrate. A reflector and a first electrode are deposited on the second semiconductor layer in that order. The substrate is removed. A second electrode is deposited on the first semiconductor layer.
US08440480B2	Method for fabricating an electroluminescence device A nanocrystal electroluminescence device comprising a polymer hole transport layer, a nanocrystal light-emitting layer and an organic electron transport layer wherein the nanocrystal light-emitting layer is independently and separately formed between the polymer hole transport layer and the organic electron transport layer. According to the nanocrystal electroluminescence device, since the hole transport layer, the nanocrystal light-emitting layer and the electron transport layer are completely separated from one another, the electroluminescence device provides a pure nanocrystal luminescence spectrum having limited luminescence from other organic layers and substantially no influence by operational conditions, such as voltage. Further included is a method for fabricating the nanocrystal electroluminescence device.
US08440478B2	Light emitting device, package, light emitting device manufacturing method, package manufacturing method and package manufacturing die A light emitting device includes a resin molded body having a circular or an oval recessed section at the center suppresses generation of cracks. The device is provided with a light emitting element, a first resin molded body having a plurality of outer surfaces, and a recessed section at the center. First and second leads are electrically connected to the light emitting element, and a second resin molded body is applied in the recessed section. The light emitting element is placed on the first lead, and the surface of the second resin molded resin forms a light emitting surface. A gate notch is formed on an extended line of a normal line on one point on a circular cross-section of the recessed section in the normal line direction.
US08440473B2	Use of spectrum to synchronize RF switching with gas switching during etch A method for etching features into an etch layer in a plasma processing chamber is provided. An optically timed deposition phase is provided comprising providing a flow of deposition phase gas, detecting the presence of deposition gas within the plasma processing chamber, providing RF energy for forming a plasma from the deposition phase gas in the plasma processing chamber, and stopping the flow of the deposition gas into the plasma processing chamber. An optically timed etching phase is provided, comprising providing a flow of an etch gas, detecting the presence of the etch gas within the plasma processing chamber, providing RF energy for forming a plasma from the etch gas in the plasma processing chamber, and stopping the flow of the etch gas into the plasma processing chamber.
US08440471B2	Low-cost non-volatile flash-RAM memory A method of flash-RAM memory includes non-volatile random access memory (RAM) formed on a monolithic die and non-volatile page-mode memory formed on top of the non-volatile RAM, the non-volatile page-mode memory and the non-volatile RAM reside on the monolithic die. The non-volatile RAM is formed of stacks of magnetic memory cells arranged in three-dimensional form for higher density and lower costs.
US08440469B2	System and method for increasing spectroscopic signal A method for increasing a spectroscopic signal in a biological assay is provided. The method includes forming a suspension of magnetically attractable particles. The method also includes introducing a first magnetic field at a first location to draw the magnetically attractable particles towards the first location and form a first agglomeration. The method also includes removing the first magnetic field. The method further includes introducing a second magnetic field at a second location to draw the first agglomeration towards the second location and form a second agglomeration. The method further includes focusing an excitation source on the second agglomeration formed at the second location.
US08440461B2	Reprogramming somatic cells using retroviral vectors comprising Oct-4 and Sox2 genes The present invention relates to methods for reprogramming a somatic cell to pluripotency by administering into the somatic cell at least one or a plurality of potency-determining factors. The invention also relates to pluripotent cell populations obtained using a reprogramming method.
US08440460B2	Methods for transdifferentiating cells The present provides methods for affecting and/or altering the differentiation state of a cell. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides methods to transdifferentiate a cell into an endothelial cell or a hematopoietic cell. In the practice of the invention, a demethylating agent (e.g., 5-azacytidine) is used to affect and/or alter the differentiation state of a cell. The invention demonstrates the transdifferentiation of numerous cell types, including cell populations that are themselves somewhat differentiated (e.g., normal fibroblasts) into distinct cell types, including hematopoietic cells and endothelial cells, which transdifferentiation is effected further through the selection of particular growth factors which, together with the demethylating agents, directs the differentiation path. The invention provides a novel approach to providing useful cell types for many types of medical applications.
US08440459B2	Platelet rich plasma formulations for cardiac treatments Compositions for platelet rich plasma (PRP) are provided. Generally, these compositions comprise a higher concentration of platelets and white blood cells than whole blood. The concentrations of the platelets and/or the white blood cells may be two to eight times the respective concentrations in whole blood. These compositions may have depressed concentrations of red blood cells and hemoglobin. In some variations, the compositions may be useful to treat damaged connective tissue and/or to slow or stop cardiac apoptosis after a heart attack. The PRP composition may be delivered in conjunction with reperfusion therapy.
US08440457B2	Method of profiling a cell population The present invention relates to a method of profiling a cell population comprising a step of detecting the presence or absence of at least two biological markers in said cell population, wherein at least one of said markers is a cell surface marker, which is a sialylated N-glycan marker with structure NeuNAcα3Gal, and at least one of said markers is a mRNA marker related to glycoproteins and/or glycosynthase proteins. The invention also relates to method for purification of cord blood cell population and to a complete cell population from cord blood purified by said method.
US08440456B2	Nucleic acids of Pichia pastoris and use thereof for recombinant production of proteins The present invention provides the genome sequence of Pichia pastoris and manually curated annotation of protein-coding genes. The invention provides novel nucleic acids, proteins, and related expression vectors useful for genetic engineering of methylotrophic yeast strains, as well as engineered methylotrophic yeast strains particularly Pichia pastsoris, and use thereof for recombinant production of heterologous proteins including glycoproteins suitable for use in mammals including humans.
US08440452B2	Integrated bio-reactor monitor and control system Systems and methods for automatically controlling conditions of a process are disclosed. In one example, a controller is programmed with a sequence of steps and parameters required to carry out a bioreactor process. A sensor system interacts with the bioreactor to receive information related to a condition of the bioreactor and/or receive a sample from the bioreactor, which it analyzes. The sensor system sends data signals related to the information and/or the sample to a controller, which determines a control signal based on the received information. The controller sends the control signal to the sensor system which, based on the control signal, performs an action that affects a condition of the bioreactor or affects the sensor system itself.
US08440445B2	Neutral protease (NP) and product by using neutral protease for tissue dissociation as well as method for the production thereof The use of a neutral protease (NP) together with a collagenase consists in that a neutral protease which is not contained in a collagenase enzyme preparation and which is not produced by a recombinant production ia mixed before the beginning of a tissue dissociation with a collagenase or a collagenase enzyme preparation with an individual dosage of the quantitative proportions of neutral protease and collagenase for improving the isolation results with respect to yield, viability and integrity of the cells.
US08440441B2	Method of preparing a substrate for immobilization of functional substances thereon and the substrate obtained therefrom A substrate having compounds disposed thereon for immobilizing a functional molecule, each compound having a chain comprising: a moiety R that is chemically coupled to the substrate, said moiety R being selected from the group consisting of an ether, ester, carbonyl, carbonate ester, thioether, disulfide, sulfinyl, sulfonyl, and carbonothioyl; and an epoxide-containing moiety that is coupled to the moiety R by a linker comprising at least one nucleophilic group. Methods of preparing the substrate and use of the substrate are also disclosed.
US08440435B2	Method for reducing 1,2-diglyceride content of an edible oil The present application provides a method of reducing and/or removing diglyceride from an edible oil, comprising admixing an edible oil with an acyl acceptor substrate and a diglyceride:glycerol acyltransferase, wherein the diglyceride:glycerol acyltransferase is characterized as an enzyme which in an edible oil is capable of transferring an acyl group from a diglyceride to glycerol. The diglyceride:glycerol acyltransferase can comprise the amino acid sequence motif GDSX. The present invention also relates to the use of a diglyceride:glycerol acyltransferase in the manufacture of an edible oil, for reducing and/or removing diglyceride from said edible oil and to the use of said enzyme in the manufacture of a foodstuff comprising an edible oil for improving the crystallization properties of said foodstuff.
US08440433B2	Corynebacterium glutamicum enhanced expression of moaA gene encoding molybdenum cofactor biosynthesis enzyme A and method for producing L-lysine using the same The present invention relates to a microorganism of Corynebacterium ssp. having enhanced expression of gene for encoding molybdenum cofactor biosynthesis enzyme A and a method for producing L-lysine using the same, which has effects on providing the production method of L-lysine using the Corynebacterium strain having enhanced productivity of L-lysine by intensifying expression of the moaA gene for encoding molybdnum cofactor biosynthesis enzyme A.
US08440426B2	Method for production of antimutagenic substance using lactic acid bacterium Disclosed is a method for producing an antimutagenic substance by using a lactic acid bacteria, which can produce the antimutagenic substance in a large quantity in an extremely simple manner and is economically advantageous; particularly a method for producing an antimutagenic substance effective for a carcinogenic substance, particularly a heterocyclic amine (HCA) which is a carcinogenic substance derived from a food, by using a lactic acid bacteria. Specifically disclosed is a method for producing an antimutagenic substance by using a lactic acid bacteria, which is characterized by suspending the lactic acid bacteria in a poorly nutrient or nutrient-free medium and leaving the lactic acid bacteria in the medium. Preferably, the poorly nutrient or nutrient-free medium is selected from the group consisting of physiological saline, a phosphate-buffered saline without a calcium or magnesium salt (PBS (−)), a citrate buffer, a distilled water, an ion-exchanged water, a natural water, a well water, a tap water, a mineral-added water, a vitamin-added water, an ion supply beverage for an athlete and the like. More preferably, the lactic acid bacteria is Lactobacillus plantarum strain KK-2503 or Lactobacillus alimentarius strain KN-15.
US08440425B2	Method of preparing a biological specimen slide A method of preparing a slide of a biological specimen, including the steps of (a) providing a slide containing a biological specimen and a cover slip, (b) placing a liquid non-evaporating sealing compound such as mineral oil at spaced locations around an area on the slide and (c) placing the cover slip over the specimen area whereby the specimen and reagent is between the slide and the cover slip and the sealing compound spreads to define a closed boundary around the specimen in the space between the slide and the cover slip. Testing of the biological specimen may then be performed automatically.
US08440423B2	Bioremediation of nanomaterials The present invention provides a method comprising the use of microorganisms for nanotoxicity study and bioremediation. In some embodiment, the microorganisms are bacterial organisms such as Gram negative bacteria, which are used as model organisms to study the nanotoxicity of the fullerene compounds: E. coli W3110, a human related enterobacterium and Shewanella oneidensis MR-1, an environmentally important bacterium with versatile metabolism.
US08440421B2	Upregulation of integrin linked kinase (ILK) to provide cardioprotective effects Modulation of the integrin-linked kinase (ILK) signaling pathway is used to enhance the remodeling process relevant to a wide range of cardiac diseases. More specifically, a process to instigate beneficial human cardiac hypertrophy or for post myocardial infraction (MI) remodeling comprising illiciting an overexpression of ILK, is described. The ILK signaling pathway is also used as a means for cardiac stem cell proliferation and self-renewal.
US08440420B2	Assessment of cardiac health and thrombotic risk in a patient The invention features methods and compositions for assessing risk, particularly immediate risk, of thrombotic events in patients with suspected or known vascular disease, and more particularly to assessing risk of thrombotic events in patients with coronary artery disease, particularly acute myocardial infarction, stroke, unstable angina, stable angina, or restenosis. Risk of thrombosis can be assessed by analysis of platelet reactivity and/or velocity of thrombin or fibrin formation, and determining whether the patient has a score associated above a risk threshold value. In other embodiments, risk of thrombosis in a patient is evaluated in the context of a profile generated from values obtained from one or more assays that evaluate various factors associated with thrombosis and/or atherosclerosis.
US08440414B2	Method for monitoring the regulatory activity of chromosome segregation The present invention is to provide meiosis-specific novel kinetochore protein Sgo1 (shugoshin) derived from fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, and a homologue or paralogue thereof having a regulatory activity of chromosome segregation; and DNAs encoding them; as a factor ensuring the retention of unidirection and cohesion in sister centromere at meiosis I in cooperation with cohesin. To elucidate the proteins protecting Rec8 during anaphase, the present inventor screened in fission yeast genes for a gene that inhibits mitotic growth and prevents sister chromatid from the separation at anaphase, when co-expressed with Rec8. In this approach, meiosis-specific protein Sgo1 that protects (Shugo) centromeric Rec8 from the degradation at anaphase I was indentified. Further, a budding yeast Sgo1 homologue and a fission yeast mitotic paralogue Sgo2 were identified.
US08440409B2	Protein C inhibitor as a biomarker for prostate cancer The present invention provides a protein-based biomarker, Protein C Inhibitor (PCI) that is useful in qualifying prostate cancer status in a patient. In particular, the biomarker of this invention is useful to classify a subject sample as prostate cancer or non-prostate cancer. The biomarker can be detected by SELDI mass spectrometry.
US08440406B2	Amplification primers with non-standard bases for increased reaction specificity Described herein are methods for increasing the annealing specificity of an amplification reaction using Iso-base Amplification Primers (“IAPs”). IAPs containing an iso-region are capable of regulating sequence-specific annealing thereby enhancing primer-template hybridization for sequence-specific amplification of nucleotides.
US08440403B2	Apparatus and method An apparatus for investigating a molecule comprising a channel provided in a substrate, a metallic moiety capable of plasmon resonance which is associated with the channel in a position suitable for the electromagnetic field produced by the metallic moiety to interact with a molecule passing therethrough, means to induce a molecule to pass through the channel, means to induce surface plasmon resonance in the metallic moiety; and means to detect interaction between the electromagnetic field produced by the metallic moiety and a molecule passing through the channel. Methods of investigating molecules are also provided.
US08440401B2	Methods and compositions for DNA manipulation single-stranded extension having a desired length and sequence composition. Methods for forming single-stranded extensions include: the use of a cassette containing at least one nicking site and at least one restriction site at a predetermined distance from each other and in a predetermined orientation; or primer-dependent amplification which introduces into a polynucleotide molecule, a modified nucleotide which is excised to create a nick using a nicking agent. The methods and compositions provided can be used to manipulate a DNA sequence including introducing site specific mutations into a polynucleotide molecule and for cloning any polynucleotide molecule or set of joined polynucleotide molecules in a recipient molecule such as a vector of choice.
US08440400B2	Process for amplifying DNA in cells The present invention relates to a process for efficiently amplifying a giant DNA. More particularly, the present invention relates to a process for amplifying DNA in a cell, comprising amplifying the DNA as the target of amplification in the presence of DNAs selected from the following (i), (ii) and (iii): (i) DNA encoding a protein selected from the following 1), 2) and 3): 1) a protein consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, 2) a protein comprising an amino acid sequence which has a deletion, substitution, insertion or addition of one or more amino acids in the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, and 3) a protein comprising an amino acid sequence which has an identity of 90% or more to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, (ii) DNA consisting of the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, and (iii) DNA hybridizing to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 under stringent conditions.
US08440398B2	Method for prediction of sensitivity to 5-fluorouracil-type anticancer agent A factor affecting sensitivities to anticancer agents is analyzed and the validity of the factor is demonstrated.The present invention provides a method for predicting sensitivities to 5-fluorouracil-based anticancer agents using the copy number of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase gene as an indicator. Also disclosed are a kit and primers for use in predicting sensitivities to 5-fluorouracil-based anticancer agents.
US08440395B2	Methods of detecting and treating colon disorders The subject invention pertains to a method of detecting colon disorders including inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, based on underexpression of Lipopolysaccharide Responsive Beige-like Anchor (LRBA). Advantageously, the invention may be used to test for inflammatory bowel disease using a blood sample from a subject before a more invasive test for colon disorders is employed. The invention also pertains to methods of treating a colon disorder in a subject in which the colon disorder is detected.
US08440394B2	Methods for the detection and/or quantification of gram positive bacterial contaminants The invention provides methods and compositions for the detection and/or quantification of a Gram positive bacterial contaminant in a sample. In particular, the invention provides hemocyte-based preparations, methods of making such hemocyte-based preparations, and methods of using such hemocyte-based preparations for the detection and/or quantification of the Gram positive bacterial contaminant.
US08440392B2	Method of conducting a droplet based enzymatic assay A method of conducting a droplet-based enzymatic assay is provided. The method generally makes use of a droplet actuator. A droplet comprising an enzyme of interest is provided on the droplet actuator along with a droplet comprising a substrate which is potentially modified in the presence of the enzyme. The method involves executing droplet operations on the droplet actuator to combine the droplets, thereby yielding an assay droplet, and detecting modification of the substrate by the enzyme in the assay droplet on the droplet actuator. The enzyme of interest may, for example, be a potentially mutated or improperly folded enzyme exhibiting altered enzyme activity as compared to a corresponding normal enzyme.
US08440390B2	Method for ice-free cryopreservation of tissue Method for preserving tissue including immersing the tissue in a solution having a cryoprotectant concentration of at least 75% by weight, a cooling step where the tissue is cooled to a temperature between the glass transition temperature of the solution having a cryoprotectant concentration of at least 75% by weight and −20° C., a storage step where the tissue is stored at a temperature between the glass transition temperature of the solution and −20° C., a rewarming step, where the tissue is warmed, and a washing step.
US08440389B2	Stripper solutions effective for back-end-of-line operations Back end of line (BEOL) stripping solutions which can be used in a stripping process that replaces etching resist ashing process are provided. The stripping solutions are useful for fabricating circuits and/or forming electrodes on semiconductor devices for semiconductor integrated circuits with good efficiency and with low and acceptable metal etch rates. Methods for their use are similarly provided. The preferred stripping agents contain a polar aprotic solvent, water, an amine and a quaternary hydroxide that is not tetramethylammonium hydroxide. Further provided are integrated circuit devices and electronic interconnect structures prepared according to these methods.
US08440388B2	Method to restore hydrophobicity in dielectric films and materials Silica dielectric films, whether nanoporous foamed silica dielectrics or nonporous silica dielectrics are readily damaged by fabrication methods and reagents that reduce or remove hydrophobic properties from the dielectric surface. The invention provides for methods of imparting hydrophobic properties to such damaged silica dielectric films present on a substrate. The invention also provides plasma-based methods for imparting hydrophobicity to both new and damaged silica dielectric films. Semiconductor devices prepared by the inventive processes are also provided.
US08440386B2	Patterning process, resist composition, and acetal compound A pattern is formed by applying a resist composition comprising a polymer comprising recurring units having an acid labile group-substituted hydroxyl group, an acid generator, and an organic solvent onto a substrate, prebaking the composition to form a resist film, exposing the resist film to high-energy radiation to define exposed and unexposed regions, baking, and developing the exposed film with an organic solvent developer to form a negative pattern wherein the unexposed region of film is dissolved and the exposed region of film is not dissolved.
US08440383B2	Metal compositions, thermal imaging donors and patterned multilayer compositions derived therefrom Thermal imaging donors are useful for thermal transfer patterning of a metal layer and optionally, a corresponding proximate portion of an additional transfer layer onto a thermal imaging receiver. The compositions are useful for dry fabrication of electronic devices. Also provided are patterned multilayer compositions comprising one or more base film(s), and one or more patterned metal layers. These include electromagnetic interference shields and touchpad sensors.
US08440378B2	Electrostatic image developing toner, method for producing electrostatic image developing toner, method for forming image, and image forming apparatus An electrostatic image developing toner includes a binding resin and a release agent, wherein an organic silicon compound including a siloxane bond is present in a domain of the release agent.
US08440376B2	Exposure determining method, method of manufacturing semiconductor device, and computer program product According to one embodiment, a deviation amount distribution of a two-dimensional shape parameter between a mask pattern formed on a mask and a desired mask pattern is acquired as a mask pattern map. Such that a deviation amount of the two-dimensional shape parameter between a pattern on substrate formed when the mask is subjected to exposure shot to form a pattern on a substrate and a desired pattern on substrate fits within a predetermined range, an exposure is determined for each position in the exposure shot in forming the pattern on substrate based on the mask pattern map.
US08440373B2	Mask blank substrate, mask blank, photomask, and methods of manufacturing the same A mask blank substrate for a photomask is chucked on a mask stage of an exposure apparatus. A main surface, on the side where a thin film for a transfer pattern is to be formed, of the mask blank substrate has a flatness of 0.3 μm or less in a 142 mm square area including its central portion and has a convex shape being relatively high at its central portion and relatively low at its peripheral portion. The difference upon fitting, to the main surface of the mask blank substrate, a virtual reference main surface, having a spherical shape in a 132 mm square area, of a virtual reference substrate is 40 nm or less.
US08440372B2	Single field zero mask for increased alignment accuracy in field stitching A single field photomask includes a first set of targets formed on a first side of the photomask, and a second set of targets formed on a second side of the photomask, opposite the first side. In operation, the photomask is to be applied to a wafer without any alignment marks. The photomask forms a first set of alignment marks in the wafer from the first set of targets, and the photomask further forms a second set of alignment marks in the wafer from the second set of targets. The first set of alignment marks is used to align to a first field mask and the second set of alignment marks is used to align to a second field mask to stitch an image of the first field mask to an image of the second field mask.
US08440371B2	Imaging devices, methods of forming same, and methods of forming semiconductor device structures An imaging device comprising at least one array pattern region and at least one attenuation region. A plurality of imaging features in the at least one array pattern region and a plurality of assist features in the at least one attenuation region are substantially the same size as one another and are formed substantially on pitch. Methods of forming an imaging device and methods of forming a semiconductor device structure are also disclosed.
US08440370B2	Method of making a reflection hologram and a reflection hologram The present application provides a method of manufacturing a reflection hologram. The method comprises the steps of placing a first pattern of activating material upon a layer of inactive holographic recording material to selectively activate the layer and exposing the layer to holographic recording process for producing a reflection hologram.
US08440368B2	Stainless steel separator for fuel cell having M/MNx and MOyNz layer and method for manufacturing the same Disclosed herein is a stainless steel separator for a fuel cell and method of manufacture. The stainless steel separator includes a stainless steel sheet, a first coating layer comprising metal/metal nitride films (M/MNx) (0.5≦x≦1) on a surface of the stainless steel sheet, and a second coating layer comprising a metal oxynitride film (MOyNz) (0.05≦y≦2, 0.25≦z≦1.0).
US08440365B2	Electrolyte, production process therefor, electrolyte membrane, production process therefor, catalyst layer and fuel cell An electrolyte having a structure where a fluorinated hydrophilic segment A represented by -E2-[Rf-E1]m- and a hydrocarbon hydrophobic segment B are alternately bonded to each other through chemical bond and a production process therefor, and an electrolyte membrane, a production process therefor, a catalyst layer and a fuel cell using the same. Rf is a linear or a branched perfluoro chain having one or more carbon atoms, E1, and E2 are each a proton conductive portion represented by Formula —(CONM)i1(CO)i2(SO2NM)i3(SO2)i4— (0≦i1, 0≦i2≦1, 0≦i3, 0≦i4≦1, 0
US08440364B2	Membrane electrode assembly and fuel cell A membrane electrode assembly includes an solid polymer electrolyte membrane, an anode, and a cathode. The cathode has a stacked body of a catalyst layer and a gas diffusion layer. The catalyst layer has platinum-cobalt-supporting carbon particles and an ion conductor. The ratio (P2/P1) of the pore volume P2 (ml/g) per gram of catalyst layer in a second micro-pore diameter, ranging from 0.1 μm to less than 1 μm, over the pore volume P1 per gram of catalyst layer in a first micro-pore diameter, ranging from 0.01 μm to less than 0.1 μm, is in a range of 3.8 to 8.3.
US08440357B2	Fuel cell catalyst regeneration Systems that facilitate operating proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells are provided. The systems employ a fuel supply component that supplies fuel to the proton exchange membrane fuel cell; and a regeneration component that provides a reducing agent comprising a mixture of hydrogen and nitrogen, or a reducing plasma to a cathode catalyst of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell to reduce the cathode catalyst.
US08440355B2	Equalizing electrode plate with insulated split-flow conductive structure The present invention relates to an equalizing electrode plate with insulated split-flow conductive structure, which is a specifically installed insulated split-flow conductive structure with internal conductive body coated with insulator; one end of the insulated split-flow conductive structure connects to the electric energy input/output terminal of the electrode plate, and another end connects to the electrode plate area farther away from the electric energy input/output terminal and/or with larger impedance in the electrode plate; thus the dedicated insulated split-flow conductive structure connects with the electric energy input/output terminal to specifically transmit the electric energy therebetween.
US08440352B2	Negative active material for lithium secondary battery and negative electrode and lithium secondary battery comprising same A negative electrode for a lithium secondary battery of the present invention includes a negative active material including a plate-shaped carbon powder particle agglomerated in a primary structure in which the plate-shaped particle is oriented in a plane direction and laminated. Fine carbon powder particles are then agglomerated to form a secondary structure on the surface of the primary structure such that the resulting particles include fine pores formed on the surface.
US08440347B2	Secondary battery A secondary battery including an electrode assembly, a can accommodating the electrode assembly, a cap assembly sealing the can, and an insulating case interposed between the electrode assembly and the cap assembly and having two facing long side walls and two facing short side walls, wherein the two facing long side walls include opposing end portions and opposing central portions, the opposing end portions and the opposing central portions each include outer surfaces and a distance between the outer surfaces of the opposing end portions of the long side walls is greater than a distance between the outer surfaces of the opposing central portions of the long side walls.
US08440343B2	Electricity storage system and metal battery case manufacturing method An electricity storage system comprises a plurality of battery cells in which battery elements are accommodated in angular metal battery cases, wherein the plurality of battery cells are connected together electrically and are disposed in such a manner as to form spaces between the metal battery cells, and wherein the metal battery cell comprises an angular metallic housing on an external surface of which irregularities are formed and a resin portion which is injection molded integrally on the external surface of the metallic housing.
US08440339B2	Battery module, electric storage device and electric system A battery module is configured so that the first cell string and the second cell string are arranged between the first plate member and the second plate member and the second cell string is arranged closer to the second plate member side than the first cell string is and is arranged closer to the outlet side than the first cell string is. At the inlet side of the housing, the inlet is arranged closer to the first plate member than to the second cell string, at least a part between the inlet side of the second cell string and the second plate member is covered by the inlet-side guide plate, and the cooling air is introduced into the housing through the inlet so as to form a flow of the cooling air along the first plate member and a flow of the cooling air along the inlet-side guide plate.
US08440336B2	Rechargeable battery with short circuit member A rechargeable battery includes: an electrode assembly including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator between the first electrode and the second electrode; a case containing the electrode assembly; and a cap assembly coupled to the case. The cap assembly includes a cap plate and a short circuit member attached to the cap plate. The short circuit member includes a portion having a different thickness from another portion of the short circuit member.
US08440335B2	Explosion-proof device including battery cover with rupture film positioned in valve seat for use in power batteries An explosion-proof device for use in power batteries includes a battery cover defining an explosion-proof hole, a valve seat securely mounted in the explosion-proof hole and hermetically sealing the battery cover, and a rupture film positioned in the valve seat and hermetically sealing the explosion-proof hole. The rupture film is insulatively isolated from the valve seat via an insulative cushion enclosing the rupture film, or an insulative layer formed on the rupture film. In the explosion-proof device of the prevent invention, the rupture film is insulatively isolated from the valve seat, which can prevent the rupture film from being electrochemically corroded.
US08440334B2	Rechargeable battery A rechargeable battery including a case containing an electrode assembly, the electrode assembly having a coated region and an uncoated region, a lead member inside the case, the lead member surrounding at least a part of the uncoated region of the electrode assembly and having a first thickness, an electrode terminal connected to the lead member, and a current collecting plate having a second thickness that is thinner than the first thickness and coupled to the lead member and to the uncoated region.
US08440333B2	Fuel cell and electronic apparatus A fuel cell is provided having excellent performance and being capable of achieving a sufficient buffer ability in a high-output operation when an enzyme is immobilized on at least one of a positive electrode and a negative electrode and of sufficiently exhibiting the ability inherent in the enzyme. A biofuel cell includes a structure in which a positive electrode and a negative electrode are opposed to each other with an electrolyte layer containing a buffer material provided therebetween, an enzyme being immobilized on at least one of the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The electrolyte layer contains as the buffer material a compound including an imidazole ring. As the compound including an imidazole ring, imidazole, 1-methylimidazole, 2-methylimidazole, 4-methylimidazole, 2-ethylimidazole, or the like is used.
US08440332B2	Perpendicular magnetic recording medium and magnetic storage device using the same Embodiments of the present invention provide a perpendicular magnetic recording medium that reduces the noise of granular recording layers, obtains sufficient overwrite characteristic that suppresses an increase in the magnetic cluster size, and allows high-density recording. According to one embodiment, a perpendicular magnetic recording medium comprising substrate having thereon at least soft magnetic layer, nonmagnetic intermediate layer, a perpendicular recording layer and protective layer formed in that order. The perpendicular recording layer consists of three or more layers of first recording layer, a second recording layer, and a third recording layer from the side nearer to the substrate. The first recording layer and the second recording layer have a granular structure comprising a grain boundary of an oxide surrounding ferromagnetic crystal grains containing Co and Pt, and the third recording layer has a non-granular structure mainly comprising Co and not containing an oxide. The grain boundary of the first recording layer contains Si, Cr and oxygen, and at least one element selected from Ti, Ta and Nb, and the grain boundary of the second recording layer contains Cr and oxygen, or contains Cr and oxygen and at least one element selected from Si, W and V.
US08440331B2	Magnetic nanohole superlattices A magnetic material is disclosed including a two-dimensional array of carbon atoms and a two-dimensional array of nanoholes patterned in the two-dimensional array of carbon atoms. The magnetic material has long-range magnetic ordering at a temperature below a critical temperature Tc.
US08440330B2	Memory cell with radial barrier Magnetic tunnel junction cells and methods of making magnetic tunnel junction cells that include a radially protective layer extending proximate at least the ferromagnetic free layer of the cell. The radially protective layer can be specifically chosen in thickness, deposition method, material composition, and/or extent along the cell layers to enhance the effective magnetic properties of the free layer, including the effective coercivity, effective magnetic anisotropy, effective dispersion in magnetic moment, or effective spin polarization.
US08440329B2	Transparent substrate which can be used alternatively or cumulatively, for thermal control, for electromagnetic armour and for heated glazing A glazing for thermal control and heating is provided. The glazing includes a transparent substrate including glass and provided with a thin-film stack including a plurality of functional layers. The thin-film stack includes at least three silver-based functional layers. The thin-film stack has a resistance R<1.5Ω per square.
US08440327B2	Method of producing a layer by arc-evaporation from ceramic cathodes A method of producing hard wear resistant layer with improved wear resistance. The method is a reactive arc-evaporation based process using a cathode including as main constituent at least one phase of a refractory compound Mn+1AXn (n=1, 2 or 3), wherein M is one or more metals selected from the groups IIIB, IVB, VB, VIB and VIIB of the periodic table of elements, A is one or more elements selected from the groups IIIA, IVA, VA and VIA of the periodic table of elements, and wherein X is carbon and/or nitrogen.
US08440326B2	Hole transport materials containing triphenylene Novel materials are provided, having a single phenyl or chain of phenyls where there is a nitrogen atom on each end of the single phenyl or chain of phenyls. The nitrogen atom may be further substituted with particular triphenylene groups. Organic light-emitting devices are also provided, where the novel materials are used as a hole transport material in the device. Combinations of the hole transport material with specific host materials are also provided.
US08440322B2	Plain bearing The copper alloy (lining) prevails in an overwhelmingly large amount in a plain-bearing layer structure. Cu of the plain bearing copper-alloy diffuses into the Sn-based overlay diffuses into the Sn-based overlay and detrimentally impairs the performance of the overlay. The present invention takes a measure against this problem. An Sn-based overlay having a thickness of 3 to 19 μm is deposited by electro-plating without an intermediate layer for diffusion prevention on a plain-bearing layer, which contains Sn and Ni in a total amount of more than 4 mass % to 20 mass % (the minimum amount of Sn is 4 mass %) and has a hardness of Hv 150 or less.
US08440321B2	Coated article having antibacterial effect and method for making the same A coated article is described. The coated article includes a substrate, a bonding layer formed on the substrate, a plurality of nickel-chromium-nitrogen layers and a plurality of zinc layers formed on the bonding layer. The bonding layer is a nickel-chromium layer. Each nickel-chromium-nitrogen layer interleaves with one zinc layer. One of the nickel-chromium-nitrogen layers is directly formed on the bonding layer. A method for making the coated article is also described.
US08440319B2	Heat resistant polypropylene film A heat resistant film that comprises at least one layer that comprises a high crystallinity propylene polymer having a melt flow rate of from 0.5 g/10 min. to 15 g/10 min. and a xylene solubles of less than 3.5%. The propylene polymer may have a melting point above 158° C. The heat resistant film may further comprise at least a second layer, which may be a heterophasic random copolymer. The heat resistant film may be, for example, a blown film, a cast film, or an oriented film, and may be used in such articles of manufacture as construction films, retort packaging, and laminated articles.
US08440314B2	Coated cutting tools having a platinum group metal concentration gradient and related processes The present disclosure is directed to cutting tools. The disclosed cutting tools may have a wear resistant coating on a substrate. The substrate may have hard particles cemented in a binder phase. The binder may have a near-surface concentration gradient of at least one platinum group element and/or rhenium. Processes for producing cutting tools are also disclosed.
US08440305B2	Electrically conductive sheet A sheet which has a substrate layer containing from 21 to 87 mass % of a polycarbonate resin, from 7 to 68 mass % of a polyalkylene terephthalate resin and from 3 to 30 mass % of carbon black, and a surface layer containing from 19 to 86 mass % of a polycarbonate resin, from 6 to 67 mass % of a polyalkylene terephthalate resin and from 5 to 35 mass % of carbon black, laminated on one side or both sides of the substrate layer by extrusion, co-extrusion or extrusion coating, where the sheet has a burr incidence ratio of at most 4%, and a carrier tape using the sheet.
US08440299B2	Composite dielectric material for high-energy-density capacitors A composite dielectric material having a plurality of particle cores, each surrounded by polymer strands that are chemically bonded to the surface of the particle core. Each polymer strand includes a linker, through which the polymer strand is attached to the surface, an interfacial core-shielding (ICS) group bound to the linker, and a polymer molecule bound to the ICS group. The ICS groups are designed to inhibit electrical breakdown of the composite dielectric material by (i) deflecting or scattering free electrons away from the particle cores and/or (ii) capturing free electrons by being transformed into relatively stable radical anions. Representative examples of the particle core material, linker, ICS group, and polymer molecule are titanium dioxide, a phosphonate group, a halogenated aromatic ring, and a polystyrene molecule, respectively.
US08440295B2	Mechanical seal device, sliding element, and method of production thereof A sliding element having a sliding surface, wherein a substrate forming the sliding surface is formed with a resin layer, the resin layer has a plurality of porous parts on its surface, and the porous parts are impregnated with a fluorinated oil. Preferably, the resin layer contains a first resin and a second resin having a melting point higher than that of the first resin, and the porous parts of the resin layer are formed by heating the resin layer at a temperature of at least the melting point of the first resin and less than the melting point of the second resin, and exposed at the surface of the resin layer by grinding the resin layer.
US08440294B2	Structural color body A structural color body is film-like and formed of a resin layer containing a block copolymer, the resin layer has a micro-phase separated structure including lamellar micro domains, each of the micro domains has a wave-like shape having amplitudes in the thickness direction of the structural color body, and in each of the micro domains, a maximum value of distances in the direction between the tops of convexities and the bottoms of concavities is larger than the wavelength in the visible light range.
US08440291B2	Borderless emblem for securing to a first fabric A borderless emblem for securing to a first fabric by heat and/or pressure includes a fabric base, an emblem design applied to a front surface of the fabric base and a layer of thermoplastic adhesive material bonded to a rear surface of the fabric base. The first fabric has a predetermined weave pattern and a predetermined color. The fabric base has an outer peripheral edge and is constructed of the same or substantially the same fabric as the first fabric. The fabric base has a base color that is the same or substantially the same as the predetermined color. The fabric base is cut from a fabric utilizing a laser cutter which heats a portion of the fabric base proximate the outer peripheral edge. The laser cutter finishes the outer peripheral edge of the fabric base without including a stitched or other border.
US08440286B2	Capped tufted laminate web A laminate web having a nonwoven web in facing relationship with a polymer film. The laminate web has a first side comprising the polymer film and a plurality of discrete tufts including fibers integral with and extending from the nonwoven web. Each of the tufts has a tuft base proximal to the nonwoven web and a distal portion opposing the tuft base. At least part of the distal portion of each of the tufts is covered by a cap, each cap being an integral extension of said polymer film extending over the distal portion of a discrete tuft. The cap has a first opening including a location of rupture in the polymer film above which the tuft extends.
US08440282B2	Partable roll label A rolled article includes a roll of material and a holding device positioned on the roll and extending across the free end of the roll, securing the free end against an adjacent portion of the roll surface for preventing the roll from unraveling, the holding device including a base article having first and second securing regions positioned adjacent respective opposite sides of the base article and having a linking portion positioned therebetween, the first securing region secured to the roll surface on a first side of the free end and the second securing region secured to the roll on a second side of the free end, and first and second parting features disposed between respective first and second securing regions and the linking portion, wherein the parting features are configured for facilitating parting the base article between the linking portion and the securing regions to unroll the roll.
US08440278B2	Inhibitor, resin mixture containing same and use of same The use of 3-pyridinol and 5-pyrimidinol derivatives for adjusting the reactivity and the gel time of resin mixtures and/or reactive resin mortars based on radically polymerizable compounds is described. Furthermore, a resin mixture and a reactive resin mortar containing the 3-pyridinol and 5-pyrimidinol derivatives for adjusting the reaction time and the gel time, and having improved storage stability and good low temperature hardening properties, are described.
US08440277B2	Intrinsically stable shirred stick Disclosed is an intrinsically stable shirred, tubular, single-layer or multilayer food casing that preferably has a sigma-5 value (longitudinal/transversal, measured in a moist state) of less than 20/20 N/mm2. Said casing is preferably shirred at a ratio of 100:1 or more, preferably 120:1 to 500:1, and is essentially made of synthetic polymers. The shirred casing can be stored and transported without using a net-type envelope and is particularly suitable for processing on fully automatic sausage stuffing, portioning, clipping, and twisting devices.
US08440276B2	Multidirectionally reinforced shape woven preforms for composite structures The present invention relates to multidirectionally reinforced fiber preforms that conform easily to complex curvatures, such as, composite turbine fan cases, jet engine containment rings, aircraft fuselage frames, aircraft window frames, and flanged rings for attaching nacelles to aircraft engines. The present invention provides multidirectionally reinforced shape woven preforms with improved strength for composite structures that are axisymmetric as well as non-axisymmetric in nature. The invention is a preform used to reinforce a composite structure which includes a contour woven fabric portion, bi-axially braided, tri-axially braided or bias fabric portion, and/or a polar woven fabric portion, and a method of making thereof. The preform may optionally include a three-dimensionally woven portion. The combination of different forms of fabrics allows the preform to be produced without cutting and darting of the individual plies. Eliminating these cuts and darts improves the strength and performance of the resulting structure.
US08440269B2	Method for depositing thin film for magnetic recording medium A method for depositing a thin film for a magnetic recording medium includes the steps of placing a substrate for a recording medium having a magnetic recording layer thereon on a substrate holder rotatably arranged within a film deposition chamber; and supplying a plasma beam from a plasma beam formation portion to the film deposition chamber so as to form a thin film of ta-C on the magnetic recording layer. In supplying the plasma beam, an inclination angle formed by a normal line to a surface of the magnetic recording layer and a plane orthogonal to a direction of incidence of the plasma beam is changed from a minimum inclination angle to a maximum inclination angle according to an increase in film thickness of the ta-C thin film.
US08440268B2	Method and apparatus for growing plasma atomic layer Oxygen gas, for example, is introduced into a film forming chamber, and high-frequency power is supplied to a plurality of monopole antennas arranged above a silicon substrate (101) in the film forming chamber to generate a plasma of the introduced oxygen gas, thereby supplying atomic oxygen (123) onto the surface of an aminosilane molecular layer (102). This plasma generation is performed for about 1 sec. With this operation, the adsorption layer (102) adsorbed onto the surface of the silicon substrate (101) is oxidized, thereby forming a silicon oxide layer (112) corresponding to one atomic layer of silicon on the surface of the silicon substrate (101).
US08440266B2	Developing device, developing method and storage medium A developer nozzle supplies a developer onto the surface of a substrate rotating around a vertical axis, while a pure water nozzle supplies pure water onto the surface of the rotating substrate. The pure water nozzle is spaced apart from the developer nozzle and located on an outer side of the substrate with respect to the developer nozzle. The pure water restricts flow of the developer on the substrate and causes the developer to spread toward a clockwise side of the substrate when the substrate rotates in a clockwise direction. A liquid film containing the developer and the pure water is formed on the substrate. The developer nozzle and the pure water nozzle are spaced apart from each other to suppress splattering of the developer and the pure water due to collision of the developer with the pure water.
US08440261B2	Housing and surface treating method for making the same A surface treating method for making a housing have a metallic glass main body comprising: coating a primer on the metallic glass main body to form a bottom layer; forming a plating layer on the bottom layer; coating an adhesive on the plating layer to form an adhesive layer; and coating a lacquer on the adhesive layer to form an outer layer.
US08440259B2	Vapor based combinatorial processing A combinatorial processing chamber and method are provided. In the method a fluid volume flows over a surface of a substrate with differing portions of the fluid volume having different constituent components to concurrently expose segregated regions of the substrate to a mixture of the constituent components that differ from constituent components to which adjacent regions are exposed. Differently processed segregated regions are generated through the multiple flowings.
US08440258B2	Thin films of conjugated polymers containing inorganic nanoparticles and process for the manufacture thereof The invention relates to a process for the non-covalent coating of a support by a hybrid organic/inorganic film, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: —depositing a conjugated organic polymer comprising organic groups of X type onto the support; depositing nanoparticles comprising one or more organic groups of Y type onto the support, and in that the groups of X and Y types are capable of developing hydrogen-type bonds between themselves. Typically, the deposition steps are repeated, generally alternately, until the desired thickness for the film is obtained. The deposition may be carried out on the whole of the support or on one part of the latter only.
US08440255B2	Method of making heat treated coated article using diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating and protective film There is provided a method of making a heat treated (HT) coated article to be used in shower door applications, window applications, or any other suitable applications where transparent coated articles are desired. For example, certain embodiments of this invention relate to a method of making a coated article including a step of heat treating a glass substrate coated with at least a layer of or including diamond-like carbon (DLC) and an overlying protective film thereon. In certain example embodiments, the protective film may be of or include both (a) an oxygen blocking or barrier layer, and (b) a release layer. Following and/or during heat treatment (e.g., thermal tempering, or the like) the protective film may be removed. Other embodiments of this invention relate to the pre-HT coated article, or the post-HT coated article.
US08440249B2	Process for the preparation of an edible dispersion comprising oil and structuring agent The invention relates to a process for the preparation of an edible dispersion comprising oil and structuring agent and one or more of an aqueous phase and/or a solid phase, in which the dispersion is formed by mixing oil, solid structuring agent particles and the aqueous phase and/or the solid phase, wherein the solid structuring agent particles have a microporous structure of submicron size particles.
US08440248B2	Reduced sugar citrus juice beverage Citrus juice beverage products and their method of production are formulated to reduce the sugar content of the beverage while the beverage products have sensory, taste, mouth feel and texture characteristics that mimic those of whole citrus juice. Orange juice beverage products are especially preferred. The beverage products have a relatively low Brix, on the order of between about 7 and about 8 Brix. Also included in the beverage products is a sweetener which does not add a significant caloric load to the beverage product. A sinking pulp added to the beverage product in an amount to achieve texture and other sensory characteristics of a whole juice.
US08440247B2	Method of flavoring teas using wood, and flavored teas prepared thereby The present invention relates to a method for preparing flavored teas by using wood, and flavored teas prepared thereby. More specifically, the present invention relates to a preparation method of flavored teas with excellent palatability and flavors in which the method uses natural wood along with the appropriate flavoring time and temperature settings, and flavored teas prepared thereby.
US08440246B2	Beverage packed in container By containing non-polymer catechins in high concentration, the physiological effects of the catechins are manifested, minerals indispensable to the living body are fortified, and the storage stability of a beverage is improved. A packaged beverage containing: (A) from 0.05 to 0.5% by mass of non-polymer catechins; (B) from 0.0012 to 0.12% by mass of calcium; (C) from 0.00012 to 0.006% by mass of magnesium; (D) from 0.000048 to 0.0024% by mass of zinc; (E) from 0.00004 to 0.002% by mass of iron; and (F) from 0.01 to 20% by mass of a sweetener, wherein a content mass ratio [(B)/(A)] of the calcium (B) to the non-polymer catechins (A) is from 0.001 to 1.0; (J) a percentage of gallate bodies in the non-polymer catechins is from 5 to 55% by mass; and pH is from 2.5 to 5.1.
US08440243B2	OM vitamin formula A composition comprising various vitamins to make a multi-vitamin. The vitamins identified in multi-vitamin include vitamin B-1, vitamin B-2, niacinamide, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12, pantothenic acid, folic acid, beta carotene, iron, biotin, choline, vitamin A, vitamin E and vitamin C. The multi-vitamin soothe pain, depression, weakness and insomnia and works best with variety of food and less dairy products. Lead combined with calcium effects are severe than lead effects only; it elevates blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, weight and cause frequent infections; bigger than normal dose of antibiotics need in infections; and variation in quantities of few vitamins are needed to soothe the symptoms.
US08440242B1	Alcohol metabolizing assisting supplement A alcohol metabolizing assisting supplement includes a mixture which includes humic and fulvic acids, L-Cysteine, L-Glutamine, thiamine mononitrate, and vitamins. The mixture is ingested after the consumption of alcohol to assist the body in quickly metabolizing the alcohol and to resist the negative effects of metabolizing alcohol.
US08440229B2	Hollow silica nanospheres and methods of making same The disclosure provide hollow nanospheres and methods of making and using the same. The methods and compositions of the disclosure are useful for drug delivery and gene transfer.
US08440224B2	Multi-component pharmaceutical dosage form A multi-component pharmaceutical dosage form 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.
US08440222B2	Reservoir system with closed membrane A dermal or transdermal therapeutic system comprising a reservoir that contains at least one active substance, an active substance-permeable membrane which delimits the active-substance reservoir, and a closing layer. The closing layer is impermeable to the active substance at a temperature lying below the skin temperature while being permeable at skin temperature and above.
US08440220B2	Transdermal analgesic systems with reduced abuse potential A transdermal analgesic system having reduced potential for abuse, wherein the system provides for the controlled release of the antagonist at a rate sufficient to provide an abuse limiting release rate ratio of the antagonist to the analgesic when the dosage form is subject to abuse is disclosed.
US08440216B2	Sustained release intraocular implants and related methods Biocompatible intraocular implants include a steroid and a polymer associated with each other to facilitate release of the steroid into an eye for a period of time greater than about two months. The steroid may be associated with a biodegradable polymer matrix, such as a matrix of a two biodegradable polymers. Or, the steroid may be associated with a polymeric coating having one or more openings effective to permit the steroid to be released into an external environment. The implants may be placed in an eye to treat one or more ocular conditions. The steroid is released from the implant for more than about two months, and may be release for more than several years.
US08440214B2	Medical devices for therapeutic agent delivery with polymeric regions that contain copolymers having both soft segments and uniform length hard segments Implantable or insertable medical devices are described, which include one or more polymeric regions and one or more therapeutic agents. The polymeric regions, which regulate the release of one or more therapeutic agent from the medical device, contain copolymer molecules, each of which includes one or more soft segments and one or more uniform hard segments (e.g., polyamide segments that do not vary in length from molecule to molecule, among others).
US08440213B2	Pesticides formulations Concentrated microemulsions comprising: 1) 10-25 parts by weight of a pesticide with a solubility in water at 20° C. lower than 1% l by weight and having a melting point from 10° C. to 60° C.; 2) 8-25 parts by weight of one or more solvents containing oxygen atoms, having a solubility in water at 20° C. lower than 5% by weight and the Hildebrand solubility parameter in the range 16-21 MPa1/2; 3) 10-20 parts by weight of a polyol; 4) 10-25 parts by weight of one or more non ionic surfactants having a HLB value from 9 to 15; 5) 2-10 parts by weight of one or more anionic surfactants; 6) water up to 100 parts by weight; wherein—the ratio by weight between 2) and 1) ranges from 0.8:1 to 1.5:1;—the ratio by weight between 4) +5) and 1) is in the range 0.5:1-3:1;—the ratio by weight between 4) and 5) ranges from 1:1 to 4.1.
US08440209B2	Adhesive for medical applications and means for haemostasis The invention relates to adhesives for medical applications and methods of their preparation and use.
US08440206B2	Methods for producing an immune response to tuberculosis Methods for producing an immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) are disclosed herein. In several examples, the immune response is a protective immune response. In additional embodiments, methods are disclosed for preventing an infection with Mtb, or treating an infection with Mtb. Pharmaceutical compositions for the prevention and/or treatment of tuberculosis are also disclosed.
US08440204B2	Subtype of Closteridium botulinum neurotoxin type A and uses thereof A novel subtype of type A botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT/A) is disclosed in the application. Methods to purify the neurotoxin as well as uses thereof are also disclosed.
US08440203B2	Methods of immunizing pregnant heifers at three months of gestation The present invention discloses methods for protecting newborn calves against neonatal diarrhea by vaccinating pregnant cows and/or pregnant heifers, while minimizing the number of separate occasions producers are required to assemble the cattle.
US08440201B2	Stabilized bioactive peptides and methods of identification, synthesis, and use An intracellular selection system allows screening for peptide bioactivity and stability. Randomized recombinant peptides are screened for bioactivity in a tightly regulated expression system, preferably derived from the wild-type lac operon. Bioactive peptides thus identified are inherently protease- and peptidase-resistant. Also provided are bioactive peptides stabilized by a stabilizing group at the N-terminus, the C-terminus, or both. The stabilizing group can be a small stable protein, such as the Rop protein, glutathione sulfotransferase, thioredoxin, maltose binding protein, or glutathione reductase, an α-helical moiety, or one or more proline residues.
US08440198B2	Compositions and methods for wound healing The present invention is related to the field of wound healing or tissue regeneration due to disease (i.e., for example, cardiovascular diseases, osetoarthritic diseases, or diabetes). In particular, the present invention provides compositions and methods comprising molecules with linked α-gal epitopes for induction of an inflammatory response localized within or surrounding damaged tissue. In some embodiments, the present invention provides treatments for tissue repair in normal subjects and in subjects having impaired healing capabilities, such as diabetic and aged subjects.
US08440197B2	KID3 and KID3 antibodies that bind thereto The invention provides the identification and characterization of disease and cancer-associated epitope, KID3. The invention also provides a family of monoclonal antibodies that bind to KID3, methods of diagnosing and treating various human cancers and diseases that express KID3.
US08440192B2	Bispecific binding agents for modulating biological activity Methods for improving the biological and pharmaceutical properties of bispecific binding agents are described herein where the bispecific binding agents are able to target cells by a high affinity binding domain to a first cell surface marker that does not induce a significant biological effect and a low affinity binding domain that binds specifically to a second cell surface marker, causing a significant and desired biological effect. Compositions of such bispecific binding agents, uses for them, and kits containing them are also provided.
US08440191B2	Clearance of abnormal IGA1 in IGA1 deposition diseases The present invention relates to proteins which specifically bind to IgA1 and which have been modified to comprise either O- or N-linked glycans. The invention encompasses methods for decreasing IgA1, preferably abnormally glycosylated IgA1, in an individual by administering to the individual a glycan-modified IgA1 binding protein of the invention. The invention also encompasses a method for the treatment of a disease characterized by IgA1 deposition wherein a glycan-modified IgA1 binding protein is administered to an individual in need thereof.
US08440186B2	P2X7 epitopes The invention relates to purinergic (P2X) receptors, more specifically to P2X7 receptors, the generation of antibodies and the use of antibodies and immunogens that are capable of selectively binding to a non ATP-binding P2X7 receptor but not to an ATP-binding P2X7 receptor, for the detection and treatment of disease conditions, especially cancer.
US08440184B2	Compositions of engineered human arginases and methods for treating cancer Compositions and methods for the treatment of cancer are described, and, more preferably, to the treatment of cancers that do not express, or are otherwise deficient in, argininosuccinate synthetase, with enzymes that deplete L-Arginine in serum. In one embodiment, the present invention contemplates an arginase protein, such as a human Arginase I protein, comprising at least one amino acid substitution and a metal cofactor, said protein comprising an increased catalytic activity when compared with a native human Arginase I.
US08440182B2	Methods and compositions for treating phenylketonuria Provided herein are methods for treating a subject suffering from phenylketonuria by administering a phenylalanine hydroxylase (“PAH”) and/or a phenylalanine ammonia lyase (“PAL”) to the subject under conditions effective to deliver the phenylalanine 4-hydroxylase and/or PAL to the subject's small intestine. Also provided are methods for increasing the therapeutic activity of a phenylalanine 4-hydroxylase by thiolating the phenylalanine 4-hydroxylase. In addition, provided are oral dosage forms that include a phenylalanine 4-hydroxylase and/or a PAL and an enteric coating.
US08440181B2	Prevention of micronutrient deficiencies associated with common disabilities in the over 50 adult A micronutrient dosage unit which comprises two or more micronutrients selected from vitamin A, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin B9, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, calcium, magnesium, zinc, boron and chromium in one or more specified ratios. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
US08440179B2	Agent for reducing visceral fat Provide a visceral fat reducing agent for reducing the diseases and conditions associated with the metabolic syndrome which represents a condition where various risk factors such as those for hypertension, hyperlipemia, glucose tolerance dysfunction, etc., have accumulated, or simply reducing an accumulation of visceral fat, wherein the effective ingredient of said visceral fat reducing agent includes fungus bodies of lactic bacteria, especially lactic bacteria belonging to the Lactobacillus sp. and Lactococcus sp. and/or cultures thereof, while also providing a beverage, food or feed containing said visceral fat reducing agent.
US08440178B2	Lactobacillus rhamnosus and weight control The present invention generally relates to the field of obesity. In particular the present invention relates to the use of probiotics to treat obesity. One embedment of the present invention relates to the use of Lactobacillus rhamnosus CGMCC 1.3724 and/or Lactobacillus rhamnosus NCC 4007 for the preparation of a composition to support weight management, promote weight loss and/or to treat obesity.
US08440171B2	Composition and its physical requirements for eliminating odors in air An air treating composition for eliminating odors from air in combination with specific spray valve and actuator requirements and spray performance parameters providing maximum dispersion of the active component in the composition into the air is disclosed. The particles of the composition are small so that the active component is dispersed into air as a fine dispersion to provide more contact with odors and to provide quick absorption of odors. The particle size of the composition is controlled through the selection of valve and actuator dimensions. The air treating and odor eliminating composition of the invention includes water, a low molecular weight polyol, an emulsifier, and a propellant. The composition may also include additional adjuvants such as solvent(s), fragrance(s), corrosion inhibitor, pH adjustor and the like.
US08440169B2	Stable isotope-labeled aromatic amino acids, method for incorporating the same in target protein and method for NMR-structural analysis of proteins The present invention herein provides, for instance, a stable isotope-labeled phenylalanine wherein a carbon atom of the phenyl group linked to an amino acid residue is 13C, 2 to 4 carbon atoms of the remaining 5 carbon atoms constituting the phenyl group are 12C atoms to which deuterium atoms are bonded, and the remaining carbon atoms are 13C atoms to which hydrogen atoms are linked, and a stable isotope-labeled tyrosine wherein a carbon atom of the phenyl group linked to an amino acid residue is 13C, the carbon atom bonded to the hydroxyl group (OH group) of the phenyl group is 12C or 13C, 2 to 4 carbon atoms of the remaining 4 carbon atoms constituting the phenyl group are 12C atoms to which deuterium atoms are bonded, and the remaining carbon atoms are 13C atoms to which hydrogen atoms are linked. The stable isotope-labeled amino acid permits the elimination of such a conventional problem concerning the complexity of the NMR signals ascribed to aromatic rings, the complexity being a principal cause of making the NMR analysis difficult, encountered when using the conventional uniformly labeled amino acid residue. Moreover, the isotope-labeled amino acid likewise permits the substantial improvement of the sensitivity thereof to the NMR spectroscopic analysis.
US08440167B2	Multimodal imaging of atherosclerotic plaque targeted to LOX-1 The present invention provides multiple modalities for detecting LOX-1. More particularly, an imaging composition is provided that allows for the in vivo imaging of atherosclerotic plaque.
US08440166B1	Method of synthesizing a novel absorbent titanosilicate material (UPRM-5) A titanium silicate variant named UPRM-5 was prepared using tetraethylammonium hydroxide as a structure-directing agent (SDA). Successful detemplation was achieved via ion exchange with NH4Cl. Effective functionalization was obtained after ion exchanging the detemplated material using SrCl2 and BaCl2. Adsorption of CO2 at 25° C. in Sr- and Ba-UPRM-5 materials activated at different temperatures. For low partial pressures, the observed CO2 adsorption capacities increased as follows: NH4-UPRM-5
US08440163B2	Slaked lime composition and its manufacturing process The invention relates to a slaked lime composition containing Ca(OH)2 particles of platelet crystalline morphology, called platelets, said platelets having a diameter D, this being the diameter of the circle circumscribing the platelet, a thickness e and an aspect ratio given by the ratio of said diameter of the platelet-circumscribing circle to said thickness, said composition having a platelet content of between 50 and 100% relative to the sum of the Ca(OH)2 particles and said aspect ratio being between 10 and 300, and to its manufacturing process.
US08440161B2	Ammonium paratungstate hydrates and ammonium paratungstate decahydrate The invention is directed to ammonium paratungstate decahydrate containing at least 75% of crystals having a length of at least 200 μm and having a ratio of length to width of less than 4.5:1.
US08440160B1	Integrated sulfur recovery methods in power plants and low BTU gas fields This disclosure relates generally to processes for the production of elemental sulfur from Syngas, in the power plant, or Low BTU Gas fields and more particularly to processes the mixture of the 100% syngas or low BTU stream with the 100% SO2 recycle gas; with an additional stream comprising oxygen such as air, oxygen-enriched air, or substantially pure oxygen is added to the SO2 recycle stream prior entering the Claus reactor for producing elemental sulfur. The combination of innovation schemes comprises the sulfur recovery unit, the SO2 recovery unit and the gas turbines or boilers to promote a cost effective options by reducing the number of steps in an efficient manner and to achieve near 100% sulfur recovery with significant cost and energy saving. The SO2 gas is recycled from the SO2 recovery unit to the sulfur recovery unit by using one of the regenerable solvent.
US08440159B2	Method for extracting ammonium salt and methanol from a liquid obtained from foul condensates in a cellulose pulp mill Desirable chemicals are recovered from a raw material that is formed in substantial amounts during the production of cellulose pulp from renewable lingo-cellulose material. An ammonia/ammonium-containing methanol/water mixture is acidified with an acid that has the ability of forming ammonium salt with the ammonium. The mixture is circulated and passed through an apparatus that has an indirect heat exchanger combined with an storage volume fitted with a gas collection device.
US08440157B2	Methods and apparatuses for manufacturing cast silicon from seed crystals Methods and apparatuses are provided for casting silicon for photovoltaic cells and other applications. With these methods, an ingot can be grown that is low in carbon and whose crystal growth is controlled to increase the cross-sectional area of seeded material during casting.
US08440153B2	Method for preparing manganese sulfate and zinc sulfate from waste batteries containing manganese and zinc A method for preparing manganese sulfate and zinc sulfate from waste batteries containing manganese and zinc, and more particularly to a method for preparing manganese sulfate and zinc sulfate from waste batteries containing manganese and zinc. Zinc powder and activated carbon are added to a leached solution obtained from a continuous leaching process so as to remove heavy metals and organic materials from the leached solution, and then the leached solution is spray-dried to simultaneously obtain manganese sulfate and zinc sulfate at high-purity by a simple process without generating wastewater. An environmentally friendly waste battery recycling process is thereby provided, because it is not required to use additional chemical substances for neutralization titration or impurity removal in recovering manganese sulfate and zinc sulfate by leaching a waste battery powder.
US08440150B2	Hydrophobic valve The present invention relates to a hydrophobic valve for liquids having an appreciable surface tension comprising magnetic particles, said device comprising at least two planar solid substrates with a functionalized surface each, wherein at least a first solid substrate has a patterned surface comprising at least two hydrophilic areas separated from one another by at least one hydrophobic area, wherein the said two planar substrates are disposed with a distance to one another in a sandwiched, parallel fashion, in such way that said functionalized surfaces are facing one another, said valve further comprising a magnetic actuator.
US08440148B2	Microfluidic device and microfluidic analysis equipment Provided are a microfluidic device and a microfluidic analysis equipment. The microfluidic device includes guides disposed along both edges, a lower plate including a flow path defined between the guides, and a movable upper plate moved along the guides on the lower plate and having a length less than that the flow path. A fluid flow can be simply accurately controlled by adjusting a position of the movable upper plate. As a result, the fluid can sufficiently react in the detection part and the reaction part. Therefore, effective reaction and detection can be realized using only a small amount of fluid, thereby improving sensitivity. In addition, due to the improved sensitivity, a washing process for removing materials that are not consumed in the reaction can be omitted. Also, the movable upper plate can be manually moved using a user's finger.
US08440137B2	Au bonding wire for semiconductor device An Au bonding wire for semiconductor device, comprising a wire-shaped Au alloy material consisting of: 3-15 mass ppm of Be, 3-40 mass ppm of Ca, 3-20 mass ppm of La, 3-20 mass ppm of at least one functional element selected from the group of Ce, Eu, Mg, and Si, and the remainder of Au, wherein the diameter of said Au alloy bonding wire is less than 23 microns, wherein said bonding wire has improved roundness of compressed bonded ball and improved fracture stress.
US08440133B2	Cooling apparatus, cooling method, manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method of hot-rolled steel sheet The present invention provides a cooling apparatus of a hot-rolled steel sheet capable of manufacturing a hot-rolled steel sheet having ultra fine crystal grains. In the cooling apparatus, when defining as L1, a length in a transporting direction of a steel sheet, of a zone from a rolling reduction point in a final stand to an exit side of a housing post; defining as L2, a length in the transporting direction of the steel sheet, of an area where high-pressure water is continuously sprayed over the steel sheet, within the zone; and defining a ratio of L2/L1 as X, an average value Ps [kPa], in the transporting direction of the steel sheet, of an impact pressure of the high-pressure water on a surface of the steel sheet in the area of the length L2 satisfies Ps≧2.5X(−1/0.6) on the above upper surface and lower surface of the steel sheet.
US08440129B2	Production of free-standing solid state layers by thermal processing of substrates with a polymer In a method for producing a free-standing solid state layer, a solid state material is provided having at least one surface available for layer formation thereon and a layer of polymer is formed on the available surface. The solid state material and polymer layer are then exposed to a change in local temperature from a first temperature that is no greater than about 300° C. to a second temperature below about room temperature to cause the solid state material to fracture along a plane at a depth in the material, to produce at least one free-standing solid state layer from the solid state material.
US08440128B2	Flexible magnetic sheet systems Flexible magnetic sheets made with high-energy strontium ferrite and oriented magnetic particles of strontium ferrite and barium ferrite, such as to decrease thickness while maintaining a strong magnetic energy as well as flexibility.
US08440126B2	Carrier mold A carrier mold having prongs that produces shaped tampons is provided. A carrier mold comprising an outer surface, an inner surface, a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a body, and two or more prongs, each prong having a proximal base and a distal end; wherein at least one prong is in partial contact with at least one other prong; wherein the inner surface defines an inner cavity for producing a shaped tampon; wherein the inner cavity is structured to define or mirror the desired shape of the shaped tampon; and wherein the shaped tampon has a length and comprises various perimeters along its length. A method of forming a shaped tampon using the carrier mold is also provided.
US08440125B2	Polyethylene films having high resistance to deformation or elongation Disclosed is a method for producing polyethylene films which have high resistance to deformation or elongation under loading in tension. The method comprises orienting in the machine direction (MD) a high density polyethylene film at a draw-down ratio effective to give the film an MD tensile strength at yield greater than or equal to 50,000 psi, wherein the HDPE has a density greater than 0.940 g/cm3.
US08440122B2	Introducer sheath and methods of making An introducer sheath and methods of making the introducer sheath are described. The introducer sheath may include a hub portion and a tubular portion. The hub portion may include a substantially non-planar valve portion in a relaxed state. The valve portion may include an aperture configured to receive a medical device. A hub portion may be formed using a forming device. An aperture may be formed through a distal surface of the valve portion.
US08440121B2	High-dielectric material A bulk dielectric material can include a solid composite material having a solid matrix material and a plurality of filler elements distributed within the matrix material. The bulk dielectric material can have, at a frequency of greater than 1 MHz, (i) a permittivity with a real part of magnitude greater than 10 and an imaginary part of magnitude less than 3, and (ii) an electrical breakdown strength greater than 5 kV/mm and can have a minimum dimension greater than 2 mm.
US08440118B2	Master mold, master mold fabrication method, and method for fabricating liquid crystal display device using the same A method for fabricating a liquid crystal display (LCD) device wherein a photolithography technique is replaced by soft lithography is disclosed. The method includes: forming a thin film transistor array substrate; forming a color filter substrate; bonding the thin film transistor array substrate and the color filter substrate; and applying a liquid crystal between the thin film transistor array substrate and the color filter substrate, wherein at least one of the forming the thin film transistor array substrate and the forming the color filter substrate includes a pattern forming method using a soft mold. The pattern forming method may be a soft lithography process that includes: contacting a soft mold having a particular pattern with a surface of a buffer layer and applying a constant heat to the soft mold and buffer layer to transfer the particular pattern onto the buffer layer.
US08440117B2	Biaxial-optical polynorbornene-based film and method of manufacturing the same, integrated optical compensation polarizer having the film and method of manufacturing the polarizer, and liquid crystal display panel containing the film and/or polarizer Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a biaxial polynorbornene-film having a compensation film which has good light transmittance and a uniform in-plane retardation value and can function as both a negative C-plate and an A-plate.
US08440114B2	Methods and materials for CAIGAS aluminum-containing photovoltaics This invention relates to methods for materials using compounds, polymeric compounds, and compositions used to prepare semiconductor and optoelectronic materials and devices including thin film and band gap materials. This invention provides a range of compounds, polymeric compounds, compositions, materials and methods directed ultimately toward photovoltaic applications, transparent conductive materials, as well as devices and systems for energy conversion, including solar cells. This invention further relates to thin film CA(I,G,A)S, CAIGAS, A(I,G,A)S, AIGAS, C(I,G,A)S, and CIGAS materials made by a process of providing one or more polymeric precursor compounds or inks thereof, providing a substrate, depositing the compounds or inks onto the substrate; and heating the substrate at a temperature of from about 20° C. to about 650° C.
US08440113B2	Lithium manganate for non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery, process for producing the same, and non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery The present invention aims at providing lithium manganate having a high output and an excellent high-temperature stability. The above aim can be achieved by lithium manganate particles having a primary particle diameter of not less than 1 μm and an average particle diameter (D50) of kinetic particles of not less than 1 μm and not more than 10 μm, which are substantially in the form of single crystal particles and have a composition represented by the following chemical formula: Li1+xMn2−x−yYyO4 in which Y is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Al, Mg and Co; x and y satisfy 0.03≦x≦0.15 and 0.05≦y≦0.20, respectively, wherein the Y element is uniformly dispersed within the respective particles, and an intensity ratio of I(400)/I(111) thereof is not less than 33% and an intensity ratio of I(440)/I(111) thereof is not less than 16%.
US08440112B2	Electrode material for vacuum circuit breaker and method of manufacturing the same Atomized Cu—Cr alloy powder, 20 to 30 percent by weight of Thermite Cr powder and 5 percent by weight of electrolytic Cu powder are mixed together and undergo solid phase sintering treatment to form an electrode material for vacuum circuit breakers. The gross content of Cr of the electrode material is 30 to 50 percent by weight. In manufacturing the electrode material for vacuum circuit breakers, such powders are mixed together and then undergo compression molding to be formed into a compressed compact. The compressed compact is performed solid phase sintering at a temperature lower than the melting point of Cu in a non-oxidizing atmosphere to prepare a solid phase sintered body.
US08440107B2	Catalytic reforming methods A catalytic reforming method is disclosed herein. The method includes sequentially supplying a plurality of feedstocks of variable compositions to a reformer. The method further includes adding a respective predetermined co-reactant to each of the plurality of feedstocks to obtain a substantially constant output from the reformer for the plurality of feedstocks. The respective predetermined co-reactant is based on a C/H/O atomic composition for a respective one of the plurality of feedstocks and a predetermined C/H/O atomic composition for the substantially constant output.
US08440104B2	Kimzeyite garnet phosphors A phosphor of formula I is included in a phosphor composition in a lighting apparatus capable of emitting white light, Ca3-x-zSrxCezM12M2AlSiO12 (I) wherein M1 is Hf, Zr, or a combination thereof; M2 is Al, or a combination of Al and Ga; z<3−x; and 0.2>x≧0. The lighting apparatus includes a semiconductor light source in addition to the phosphor composition.
US08440103B2	Binder resin composition and inorganic fine particle-dispersed paste composition It is an object of the present invention to provide a binder resin composition usable for an inorganic fine particle-dispersed paste composition which is excellent in thixotropy and storage stability, has scarcely changeable screen printability with the lapse of time, and can be fired at a low temperature, and to provide the inorganic fine particle-dispersed paste composition.The present invention is directed to a binder resin composition, which contains a binder comprising a (meth)acrylic resin, an organic compound having 3 or more hydroxyl groups, and an organic solvent, the content of the organic compound having 3 or more hydroxyl groups being 0.1 to 15 parts by weight to 100 parts by weight of the (meth)acrylic resin.
US08440102B2	Liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device An object is to provide a liquid crystal composition which exhibits a blue phase in a wide temperature range. Another object is to provide a liquid crystal composition which exhibits a blue phase, with which high contrast can be provided, in a liquid crystal display device. A liquid crystal composition which exhibits a blue phase includes: a nematic liquid crystal including a compound represented by a structural formula (100) (PPEP-5FCNF (abbreviation)); and a chiral agent. In a liquid crystal display device, a liquid crystal layer is formed using the liquid crystal composition including a nematic liquid crystal including a compound represented by a structural formula (100) (PPEP-5FCNF (abbreviation)) and a chiral agent, and the liquid crystal composition exhibits a blue phase.
US08440101B2	Liquid crystal composition containing polymerizable compound and liquid crystal display element using the same Provided are a liquid crystal composition containing, as a first component, a polymerizable compound represented by general formula (I): R11—S11-L11-(M11-L12)m-M12-L13-(M13-L14)n-Z11 (I) and a liquid crystal display element using the liquid crystal composition.
US08440096B2	Environmentally benign anti-icing or deicing fluids Deicing compositions comprised of hydroxyl-containing organic compounds and/or organic acid salts are disclosed.
US08440094B1	Method of polishing a substrate A process for chemical mechanical polishing of a substrate having a polysilicon overburden deposited over silicon dioxide is provided using multiple dilutions of a chemical mechanical polishing composition concentrate to polish the substrate, wherein a first dilution of the concentrate used to polish the substrate is tuned to exhibit a first polysilicon removal rate and a first polysilicon to silicon dioxide removal rate selectivity; and wherein a second dilution of the concentrate used to polish the substrate is tuned to exhibit a second polysilicon removal rate and a second polysilicon to silicon dioxide removal rate selectivity.
US08440093B1	Methods and devices for electronic and magnetic sensing of the contents of microfluidic flow channels The presence of a detectable entity within a detection volume of a microfabricated elastomeric structure is sensed through a change in the electrical or magnetic environment of the detection volume. In embodiments utilizing electronic detection, an electric field is applied to the detection volume and a change in impedance, current, or combined impedance and current due to the presence of the detectable entity is measured. In embodiments utilizing magnetic detection, the magnetic properties of a magnetized detected entity alter the magnetic field of the detection volume. This changed magnetic field induces a current which can reveal the detectable entity. The change in resistance of a magnetoresistive element may also reveal the passage of a magnetized detectable entity.
US08440087B2	Thickeners having self-diluting feedwell A thickening tank has a peripheral overflow launder and a centrally disposed feed well. Feedstock slurry is fed to a mixing box which also receives supernatant liquid and is supplemented by flocculated material flowing into the interior of the feed well onto a distributor baffle plate. The supernatant liquid is delivered at a controlled rate from a receiving vessel formed by an upright cylinder provided at its lower end with an impeller of a lift pump which is operated by a controller positioned at the upper end of a vertical drive shaft extending axially through the receiving vessel. The feed well is surrounded by a second launder which is closed at its base and formed with a cup. The lower end of the receiving vessel is spaced from the floor of the cup to draw supernatant liquid exclusively from the second launder rather than from the thickener tank.
US08440084B2	Washable anaerobic digester with fixed biofilm An effluent treatment apparatus which is a flushed anaerobic digester with fixed biofilm (FAD system) is disclosed. The FAD system creates and maintains an optimum environment for the development and activity of anaerobic bacteria. The FAD system can be used for all treatment methods for anaerobic bacteria, regardless of function. The FAD system is intended for the production of biogas.
US08440083B2	Replaceable filter elements including plural filter media and related filtration systems, techniques and methods One embodiment is a filter element including an outer filter media and an inner filter media. The outer filter media is operable to remove particulates present in a flow of fluid and/or coalesce water contained in the flow of fluid. The inner filter media is operable to remove particulates from the flow of fluid, separate water form the flow of fluid, and remove particulates from the flow of fluid. Other embodiments include unique apparatus, devices, systems, and methods relating to fuel filters and filtration. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits of the present application shall become apparent from the detailed description and figures included herewith.
US08440081B2	Quick drain filter An apparatus, system, and method for a quick-drain filter includes a cylindrical filter element, a cylindrical interior volume disposed axially through the element, an end plate disposed on an axial end of the element, and a housing within which the element and end plate are disposed, the housing and element having a common axis. A stand pipe is disposed axially through the housing and configured to extend into the interior volume. A service drain passage is disposed at an axial end of the housing, the drain passage being configured to be disposed axially adjacent the end plate, and a plug is disposed on the end plate, the plug being configured to plug the drain passage.
US08440072B2	Method of removing metals from hydrocarbon feedstock using esters of carboxylic acids Method of removing metals from hydrocarbon feedstock using esters of carboxylic acids, and additives for the same, are provided, wherein hydrocarbon stream including crude oil containing metals and salts thereof, wherein metal is calcium and its salt is calcium naphthenate, is mixed with an effective metal-removing-amount of an aqueous extraction-solution of non-precipitating and non-fouling additive comprising a chemical compound selected from a group consisting of methyl or ethyl or propyl or isopropyl mono- and/or di-esters of any one of the carboxylic acids selected from the groups consisting of maleic acid, maleic anhydride, and fumaric acid, or an appropriate combination of said esters, or an appropriate combination of any of said esters with any of said carboxylic acids to form a hydrocarbonous phase and an aqueous phase containing the metal ions; and separating aqueous phase.
US08440069B2	Methods of isolating and using components from a high solvency dispersive power (HSDP) crude oil Method of isolating active resins from a high solvency dispersive power (HSDP) crude oil includes providing a HSDP crude oil, deasphalting the HSDP crude oil into at least a deasphalted oil (DAO) fraction and a first asphaltenes fraction, deasphalting the first asphaltenes fraction to isolate active resins from a second asphaltenes fraction, and combining the DAO fraction and the second asphaltenes fraction to form a de-resinated crude. Method of using components isolated from a high solvency dispersive power (HSDP) crude oil includes providing a HSDP crude oil, deasphalting the HSDP crude oil into at least a deasphalted oil (DAO) fraction and a first asphaltenes fraction, deasphalting the first asphaltenes fraction to isolate active resins from a second asphaltenes fraction, and selecting at least one of the DAO fraction, the active resins, or the second asphaltenes fraction for use in a refinery process.
US08440067B2	Process for removing water from alkali metal amalgam The invention relates to a process for removing small amounts of water and possible further constituents from alkali metal amalgam, wherein the alkali metal amalgam is brought into contact with an element which is insoluble in mercury and catalyzes the reaction of water with the alkali metal amalgam and the possible further constituents to form hydroxides and hydrogen.
US08440065B1	Electrolyte composition, method, and improved apparatus for high speed tin-silver electroplating The invention provides an electroplating composition, method, and improved apparatus, which enables electroplating tin-silver alloys at high speed and without burning. The composition is an aqueous acidic solution including salts of stannous tin and a monovalent silver, and a complexing agent selected from the group consisting of thiocarbazides and thiohydrazides, and optionally an aldehyde and/or dialdehyde organic brightener compound. A sulfonic acid and a surfactant may also be included. The improved apparatus provides a protective structure substantially surrounding the anode(s) to decrease turbulence and the problematic silver displacement reaction.
US08440063B2	Electrokinetic concentration devices The present invention provides a device and methods of use thereof in concentrating a species of interest and/or controlling liquid flow in a device. The methods make use of a device comprising a fluidic chip comprising a planar array of channels through which a liquid comprising a species of interest can be made to pass with at least one rigid substrate connected thereto such that at least a portion of a surface of the substrate bounds the channels, and a high aspect ratio ion-selective membrane is embedded within the chip, attached to at least a portion of the channels. The device comprises a unit to induce an electric field in the channel and a unit to induce an electrokinetic or pressure driven flow in the channel.
US08440060B2	High surface area electrode coating An electrode surface coating for manufacturing the electrode surface coating comprising a conductive substrate; and one or more surface coatings comprising one or more of the following metals titanium, niobium, tantalum, ruthenium, rhodium, iridium, palladium, or gold, or an alloy of two or more metals, or a combination of two or more alloys or metal layers thereof having an increase in the surface area of 5 times to 500 times of the corresponding surface area resulting from the basic geometric shape.
US08440057B2	Linked coke drum support A linked coke drum connection to minimize the stresses experienced by the joint between the coke drum and the supporting structure of the coke drum is described. The connection may be attached to a circumferential connection plate attached to the coke drum or directly to the drum. Some embodiments connect to a segmented circumferential connection plate. The connection includes a coke drum link, a connecting link, and a ground link. The links are pivotally connected with connecting pins. As the coke drum is heated and expands, the connecting link pivots outwardly about a point centered in the connecting pin in the ground link.
US08440054B2	Calender for calendering a paper web A calender (1) for calendering a paper web (2), in particular made from paper suitable for gravure printing, having at least one roll stack which in each case has an upper and a lower end roll (4.1, 4.2) and intermediate rolls (5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4), one of the two end rolls (4.1) delimits a first working nip (3) of the roll stack depending on the guidance of the paper web (2), and the rolls (4.1, 4.2, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4) are hard rolls (4.1, 5.2, 5.4) and soft rolls (5.1, 5.3, 4.2) in order to form loadable working nips in the form of soft nips, the end roll (4.1) which delimits the first working nip (3) being a hard, heated roll, the diameter of which is greater than that of a hard, heated intermediate roll (5.2, 5.4) and the outer wall (9) of which forms one of two contact faces (9, 10) of a web treatment nip (8) which is arranged upstream of the first working nip (3), and the other contact face (10) being formed by a belt (14) which circulates on guide rolls (11, 12, 13).
US08440046B2	Method for fastening a plate or glass panel in a frame element and sealing element for use in such a method The invention relates to a novel method for fastening at least one plate, such as a glass panel, in a profile, which has an assembly groove for peripherally receiving an edge of the glass panel. The method is characterized in that on at least one of the glass panels and an inside of the assembly groove oriented parallel thereto an assembly rubber seal is disposed, on the surface of which facing the glass panel a double-sided adhesive tape having a cover film that covers the side of the double-sided adhesive tape facing the glass panel is attached, wherein the glass panel is inserted into the assembly groove and is pressed against the double-sided adhesive tape in the assembly groove by at least one counter element disposed on the opposite side of the glass panel, or by the opposite inside of the assembly groove, and wherein the cover film is removed when the glass panel is inserted into the assembly groove.
US08440041B2	Lens pad, lens pad manufacturing method, lens manufacturing method, and adhesive member A lens pad includes a blank, first adhesive layer, and release sheet. The first adhesive layer is formed on one surface of the blank. The release sheet comes into tight contact with the surface of the first adhesive layer to protect this surface. The arithmetic average roughness of the surface of the release sheet on the side of the first adhesive layer is 0.1 μm or less. The surface of the first adhesive layer from which the release sheet is peeled off is attached onto a lens as an edging target. A lens pad, a lens pad manufacturing method, a lens manufacturing method, and an adhesive member are also disclosed.
US08440038B2	Method for making a laminate A method for making a laminate includes: extruding a core layer, and advancing the same along a processing line; advancing upper and lower metal layers, and bending the upper metal layer to form a raised bent structure; laminating the upper and lower metal layers with the core layer by passing through a nip of a pair of laminating rollers, one of which has an embossing groove that is shaped to complement the raised bent structure and that permits the raised bent structure to pass therethrough; and embossing the core layer to protrude into the raised bent structure while the core layer and the upper and lower metal layers are passed through the nip. The upper metal layer is inclined with a tangent line that passes through the nip by an angle of less than 15 degrees when at a position immediately upstream of the nip.
US08440034B2	System, method, and apparatus for pre-tensioned pipe for load-sharing with composite cover A pipe is wrapped with a composite to form a pre-stressed interface to facilitate load sharing between the materials. Prior to being wrapped, the pipe is placed in tension via hydraulic devices or the like. Alternatively, a combination of cured and uncured composite wraps is used in proximity to each other to apply compressive stress to the pipe. In addition, the pipe may be subjected to cold temperatures to change its dimensions prior to being wrapped with a composite material.
US08440032B2	Press and method for forming beams having at least one substantially U-shaped cross-sectional portion from glue-coated wood chips A press having oppositely arranged lower and upper master tools, at least one having an elongate pressing tool which is vertically displaceable in a groove in the master tool, and two lateral pressing tools arranged between the main surfaces of the master tools, on each side of the groove. The press also having at least two mold inserts, arranged on the pressing surface of at least one of the master tools, having the form of an elongate rod extending along substantially the whole of the longitudinal extent of the press and having a substantially U-shaped, outward-facing cross-sectional form, and which are displaceably movable, at least to a limited extent, along the horizontal pressing surface of the master tool transversely to a longitudinal extent of the press, and at least one partition wall arranged between the mold inserts on the pressing surface of at least one of the master tools.
US08440029B2	Stainless steel having good conductivity and ductility for use in fuel cell and method for producing the same A stainless steel having good conductivity and ductility for use in a fuel cell separator is provided. In particular, the stainless steel has a composition of, in terms of % by mass, C: 0.01% or less, Si: 1.0% or less, Mn: 1.0% or less, S: 0.01% or less, P: 0.05% or less, Al: 0.20% or less, N: 0.02% or less, Cr: 20 to 40%, Mo: 4.0% or less, and at least one selected from Nb, Ti, and Zr: 0.05 to 0.60% in total, the balance being Fe and unavoidable impurities. At least one precipitate having an equivalent circle diameter of 0.1 μm or more is present per 100 μm2, a ratio of a thickness t (μm) to a maximum diameter Dmax (μm) of the precipitates satisfies formula (1) below 20≦t/Dmax (1) and the thickness is 200 μm or less.
US08440026B2	Dishwashing machine equipped with an ozone storage device A dishwashing machine is provided with a washing compartment, an ozone generator, and devices for washing items to be washed using a washing solution, as well as with a storage device that is connected to the washing compartment in an air-conducting manner. The storage device serves, on the one hand, to store ozone and/or hydroxyl radicals as they form or are produced and, on the other hand, to release ozone and/or hydroxyl radicals during a partial program step drying and/or a non-operating phase of the dishwashing machine whereby effecting a deodorizing.
US08440020B2	Apparatus and method for the production of flexible semiconductor devices Apparatus for continuously producing flexible semiconductor devices through deposition of a plurality of semiconductor layers onto a moving flexible substrate by using Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) processing, where at least two successive layers are deposited in the same deposition chamber onto the substrate traveling in opposite directions. Computer program product directly loadable into the internal memory of a digital computer comprising software code portions for determining and controlling all the necessary parameters for the production of flexible semi-conductor devices in a such apparatus when said computer program product is run on a computer. Roll-to-roll method for producing flexible semiconductor devices, wherein a plurality of semiconductor layers are deposited in the same deposition chamber onto a flexible substrate moving in opposite directions. Flexible semiconductor device produced with said method, where the penetration rate of one semiconductor layer into its neighboring layer is remarkably low.
US08440015B1	Fly ash carbon passivation A thermal method to passivate the carbon and/or other components in fly ash significantly decreases adsorption. The passivated carbon remains in the fly ash. Heating the fly ash to about 500 and 800 degrees C. under inert gas conditions sharply decreases the amount of surfactant adsorbed by the fly ash recovered after thermal treatment despite the fact that the carbon content remains in the fly ash. Using oxygen and inert gas mixtures, the present invention shows that a thermal treatment to about 500 degrees C. also sharply decreases the surfactant adsorption of the recovered fly ash even though most of the carbon remains intact. Also, thermal treatment to about 800 degrees C. under these same oxidative conditions shows a sharp decrease in surfactant adsorption of the recovered fly ash due to the fact that the carbon has been removed. This experiment simulates the various “carbon burnout” methods and is not a claim in this method. The present invention provides a thermal method of deactivating high carbon fly ash toward adsorption of AEAs while retaining the fly ash carbon. The fly ash can be used, for example, as a partial Portland cement replacement in air-entrained concrete, in conductive and other concretes, and for other applications.
US08440006B2	System and method for flue gas scrubbing An apparatus 100 for scrubbing flue gas 122, the apparatus 100 including a tower 140 having an inlet 120 receiving a flow of flue gas 122 and a recycle tank portion 142; a fluid 162 disposed in the recycle tank portion 142; and an aerator 150 having at least one opening 152 for introduction of an oxygen-containing gas 154 into the fluid 162, wherein the at least one opening 152 is positioned to release the oxygen-containing gas 154 at least at a distance greater than or equal to a predetermined radial distance F from the inlet 120, the predetermined radial distance F being equal to at least 10% of a diameter of the recycle tank portion 142.
US08440003B2	Apparatus for pervaporation control in liquid degassing systems A liquid degassing apparatus is arranged to limit pervaporation through a membrane by attenuating pressure oscillations developed by a vacuum pump. The attenuation is obtained through a combination of one or more flow restrictors and added volume chambers fluidly interposed between the degassing chamber and the vacuum pump. The pressure oscillation attenuation may further inhibit cross-contamination of pervaporated solvents among a plurality of distinct degassing chambers.
US08440002B2	Long life pyramidal filter for gas turbine inlet system A filtration apparatus includes at least three filter elements for filtering fluid, and a frame having a pyramidal frustum configuration that has at least three sides. The frame includes a frame structure for supporting the filter elements at the sides such that the filtration apparatus has a pyramidal frustum configuration. The filtration apparatus may be part of a filtration assembly. The filtration apparatus may be utilized within an associated method.
US08439999B2	Device for capturing gas from a produced water stream A device for capturing gas included within a produced-water stream is described. Gas and water pressure coordination is not required. Controls prevent liquid entry to the gas system and prevent gas entry into the water system. A gas/liquid separator receives an inner vessel lower end. A separator inlet receives a combined fluid stream. A liquid line passes into the inner vessel and down into the separator below the inlet so that liquid separated from the combined stream will flow up the liquid line. Motor valves are in the liquid line and in a gas line. The gas line extends from the inner vessel upper end. The gas line conveys gas from the inner vessel upper end to a gas collection system. A top float in the inner vessel activates the gas line motor valve. A bottom float in the inner vessel activates the liquid line motor valve.
US08439998B2	Manufacturing method of metal product and metal product In sintering a metal powder after pressure molding into a given configuration, random amorphous flaky metal fine powders (10) are used as metal powder materials. In addition, spherical particulate metal powders 11 are used as main materials, and random amorphous flaky metal fine powders 10 having finer particle size than the metal powders 11 and produced by fracturing a metal fracture material by means of high-velocity gas swirling flow are used as sub-materials, and molding and sintering are performed in a state of dispersing the sub-materials (10) in the main materials (11). Thus, despite being a power metallurgical product, it is possible to obtain a metal product having a dense metallographic structure and excellent in properties such as mechanical strength.
US08439995B2	Abrasive compounds for semiconductor planarization A polishing slurry for semiconductor planarization containing cerium oxide particles and water, wherein the content of the cerium oxide particles having a diameter of 3 μm or more is 500 ppm or less (weight ratio) in a solid, preferably 100 ppm or less and it is more preferable that D99 (99% by volume of the whole particles in polishing slurry) of the cerium oxide particles is 1 μm or less. The polishing slurry can reduce the generation of scratches, and can polish a surface of the semiconductor substrate in the wiring formation process of semiconductor device precisely at a high speed.
US08439993B2	Method and apparatus to transport solids A method of operating a gasification facility includes channeling a conveying fluid at a first temperature through at least one first steam heating device to increase the temperature of the conveying fluid to a second predetermined temperature. The method also includes channeling the conveying fluid at the second predetermined temperature through a second steam heating device to increase the temperature of the conveying fluid to a third predetermined temperature. The method further includes channeling the conveying fluid at the third predetermined temperature to a solids conveyance system. Solids become entrained within the conveying fluid. The method also includes transporting at least a portion of the solids to a gasification system.
US08439988B2	Coffee grounds-based fuel and method of manufacture One possible embodiment could be a composition for coffee ground-based fuel comprising: dried, spent coffee grounds by 54% by weight; vegetable shortening by 23% by weight; brown sugar by 20% by weight; and corn syrup by 2% by weight, wherein the vegetable shortening and brown sugar and mixed together and heated slowly until a boil is achieved, then removing resultant mixture from heat, mixing in dried, spent coffee grounds into resultant mixture, then mixing in corn syrup into the resultant mixture, pouring and pressing the resultant mixture into a selected form for final shaping, then when the mixture has cooled to room temperature, removing it from the form for use.
US08439987B2	Method of producing carbonaceous material-containing briquettes using steel mill dust containing oil The present invention is directed to providing a production method capable of producing carbon composite briquettes having sufficient strength without excessively reducing a production capacity, even using steel mill dust containing oil. This method comprises: adding at least a carbonaceous material and a binder to steel mill dust containing oil and mixing them to form a powdery mixture; compacting the powdery mixture by means of a pressure roll to produce briquettes; and recognizing an increase/decrease in an oil content of the powdery mixture to adjust a rotation speed of the pressure roll so as to lower the rotation speed along with an increase in the oil content.
US08439986B2	Fuel additive A fuel additive for gasoline that increases automobile fuel efficiency and decreases carbon emissions. The fuel additive comprises a composition of olive oil and fuel oil in a ratio, by volume, of about 1 part olive oil to about 8 parts fuel oil. In the preferred embodiment the fuel oil is fuel oil no. 2-D.
US08439985B2	Method for the production of a fuel from vegetable oil The invention relates to a method for producing a fuel from vegetable oil in order to operate of diesel internal combustion engines. In said method, the oleaginous fruit is pressed, and the dripping oil is filtered. According to the invention, the dripping vegetable oil containing the cloudy matter is mixed with a clay material in a first step before being filtered and is filtered in a second step.
US08439984B2	Method of treating a fuel to reverse phase separation A method of treating a liquid made up of an initial alcohol-blended fuel combined with water so that there is phase separation of an alcohol-water layer. A co-solvent is added to the first quantity of liquid and mixed with the first quantity of liquid to reverse the phase separation of the alcohol-water layer.
US08439982B2	Dyeing of fibers using supercritical carbon dioxide and electrophoresis The present technology provides an illustrative method for dyeing textiles that includes intermixing a dye with super-critical carbon dioxide (sc-CO2) to form a dye solution and immersing a fabric in the dye solution. The method further includes applying an electric field to the dye solution to cause charged particles of the dye solution to separate and cause the dye to diffuse into the fabric.
US08439981B2	Soluble solid hair coloring article A soluble solid hair coloring article having anionic direct dye and one or more soluble porous solids containing nonionic surfactant, anionic surfactant, or a mixture thereof, such that the soluble porous solid has a density of from about 0.03 g/cm3 to about 0.15 g/cm3; and methods of applying the soluble solid hair coloring article to hair.
US08439980B2	Shading composition The present invention provides a laundry treatment composition comprising a cationic azine dye.
US08439978B2	Prosthetic device and method for implanting the prosthetic device A substantially cup-shaped prosthetic device for a joint is provided. The prosthetic device includes an outer surface configured to operatively engage at least one of a first bone of the joint and a component, an inner surface including at least a portion configured to connect to a second bone of the joint, and at least one reservoir having an opening at each of the inner surface and the outer surface and extending therebetween.
US08439976B2	Integrated adjustable button-suture-graft construct with two fixation devices An adjustable button/loop device for securing biologic material in bone, such as for ACL reconstruction. The device has a pair of button/loop constructs, each including a flexible, adjustable loop integrated with a fixation device (for example, a wedge). Biologic material (for example, soft tissue, graft, ligament or tendon) is secured to the two fixation devices, and the construct is inserted into a pair of bone sockets/tunnels, such as into a tunnel in the tibia and a socket in the femur. The biologic material is secured within the bone by passing the buttons though respective bone sockets/tunnels, flipping and seating the buttons outside the bone, and then adjusting the lengths of the flexible adjustable loops passing through the buttons and the respective fixation devices, with the graft extending between the fixation devices thereby appropriately secured in the bone.
US08439975B2	Polyethylene cross-linked with an anthocyanin A method for manufacturing of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) for implants, where the implants have been machined out of UHMWPE blocks or extruded rods, has anthocyanin dispersely imbedded in the polyethylene. The implant is then exposed to γ ray or electron beam irradiation in an amount of at least 2.5 Mrad followed by a heat treatment to prevent the implant from becoming brittle in the long term as well as to improve strength and wear. The method includes mixing a powder or granulate resin of UHMWPE with an aqueous liquid that contains anthocyanin in a predetermined amount. The water is then evaporated to deposit the anthocyanin in a predetermined concentration on the polyethylene particles. The doped UHMWPE particles are compressed into blocks at temperatures in a range of approximately 135° C.-250° C. and pressures in a range of approximately 2-70 MPa. Medical implants are made from the blocks.
US08439973B2	Plungers for intraocular lens injectors An intraocular lens (IOL) injector for delivering an IOL into an eye of a patient. The injector includes an IOL load chamber and connected delivery tube, and a push rod for urging the IOL through the delivery tube and out of a distal tip thereof. The push rod is guided and biased against one side of the injector load chamber. The injector may include an inflatable pusher for urging the IOL through the delivery tube and out of a distal tip thereof. The inflatable pusher has a proximal end that may be open to an internal cavity of the injector, wherein a plunger movable in the injector cavity forces fluid such as air or saline into the pusher. A distal end of the pusher may be forked to capture a trailing end of the IOL, or may have a bulbous configuration to ensure the pusher does not pass the IOL.
US08439971B2	Adjustable height focal tissue deflector A tissue shaping device adapted to reshape target tissue adjacent to a lumen. In some embodiments, the device includes an expandable and contractable anchor, with the anchor having an adjustable height anchoring portion adapted to engage a wall of the lumen in at least first and second anchor heights, the anchoring portion being further adapted to be changed from the first anchor height to the second anchor height by a substantially proximally or a substantially distally directed actuation force. The invention is also a tissue shaping system including a tissue shaping device and a tool for adjusting the height of an anchor of the device. The invention also includes methods of using such tissue shaping devices and systems.
US08439966B1	Intravascular stent and method of use An expandable stent is implanted in a body lumen, such as a coronary artery, peripheral artery, or other body lumen for treating an area of vulnerable plaque. The invention provides for a an intravascular stent having a plurality of cylindrical rings connected by undulating links. The stent has a high degree of flexibility in the longitudinal direction, yet has adequate vessel wall coverage and radial strength sufficient to hold open an artery or other body lumen. A central section is positioned between distal and proximal sections and is aligned with the area of vulnerable plaque to enhance growth of endothelial cells over the fibrous cap of the vulnerable plaque to reinforce the area and reduce the likelihood of rupture.
US08439964B2	Stent with web-inducing nodes for increased surface area A medical device for delivering a therapeutic agent is described comprising a stent comprising a sidewall and a plurality of struts, wherein at least one strut or strut portion comprises at least one node, wherein the expansion of the stent creates at least one web comprising a coating composition having a therapeutic agent, and wherein at least one node is configured to be associated with at least one web. A method for delivering a therapeutic agent to a body site is also described.
US08439963B2	Apparatus and method for maintaining fluid flow through body passages A device (10) for maintaining fluid flow through at least one passage in a human or animal body, the device comprising two end portions (12, 14) for anchoring the device in position, and an intermediate portion (16) which allows movement of the end portions relative to each another, wherein the end portions and intermediate portion together define a pathway for fluid flow through the device. The device is particularly suitable for use in the treatment of coronary heart disease by minimally invasive surgery, and the invention extends to a method for diverting fluid flow from one passage to another.
US08439962B2	Endoprothesis stent delivery system and method of using the same An endoprosthesis deployment system includes an axial catheter, an outer sheath extending parallel to the axial catheter, and an inner sheath positioned transversely between the axial catheter and outer sheath, the inner sheath including first and second inner sheath sections extending along the axial catheter, each of said first and said second inner sheath sections mounted for axial movement relative to the other inner sheath section.
US08439961B2	Stent retaining mechanisms A catheter system comprises a catheter comprising a distal portion, a proximal portion and an inner shaft. The inner shaft comprises a medical device receiving region for receiving and carrying a medical device. The retaining device is at least partially constructed of an electroactive polymer. The retaining device is located on or adjacent to the medical device receiving region. The electroactive polymer of the retaining device has an activated state and an inactivated state. The retaining device is capable of retaining a medical device to the catheter and releasing the medical device from the catheter by transitioning between the activated state and the inactivated state.
US08439959B2	Full-body laser scanner and method of mapping and contouring the body A full-body non-invasive laser scanner for mapping or measuring a patient's body and for treating a patient's body with laser energy comprises a patient support, one or more laser devices, a laser guidance system, a control center, and optionally feedback sensors. The patient support aids in maintaining body alignment during treatment, and the laser devices are moveably positioned on a laser guidance system such that they can be driven about a stationary patient. To map and contour a patient's body, the patient aligns himself on the patient support. With the control center, an operator chooses whether to map, contour, or map and contour the patient's body either manually or according to preprogrammed treatment protocols. The carriage assembly translates and the laser devices apply laser energy to the surfaces of the patient's body according to the chosen protocol. Feedback sensors provide data for mapping the contours of the patient's body.
US08439958B2	Polyaxial bone screw A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an upper capture structure, a head, a retaining ring and a nut. The external capture structure surface includes a threaded portion and a smooth portion; the smooth portion for slidably mating with the retaining ring and the threaded portion for rotatable attachment to the nut within a cavity of the head. The nut fixes the retaining ring to the shank and also provides a tool engagement formation for driving the shank body into bone.
US08439957B2	Bone plate assembly provided with screw locking mechanisms One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a bone plate assembly that includes a bone plate, bone screw(s) received in aperture(s) in the bone plate, and screw fixation member(s). The screw fixation member(s) may, alone or in conjunction with the bone plate, fix the bone screw(s) in place when such bone screw(s) are inserted in the aperture(s) in the bone plate. In one example (which example is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive) when the bone screw(s) have been received by the bone plate and inserted into bone and/or tissue, the bone plate assembly can-be used to fuse anatomical structures together (such as adjoining bones) and/or to heal a fracture in bone.
US08439953B2	Spinal stabilization system and method A spinal stabilization system may include a pair of structural members coupled to at least a portion of a human vertebra with connectors. Connectors may couple structural members to spinous processes. Some embodiments of a spinal stabilization system may include fasteners that couple structural members to vertebrae. In some embodiments, a spinal stabilization system provides three points of fixation for a single vertebral level. A fastener may fixate a facet joint between adjacent vertebrae and couple a stabilization structural member to a vertebra. Connectors may couple the structural members to the spinous processes of the vertebrae. Use of a spinal stabilization system may improve the stability of a weakened or damaged portion of a spine. When used in conjunction with an implant or other device, the spinal stabilization system may immobilize vertebrae and allow for fusion of the implant or other device with vertebrae.
US08439945B2	Methods for biopsying tissue A biopsy incision closure device includes a base having a frame incorporated therein. Together, the base and frame define an opening for performing a biopsy incision when the device is placed over a tissue surface. The base is typically composed of an elastomeric material, and the frame comprises resilient inelastic members which can be used to close the opening in a highly uniform manner with minimum distortion and stress introduced into the tissue edges being drawn together.
US08439937B2	System, apparatus and method for opening an occluded lesion A system, apparatus and method for maximizing efficiency of tissue removal from body passageways is provided. The system comprises a device for opening an occluded lesion, e.g., a rotational atherectomy device or angioplasty device, and a guide wire having an introducer sheath. The guide wire introducer sheath may comprise a hypo tube having columnar strength greater than that of the guide wire alone to assist the guide wire in crossing occluded lesions, wherein the sheath and guide wire are axially moveable relative to each other. The guide wire sheath may further comprise increased flexibility at its distal end to increase flexibility and/or a soft distal tip to help with steerability through the vasculature. The sheath may allow for a smaller outer diameter guide wire which, in turn, may allow for a smaller outer diameter on the occlusion-opening device, e.g., atherectomy or angioplasty device, which is slid over the pre-positioned guide wire.
US08439936B2	Device and method for tendon, ligament or soft tissue repair Disclosed are medical devices and methods for tendon, ligament, and soft tissue repair. A method includes introducing a first segment having a delivery assembly into a first soft tissue, and removing the delivery assembly to expose an opening of a hollow body of the first segment. The method also includes introducing a second segment having a second delivery assembly and a second body into a second soft tissue, guiding the second delivery assembly through the opening, and advancing the second body into the hollow body, thereby joining the first soft tissue and the second soft tissue.
US08439935B2	Process and a device for surgical treatment of rectal and haemorrhoidal prolapse A process for surgical operations on a rectal/haemorrhoidal prolapse comprises stages of realising, in the anal canal, at least a first circular stitching at a first portion of a haemorrhoidal prolapse; realising at least a second circular stitching in a second portion of the haemorrhoidal prolapse, and nearing the first circular stitching and the second circular stitching in order to create a constriction of the haemorrhoidal prolapse. The invention also relates to a device, preferably for actuating the process, which comprises a hollow divaricator (17) having a prevalent development direction along a longitudinal axis (Z) and being insertable in a patient's anal orifice. The device further exhibits a window (29) defining an operational area and creating a communication between a cavity (17b) internal of the divaricator (17) and a portion of haemorrhoidal prolapse. The device further comprises means for opening and closing (31) the window (29).
US08439930B2	Dispensing instrument A delivery device for semi-solid implantable material such as synthetic bone graft substitutes. The device comprises a handle (1), a cylinder (2) extending from the handle and having an outlet at its distal end. A piston (23) is operated by a trigger (5) and is slidable within the cylinder to displace the material from the cylinder. The cylinder has a substantially constant inner diameter along its entire length such that the outlet has substantially the same inner diameter as the rest of the cylinder. When the trigger is fully depressed, a ratchet mechanism (14, 32) is disengaged allowing the piston to be pulled back to a starting position.
US08439922B1	Systems and methods for holding and implanting bone anchors Systems and methods for a guide assembly for introducing a bone anchor to an operative target site. The guide includes an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve. The outer sleeve has a distal anchor engaging end, a proximal end, and a central passage extending from the distal end to the proximal end. The inner sleeve may be situated in the central passage of the outer sleeve. The inner sleeve is movable being between a first position and a second position. The first position permits insertion of the bone anchor in the central passage. The second position releasably fixes the bone anchor to the guide assembly.
US08439917B2	Fracture fixation device, tools and methods A bone fixation device is provided with an elongate body having a longitudinal axis and having a flexible state and a rigid state, a plurality of grippers disposed at longitudinally spaced locations of the elongated body, a curved rigid hub connected to the elongated body, and an actuator operably connected to the grippers to deploy the grippers from a first shape to an expanded second shape. Methods of repairing a fracture of a bone are also disclosed. One such method comprising inserting a bone fixation device into an intramedullary space of the bone to place at least a portion of an elongate body of the fixation device in a flexible state on one side of the fracture and at least a portion of a curved rigid hub on another side of the fracture, and operating an actuator to deploy a plurality of grippers of the fixation device to engage an inner surface of the intramedullary space to anchor the fixation device to the bone.
US08439909B2	Cooled ablation catheter with reciprocating flow The invention relates to an ablation catheter which controls the temperature and reduces the coagulation of biological fluids on an electrode of a catheter, prevents the impedance rise of tissue in contact with the electrode, and maximizes the potential energy transfer to the tissue, thereby allowing an increase in the lesion size produced by the ablation. The electrode includes passages positioned to allow blood and other biological fluids to flow into and out of an inner cavity of the electrode. This fluid flow produced the desired cooling effect and is accomplished, for example, by a reciprocating plunger or piston, or by a balloon that is alternately inflated and deflated.
US08439908B2	Ablation in the gastrointestinal tract to achieve hemostasis and eradicate lesions with a propensity for bleeding Devices and methods are provided for the ablation of regions of the digestive tract to achieve hemostasis and to eradicate chronically bleeding lesions as occur with gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE), portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG), radiation proctopathy and colopathy, arteriovenous malformations, and angiodysplasia. Ablation is typically provided in a wide-field manner, and in conjunction with sufficient pressure to achieve coaptive coagulation. Ablation, as provided the invention, starts at the mucosa and penetrates deeper into the gastrointestinal wall in a controlled manner. Ablation control may be exerted by way of electrode design and size, energy density, power density, number of applications, pattern of applications, and pressure. Control may also be provided by a fractional ablation that ablates some tissue within a target region and leaves a portion substantially unaffected. Embodiments of the device include an ablational electrode array that spans 360 degrees and an array that spans an arc of less than 360 degrees.
US08439907B2	Hemostatic tissue tunnel generator for inserting treatment apparatus into tissue of a patient A catheter for insertion into and treatment of tissue in a patient comprises a radio frequency (RF) electrode having an elongated body that conducts electrical RF energy to a conductive tip. An insulating sleeve surrounds the elongated body. In a first mode of operation, the conductive tip is exposed outside the insulating sleeve and the RF electrode delivers RF energy that erodes the tissue of the patient and creates a tunnel through which the catheter can advance into the tissue of the patient. In a second mode of operation, the insulating sleeve and/or the RF electrode is retracted and a second treatment apparatus treats the tissue.
US08439904B2	Tapered fused waveguide for teeth whitening A radiation emitting apparatus is disclosed that emits a substantially homogenous beam of radiation from an irregularly shaped output end. As described herein, a radiation emitting apparatus includes a bundled fiber guide coupled to an energy distribution tuner. The bundled fiber guide is coupled to the energy distribution tuner to receive a substantially uniform distribution of high power energy. The bundled fiber guide is configured to distribute the energy to emit a substantially uniform distribution of lower power energy toward a target surface, such as a body surface. The bundled fiber guide may include a plurality of fused optic fibers, a plurality of beam splitting mirror elements, or tapered waveguides.
US08439901B2	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 carries 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 minor defining the output coupler and a second, independent mirror for adjustment.
US08439897B2	Assessing residual insulin time Methods, systems and devices for assessing residual insulin time of a patient are provided. In one embodiment, the method and the device can be implemented by receiving a confirmation that an insulin dose has been administered to the patient; repetitively receiving a value corresponding to the patient's blood glucose level; identifying at least two consecutively received values based on a predetermined criteria; and, selecting the residual insulin time corresponding to a time period between the confirmation that the insulin dose has been administered and a time corresponding to the identification of the at least two consecutively received values.
US08439896B2	Device, system, and method for targeted delivery of anti-inflammatory medicaments to a mammalian subject A device, a system, or a method is described for treating a disease or a condition of one or more joints of articulating bone in a mammalian subject. The device provides one or more medicaments to one or more joints of the mammalian subject. A device is described that includes an enclosure including one or more sensors, a controller, and one or more applicators configured to surround one or more joints of articulating bone of a mammalian subject, wherein the one or more sensors are configured to detect one or more physiological conditions of the one or more joints of the mammalian subject, and the controller, configured to communicate with the one or more sensors, is configured to activate the one or more applicators, and wherein the one or more applicators are configured to inject one or more medicaments to one or more joint tissues of the mammalian subject.
US08439895B2	Illuminating balloon catheter and method for using the catheter A directionally limited illuminating balloon catheter includes a multi-lumen shaft having a distal end and a hollow balloon portion disposed at the distal end and inflated through the shaft, the balloon portion having a light source illuminating only a portion of the environment outside the balloon portion. The balloon portion can have a directionally limited light source directing substantially all illumination towards the shaft. Also provided is a directionally illuminating balloon catheter kit including a set of illuminating catheters each having the light source with different sized illuminating areas to illuminate a different sized partial portion of the environment outside the balloon portion.
US08439888B2	Three-piece disposable absorbent article having an absorbent with cross-direction flexibility A three-piece disposable absorbent article is disclosed having a longitudinal central axis and a transverse central axis. The disposable absorbent article includes front and back panels, each panel capable of being stretched and retracted in multiple directions. The back panel is also distinct and spaced apart from the front panel. The disposable absorbent article further includes an absorbent assembly situated between the front and back panels and which is attached to each by a first attachment member. The first attachment member is aligned along the longitudinal central axis. The disposable absorbent assembly includes a non-elastic absorbent that is capable of being elongated and contracted in only one direction, that direction being aligned approximately parallel to the transverse central axis.
US08439883B1	Repositionable pouch with floating landing zone The ostomy system includes a pouch that is adhesively coupled to a mounting wafer. The mounting wafer has a landing zone film formed of releasable plastic and the pouch has a face plate with a resealable adhesive that secures to the landing zone of the mounting wafer. The landing zone of the mounting wafer includes one portion that is immovable with respect to the body surface that the mounting wafer is secured to and another portion that is deflectable away from the body surface. The deflectable portion of the landing zone, also referred to as the floating landing zone, is sized for gripping between the fingers during pouch separation from the mounting wafer. Gripping of the floating landing zone during pouch separation helps isolate the pouch separation force from the abdominal area underlying the mounting wafer. The mounting wafer also includes indicia border lines that facilitate alignment of the pouch face plate with the mounting wafer.
US08439880B2	Drip chamber with flow control A flow control system includes a drip chamber having lower and upper wall sections and a collapsible wall extending between the lower and upper wall sections, a downwardly depending valve seat attached to the lower wall section, and a valve member disposed in the drip chamber, attached to the upper wall section and having a valve surface engageable with the valve seat. The system also includes a driver rotatably engaged to the lower and upper wall sections. Upon rotation of the driver in a first direction, the collapsible wall of the drip chamber moves between a collapsed condition in which the valve seat is sealingly engaged with the valve surface and an extended condition in which the valve seat is sufficiently spaced from the valve surface to form a flow passageway between the valve surface and the valve seat and permit flow through the opening of the drip chamber.
US08439879B2	Infusion set of self-occlusion mechanism A device, system and method for occluding fluid flow through an infusion set detached from a patient's body. The device includes a means for detecting loss of contact to a patient's body and activating an occlusion mechanism accordingly.
US08439878B2	Rheolytic thrombectomy catheter with self-inflating proximal balloon with drug infusion capabilities A thrombectomy catheter with a self-inflating proximal balloon having drug infusion capabilities is described. A self-inflating balloon is formed from an inflatable thin walled section of a flexible catheter tube. The self-inflating balloon includes a plurality of outflow orifices located about the peripheral circumference thereof and located proximal to an inflow gap interposed between a fluid jet emanator and the self-inflating balloon. The self-inflating balloon is inflated and expanded by internal operating pressures by proximal composite flow of fluid from the fluid jet emanator and entrained fluid from the inflow gap to uniformly space and position the outflow orifices of the self-inflating balloon in close proximity to the thrombus or vessel walls of a blood vessel. The thrombectomy catheter may be used for, among other things, thrombectomies, embolectomies, thrombus or vessel dilation, and for the delivery of drugs to a thrombus or vessel site.
US08439874B2	Apparatus and method for controlling a vacuum source to establish fluid flow A flow control system that includes a vacuum device configured to control the level of vacuum applied for urging the flow of aspirated fluid from a surgical site, and a vacuum sensor configured to communicate a signal representative of the sensed vacuum level. A flow sensor control is configured to generate a signal indicative of the rate of aspirated fluid flow. A flow controller monitors the vacuum sensor and the flow measurement device, and communicates a requested vacuum level to the vacuum device for establishing a desired vacuum level. The flow controller employs a first feed back loop that compares the actual sensed vacuum level with the requested vacuum level and adjusts the requested vacuum level as needed. The flow controller implements a second feedback loop that compares the actual flow rate of aspirated fluid with a desired flow rate, and adjusts the requested vacuum level to achieve the desired flow rate.
US08439868B2	Medical device for dispersing medicaments The present disclosure relates to balloon catheter medical devices. Some balloon catheter medical devices may include a balloon surface having paclitaxel embedded in a low-molecular weight matrix substance adhered thereto and dried. The dried paclitaxel may be immediately releasable after coming into contact with tissue. Other balloon catheter medical devices may include a balloon surface having a lipophilic proliferation inhibitor, an inflammation inhibitor, or an antioxidant adhered thereto.
US08439861B2	Skin penetrating touch fasteners A skin attachment member having first and second surface with a plurality of skin penetrating elements extending integrally from the first surface of the backing to a distal tip. The skin penetrating elements are sized to avoid contact with nerves below the epidermal skin layer and have a foam disposed between at least some of the skin penetrating elements. A method of using the skin attachment member to deliver a pharmaceutical composition through the skin.
US08439858B2	Arterial blood filter An arterial line blood filter for use in extracorporeal blood circuits during heart bypass surgery has, among other components, a housing with a cap portion, a base portion, and a generally cylindrical wall portion. The blood filter has a filter element disposed within the housing. An inlet is positioned at an upward angle with respect to the housing and includes an opening in the generally cylindrical wall portion in fluid communication with the inlet chamber. In some embodiments the position of the inlet limits the pressure drop and prime volume of the filter. According to one embodiment, the cap portion has an upwardly sloping inner surface and there is a vent in the cap portion. The inner surface of the cap portion can have a projection proximate the vent configured to limit immobilization of gaseous microemboli within the inlet chamber.
US08439853B2	Electric moxibustion device An electric moxibustion device includes a tubular case having a front end opening, a heater unit placed near the front end opening in the case, and a heatproof rubber cap removably attached to the front end of the case. The heater unit comprises a heat transfer metal plate and a heating element which is fixed on the back surface of the heat transfer metal plate and generates heat using power from an external power source or a battery. The cap and the case are configured for holding an absorbent-retentive member which absorbs and retains a medical fluid between the discharge opening of the cap and the heat transfer metal plate in the case. The case has a thermoregulation circuit built-in which can change the temperature of the heating element in a stepwise manner, and push buttons for temperature adjustment are provided on the outer periphery of the case.
US08439851B2	Lumen passability checking device, lumen passability checking method, and method of manufacturing lumen passability checking device A lumen passability checking device includes: an expandable and shrinkable outer casing that contains a predetermined fluid, is expanded by a pressure of the contained fluid, and forms an external diameter substantially equal to that of a capsule medical device to be inserted into a body of a subject; and a shape manipulating unit that flows out the fluid contained in the outer casing to shrink-deform the outer casing. The outer casing is shrink-deformed by flowing out the fluid, while maintaining a state of being integrated with the shape manipulating unit.
US08439850B2	Cervical sizing devices and related kits and methods This disclosure relates to cervical sizing devices and related kits and methods. In some aspects, a cervical sizing device includes an elongate arm and a member positioned at a distal end region of the elongate arm. The cervical sizing device can be used to determine an approximate size of a cervix when the member is brought into contact with an outer surface of the cervix.
US08439846B2	Bone biopsy device A bone biopsy device includes an outer cannula having a mouth with a cutting edge to section a frustule of spongy bone, a plate mounted slidably within the cannula and provided with a semi-cylindrical portion at its distal end, and a stylet mounted slidably within the plate and provided with a pointed tip which protrudes from the mouth of the cannula to pierce the compact part of the bone. The mouth of the cannula has on its inside a narrowing and the semi-cylindrical part of the plate has at its distal end at least one pair of opposed circumferential sets of teeth adapted to bend radially inwards when they encounter the narrowing of the mouth, to clasp the base of the sectioned frustule and allow extraction of the frustule by the plate while the cannula is kept at the operating site, allowing aspiration of marrow after the frustule has been removed.
US08439844B2	Step rate optimization device A step rate optimization device (12). The device includes a timer, a pedometer, an arterial waveform sensor (24), a processor and an indicator (16). The device indicates to the user (10) of a substantially sub-optimal relationship between the user's pulse rate and stride rate when the user's dominant stride rate frequency is at about 2-3 Hz and has a larger amplitude than the component of the user's dominant pulse waveform frequency at about 4-7 Hz and of a substantially optimal relationship between the user's pulse rate and stride rate when the user's dominant stride rate frequency component is at about 4-7 Hz and has a larger amplitude than the component of the user's dominant pulse waveform frequency at about 2-3 Hz.
US08439843B2	Automatic ankle brachial pressure index system An ABPI measurement system includes two cuffs for each ankle and two cuffs for each arm of a patient. Each cuff has chambers. The four cuffs are applied to each limb (or finger or toe), each chamber is inflated simultaneously to a pressure until a Pneumo Arterial Plethysmography (PAPG) signal related to the arterial flow in the limb is detected at the chambers. The chambers are then simultaneously inflated until the PAPG signals are extinguished in each limb, the inflation of chambers continuing for 10 mmHg to 20 mmHg above that pressure. The chambers are then deflated and the pressure at which the PAPG signal returns in the first chamber is recorded for each limb and this value of the pressure is used to calculate the ABPI. The ABPI is displayed or sent to a remote site.
US08439841B2	Method of measuring the thickness of a biological tissue by ultrasounds and device for carrying out such method A method of measuring the thickness of a biological tissue by ultrasounds and a device carrying out such method. The method is implemented with an ultrasound probe that emits ultrasonic pulses within a body under examination and receives echoes generated from structures of the body under examination. The probe includes an array of two or more electro-acoustic transducers and, in combination, means for processing the reception signals and means for orienting one or more lines of sight, along which the emission of the pulses and/or the reception of the echoes is focused, according to different angles with respect to an axis perpendicular to the emitting surface of the probe. The thickness of the biological tissue is calculated by the time interval between the reception of the first echo and the reception of the second echo, which are relevant to the same ultrasonic pulse emitted along at least a line of sight oriented along an axis perpendicular to the surface of the biological tissue, which is defined by the iteration of measurements with the line of sight oriented at different angles and with comparisons between the measured intensity values, the orientation corresponding to the axis perpendicular to the surface of the biological tissue being the one showing the maximum intensity of the first echo.
US08439839B2	Ultrasonic diagnosis device and ultrasonic probe for use in ultrasonic diagnosis device An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a structure for adjusting the positional relationship between an ultrasonic transducer and a blood vessel for measuring an elasticity characteristic. The apparatus includes an ultrasonic probe including a transducer for transmitting an ultrasonic wave and receiving the ultrasonic wave reflected by a tissue of a biological body; and a driving device for physically moving the transducer. For measuring the elasticity characteristic of the blood vessel, the driving device moves the transducer based on a control signal to change at least one of a direction and a position at which the ultrasonic wave is to be transmitted. A determination section specifies a position of the transducer at which the reflection intensity is maximum based on intensity information representing an intensity of the reflected wave. A calculation section calculates the elasticity characteristic of the blood vessel at the specified position.
US08439837B2	Systems and methods for detecting hypoglycemic events having a reduced incidence of false alarms The present invention is directed to a method of reducing false readings in a hypoglycemic detector that includes establishing a predetermined hypoglycemic threshold, a predetermined critical threshold, a predetermined rate of change in glucose concentration where the predetermined critical threshold is below the predetermined hypoglycemic threshold. A first sampling rate is then calculated based upon said predetermined hypoglycemic threshold, said predetermined critical threshold, and said predetermined rate of change in glucose concentration.
US08439836B2	Method and apparatus for monitoring the autonomous nervous system of a sedated patient The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for monitoring the autonomous nervous system of a sedated patient. According to the method, skin conductance is measured through a time interval. Average skin conductance values and the number of fluctuation peaks are in the interval are calculated and analyzed, and an indication is given of the state of pain/discomfort in the patient as well as the state of awakening in the patient. The invention is particularly applicable for use with anaesthetized or artificially ventilated patents, as separate output signals are automatically provided, indicating the need for analgesics and hypnotics, respectively.
US08439833B2	Ophthalmic structure A ring for dilating a pupil during an ophthalmic procedure includes a series of spaced supports for engaging an iris perimeter. The supports are plate elements which form an open pocket directed outwardly for engaging the iris. The sides of the ring form a primary plane, and the plates are located in respective planes above and below the primary plane. The outer periphery of the top and bottom plates forms a lip feature which is the opening to the pocket which retains the iris.
US08439829B2	Endoscope, distal end cap-equipped endoscope and endoscope cleaning sheath An endoscope includes, an insertion section, a distal end section body has an observation window, a liquid feed path which is formed to supply a liquid to the distal end section body side, a gas feed path which is formed to supply a gas to the distal end section body side, and a nozzle having a confluent portion which makes confluent the liquid supplied from the liquid feed path and the gas supplied from the gas feed path, and a jet outlet which jets a gas/liquid mixture fluid, which is mixed in the confluent portion, toward the observation window, wherein the nozzle is configured such that an angle, which is formed between a direction of a flow of the liquid toward the jet outlet and a direction of a flow of the gas toward the jet outlet, is set at an obtuse angle of 90° or more.
US08439826B2	Medical instrument having a display unit that displays a shape of an insertion body inserted into an interior of an object to be examined A medical instrument including a distortion detection probe disposed in an insertion portion to be inserted into the interior of an examinee provided with a plurality of FBG sensor sections that detect distortion of the insertion portion, a coordinate calculation section that calculates first three-dimensional coordinates of the respective FBG sensor sections according to a first three-dimensional coordinate system whose origin is a predetermined position based on the detection results of the FBG sensor sections, a coordinate system setting section that sets a second three-dimensional coordinate system based on the first three-dimensional coordinates of the respective FBG sensor sections, a coordinate transformation section that transforms the first three-dimensional coordinates of the respective FBG sensor sections into second three-dimensional coordinates according to the second three-dimensional coordinate system set by the coordinate system setting section and a shape display section that displays the shape of the insertion portion based on the second three-dimensional coordinates transformed by the coordinate transformation section.
US08439825B2	Balloon controller for endoscopic apparatus The present invention provides a balloon controller for an endoscope apparatus having a fluid supply and drawing device which communicates with at least one of a balloon attached to an insertion portion of an endoscope and a balloon attached to an insertion assist implement for guiding the insertion portion when the insertion portion is inserted, and which supplies a fluid to each balloon or draws the fluid from the balloon, the balloon controller comprising: a leakage device provided in tube paths for communication between the balloons and the fluid supply and drawing device, the leakage device being capable of leaking the fluid.
US08439824B2	Apparatus and methods for coronary sinus access Apparatus and methods for locating morphological features within a body cavity using a catheter including proximal and distal ends, a transparent balloon carried on the distal end, and an optical imaging assembly carried on the distal end for imaging through the balloon. The balloon includes a channel extending therethrough to a lumen extending through the catheter. A guidewire or other localization member is received in the lumen that is extendable through the channel. During use, the catheter is inserted into a right atrium of a heart, and the balloon is expanded and placed against the wall of the heart to locate the coronary sinus. Sufficient force is applied to clear blood between the surface and the wall and clear the field of view of the imaging assembly. The catheter is manipulated to locate the coronary sinus, whereupon the localization member is advanced into the coronary sinus.
US08439820B2	Systems and methods for sling delivery and placement The invention, in various embodiments, is directed to systems, devices, and methods relating to pre-pubic approaches to delivering a supportive sling to periurethral tissue of a patient.
US08439817B2	Chordae capturing methods for stress reduction The device and method for reducing heart wall stress. The device can be one which reduces wall stress throughout the cardiac cycle or only a portion of the cardiac cycle. The device can be configured to begin to engage, to reduce wall stress during diastolic filling, or begin to engage to reduce wall stress during systolic contraction. Furthermore, the device can be configured to include at least two elements, one of which engages full cycle and the other which engages only during a portion of the cardiac cycle.
US08439814B2	Machine and a method for folding nappy/diaper blanks Blanks used in the manufacture of nappies/diapers are folded on a machine comprising a first aspirating roller (5) by which single blanks (2) are advanced in succession toward a second aspirating roller (6) rotating counter and substantially tangential to the first roller (5) at a folding station (T). The first roller (5) is equipped with movable restraining elements (8) designed to engage an intermediate part of each advancing blank (2), so that a leading half of the blank remains free to be taken up by a transfer mechanism (11) operating between the first and second rollers (5, 6) in an area upstream of the folding station (T), and transferred from the first roller (5) to the second roller (6); as the two rollers (5, 6) rotate, the trailing half of the blank (2) retained on the first roller (5) by the restraining elements (8) is drawn closer to the leading half, whereupon the two halves converge gradually until flattened one against the other on passing through the folding station (T), which coincides with the point of tangency between the two rollers (5, 6), and the fold in the blank (2) is complete. The transfer mechanism (11) swings pendulum fashion, moving in sympathy with the first roller (5) when the leading half of the blank (2) is taken up and detached from this roller and in sympathy with the second roller (6) once the leading half of the blank has been released to this same second roller.
US08439812B2	Machine for securing a closure system onto a discrete pouch A machine is disclosed for securing a closure system onto a discrete pouch. The machine includes first, second and third stations. The first station is capable of advancing discrete pouches and lifting and folding a portion of a first major surface of each pouch upon itself to form a lip, and exposing an inner surface of a second major surface. The second station is capable of positioning and attaching a closure system transversely across the exposed inner surface. The closure system includes a track having first and second legs each having an outer surface. The first and second legs are joined together by an opening/closing mechanism which includes a movable member capable of being moved back and forth. The third station is located downstream from the second station and is capable of unfolding the lip and securing opposite ends of the lip to the outer surface of the second leg.
US08439810B2	Adjustable mounting device for exercise equipment The invention generally relates to exercise equipment that includes a pulley and cable mechanism. More specifically, the invention relates to an adjustable mounting device for the pulley so that the pulley may be mounted at different locations on the exercise equipment. This provides the user of such exercise equipment with the ability to adjust and readily fine-tune the position of the pulleys for proper biomechanical alignment with the user's body. Such a mounted pulley may be used on Pilates apparatus, weight and strength training equipment or other exercise equipment.
US08439809B2	Training dummy assembly for doing stand-up drills and ground drills A training dummy assembly includes a base, a column, a tensioning mechanism, a dummy. The base rests on the ground. The column is pivotally coupled to the base. The tensioning mechanism resiliently couples the base to the column. The dummy has a shape of a torso with head and is formed out of foam with an outer latex skin. The torso of the dummy is mechanically coupled to the column.
US08439804B2	Electro-hydraulic control including blocking features for multi-speed automatic transmission A control for a multi-speed automatic vehicle transmission is provided. Electrical and hydraulic components are provided, including pressure control or “trim” valve systems in fluid communication with shift valves and electrohydraulic actuators to selectively engage and disengage the transmission clutches or other shift mechanisms. Pressure switches are provided for the trim valves and shift valves. The fluid connections between the trim valve systems and the shift valve systems are configured to reduce the total number of valves and fluid passages required and to reduce the size of at least one of the valves. Clutch blocking features are provided. Power off limp home and reduced engine load at stop features are provided in all forward ranges, and control of double transition shifts is also provided.
US08439803B2	System and method for improved closed throttle downshifts A control system for a transmission coupled to an engine includes first, second, and third modules. The first module detects a closed throttle downshift of the transmission. The second module detects a request for a power-on downshift of the transmission. The third module controls a clutch of the transmission when the request for the power-on downshift is detected during the closed throttle downshift, wherein the third module one of (i) decreases a pressure applied to the clutch to a first predetermined pressure before an end of the closed throttle downshift and (ii) controls a pressure applied to the clutch to a second predetermined pressure at the end of the closed throttle downshift.
US08439802B2	Speed change control device of automatic transmission A speed change control device of an automatic transmission comprises a first control section that, upon detecting a speed change instruction for a speed change from a first given speed to a second given speed, carries out the speed change by reducing an engaging pressure of a releasing side frictional element that has established the first given speed and increasing an engaging pressure of an engaging side frictional element that would establish the second given speed; a second control section that carries out a correction processing to increase the engaging pressure of the releasing side frictional element when a throttle open degree is increased during the speed change carried out by the first control section; and a third control section that inhibits the correction processing of the second control section when the engaging pressure of the releasing side frictional element is lower than a given value.
US08439800B1	Marine drive shift control system A shift control system for a marine drive applies partial clutch engagement pressure upon initial shifting from forward to reverse to prevent stalling of the engine otherwise caused by applying full clutch engagement pressure upon shifting from forward to reverse.
US08439798B2	Hydraulic apparatus for automatic transmission In a hydraulic apparatus for an automatic transmission having a torque converter with a lockup clutch and CVT, there are provided a first control valve for controlling hydraulic pressure supply to the lockup clutch oil chamber, a first electromagnetic solenoid valve for controlling operation of the first control valve, a second control valve for controlling hydraulic pressure supply to the CVT pulleys, a second electromagnetic solenoid valve for controlling operation of the second control valve, a switching valve interposed between the oil chamber and the first control valve. In the apparatus, when detecting that the first control valve or first electromagnetic solenoid valve is failed and the lockup clutch is locked in engaged condition, current supply to the second electromagnetic solenoid valve is stopped so that it operates the switching valve to disengage the lockup clutch, thereby enabling to forcibly release the engagement without manipulation by the operator.
US08439791B2	Multi-speed planetary transmission with two compound planetary gear sets A multi-speed transmission includes an input member, an output member, a stationary member, and a first and a second compound planetary gear set. The first compound planetary gear set has a first, a second, a third, a fourth, and a fifth member. The second compound planetary gear set has a first, a second, a third, and a fourth member. The first member of the second compound planetary gear set is continuously connected for common rotation with the output member. An interconnecting member continuously connects the first member of the first planetary gear set for common rotation with the second member of the second planetary gear set. The transmission includes seven torque-transmitting mechanisms that are engagable to establish up to fifteen forward speed ratios between the input member and the output member.
US08439787B2	Transmission with mixed planetary layshaft structure A transmission includes an input member, an output member, a first and a second intermediate member, and a planetary gear set, all of which are coaxial and define a first axis of rotation. A first and a second layshaft are arranged to define a second axis of rotation and a third axis of rotation, respectively. Each of five sets of intermeshing gears transfer torque from a respective one of the intermediate members to a respective one of the layshafts via engagement of different respective ones of nine torque-transmitting mechanisms. A set of transfer gears transfers torque from the layshafts to the output member. One of the torque-transmitting mechanisms grounds a member of the planetary gear set to a stationary member. The nine torque-transmitting mechanisms are engagable in different combinations to establish up to eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
US08439786B2	Electric drive for a mobile vehicle An electric drive for a mobile vehicle comprises an electric motor (1) which powers a differential via a spur gear mechanism (3, 4, 6, 7). The electric motor (1), the spur gear mechanism (3, 4, 6, 7) and the differential (9) are each accommodated within a housing comprising three main housing portions (12, 13, 14), namely, a central housing portion (12), a first covering housing portion (13) and a second covering housing portion (14).
US08439782B2	Automatic transmission An automatic transmission includes an input shaft rotatable by power from a driving source. A transmission unit is capable of changing a speed of rotation of the input shaft to any one of speeds at gears. The transmission unit includes at least one planetary gear mechanism having three elements. An output member outputs the transferred power with a speed changed by the transmission unit. A transfer mechanism switches between a transfer state of power between a motor connection element and the output member and an open state of no transfer of power. The transfer mechanism is in the transfer state in a low-speed gear range and in the open state in a high-speed gear range.
US08439779B2	Front derailleur A front derailleur that includes a derailleur housing having a tubular clamp and a chain guide coupled to parallelogram arms. A pivotal transfer element transfers the shifting motion through a pull cable to the chain guide. The shifting momentum is supported by a derailleur housing having a support extension extending in a support direction along the bicycle frame beyond the hinge of the tubular clamp. The transfer element is pivotally mounted to the derailleur housing by a pivot pin. The return spring is disposed around the pivot pin and is supported on a spring stop of the derailleur housing. The return spring is partially surrounded by a spring cover, which is integrated into the derailleur housing, all of which is protected from dirt by a second covering. The bores for accepting the adjustment screws, which are inclined relative to the frame tube in order to improve accessibility, are located in the spring cover.
US08439766B1	System and method for enhancing golf A system and method for monitoring and verifying one or more shot events, such as the outcome of the shot, at a selected golf hole located at a golf course. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the invention allows for the awarding of a prize to any player that either hits or comes close to hitting a hole-in-one on a qualifying hole at any time the golf course is open and witnessed, without the need for the player to make any commitment to enter any contest or pre-register before taking the golf shot in order to be eligible. Declared winners may be entitled to claim different types of prizes that have been previously established depending on the level of sponsorship or the difficulty of a specific hole. The prizes need not be offset by insurance, as is typical, but instead are funded by advertisers as paid sponsors of the particular hole. Accordingly, the cost to the owner of the golf course may be borne entirely by advertising (such as signs positioned adjacent the green of the particular hole to which the contest applies) and may further represent an added source of revenue.
US08439763B2	Wedge clutch assembly The wedge clutch assembly is a clutch assembly for power tools, drilling rigs and like machinery utilizing rotating drills. In at least one embodiment the wedge clutch assembly has a pinion shaft adapted in shape to support a pinion gear, a bronze clutch cup, an optional thrust bearing, and a steel wedge clutch spring washer retained by a fastener. A further embodiment is particularly adapted for installation in the hub of a watercraft propeller. This watercraft propeller clutch embodiment deletes the clutch cup and includes opposite end caps to seal the assembly.
US08439761B2	Gaming cabinet with a gaming deck capable of being slid away from the display and rotated in either upward or downward directions A gaming cabinet includes a first side panel, a second side panel disposed away from and substantially parallel to the first side panel, and a video display carried between the first and second side panels, wherein the video display is arranged substantially perpendicular to the first and second side panels. The gaming cabinet further includes a translatable gaming deck carried between the first and second side panels, wherein the translatable gaming deck is arranged substantially perpendicular to the first and second side panels and the video display, wherein the translatable gaming deck is configured to be linearly translated away from the video display, and wherein the translatable gaming deck is configured to be rotated to a position substantially parallel to the video display when linearly translated away from the video display.
US08439756B2	Gaming system having a display/input device configured to interactively operate with external device A game table having a multiplayer interactive display/input device which enables multiple players to play primary or base wagering games and/or secondary or bonus games using the display/input device. The display/input device enables multiple players to simultaneously interact with the game table and the various games using the same display/input device. In various embodiments, the game table operates with one or more separate physical input devices, each having one or a plurality of the encoded patterns and each being sized and configured to be placed on top of the game table. The separate physical input devices enable the player to interact with the display/input device.
US08439752B2	Bonus trigger sounds building into a song A system and method of playing a multi-track musical composition during a wagering game in which musical tracks are successively added as bonus triggers occur, starting from an introduction portion of the musical composition and culminating in a main theme or chorus of the musical composition. Upon receipt of a wager input at a gaming terminal, a base wagering game is initiated during which several bonus triggers can occur, satisfying eligibility to conduct a bonus game. As each bonus trigger occurs, the musical composition adds a musical track to the introduction being played through audio speakers of the gaming terminal, increasing its instrumentation density to create a richer and denser sound. When the last bonus trigger occurs during the base wagering game, the music launches seamlessly from the introduction that has just been built up into the main theme or chorus of the music, which serves as the accompaniment music for the bonus game.
US08439750B2	Storage medium storing game program, game apparatus and game controlling method A game apparatus includes a camera, and with this camera, images in a plurality of poses decided in advance are imaged. From the imaged image in the plurality of poses, an image of a game character in each pose is created. In a battle game and a match-up game, the image in the pose corresponding to a motion according to an operation by a player is read, and by utilizing the read image in the pose, a character is displayed on a battle screen and a match-up screen.
US08439749B2	Gaming system having tools for pairing wagering games with available progressive games Gaming devices, gaming systems, methods of conducting wagering games, and computer programs for conducting wagering games are disclosed. A gaming system for playing a wagering game is disclosed which includes a processor(s) and a memory device(s) storing instructions that, when executed by at least one of the processors, cause the gaming system to: store, on at least one memory device, a progressive game having a first set of configuration parameters; store, on at least one memory device, a primary wagering game having a second set of configuration parameters; and compare, via at least one processor, the first set of configuration parameters with the second set of configuration parameters to determine, in accordance with at least a first rule set, if the primary wagering game can be activated and paired with the progressive game.
US08439747B2	Virtual playing chips in a multiuser online game network Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for executing game transactions in an online game to acquire virtual currency. One method includes an operation for detecting a request from a player to purchase virtual currency for use in the online game. Cash or credit is received, in an online transaction, to make the purchase of the virtual currency. The virtual currency of the online game is not redeemable for cash or credit so the virtual currency cannot be considered gambling proceeds. The method further includes an operation for crediting the player with an amount of virtual currency based on the amount of the received cash or credit.
US08439745B2	Electronic sweepstakes system providing multiple game presentations for revealing results from a single sweepstakes game A system, apparatus, and method are disclosed wherein a reveal request is initiated through a result reveal station by a person (user) who has previously made some purchase or donation and has been assigned one or more sweepstakes entries in an assignment order from a set of available sweepstakes entries for a sweepstakes game. This reveal request represents a request to reveal one or more of the results associated with the corresponding sweepstakes entries that have been assigned to the user. The reveal station employs a game presentation including various graphics and audio effects to show sweepstakes results in an entertaining fashion. In response to the reveal request, or perhaps even prior to the reveal request, one or more sweepstakes entries are selected to be revealed for the reveal request. The sweepstakes entries are selected in an order different from the order in which the sweepstakes entries were assigned to the user. The selection of entries is based on a set of game characteristics associated with the game presentation provided at the reveal station through which the reveal request is initiated.
US08439743B2	Gaming device having one or more shared award-modifier reels A gaming machine is disclosed having indicia of a plurality of spinning reels in a first set of reels and indicia of a plurality of spinning reels in a second set of reels. A determination is made as to whether the outcomes of the indicia of the plurality of spinning reels in the first and second sets of reels are winning outcomes. Award-multiplier indicia of a first shared spinning base game award-multiplier reel is positioned between the first and second set of reels. The first set of reels, second set of reels, and the base game award-multiplier reel form a contiguous set of reels having a common axis of rotation. The base game award-multiplier indicia modifies the winning outcome on the first set of reels, modifies the winning outcome on the second set of reels, includes a secondary game trigger symbol, or combinations thereof.
US08439741B2	Simulation of mechanical reels on a gaming machine A spinning reel slot machine has increased versatility, while having reels that are aesthetically similar to traditional mechanical reels. In one embodiment, the slot machine includes a plurality of optical fibers having first ends optically coupled to a surface of an image display device and seconds ends defining a curved display surface for displaying simulated mechanical reels to a player. In another embodiment, one or more of the mechanical reels has a transparent window at a location where a symbol would normally be present. A video display displays a video symbol in the transparent window. In yet a further embodiment, one of the plurality of mechanical reels has a miniature image display located at selected ones of the symbol regions for providing video symbols for the game. In yet further embodiments, a symbol region can produce more than one symbol in response to exposure at certain wavelengths or polarizations of light.
US08439737B1	Casino game with next round multipliers A player plays a first round of a casino game. If the player achieves a winning outcome on the first round of play, the payouts for the next round of play of the casino game will be increased. The amount of the increase is based on the category of the winning outcome on the first round of play. Each subsequent round of play continues to have increased payouts if the player continues to achieve winning outcomes. When the player has a losing outcome, the payouts revert to the base level. An extra wager may be required from the player to activate this feature during the play of the casino game.
US08439736B2	Extended play gaming systems and methods Various embodiments of extended play gaming systems and methods are disclosed. One method embodiment, among others, comprises providing a user interface that enables extended play in an electronic game, and providing an opportunity for increased compensation that varies based on when extended play is terminated.
US08439732B2	HVAC air valve A passive air valve for an HVAC module allows air to flow through a conditioning passage in a single direction. The valve can be disposed on a downstream side of a heat exchanger. The valve can inhibit back airflow from one of the conditioning passages to the other one of the conditioning passages.
US08439727B1	Drill bit sharpening tool A drill bit sharpening system using a typical bench grinder with a removable table for refurbishing a dull or broken drill bit has a bench grinder with a motor, a sharpening wheel, and a generally planar positioning table. The system has a generally planar rigid sharpening table with a securing means for rigidly attaching to the positioning table in a removable manner. The system has a pivotally mounted positioning component on the table top surface. The positioning component has a generally “L” shaped cross-section in a transverse plane. The positioning component has a centrally located pivoting means for mounting to a sharpening table top surface.
US08439724B2	Abrasive waterjet machining and method to manufacture a curved rotor blade retention slot A method of machining a blade retention slot with an abrasive water jet machining. A straight blade retention slot along an X-axis then a at least one side of the straight blade retention slot is abrasive water jet machined to generate a curved side of the blade retention slot defined within an X-Y plane.
US08439722B2	Recovery bra A brassiere garment and associated method for dressing is provided contemplating a strap that is operably trained around a user's back and sides, a cup attached at each end of the strap, and an adjustable attachment feature connecting the cups together.
US08439719B2	Method of encapsulating organic light emitting display device In a method of encapsulating an organic light emitting display device, when a lower substrate and a encapsulating substrate are encapsulated, the encapsulating process can be simplified since a sealant coating process can be performed without a mask aligning process, thereby reducing manufacturing cost. The method comprises the steps of: preparing an encapsulating substrate for encapsulating a lower substrate on which a display unit, which includes the organic light emitting display device, is formed; forming a black mask on a region of the encapsulating substrate, which is not a sealant region, corresponding to outer regions of the display unit; and forming a sealant on the sealant region.
US08439717B2	Device and method for manufacturing active matrix substrate, and device and method for manufacturing display panel A device for manufacturing an active matrix substrate including a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, in which a short-circuit defect in the active matrix substrate is detected and repaired, includes a stage (30a) configured to place a test substrate (19) which will become the active matrix substrate, a defective pixel detector (40a) configured to input a test signal to the test substrate (19) placed on the stage (30a), and electrically detect coordinates of a defective pixel in which a short-circuit defect has occurred, and a defect position identifier (50) configured to input the test signal to the test substrate (19) placed on the stage (30a) to cause the defective pixel detected by the defective pixel detector (40a) to generate heat, and sense the heat generation in the defective pixel using far-infrared thermography, thereby identifying a position of the short-circuit defect in the defective pixel.
US08439713B2	High-power connector having heat dissipation structure The present invention is to provide a high-power connector having a heat dissipation structure, which includes a cover, a plurality of resilient metal terminals and a plurality of auxiliary metal plates. The cover is made of an insulating material and defines a plurality of receiving spaces therein. The resilient metal terminals are fitted in the receiving spaces respectively. The front section of each resilient metal terminal has an arcuate shape, passes through a lateral side of the cover, and is exposed from the cover. The front section of each auxiliary metal plate is electrically connected to the corresponding resilient metal terminal, and the rear section of each auxiliary metal plate is electrically connected to a circuit board. Since the auxiliary metal plates have relatively low impedance capable of rapidly releasing the heat generated by the connector, the components of the connector are prevented from premature aging attributable to high temperature.
US08439707B2	Compression connector for multi-conductor cable A multi-conductor cable connector is provided, the connector including a cable connection portion, wherein the cable connection portion receives a prepared multi-conductor cable having a plurality of conductive strands concentrically sharing a common central axis, and a multi-contact portion coupled to the cable connection portion, the multi-contact portion having a plurality of contacts non-concentrically aligned with the cable connection portion. Furthermore, an associated method is also provided.
US08439705B2	Modular jack with sheilding plate between magnetic components An electrical connector (100) includes an insulative housing (2) defining a receiving cavity (20) for insertion of a mating connector, a terminal module (3) including a number of mating terminals (311) projecting into the receiving cavity and a number of magnetic components connected with the mating terminals, and a respective shielding plate (33) located between adjacent magnetic components to reduce crosstalk.
US08439704B2	Horizontally configured connector with edge card mounting structure A connector has a plurality of mating blades in the form of circuit cards, arranged horizontally in a vertical stack. The circuit cards are supported in a vertical array in mating portions of the connector and are enclosed by sidewalls of the mating portions. In order to support the circuit cards, the sidewalls of each mating portion are slotted and the circuit cards are provided with mounting wings that extend outwardly therefrom and which are received in the slots. Reentrant notches are provided in the circuit cards adjacent where the wings extend out from the bodies of the circuit cards.
US08439699B2	Lever type electrical connector A lever type electrical connector has a case. A connector terminal is provided in the case so as to be slidable in a first direction, and is operable to engage with a mating connector terminal by being moved in the first direction. A handle is connected with the connector terminal. A first lever is pivotably attached to the case, and is connected to the handle. The first lever is operable to be moved so as to move the handle in the first direction. A first lock arm is pivotably attached to the case. A first end of the first lock arm is operable to be come in contact with the mating connector terminal. A second end of the first lock arm opposite to the first end is operable to be disengaged from the handle when the first end is urged from the mating connector terminal. The second end is operable to be engaged with the handle so as to prevent the handle from moving in the first direction when the first end is not urged from the mating connector terminal.
US08439696B2	Card connector with improved tray member and metal cover A card connector (100) includes an insulative housing (2), a metal cover (1) attached to the insulative housing to jointly define a receiving space (10), a number of contacts (3) fixed in the insulative housing, and a tray member (4) slidably received in the receiving space. The metal cover includes a first locking arm (13) extending into the receiving space. Each contact includes a contacting section (32) protruding into the receiving space. The tray member includes a frame (41) and a metal piece (42) cooperative with the frame to define a card-receiving cavity (40). The metal piece includes a first tab (421) to make contact with the first locking arm (13) when the tray member is inserted into the receiving space (10) along a tray-insertion direction.
US08439691B1	Electrical connector for realizing a high signal transmission rate An electrical connector includes an insulating body, a plurality of terminals disposed in top and bottom surfaces of the insulating body, a holding body mounted to a rear of the insulating body and defining a plurality of positioning apertures penetrating vertically therethrough, and an insulating housing having a base body and a tongue board extending forward from a front of the base body. Each terminal has a soldering tail stretching downward beyond a bottom of the rear of the holding body to be positioned in the positioning aperture. A bottom of the tongue board defines a receiving recess extending longitudinally to penetrate through the base body. A rear end of the receiving recess penetrates downward through the base body to define an opening. The insulating body with the terminals and the holding body is inserted forward in the receiving recess, and the holding body is secured in the opening.
US08439690B2	Connector The present invention provides a technique that is easy for soldering fixture to a printed circuit board and is easy to handle. Regarding a connector having an insulating base portion and a conductive portion, in at least one direction of a surface to which the conductive portion is exposed, a metal plate extending from a side constituting the surface to another side not adjacent to the side is included. The metal plate can be fixed to a circuit board with solder, and deformation of the connector can be made less likely to occur.
US08439686B2	Device, system, and method for treating psychiatric disorders Provided are a device, system, and method for treating a patient having posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other such psychiatric disorder. An event being recounted by the patient is recorded and a sensory environment of the patient is controlled so as to administer exposure therapy to the patient. Patient mental state may be monitored during administration of the exposure therapy to the patient, and the exposure therapy may be varied in correspondence to the monitored mental state of the patient. In one embodiment, hierarchy assembly means creates a treatment hierarchy based on input from the patient, and hierarchy navigation means navigates within the treatment hierarchy in response to the mental state of the patient.
US08439683B2	Food recognition using visual analysis and speech recognition A method and system for analyzing at least one food item on a food plate is disclosed. A plurality of images of the food plate is received by an image capturing device. A description of the at least one food item on the food plate is received by a recognition device. The description is at least one of a voice description and a text description. At least one processor extracts a list of food items from the description; classifies and segments the at least one food item from the list using color and texture features derived from the plurality of images; and estimates the volume of the classified and segmented at least one food item. The processor is also configured to estimate the caloric content of the at least one food item.
US08439681B2	Method of assessing oral health risk A method of oral health risk assessment is provided in which diagnostic data from an oral health detection device and patient risk factor data is processed to provide a integrated risk measure relating to a patient's dental health. The patient risk factor data preferably includes risk factor data such as pathological risk factors, protective risk factors, historical factors, self care factors, behavioral factors, and extrinsic factors. The integrated risk assessment and patient data is preferably provided to a remote server for access by various authorized stakeholders.
US08439679B2	Extractor for broken tooth root The invention is an extractor for roots of broken teeth. This extractor has a square head spiral. That square head spiral has a spiral anchor and a square head with optional depressions in the sides of that square head. In that square head opposite the spiral anchor is a threaded hole. Included is a generally cubical square head socket with a lower square opening. There is a centrally located passage through the top of that generally cubical square head socket. The invention also has a thumb screw device with a rotator knob part and a threaded section. In operation the square head spiral anchor is screwed into the patient's broken tooth and the cubical square head socket is placed over the square head. The rotator knob part is threaded into the square head threaded hole. The extractor for roots of broken teeth is ready to remove the root of the broken tooth. The square head socket may have an extension. The invention includes a process for removing roots of broken teeth using the above device.
US08439674B2	Systems and methods for intra-oral drug delivery Systems and methods are disclosed for intra-oral delivery of drugs.
US08439668B2	Candle container and candle with extinguishing properties A container for holding a combustible is provided, the container having a first portion for receiving the combustible and a second portion containing an extinguishing substance, characterized in that the extinguishing substance is in thermal contact with the first portion and is adapted to be set free if it exceeds a predefined temperature. Also provided is a candle comprising such a container, wherein the first portion contains candle wax, lamp oil or petroleum gel, and a wick.
US08439666B2	Methods and materials for fabricating laminate nanomolds and nanoparticles therefrom A laminate nanomold includes a layer of perfluoropolyether defining a cavity that has a predetermined shape and a support layer coupled with the layer of perfluoropolyether. The laminate can also include a tie-layer coupling the layer of perfluoropolyether with the support layer. The tie-layer can also include a photocurable component and a thermal curable component. The cavity can have a broadest dimension of less than 500 nanometers.
US08439665B2	Ribbon liquefier for use in extrusion-based digital manufacturing systems A ribbon liquefier comprising an outer liquefier portion configured to receive thermal energy from a heat transfer component, and a channel at least partially defined by the outer liquefier portion, where the channel has dimensions that are configured to receive the ribbon filament, and where the ribbon liquefier is configured to melt the ribbon filament received in the channel to at least an extrudable state with the received thermal energy to provide a melt flow. The dimensions of the channel are further configured to conform the melt flow from an axially-asymmetric flow to a substantially axially-symmetric flow in an extrusion tip connected to the ribbon liquefier.
US08439657B2	Concrete pump A Concrete Pump is a mechanical device comprising of a round funnel shape hoper, pump outlet, rotating pressure and wear plates. Attached to the rotating pressure and wear plates are rotating pump cylinders and opposite the pump cylinders are a rotating wear plate. Pressed against the rotating wear plates is the stationary wear. A hoper outlet and a pump outlet flange are attached to the stationary wear plate. The pump functions as follows: concrete from the hoper passes through the stationary and rotating wear plates into one pump cylinder, at the same time, concrete from another cylinder (previously field with concrete) is pushed through the rotating wear plate and through the stationary wear plate into the pump's outlet. When the pistons reach the end of the cylinders the rotating wear plates and concrete cylinders rotate by 180 degrees and the process is repeated again. The pump is designed so that an entire volume of concrete or similar pumping substance is pumped out of the hoper.
US08439655B2	Cooling channel for a fan motor for a ventilation, heating, and/or air conditioning system Ventilating device (1) comprising a casing (6) intended to channel at least one air flow (3) created by a blower wheel (5), the said casing (6) delimites a main air channel (7) in which a main air flow (3a) circulates and a secondary air channel (8) intended to bring towards a motor (4) a secondary air flow (3b) in order to cool the motor (4), the said secondary air channel (8) comprising a inlet (11) arranged in a main channel wall (7c) and a outlet arranged in a plan containing a casing end by which the wheel (5) is introduced, the said secondary channel (8) further comprising a means intended to change at least twice the direction of the secondary air flow (3b) when the secondary air flow (3b) passes through the secondary air channel (8).
US08439654B2	Methods and apparatus for pumping liquefied gases A method and system for pumping liquefied gas are provided. The system for pumping liquefied gas can includes a container having an access port with a central axis disposed at an upper end thereof, a pump disposed within the container, and at least one pipe segment having a first end and a second end. The pump can include a fluid inlet in fluid communication with a liquefied gas stored in the container and a fluid outlet. The first end of the pipe segment can be in fluid communication with the fluid outlet of the pump. The second end of the pipe segment can be in fluid communication with an exterior of the container. The pump can be capable of lifting the liquefied gas through the at least one pipe segment and discharging the liquefied gas from the container at a pressure sufficient for distribution or further processing.
US08439646B2	Engine blade with excessive leading edge loading A free end of a blade of a fluid flow machine has a skeleton line camber distribution having an excessive value to a relative skeleton line camber of at least α=0.35 for a related running length of s=0.1 in a blade profile flow line section between the free end and a blade section at 30% of a main flow path width from the free end. S* is a local running length relative to a total running length of the profile skeleton line and α* is an angular change of the skeleton line relative to a total camber of the skeleton line from a leading edge to a related running length s. The skeleton line camber distribution runs between leading edge point V (s=0, α=0) and trailing edge point H (s=1, α*=1).
US08439640B2	Propeller blade pitch control system A propeller blade pitch control system includes a propeller hub for mounting at least one propeller blade, and a propeller shaft which rotates about an axis to rotationally drive the propeller hub. A pitch change yoke located within the propeller hub is configured to change a pitch of the at least one propeller blade in response to hydraulic fluid flow to a pitch change actuator. A propeller gearbox includes a first, rear end and a second, forward end located between the first, rear end and the pitch change yoke, and is configured to apply torque to the propeller hub. A hydraulic transfer bearing located between the first, rear end and the second, forward end of the propeller gearbox is operable to selectively permit a flow of hydraulic fluid from at least one hydraulic flow controller to the pitch change actuator.
US08439639B2	Filter system for blade outer air seal A gas turbine engine component having a filter mounted adjacent an impingement cavity to filter particles out of a secondary cooling airflow outboard of a cooling channel in communication with the secondary cooling airflow.
US08439638B2	Blade pitch controller, wind turbine generator, and method of controlling blade pitch A hydraulic cylinder is coupled to blades of a wind turbine generator and actuated to change a pitch angle of the blade. A variable displacement hydraulic pump supplies hydraulic oil to the hydraulic cylinder, and a discharge pressure of the pump does not follow a load pressure. When the discharge pressure of the hydraulic pump becomes a set pressure, a pressure control valve is opened to change a discharge amount of the hydraulic pump, and to make the discharge pressure of the hydraulic pump to be a pressure smaller than a cut off pressure. Further, a setting control unit sets the set pressure based on the hydraulic pressure that the hydraulic cylinder requires such that the set pressure becomes a minimum pressure required to change the pitch angle to a predetermined angle by the hydraulic cylinder.
US08439637B2	Bellows preload and centering spring for a fan drive gear system An assembly includes a first tapered roller bearing and a second tapered roller bearing and a bellows spring. The bellows spring is disposed adjacent the first tapered roller bearing and the second tapered roller bearing.
US08439635B2	Apparatus and method for locking a composite component An apparatus and method for locking a composite component such as blade or vane of a turbine engine is disclosed herein. The disclosed lock can also be used generally to fix the position of composite structures. The lock includes a first locking member including a first structure operable to at least partially fix the first locking member along an axis of a slot for receiving a blade or a vane. The lock also includes a second locking member including a second structure operable to engage the blade or vane. The first and second locking members are slidably engaged with one another along mating ramped surfaces.
US08439634B1	BOAS with cooled sinusoidal shaped grooves A BOAS with a blade tip shroud having rows of sinusoidal shaped grooves on a bottom side, each groove having a row of thin slots extending along the aft side of the groove and opening into the groove, and each thin slot connected to a plurality of metering holes that open into a cooling air supply cavity formed on the top surface of the tip shroud.
US08439633B2	Hollow steam guide diffuser having increased pressure recovery A steam turbine includes a diffuser that has a bearing cone and an inner plate of a steam guide that define a passage through which steam flows. An outer plate is disposed with respect to the inner plate such that an opening is located between the inner and outer plates. At least one hole is located in the inner plate. A water tube is disposed in the opening, the water tube having water flowing therethrough which condenses at least a portion of a flow of steam flowing in the passage thereby creating at least a partial vacuum within the opening. The vacuum creates a suction effect through the at least one hole in the inner plate that can cause at least a portion of the flow of steam in the passage to attach itself to an inner surface of the inner plate.
US08439628B2	Heat transfer enhancement in internal cavities of turbine engine airfoils An airfoil includes a leading edge, a trailing edge, a suction side and a pressure side; a plurality of internal cooling cavities extending radially within the airfoil, one of the plurality of internal cavities extending along the trailing edge. The trailing edge is provided with a plurality of coolant exit apertures extending therealong. A plurality of vortex generators is formed on an internal surface of at least one of the pressure and suction sides of the airfoil. The vortex generators are arranged in radially spaced relationship in one of the plurality of internal cooling cavities, extending substantially parallel to and in proximity to the plurality of coolant exit apertures.
US08439627B2	Steam turbine and cooling method thereof A steam turbine includes a casing, a rotor arranged inside the casing so as to extend in an axial direction of the casing, a rotor disk integrally formed with the rotor, a rotor-side implanting portion formed in the rotor disk, a plurality of moving blades arranged on the rotor disk in a circumferential direction of the rotor, and a moving blade-side implanting portion formed in the moving blade, in which the moving blade-side implanting portions of the moving blades are engaged with the rotor-side implanting portions, respectively. A cooling medium flows through a gap formed at least on a blade portion side of the moving blade among gaps formed between the moving blade-side implanting portions and the rotor-side implanting portions.
US08439619B2	Screw for sealing extruded tapped hole in metallic sheet A casing includes a metallic sheet and a screw. The metallic sheet is formed with an extruded tapped hole surrounded by an arcuate portion in the metallic sheet and a sleeve integrally with and depending from the arcuate portion. The sleeve has internal threads. On the other hand, the screw is configured to seal the extruded tapped hole of the metallic sheet. The screw has a threaded section configured to be mated with the internal threads of the sleeve of the metallic sheet, and a flat head capable of abutting against the arcuate portion and sitting flush with the metallic sheet when the screw is placed in the extruded tapped hole of the metallic sheet.
US08439618B2	Fastener having controllably variable preload and method of forming same A method of forming a fastener that includes an axial centerline, a seating surface angled with respect to the axial centerline at an angle α and adapted to contact an angled seat of a bore, the smallest diameter of the seating surface being designated a seating diameter, and a threaded connecting portion for engaging a threaded portion of a bore, the threaded connecting portion including a point designated a proximal contact point, the distance from the seating diameter to the proximal contact point in the direction of the axial centerline being the clamped length of the fastener, the method including steps of determining a value for at least a first one of angle α, seating diameter D and clamped length L, solving the equation α=arctan (D/(2L)) to calculate at least a second one of angle α, seating diameter D and clamped length L, and forming a fastener based on the determined and calculated values. Also a fastener and fastener system based on the method.
US08439611B2	Transport unit A transport unit including a plate shaped transport base with cylindrical cargo objects placed there on disposed with their center axes parallel to one another and in at least one layer, wherein the center axes respectively have a distance from one another and wherein enveloping surfaces of adjacent objects are in a line contact with one another, and cargo securing devices configured as tension devices, through which the objects are secured on the base against sliding or rolling. A base which is characterized by an improved utilization of the transport volume and for which the fixation of the objects can be provided in a simply and comfortably, it is provided that tension devices engage a face of the objects and at least each object disposed at an edge of a layer is connected at the face with a tension device in a force transmitting manner.
US08439610B2	Load securing element and system for securing a load A load securing element with a base body includes a coupling portion for coupling a stop means, a support portion provided for insertion into an opening, and a connecting portion, which connects the coupling portion and the support portion to one another and thus keeps them spaced apart in such a way that a slot-like receiver is formed on the base body. The receiver is delimited at its upper side by the coupling portion, at its lower side by the support portion and at its rear by the connecting portion and is otherwise open, wherein the width of the receiver corresponds to a multiple of its height.
US08439602B1	Flow control liner system An apparatus is disclosed that includes a ditch liner formed with two opposing walls. A plurality of friction control corrugations is formed in both of the two opposing walls. The apparatus also includes one or more subsurface aprons.
US08439598B2	Oscillatory compaction method A method for compacting a surface of granular materials is disclosed. The method is applicable to wheeled compaction equipment such as pneumatic-tire compactors, drum-type compactors and asphalt compactors. The propel system includes a controller programmed to send a first at least substantially constant propel command that propels the compaction equipment in a forward direction. The controller then changes the speed of the compaction equipment by providing a second varying propel command that may increase or decrease the speed resulting from the first command. As a result, the speed of the compaction equipment oscillates.
US08439597B2	Asphalt paving seam sealer system A new method of sealing the seam between two adjacent sections of asphalt pavement deploys an adhesive elastomeric gasket which completely envelopes the vertical faces of the adjacent lanes on three sides—i.e., above, below and along each face. Since the gasket extends partly underneath each section of paving, it is laid down before each lane is paved, thereby taking advantage of the heat of the fresh asphalt to effectively and rapidly cure the adhesive component of the gasket to insure a strong bond on both sides of the seam.
US08439596B1	Textured tile system and installation method A detectable warning tile is a molded sheet having generally planar top and bottom surfaces, the top surface having a plurality of spaced apart truncated domes in relief thereon, the bottom surface having a grid pattern of depressions therein. Partitions rising from the bottom surface are positioned within the interior of the domes and are integral therewith. The bottom surface may have an adhesive layer for bonding with a solid under-surface. Alternately, anchors may be engaged with the bottom surface for securing the tile in a uncured cement, concrete or blacktop surface.
US08439593B2	Quarter turn locking mechanism Apparatus and methods are disclosed for securely, yet releasably, connecting separate parts. A shaft engages a cooperating socket to form a connection capable of sustaining service loads. The shaft has a protruding pin which slides within a slot in the socket to guide the shaft into locked engagement with the socket. The shaft also has a cantilever body which wedges into a tapered region in the socket to frictionally bind the shaft and socket together.
US08439589B2	Device for rotatably bearing an aircraft interior fitting component A device for rotatably bearing an aircraft interior fitting component, in particular a lowerable shell of a luggage rack includes a bearing bush as well as a bearing bolt which is adapted to be rotatably accommodated in the bearing bush. The bearing bolt is disposed in a bearing bolt guide such that it is movable between a first and a second position and retainable in at least one position in the bearing bolt guide by a retaining device.
US08439588B2	Fluid powered bath accessory A fluid-powered bath brush that uses the kinetic energy of moving water to operate skin-cleaning attachments. In one embodiment, the bath brush comprises a brush head member having at least one brush head housing, a water wheel, a first drive gear, a second drive gear and a brush element rotatably mounted thereon, an adaptor with an outlet side adapted to be connected to a showerhead and an inlet side adapted to be connected to a first fluid-dispensing means that carries water to the showerhead and contains a diverter which diverts the flow of water from the first fluid-dispensing means to the showerhead to the flow of water from the first fluid-dispensing means to the brush head member and a flexible second fluid-dispensing means containing at least two tubes for carrying water connecting the brush head member and the adaptor.
US08439586B2	Powered internal feed roller A hand-held, battery powered liquid applicator having an on-board reservoir. An electric motor drives a piston in the reservoir via a pinion gear member and rack gear. A gear shifter may disengage the pinion gear member from the rack gear. A battery compartment may have a door has recess to enable a user to grasp a dry cell located farthest from the door. The rack gear may have modified profile teeth at the end of travel to allow the pinion gear member to slip when the piston is urged past the end of travel. The piston may have a length substantially equal to a characteristic length of the reservoir. Liquid may be drawn into the reservoir by powered or manual retraction of the piston and liquid may be delivered from the reservoir to an applicator head by powered or manual motion of the piston into the reservoir.
US08439585B2	Eraser and marker holder for white boards The present invention refers to an article to be used to hold and carry writing instruments, such as an eraser and a markers for a white board; the article includes means to support the article in a removable way on a flat surface, such as a wall, a blackboard, a table or a similar surface, so that both the eraser and the markers can be easily located by the user during a working session. In the embodiment illustrated, the article has the capacity to hold one eraser and up to three conventional markers.
US08439580B2	Vibrating device and image equipment having the same A dust-screening member arranged in front of an image forming unit that holds an image forming element configured to generate an optical image, is formed into a box shape that includes a plate-shaped polygonal light transmitting part that passes light entering from or to the image forming element, and a plurality of foot portions that tilt by a predetermined angle and extend from all sides of the light transmitting part or portions near all sides in a direction in which the image forming unit is located. The light transmitting part and the plurality of foot portions are formed using the same material. A vibrating member is fixed to at least one of the plurality of foot portions. The dust-screening member is held by an elastic force of an elastic member arranged between the plurality of foot portions and a support member configured to support the plurality of foot portions.
US08439578B2	Opto-electronic assembly for high speed transmission The optoelectronic assembly for high speed signal transmission based on surface-emitting/receiving components is disclosed. The assembly contains a mounting plate with a top side used for the mounting of the components; single or multiple electrooptical or optoelectronic transducer components with the optical ports of the transducer on the top side and a bottom side used for assembly; a micro-mirror component; an optical transmission path wherein the transmission axis is oriented substantially parallel to the surface of the transducer components and to the top side of the mounting plate; and a transducer component mounted with the bottom side on the mounting plate near a micro-mirror component mounted above the transducer component in such a configuration that the optical transmission path to or from the transducer is reflected at the mirror surface such that the transducer is optically coupled to this same transmission path.
US08439576B2	Photoelectric connector assembly A photoelectric connector assembly includes a first and a second connector and a photoelectric signal conversion module. The first connector defines a mating cavity, first terminals including contacting sections exposing to the mating cavity and a first light transmission module including convex lenses at a front thereof exposing to the mating cavity and first light ports at a rear thereof. The second connector includes an insulating seat and second terminals. The seat defines a rear mating end loading the second terminals and a receiving cavity opening upwards. The conversion module is inserted in the receiving cavity and includes second light ports coupled with the first light ports of the first light transmission module and conductive pads touching with the second terminal.
US08439574B2	Tapered roller bearing A tapered roller bearing includes an outer ring, an inner ring, a tapered roller interposed between the outer ring and the inner ring, and a cage holding the tapered roller. The tapered roller bearing is for being used in an idler portion of an automobile transmission that switches between an idle state in which the outer ring rotates freely in relation to the inner ring and a shift state in which the outer ring rotates synchronously with the inner ring. In one embodiment, the tapered roller bearing has a ratio of roller dynamic load rating Cr to static load rating Cor of Cor/Cr≧1.4. In an alternative embodiment, MoS2 processing is performed on a surface of the tapered roller and the tapered roller bearing has a ratio of roller dynamic load rating Cr to static load rating Cor of Cor/Cr≧1.3.
US08439570B2	Rolling bearing assembly and method of forming a lubrication device therefor A rolling bearing assembly includes a rolling bearing which includes a plurality of rolling elements interposed between an inner ring and an outer ring thereof and retained by a cage, the cage being in a sliding contact with a guiding surface provided on an inner periphery of the outer ring and a lubrication device for supplying a lubricant to the rolling bearing. The lubrication device includes an annular groove extending along the inner periphery of the outer ring in adjoining relation with the guiding surface of the outer ring and storing a grease therein and an annular grease reservoir member disposed in proximity to the annular groove and storing a grease therein. The grease stored in the grease reservoir member and the grease stored in the annular groove are interconnected by the grease present between the reservoir and the annular groove.
US08439565B2	Remotely-aligned arcuate detector array for high energy X-ray imaging A scanning system and methods for inspecting contents of a container. High-energy penetrating radiation collimated into a fan beam illuminates an inspected container from one side, while a plurality of detector plates are disposed on the opposite side of the container. Each detector plate has a plurality of detector modules, each of which, in turn, is disposed on a remotely activated alignment and has multiple detector elements. A controller governs the orientation of each of the plurality of detector plates based at least on the detector signal generated by its detector elements such that each detector element of each detector module of each detector plate may be aligned to within a specified fraction of the transverse dimension of the fan beam as measured at the exit slot.
US08439564B2	Fluoroscopy operator protection device A radiation protection device attaches to the C-arm of a fluoroscope and shields and collimates the X-ray beam between the X-ray source and the patient and between the patient and the image intensifier. One embodiment has a radiation shield of X-ray opaque material that surrounds the C-arm of the fluoroscopy system, the X-ray source and the image intensifier. A padded slot fits around the patient's body. Another embodiment has conical or cylindrical radiation shields that extend between the X-ray source and the patient and between the patient and the image intensifier. The radiation shields have length adjustments and padded ends to fit the device to the patient. The radiation protection device may be motorized to advance and withdraw the radiation shields. A blanket-like radiation shield covers the patient in the area surrounding where the X-ray beam enters the body.
US08439563B1	Gas-actuated thermometer The gas-actuated thermometer is formed as a unitary, monolithic glass structure with a gas bulb at one end and an indicator tube extending therefrom. The bulb and tube are permanently and hermetically sealed to contain the actuating gas therein. A closed cell foam indicator resides in the indicator tube. The indicator travels along the tube in accordance with the expansion and contraction of the gas within the bulb and adjacent portion of the tube. A second gas or mechanical spring is provided in the opposite end of the tube to balance the pressure of the indicator gas. The indicator tube, and preferably also the bulb, are flattened to an elliptical or similar cross-sectional shape. This facilitates the fit of the device for use as an oral medical thermometer, and the wider cross section enables both Celsius and Fahrenheit temperature scales to be marked along the indicator tube.
US08439560B1	System and method for determining the blackbody temperature of an electrical discharge A system for determining a blackbody temperature of an electrical discharge including a light-tight enclosure, a viewing aperture sheet received in the light-tight enclosure, the viewing aperture sheet having a first side and a second, opposite side, and defining at least one viewing aperture having a known area, a radiometer having a sensor aperture, the sensor aperture being received in the light-tight enclosure on the first side of the viewing aperture sheet, the sensor aperture being positioned a known distance from the viewing aperture, and an electric current source having an electrode, the electrode being received in the light-tight enclosure on the second side of the viewing aperture sheet.
US08439558B2	Winding and time-setting control device for a timepiece movement A winding and time-setting control device for a timepiece movement including, connected in rotation, a movement stem secured in rotation to a sliding pinion driven in translation by a lever between winding and time-setting positions, and a control stem sliding between winding and time-setting control positions, actuating a pull-out mechanism. The mechanism includes a first pull-out piece including, about a first axis, an arm movable with the control stem, and a pivot cooperating with a complementary pivot of a second pull-out piece driving the lever and including an arm movable inside a housing in the movement stem. A timepiece incorporating a device of this type is also disclosed.
US08439556B2	Synchronous escapement for a timepiece mechanism Escape wheel (1) including a toothed impulse wheel (2) and a toothed release wheel (4) pivoting synchronously about an axis (D1). The toothed release wheel (4) includes moveable gears (5) each with a release tooth (6), radially moveable relative to the axis (D1) and returned to a position of balance by first return device (7), and a locking tooth (8), returned in a first radial direction (S1) towards a stop member by second return device (9). The impulse tooth (6) includes drive device (11) arranged to cooperate, when the impulse tooth moves in a second opposite radial direction (S2), with complementary drive device (12) of the locking tooth (8) for driving the locking tooth in the second direction (S2) and, when the impulse tooth moves in the first direction (S1), to remain at a distance from the complementary drive device (12) without driving the locking tooth (8).
US08439555B2	Tourbillon without the weight of the balance Tourbillon mechanism for a watch having a turning cage mounted in pivoting manner in a first and second cage bearing lodged in fixed elements of the watch; an escapement mobile integral with the cage; and a regulating element in the form of a spiral balance capable of oscillating around a balance staff according to pulses received from the escapement mobile. The balance staff is mounted in pivoting manner in the balance bearings lodged outside the cage. The outer extremity of the spiral hairspring is fastened to the cage through a hairspring stud.
US08439554B2	Whisk attachment A whisk attachment for use with an automated mixer is disclosed. The whisk attachment includes a coupling member, at least two coil members, and a brace. The first coil member has first and second ends attached to the coupling member to define the first coil member having a substantially parabolic shape. The second coil member also has first and second ends attached to the coupling member to define the second coil member also having a substantially parabolic shape. The brace is attached to each of the first and second coil members to resist relative movement of the first coil member with respect to the second coil member.
US08439552B2	Backlight unit of display apparatus A backlight unit of a display apparatus is provided. The backlight unit includes a display housing, a light source which is arranged along an inner circumference the display housing, a light guide plate through which light of the light source is transmitted, and which forms surface light, an optical sheet which is disposed on an upper side of the light guide plate to upwardly diffuse the light of the light source transmitted through the light guide plate, a plurality of first fixing units, each of which fix both the light guide plate and the optical sheet, a plurality of second fixing units which support only the light guide plate, and a support frame which is connected to the display housing to fix the optical sheet to the display housing provisionally, and has a window formed on a surface corresponding to the light guide plate to allow light to pass therethrough.
US08439550B2	Frame connecting member and light emitting diode lighting apparatus fabricated by using the same Provided is a frame connecting member for connecting a plurality of frame members to provide a frame of a lighting apparatus. The frame connecting member includes a body, an engaging unit connected to the body, the engaging unit being configured to be coupled to the plurality of the frame members, respectively, and a light leakage prevention unit connected to the body, the light leakage prevention unit being configured to prevent a light emitted from the lighting apparatus from leaking.
US08439548B2	Symmetric serrated edge light guide having circular base segments The present invention provides a planar light guide film for a backlight unit having at least one point light source, the light guide film comprising a light input surface for receiving light from the point light source, a light redirecting surface for redirecting light received from the light input surface and a light output surface for outputting at least the light redirected from the light redirecting surface. The light input surface further comprises a composite lens structure having a circular tip segment with a first contact angle, and a first and second circular base segments with a second contact angle, the second contact angle being greater than the first contact angle and the second contact angle being equal to each other. Further, the circular tip segment satisfies the following equation: y1=a1+√{square root over ((r12−x2))} and the circular base segments satisfies the following equations: y2=b2+√{square root over ((r22−(x+a2)2))} y3=b3+√{square root over ((r32−(x−a3)2))}.
US08439547B2	Backlight module An exemplary illuminating apparatus includes a light guiding plate, a light source facing a light input surface of the light guiding plate, and a complementary color element adjacent to the light source. The light source comprises a number of LEDs which emit light with at least two wavelengths. The at least two wavelengths light mix with each other to gain a white light. The complementary color element is configured for receiving light emitted from adjacent, outmost LED and converting the light into white light. The white light is reflected by the complementary color element and emits from the light guiding plate through the light output surface.
US08439546B2	Large area light panel and screen Embodiments of a panel lighting apparatus and methods of its manufacture are described. In one embodiment, the apparatus can include a light source, an at least partially transparent panel comprising a planar front surface and a planar back surface, the panel disposed in conjunction with the light source such that light from the light source is input into at least one edge of the panel and guided therein, and a plurality of light extraction dots disposed on the planar back surface, the plurality of light extraction dots configured to reflect light incident on the planar back surface and extract light from the light source propagating in the panel through the planar front surface.
US08439545B2	Backlight assembly and display apparatus having the same A backlight assembly includes; a light source including a light emitting surface through which a light exits and an optical member including a first surface disposed adjacent to the light source and a second surface disposed substantially opposite to the first surface, wherein the optical member covers the light source and guides the light therethrough, wherein the optical member includes; an incident surface to which the light is incident, the incident surface being connected with the first surface corresponding to the light source, an optical pattern disposed on the second surface and corresponding to the light source, the optical pattern reflecting a first light of the light incident through the incident surface through total internal reflection and a light guide pattern disposed on the first surface, wherein the light guide pattern directs the reflected first light to an exterior of the optical member.
US08439543B2	Light source unit having a mounting rib and two pluralities of fins each extending in different directions A light source unit mounted in a mount portion of a vehicle includes a heat block and a reflector accommodated in an imaginary cylinder that is defined by a holding device for holding an outer circumference of a lens. A first heat dissipating portion and a second heat dissipating portion, which are partitioned by a partition plate, are provided on an outer circumferential surface of the heat block. A plurality of fins are projected on the first heat dissipating portion which is disposed on a lens side of the heat block so as to extend in a circumferential direction, and a second plurality of fins are projected on the second heat dissipating portion so as to extend in an axial direction of the heat block. The partition plate includes a mounting rib, and a mounting device is provided on the mounting rib for mounting the light source unit in the mount portion of the vehicle.
US08439538B2	Vehicle light A vehicle light can achieve the same or similar heat dissipation performance as that of a conventional vehicle light while having a smaller height than that of the conventional vehicle light, thereby improving space utilization efficiency for a limited installation space of a vehicle body. The vehicle light can include a housing, a cover lens attached to the housing to define a lighting chamber between itself and the housing. A heat dissipation member can be attached to the housing. An optical system can be disposed within the lighting chamber. The optical system can include a heat conduction member including an LED attached surface and a support member fixed to the LED attached surface at one end thereof and to the housing or the heat dissipation member at the other end thereof. An LED light source can be attached to the LED attached surface, and a reflector can be provided for receiving and reflecting light emitted from the LED light source towards the cover lens so that the reflected light passing through the cover lens forms a predetermined light distribution pattern.
US08439535B2	Structure of motorcycle taillight A motorcycle taillight includes a base, a light source unit, and a hood. The base includes a first bulb seat, which receives a primary light source of a light source unit mounted therein. An extension section extends from an underside of the first bulb seat in a direction toward the rear side of the motorcycle. The extension section has an underside to which a second bulb seat is mounted. The second bulb seat is located at a free end of the extension section to receive a license plate light of the light source unit mounted therein. The hood has a shielding section corresponding in position to the second bulb seat of the base. A cover is arranged under the shielding section. As such, the white light that is used to illuminate a license plate cannot be seen from the rear side of the motorcycle.
US08439525B2	Luminaires having enhanced light distribution and applications thereof The present invention, in some embodiments, provides a luminaire operable to enhance the uniformity of light distributed from the luminaire thereby mitigating diminished illuminance at the periphery of an illuminated area.
US08439523B2	Laser energy source device A laser device including a concave mirror converging beamlets from a plurality of high efficiency diode lasers to a focal point, an integrating convex mirror placed at or near the focal point reflects a first portion of the beamlets back to the concave mirror and allows a second portion through to a light transmitter. The second portion of beamlets exists the light transmitter as a homogenized uniform laser beam having substantially uniform convergence and focus.
US08439522B2	Angle-adjusting LED lighting apparatus An angle-adjusting LED lighting apparatus includes an LED light source on which LEDs and a printed circuit board electrically connected to the LEDs are mounted. A lens diffuses light illuminated from the LEDs, and a case houses the LED light source and the lens. At least one portion of an outer surface of the case is circular-shaped, an uneven part is formed at the circular-shaped outer surface of the case, and an engaging groove is formed inside the uneven part and penetrates the case along a length of the case. The apparatus includes an angle-adjustment member having an uneven surface that engages with the uneven part on one surface, and an engagement fixing member that engages with an outer fixing member on which the lighting apparatus is to be mounted using an engaging member. The engaging member penetrates the angle-adjustment member and is inserted into the engaging groove.
US08439518B2	Display backlight device with auxiliary light emitting element An illuminating device includes a hot-cathode fluorescent tube (discharge tube) and a light emitting surface that emits light from the hot-cathode fluorescent tube. An auxiliary light emitting portion is provided in the vicinity of a non-lighting region of the hot-cathode fluorescent tube. The auxiliary light emitting portion includes an optical fiber having an incident portion for receiving light from the hot-cathode fluorescent tube, and a light guide plate that receives light from the optical fiber and emits the incident light toward the light emitting surface.
US08439517B2	Fixture installation apparatus and method A light system for adapting the perimeter around an open space for accepting a light fixture comprising a first member for engagement with a portion of the perimeter around the space, a second member for engagement with a portion of the perimeter around the space such that the second member is located symmetrically opposite the first member with respect to the perimeter around the space, engaging the first member and the second member to the perimeter, a pivot for removably engaging the fixture to the first and second members such that the fixture pivots from a first position where the fixture fills the open space to a second position where the fixture is hanging from the perimeter, and a latch for securing the fixture in the first position. Also, a method of installing a fixture into an aperture in a ceiling, wall or box where the aperture is defined by a perimeter, the method comprises the steps of engaging an install apparatus with the perimeter of the aperture, engaging a fixture in a hanging relationship with the install apparatus, rotating the hanging fixture until the fixture is engaged with the perimeter of the aperture, securing the fixture in a operational relationship with the perimeter of the aperture.
US08439514B2	Lighting unit, display device and television receiver A lighting unit 12 of the present invention includes a light source 17, a chassis that covers the light source 17 and a vibration absorber 70 provided in a mat-like form and arranged between the light source 17 and the chassis 14. The vibration absorber 70 is made of gelatinous material. With this configuration, the vibration absorber 70 blocks vibration propagation from the light source 17 to the chassis 14. As a result, a roaring sound is properly eliminated or reduced.
US08439512B2	Semiconductor lamp with wavelength converter and circuit component axially opposed from light source A lamp includes a semiconductor light-emitting element, a light guiding element, a wavelength converter, a reflecting mirror, and a circuit unit axially disposed within a central section of the outer tube of an envelope. Light emitted by the semiconductor light-emitting element is guided by the light guiding element to be incident on and be converted by the wavelength converter. At least one component of the circuit unit is disposed at a side of the wavelength converter opposite the semiconductor light-emitting element. The reflecting mirror is disposed between the at least one component of the circuit unit and the wavelength converter, and reflects at least part of light received from the wavelength converter back toward the wavelength converter.
US08439510B2	Apparatus for viewing oblique forward area of vehicle An apparatus for viewing an oblique forward area of a vehicle whereby light incident from outside a passenger compartment is prevented from reflecting. The apparatus includes a sub-window pane supported by a front pillar and a sub-pillar, a mirror housing of a door mirror for displaying a rear of the vehicle, and a first reflective mirror for displaying an area in front and to one side of the vehicle. The first reflective mirror is provided to the mirror housing. The apparatus also includes a second reflective mirror for reflecting the light reflected by the first reflective mirror toward a driver. The sub-window pane is disposed further toward the outside in a vehicle widthwise direction than a line passing over cross-sectional vehicle-widthwise direction centers of the front pillar and the sub-pillar. An outside edge of the second reflective mirror is positioned in the vicinity of the sub-window pane.
US08439509B2	Ribbed telescope mirrors with thermal gradient control Ribbed mirrors allowing heat to be conducted past the glass during optical polish and application of coatings and methods of fabricating same. The method comprises placing a bridge of thermally conductive material in thermal contact with the mirror plate and the supporting rib at the interior angle. The preferred thermally conductive material is room temperature vulcanizing silicone. However, the room temperature vulcanizing silicone can be mixed with a powdered heat conductor such as diamond dust, aluminum oxide and silicon carbide. Alternatively, the thermally conductive fillet can be made from a segment of thermally conductive rigid material, such as copper, diamond, beryllium, silver and aluminum having an exterior angle matching the interior angle and a thermally conductive plastic such as room temperature vulcanizing silicone or thermally conductive grease, silicone or epoxy applied to surfaces of the exterior angle.
US08439507B2	Projector with on screen display adjustment and control method thereof A projector includes: an OSD processing section that generates a synthesized image formed by synthesizing an OSD image on a main image; an image projecting section that projects and displays the synthesized image; a zoom adjusting section that adjusts a zoom state of the image projecting section; and a zoom state detecting section that detects the zoom state that is adjusted by the zoom adjusting section, wherein the OSD processing section adjusts a size of the OSD image with respect to the main image based on the detection result of the zoom state detecting section.
US08439502B2	Algorithms and methods for determining aberration-induced vision symptoms in the eye from wave aberration Aberration-induced vision symptoms are determined by obtaining at least one wave aberration of an eye, calculating at least one point-spread function from the wave aberration, convolving the point-spread function of eye with at least one specially designed image for night vision diagnosis, and determining at least one aberration-induced vision symptom of the tested eye from the convolved images. The specially designed images are for vision diagnosis of aberration-induced glare, halo, ghost image, and starburst. The invention methods for specifying aberration-induced symptoms allow to find an optimized refractive corrections of defocus and astigmatism and to reduce vision symptoms caused by aberrations in the eye.
US08439501B2	Diagnosis of optically identifiable ophthalmic conditions An apparatus for performing multiple procedures involving the eye. The apparatus includes an imager for imaging at least a portion of an eye of a patient, a data collection apparatus for collecting a data set corresponding to at least a portion of an eye of a patient, and a data analysis module. The imager is configured to provide image data. The data collection apparatus is configured to provide data indicative of a neurological disorder. The data analysis module interrelates the image data and the data indicative of a neurological disorder to provide an interpretive result.
US08439497B2	Image processing apparatus with nested printer and scanner An image processing apparatus has a compact arrangement of an inkjet printer; and a flat bed scanner unit. The scanner has a scanner head, a glass panel for receiving media to be scanned and a lid having an inner surface for flat engagement with the glass panel. The lid also has an outer surface presenting a flat surface for receiving media printed by the printer and awaiting collection.
US08439493B2	Wide format printer with printheads supplied by multiple ink conduits connected by a bypass line A wide format printer that has an ink supply, a feed line coupled to the ink supply, a return line coupled to the ink supply, a plurality of printheads collectively spanning a paper path more than 432 mm (17 inches) wide, each of the printheads being fluidically coupled to the first and second conduits and, a bypass line coupling the feed line to the return line.
US08439487B2	Continuous ink jet printing of encapsulated droplets A method for creating composite droplets for use in an ink jet system includes a first fluid (1) brought into contact with a second fluid within a set of channels (5,14). The interface between the fluids is characterized by an interfacial tension. The first fluid forms spaced droplets (8) within the second fluid, the composite of the first and second fluids passing through an orifice (6) to form a jet (9).
US08439484B2	Pneumatic dispenser A pneumatic dispenser (1) according to the present invention includes: a first plate (10) including a liquid supply unit (11), a first chamber (C1) connected to the liquid supply unit (11), and a liquid discharge unit (12) connected to the first chamber (C1), a flexible membrane (20) at least installed on the first chamber (C1) of the first plate (10) and establishing one side of the first chamber (C1), a second plate (30) including a second chamber (C2) at a side opposite to the first chamber (C1) while facing the first plate (10) with the flexible membrane (20) interposed there between and a bump (40) formed by protruding the liquid supply unit (11) toward the flexible membrane (20).
US08439473B2	Image recording apparatus An ink-jet printer includes an ink jet head which jets liquid droplets of an ink onto a recording medium; a scanning mechanism which reciprocates the ink-jet head in a forward scan direction and a backward scan direction; a transport mechanism which transports the recording medium in a transport direction intersecting with the forward and backward scan directions; and a jetting controller which controls the ink-jet head. The jetting controller has a reference jetting amount setting section which sets a reference jetting amount based on an input image data for each of a plurality of scans of the ink-jet head, and a jetting amount adjusting section which makes a jetting amount be smaller than the reference jetting amount with respect to an overlapping area at which liquid droplet jetting areas of the forward scan and the backward scan partially overlap each other.
US08439471B2	Ink jet recording apparatus, and method for controlling recording head temperature An ink jet recording apparatus for effecting recording using a recording head for ejecting ink, the ink jet recording apparatus including a heating section for heating the recording head, a detecting unit for detecting a temperature of the recording head, a setting unit for setting a target temperature of the recording head, and a controller for controlling the target temperature of the recording head at or above the target temperature. The controller controls the temperature by heating control for heating the recording head and by diffusing control for diffusing the heat supplied by the heating control.
US08439469B2	Liquid ejecting apparatus A liquid ejecting apparatus, including: a feeding mechanism which feeds a recording medium; a first ejection head including a first ejection opening for ejecting first liquid and a first energy generating portion which generates an energy for ejecting the first liquid; an image-data storage section storing image data for ejecting the first liquid onto dot areas on the recording medium; an image-recording controlling section which controls the first energy generating portion based on the image data; a flushing-data producing section which produces flushing data for flushing; and a flushing controlling section which controls the first energy generating portion such that a flushing dot is formed on the recording medium, wherein the flushing-data producing section produces the flushing data such that the flushing dot is landed on one of the dot areas which is distant, by a specific area, from an edge dot area corresponding to an edge of the image.

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