最新美国发明专利第2013-05-28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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US08450521B2	Carbonylation process catalysed by mordenite supported on inorganic oxides Process for preparing methyl acetate and/or acetic acid by contacting a carbonylatable reactant selected from dimethyl ether and methanol with carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst. The catalyst is a H-mordenite bound with a mesoporous binder selected from silicas, aluminas, silica-aluminas, magnesium silicates and magnesium aluminum silicates.
US08450520B2	Process for preparation of 2-fluoroacrylic esters According to the present invention, there is provided a production process of a 2-fluoroacrylic ester including: a bromination step of converting a 2-fluoropropionic ester to a 2-bromo-2-fluoropropionic ester by reaction of the 2-fluoropropionic ester with a nitrogen-bromine bond-containing brominating agent in the presence of a radical initiator; and a dehydrobromination step of reacting the 2-bromo-2-fluoropropionic ester with a base. It is not necessary in this process to adopt very-low-temperature conditions and to use a stoichiometric amount of expensive reagent. The target 2-fluoroacrylic ester can be thus produced at low cost.
US08450518B2	Method for preparing a carbamate, a catalyst applied in the method, a method for preparing the catalyst and use thereof The present invention pertains to a novel method for preparing a carbamate, in which the method comprises reacting an aliphatic substituted urea and/or its derivatives, with a hydroxyl group containing compound to obtain a carbamate. In addition, the present invention provides a novel catalyst which is suitable for catalyzing the reaction to form a carbamate, and a method for preparing the novel catalyst. The method of the present invention for preparing a carbamate does not involve the application of carbon monoxide which is toxic, and the reaction conditions are relatively mild with high catalytic activity, high reaction selectivity of the catalyst, and a relatively short reaction time. Furthermore, the catalyst is separated from the reaction system and reused easily, which will facilitates scale up and industrial application.
US08450514B2	Polyether alcohols bearing alkoxysilyl groups by alkoxylation of epoxy-functional alkoxysilances over double metal cyanide (DMC) catalysts, and processes for preparation thereof Polyether alcohols having alkoxysilyl groups, the use thereof and a process for their preparation by means of DMC catalysis, characterized in that one or more epoxy-functional alkoxysilanes are added individually or in a mixture with further epoxide compounds and optionally further comonomers, either in block form or in random distribution, onto a chain starter of the formula (VII) R1—H(VII) having at least one reactive hydroxyl group, where R1 is a saturated or unsaturated, optionally branched radical, or a polyether radical of the alkoxy-, arylalkoxy or alkylarylalkoxy group type, in which the carbon chain may be interrupted by oxygen atoms or corresponds to a polyetheralkoxy radical or to a singularly or multiply fused phenolic group.
US08450513B2	Silane compositions for polyester nanocomposites Novel silane compositions have been prepared by reacting a 3-isocyanatopropyl trialkoxysilane with an alcohol or diol having a divalent alkylene or alkylene-ether group. The alcohol or diol has a formula weight less than about 5000. The compositions can be used to modify the surfaces of inorganic oxygen-containing materials, including but not limited to silica, silicates, borosilicates, aluminosilicates, days, and metal oxides. Surface treatment of silica nanoparticles with these compositions improves their improved dispersion in polyester nanocomposites.
US08450510B2	Amine bridged metallocene catalyst, method for preparing thereof and method for polymerizing ethylene-alpha olefin copolymer using amine bridged metallocene catalyst The present invention relates to an amine bridged metallocene catalyst, a method for producing the same, and a method for producing an ethylene-alpha olefin copolymer, which comprises polymerizing ethylene and alpha olefin in the presence of an olefin polymerization catalyst composition including a metallocene catalyst. The amine bridged metallocene catalyst may be produced by reacting one or more of substituted or unsubstituted cyclopentadiene and substituted or unsubstituted fluorene with amine to bridge them with nitrogen, and reacting them with a transition metal to coordinate them.
US08450506B2	Compounds and their salts specific to the PPAR receptors and the EGF Receptors and their use in the medical field The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I), where R1 and R2, which may be identical or different, are selected from the group comprising H, CnH2n-1, a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbons, or together form an aromatic or aliphatic ring with 5 or 6 atoms; R3 is —CO—CH3, —NHOH, —OH, or —OR6 where R6 is a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms; R4 is H, linear or branched alkyl group having from 1 to 6 atoms, phenyl, benzyl, —CF3 or CF2CF3, vinyl or allyl; R5, R7, R8 are hydrogen atoms; or R3 and R4, R4 and R5, or R7 and R8 together form a ring, fused to the benzene, aromatic or aliphatic ring with 5 or 6 atoms comprising from 1 to 2 heteroatoms selected independently from the group comprising N, O, and use thereof in the medical field.
US08450505B2	Polymers bearing pendant pentafluorophenyl ester groups, and methods of synthesis and functionalization thereof A one pot method of preparing cyclic carbonyl compounds comprising an active pendant pentafluorophenyl ester group is disclosed. The cyclic carbonyl compounds can be polymerized by ring opening methods to form ROP polymers comprising repeat units comprising a side chain pentafluorophenyl ester group. Using a suitable nucleophile, the pendant pentafluorophenyl ester group can be selectively transformed into a variety of other functional groups before or after the ring opening polymerization.
US08450503B2	Photochromic and electrochromic compounds and methods of synthesizing and using same This invention relates to novel photochromic and electrochromic monomers and polymers based on 1,2-dithienylcyclopentene derivatives and method of using and synthesizing same. The compounds are reversibly interconvertible between different isomeric forms under suitable photochromic or electrochromic conditions. The electrochromic conversion may be catalytic. The application also relates to ultra-high density homopolymers prepared using ring-opening methathesis polymerization (ROMP) where the central ring of the 1,2-bis(3-thienyl)-cyclopentene is incorporated directly into the polymer backbone. The monomer units may be readily functionalized to enable the synthesis of polymers with diverse structural and electronic properties. The compounds have many potential applications including high-density optical information storage systems, photoregulated molecular switches, reversible holographic systems, ophthalmic lenses, actinometry and molecular sensors, photochromic inks, paints and fibers and optoelectronic systems such as optical waveguides, Bragg reflectors and dielectric mirrors.
US08450499B2	Process for the preparation of pyrazole carboxylic acid amides The invention relates to a process for the preparation of formula (I), which process comprises a) reacting the compound (II), with cyclopentadiene to (III); b) reacting this compound in the presence of an oxidant to the compound of formula (IV); c) hydrogenating this compound in the presence of a metal catalyst and an inert solvent under hydrogen atmosphere to the compound of formula (V); d) reacting this compound in the presence of a Brönsted acid followed by a reducing agent to the compound of formula (VI); e) reacting VI with a compound (VII), in the presence of a base to a compound of formula (VIII); f) converting the compound of formula VIII in the presence of an oxidizing agent to the compound of formula (IX); and g) reacting the compound of formula IX in the presence of triphenylphosphane/carbon tetrachloride or riphenylphosphane/bromotrichloromethane to the compound of formula I.
US08450495B2	11C-labeled benzophenone/benzoxazole analogues as an inflammation imaging agent A method of preparing novel [11C]-labeled benzophenone/bezoxazole analogues is provided. The present invention also provides novel [11C]-labeled benzophenone/bezoxazole analogues prepared from the GMP synthesis method. Kit claims for preparing novel [11C]-labeled benzophenone/bezoxazole analogues and a method of use thereof are also provided.
US08450489B2	Azaindoles useful as inhibitors of janus kinases The present invention relates to compounds useful as inhibitors of protein kinases, particularly of JAK family kinases. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising said compounds and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of various disease, conditions, or disorders.
US08450487B2	Process for the preparation of cis-2-methylspiro (1,3-oxathiolane 5-3′) quinuclidine Methods are provided for making pharmaceutical-grade cis-2-methylspiro(1,3-oxathiolane-5,3′)quinuclidine and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof by isomerizing racemic 2-methylspiro(1,3-oxathiolane-5,3′)quinuclidine to cis-2-methylspiro(1,3-oxathiolane-5,3′)quinuclidine and subsequent purification of the C-MSOQ by salt formation with inexpensive and commercially available material such as sulfuric acid. Purification methods are disclosed which employ an organic solvent/water system and recrystallization with an organic solvent such as acetone.
US08450486B2	6-alkenyl and 6-phenylalkyl substituted 2-quinolinones and 2-quinoxalinones as poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors The present invention provides compounds of formula (I) and compounds of formula (VII-a) as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds and their use as PARP inhibitors wherein n, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, Re, Rd and X have defined meanings.
US08450485B2	Organic compound, benzoxazole derivative, and light-emitting element, light-emitting device, and electronic device using benzoxazole derivative Novel benzoxazole derivatives are provided to reduce driving voltage of light-emitting elements, and to reduce power consumption of light-emitting elements, light-emitting devices, and electronic devices. A benzoxazole derivative represented by the general formula (G1) is provided. Since the benzoxazole derivative represented by the general formula (G1) has an electron-injecting property, the benzoxazole derivative can be suitably used for light-emitting elements, light-emitting devices, and electronic devices.
US08450476B2	Process for the preparation of 17-hydroxy-6β,7β;15β,16β-bismethylene-17α-pregn-4-ene-3-one-21-carboxylic acid γ-lactone and key intermediates for this process The invention relates to a process for the preparation of 17-hydroxy-6β,7β;15β,16β-bismethylene-17α-pregn-4-ene-3-one-21-carboxylic acid γ-lactone of formula (I) as well as to key-intermediates for this process.
US08450475B2	Hyaluronic acid-based gels including lidocaine Disclosed herein are soft tissue fillers, for example, dermal and subdermal fillers, based on hyaluronic acids and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. In one aspect, hyaluronic acid-based compositions described herein include a therapeutically effective amount of at least one anesthetic agent, for example, lidocaine. The present hyaluronic acid-based compositions including lidocaine have an enhanced stability, relative to conventional compositions including lidocaine, for example when subjected to sterilization techniques or when stored for long periods of time. Methods and processes of preparing such hyaluronic acid-based compositions are also provided.
US08450466B2	Compounds and compositions for the detection and treatment of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders One aspect of the present invention relates to compounds, compositions and methods for diagnosis and/or treatment of a subject suffering from an amyloidosis-associated pathological condition. In certain embodiments, the imaging and/or therapeutic agents of the instant invention may be administered to a subject for identification and/or treatment of amyloid deposits. A specific imaging method detects amyloid deposits by administering the imaging agent to the subject and detecting the spatial distribution of the agent. Differential accumulation of the agent is indicative of AD or an amyloidosis-associated pathological condition and can be monitored by using a PET or SPECT camera.
US08450463B2	Method for the determination of the formation of endothelins for medical diagnostic purposes, and antibodies and kits for carrying out such a method Described herein is an in vitro method for the determination of the formation of endothelins in serious diseases, in particular cardiovascular diseases, inflammations, sepsis and cancer, in whole blood, plasma or serum of a human patient, in which relatively long-lived peptide fragments of the processed primary prepro- or proendothelins are determined which contain neither the actual biologically active endothelin nor its direct precursor big endothelin. In particular, disclosed are antibodies and kits for selectively detecting these fragments.
US08450453B2	Process for isolation of fatty acids, resin acids and sterols from tall oil pitch The invention relates to a process for recovering fatty acids, resin acids and sterols from tall oil pitch, said process comprising a) saponifying the tall oil pitch with an alkali to hydrolyse esters included in the pitch to free alcohols and organic acids in salt form, b) acidulating the saponified pitch with a mineral acid to convert the organic acids in salt form into free organic acids and to form an organic phase and an aqueous phase, c) separating the aqueous phase from the organic phase, d) evaporation fractionating the organic phase to obtain a distillate rich in sterols, fatty acids and resin acids, e) evaporation fractionating the distillate to obtain a bottom fraction rich in sterols, and a distillate rich in fatty acids and resin acids, and f) subjecting the sterols in the sterol-rich bottom fraction to crystallization purification. The invention also relates to an alternative process including steps a) to c) followed by d1) treating the organic phase with an alkali to destroy excess mineral acid used for acidulating the saponified pitch, e1) evaporation fractionating the alkali-treated organic phase to obtain a distillate rich in fatty acids and resin acids and a bottom fraction rich in sterols, f1) evaporation fractionating the bottom fraction to obtain a distillate rich in sterols, and g1) subjecting the sterols in the sterol-rich distillate to crystallization purification.
US08450447B2	Copolyesteramides with decreased perfection of the amide sequence Polyesteramides prepared from decreased perfection diamide diester monomers. The polymers exhibit improved physical properties.
US08450445B2	Light emitting diode manufacturing method A method of making a light emitting diode (LED) having an optical element is provided, comprising: providing a curable liquid polysiloxane/TiO2 composite, which exhibits a refractive index of >1.61 to 1.7 and which is a liquid at room temperature and atmospheric pressure; providing a semiconductor light emitting diode die having a face, wherein the semiconductor light emitting diode die emits light through the face; contacting the semiconductor light emitting diode die with the curable liquid polysiloxane/TiO2 composite; and, curing the curable liquid polysiloxane/TiO2 composite to form an optical element; wherein at least a portion of the optical element is adjacent to the face.
US08450441B2	Synthetic N-linked sialo-glycan-containing polymer and method for producing the same A polymer containing an N-linked sialo-glycan wherein a sialo-glycan is condensed to a γ-polyglutamic acid using a chemical compound having an amino group on one end and a carboxyl group on another end and represented by the structural formula (I). Formula (I) (In the formula, Z means a hydroxy group or a residue represented by the formula (II), and n represents an integer of 10 or more, with the proviso that any one or more of the Z's is represented by the formula in (II).) Formula (II) (In the formula, X means a hydroxy group or an acetylamino group, Y1 and Y2 mean a hydroxyl group or an N-acetylneuraminic acid residue, L means a hydrocarbon, an m represents 0 or an integer of 1 or 2, with the proviso that Y1 and Y2 are not the same.)
US08450440B2	Method for purifying polymer and polymer Disclosed is a method for purifying a polymer in which a solution containing a cyclic olefin polymer having at least a repeating structural unit [A] represented by the general formula (1) and a metal component is brought into contact with an organic compound having a basic functional group and an acidic functional group, and then the resulting solution is brought into contact with a basic adsorbent to remove the metal component contained in the solution.
US08450439B2	Method of forming thin film There is provided a method of forming a thin film of vinylidene fluoride homopolymer having crystal form I which is applicable to various substrates in relatively easy way (coating conditions, application method, etc.), a process for preparing a vinylidene fluoride homopolymer having crystal form I efficiently at high purity, and novel vinylidene fluoride homopolymers which can give a thin film being excellent in ferroelectricity. The method of forming a thin film of vinylidene fluoride homopolymer comprises (i) a step for preparing a green powder product of vinylidene fluoride homopolymer comprising crystal form I alone or as main component by subjecting vinylidene fluoride to radical polymerization in the presence of a bromine compound or iodine compound having 1 to 20 carbon atoms which contains at least one moiety represented by —CRf1Rf2X1, wherein X1. is iodine atom or bromine atom; Rf1. and Rf2. are the same or different and each is selected from fluorine atom or perfluoroalkyl groups having 1 to 5 carbon atoms and (ii) a step for forming a thin film on a substrate surface by using vinylidene fluoride homopolymer which comprises crystal form I alone or as main component and is obtained from the green powder product of vinylidene fluoride homopolymer comprising crystal form I alone or as main component.
US08450430B2	Functionalized olefin polymers, compositions and articles prepared therefrom, and method of making the same In one aspect the invention provides a melt process for preparing a functionalized olefin multiblock interpolymer, said process comprising grafting onto the backbone of the olefin multiblock interpolymer at least one compound comprising at least one “amine-reactive” group to form a grafted olefin multiblock interpolymer, and reacting a primary-secondary diamine or an alkanolamine with the grafted olefin multiblock interpolymer, without the isolation of the grafted olefin multiblock interpolymer.
US08450427B2	Living radical polymerization of activated and nonactivated monomers containing electron-withdrawing side groups The invention concerns a method of polymerizing an alkene monomer to produce a polymer using a catalyst that is Cu(O), Cu2Te, CuSe, Cu2S, Cu2O, or a combination thereof, an initiator, and a component comprising a solvent and optional nitrogen-containing ligand, where the combination of the component and monomer is capable of diproportionating Cu(I)X into Cu(O) and Cu(II)X2 where X is Cl, Br, or I.
US08450411B2	Curable composition having a silane-modified reactive thinner A solvent-free and anhydrous hardenable composition that contains at least one polymer A. Polymer A being obtainable by reacting a polyether with at least one ethylenically unsaturated silane in the presence of a radical starter, the ethylenically unsaturated silane carrying at least one hydrolyzable group on the silicon atom. The composition provides low viscosity prior to curing along with good elasticity after curing and a broad adhesion spectrum in a solvent-free and water-free hardenable composition. Also methods for producing the composition and use of the composition as an adhesive, sealant, or coating agent.
US08450409B2	Method for mixing a rubber composition Disclosed is a method comprising: (a) mixing in a first mixing step ingredients comprising (i) first polymer, (ii) a low molecular weight polymer having a number average molecular weight of about 5,000 to about 100,000, and (iii) a filler, and (b) mixing in a second mixing step ingredients comprising (i) the mixture obtained in step (a), (ii) a second polymer that is different from said first polymer, and (iii) optionally a filler. In one embodiment, the method further comprises mixing sulfur and vulcanization accelerator(s) into the composition, forming the rubber composition into a sidewall for a tire, and vulcanizing the rubber composition.
US08450405B2	Interlayer film for laminated glass and laminated glass The invention provides an interlayer film for a laminated glass and a laminated glass, which are protected against a slump in TL value through attenuation of said coincidence effect and adapted to display an outstanding sound insulation performance over a broad temperature range. An interlayer film for a laminated glass comprising a plasticizer and a polyacetal resin, which is a blend of a polyacetal resin having an average polymerization degree of 1,000 to 3,000 and a polyacetal resin having an average polymerization degree of 3,000 to 5,000, and which has an acetalization degree of 60 to 85 mol % and an acetyl group content of 8 to 30 mol %. An interlayer film for a laminated glass which shows a temperature dependence of loss tangent in which the lowest-temperature side maximum of loss tangent appears at 30° C. or lower when examined for dynamic viscoelasticity.
US08450398B2	Oxygen scavengers, compositions comprising the scavengers, and articles made from the compositions The disclosure relates to oxygen scavenging molecules, compositions, methods of making the compositions, articles prepared from the compositions, and methods of making the articles. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.
US08450380B2	Method for implementing active ingredients in order to protect them and optimize their delivery method The invention pertains to a new method for formulating pharmaceutical active ingredients in such a way as to protect them when ingested orally, and to allow for the controlling of the release of the active ingredient in the intestine. It relies upon the use of thickening acrylic emulsions with a pH greater than 5, containing hydrophobic groups, in order to encapsulate the pharmaceutical active ingredients for the purpose of encouraging their passage through the gastrointestinal barrier, while controlling the release kinetics of said active ingredients.
US08450378B2	Antiviral method This invention provides a method of inactivating human noroviruses and other acid stable viruses. The method includes the step of contacting the virus with a virucidally-enhanced alcoholic composition that includes an alcohol, and an enhancer selected from cationic oligomers and polymers, chaotropic agents, and mixtures thereof.
US08450377B2	1-adamantyl chalcones for the treatment of proliferative disorders The present invention relates to the compounds of the general formula (I), a composition for and a method of treating breast cancer or other proliferative disorders in a subject using a compound of general formula [I], wherein the substituents are as defined in the specification.
US08450376B2	Amorphous bupropion hydrobromide and preparation thereof The present invention provides an amorphous bupropion hydrobromide and an amorphous bupropion hydrobromide granulates with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and a process for its preparation.
US08450370B2	Production of glycerol-related products from a high temperature reaction Disclosed are processes for producing glycerol related products. One process comprises introducing a biomass and an alkylation reagent to a substantially oxygen free environment, hydrolyzing at a temperature at or above 200° C. one or more lipid glycerides in the biomass, methylating one or more fatty acids in the biomass with methyl groups from the alkylation reagent, wherein the hydrolyzing and methylating occur contemporaneously and separating resulting biodiesel and methylated glycerol-related products from a residue of the biomass by condensation.
US08450369B1	Hypoglycemic oral drug for treating non-insulin dependent and insulin dependent diabetes The present invention is directed to novel diacid derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the diacid derivatives and methods for the treatment of insulin and non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus and related disorders comprising administering to a subject in need thereof, the compounds of the present invention.
US08450366B2	Isobenzofuran analogs of sclerophytin A Isobenzofuran analogs of sclerophytin A are prepared in a highly concise fashion via an aldol-cycloaldol sequence. The analogs exhibit IC50's as low as 1 μM in growth inhibitory studies against KB3 cells using an MTT assay. Preferred analogs have one of the following structural formulas, where R is hydrogen or a substituted or unsubstituted lower alkyl group and Ar is a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group.
US08450365B2	Efficient synthesis of galanthamine The present invention relates to methods for the synthesis of galanthamine, morphine, intermediates, salts and derivatives thereof. In preferred embodiments, the invention relates to methods for improving the efficiency and overall yield of said morphine, morphine related derivatives and intermediates thereof. In further embodiments, the invention relates to methods for improving the efficiency and overall yield of galanthamine and intermediates thereof.
US08450363B2	Inhibitors of Jun N-terminal kinase The present disclosure provides inhibitors of c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) having a structure according to the following formula: or a salt or solvate thereof, wherein ring A, Ca, Cb, Z, R5, W and Cy are defined herein. The disclosure further provides pharmaceutical compositions including the compounds of the present disclosure and methods of making and using the compounds and compositions of the present disclosure, e.g., in the treatment and prevention of various disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease.
US08450362B2	Amidine-containing compounds useful as muscarinic receptor antagonists The invention relates to compounds of formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, where R1-3, R5, R7, a, b, Q, X, X′, X″, Y, Z, and Ar are as defined in the specification. These compounds are muscarinic receptor antagonists. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, processes for preparing such compounds and methods of using such compounds to, for example, treat pulmonary disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma.
US08450360B2	Process for preparing dithiine-tetracarboximides The present invention relates to a new process for preparing dithiine-tetracarboximides.
US08450359B2	Polymer-supported photosensitizers for the generation of singlet oxygen A material comprising at least one polymer and at least one sensitizer wherein the sensitizer is localised at a surface of the material wherein the sensitizer is an agent or compound able to provide improved anti-bacterial and/or anti-viral activity following exposure of the sensitizer to a particular wavelength or range of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation.
US08450357B2	Compositions comprising an aryl pyrazole and/or a formamidine, methods and uses thereof This invention relates to compositions for combating parasites in animals, comprising 1-arylpyrazole compounds alone or in combination with formamidine compounds. This invention also provides for an improved methods for eradicating, controlling, and preventing parasite infestation in an animal comprising administering the compositions of the invention to the animal in need thereof.
US08450356B2	Pharmaceutical composition To provide a pharmaceutical composition which can enhance the storage stability of 1-(1-hydroxymethyl-2,3-dihydroxypropyloxymethyl)-2-nitroimidazole without impairing the effect of the compound.The pharmaceutical composition includes 1-(1-hydroxymethyl-2,3-dihydroxypropyloxymethyl)-2-nitroimidazole, which is represented by formula (1): and a compound having chelating ability.
US08450353B2	Topical compositions containing desthiobiotin and its derivatives and a method of treating skin Topical compositions and methods of use to treat symptoms of reduced skin elasticity are provided comprising desthiobiotin and certain desthiobiotin analogues. These compounds are effective in stimulating LOXL-1 activity and can thus increase elastin remodeling and improve appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, skin sagging and other symptoms of reduced elastin function.
US08450351B2	N-hydroxyamidinoheterocycles as modulators of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase The present invention is directed to N-hydroxyamidino compounds which are modulators of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), as well as pharmaceutical compositions thereof and methods of use thereof relating to the treatment of cancer and other diseases.
US08450348B2	Derivatives of squaric acid with anti-proliferative activity The present invention provides derivatives of squaric acid, in particular derivatives of 3,4-diamino-cyclobut-3-ene-1,2-dione and tautomers and isomers thereof, as a single stereoisomer or a mixture of stereoisomers, or as a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. These compounds show anti-proliferative activity, including against tumor cells, and are useful in the treatment of diseases including cancer.
US08450342B2	Perharidines as CDK inhibitors The invention relates to trisubstituted or tetrasubstituted imidazo[4,5b]pyridines, to their uses as well as to a process for manufacturing them.The compounds of the invention are imidazo[4,5b]pyridines.The first general synthesis of 3,5,7 imidazo[4,5b]pyridines is disclosed in the description.The invention founds application, in particular, in the pharmaceutical field.
US08450340B2	1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridines and therapeutic uses thereof Provided herein are compounds according to Formula I and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and compositions comprising the same, for use in various methods, including treating cancers such as colon, ovarian, pancreatic, breast, liver, prostate and hematologic cancers:
US08450339B2	Compositions for treatment of common cold New stable compositions comprising the combination of a topically active vasoconstrictor and a topically active anticholinergic drug are disclosed. Preferably, the composition comprises ipratropium or a salt thereof in combination with xylometazoline hydrochloride and a salt thereof. Upon topically administering such compositions to a nasal mucosa in individuals suffering from the common cold the symptoms of rhinorrhea are significantly reduced.
US08450337B2	Methods of treating skin disorders with caffeic acid analogs Embodiments of the invention generally relate to pharmaceutical compositions containing at least one caffeic acid compound and methods for the topical treatment of proliferative and inflammatory skin disorders such as plaque psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and other disorders. In some embodiments, the topical treatment includes applications of the pharmaceutical composition containing at least one caffeic acid compound or a mixture of caffeic acid compounds such as caffeic acid ester compounds, caffeic acid amide compounds, analogues thereof, derivatives thereof, salts thereof, or mixtures thereof. The pharmaceutical composition or topical dosage may contain the caffeic acid compound at a concentration by weight within a range from about 0.01% to about 20%, preferably, from about 0.1% to about 15%, preferably, from about 1% to about 10%, more preferably, from about 3% to about 7%, and more preferably, from about 4% to about 6%.
US08450336B2	Use of D-serine derivatives for the treatment of anxiety disorders Compounds of Formula I are useful for the treatment of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic attack, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and social phobias. wherein: A is chosen from: aryl or heteroaryl, A being optionally substituted with up to 5 independently-selected groups R8; R1 is chosen from: alkyl or haloalkyl; R2 is chosen from: H, C(O)R6, C(O)OR6, SO2R6 or C(O)NR6R7; R3, R4 and R5 are independently chosen from: H or alkyl; R6 and R7 are independently chosen from: H or alkyl; and R8 is chosen from: OH, CN, halo, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, C(O)R6, C(O)OR6, SO2R6 or C(O)NR6R7.
US08450333B2	Molecules for regulating cell death The present invention provides compounds capable of regulating apoptosis, e.g., via regulating mitochondrial fission or fusion. The present invention also provides methods of screening for compounds capable of regulating apoptosis and methods of treating conditions association with apoptosis.
US08450331B2	Thiophenyl-substituted 2-imino-3-methyl pyrrolo pyrimidinone compounds as BACE-1 inhibitors, compositions, and their use In its many embodiments, the present invention provides certain thiophenyl-substituted 2-imino-3-methyl pyrrolo pyrimidone compounds, including compounds (or tautomers or a pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof) having the structural Formula (III): wherein R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, and R9 are each selected independently and as defined herein. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more such compounds, and methods for their preparation and use in treating pathologies associated with amyloid beta (Aβ) protein, including Alzheimer's Disease, are also disclosed.
US08450326B2	Multiheteroaryl compounds as inhibitors of H-PGDS and their use for treating prostaglandin D2 mediated diseases Multiheteroaryl compounds, their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds, and their pharmaceutical use in the prevention and treatment of prostaglandin D2 mediated diseases and conditions that may be modulated by the inhibition of hematopoietic prostaglandin D synthase (H-PGDS).
US08450325B2	Methods for reducing the recurrence of cardiac arrhythmia Disclosed are methods of preventing or treating cardiac arrhythmia comprising administering to a mammal in need thereof, such as a human, an effective amount of vanoxerine (GBR 12909) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, derivative or metabolite thereof.
US08450324B2	Crystalline base of trans-1-((1R,3S)-6-chloro-3-phenylindan-1-yl)-3,3-dimethylpiperazine Crystalline base of compound trans-1-((1R,3S)-6-chloro-3-phenylindan-1-yl)-3,3-dimethylpiperazine, processes for the preparation of purified free base or salts of this compound, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the base and medical use thereof, including for treatment of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.
US08450322B2	Substituted imidazo[1,2b]pyridazine compounds as Trk kinase inhibitors Compounds of Formula (I): in which R1, R2, R3, R4, X, Y and n have the meanings given in the specification, are inhibitors of Trk kinases and are useful in the treatment of diseases which can be treated with a Trk kinase inhibitor.
US08450321B2	6-(1H-indazol-6-yl)-N-[4-(morpholin-4-yl)phenyl]imidazo-[1,2-A]pyrazin-8-amine, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, as a SYK inhibitor An imidazopyrazine having the structure or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof are provided herein. Methods of treating patients suffering from certain diseases and disorders responsive to the inhibition of Syk activity, which comprises administering to such patients an amount of at least one chemical entity effective to reduce signs or symptoms of the disease or disorder are provided. Also provided are methods for determining the presence or absence of Syk kinase in a sample.
US08450319B2	Pyrrolopyridazinone compound The present invention discloses a pyrrolopyridazinone compound represented by the formula (1): useful, for example, as an anti-inflammatory agent or an inhibitor of respiratory tract contraction.
US08450316B2	Niacin mimetics, and methods of use thereof Disclosed are 6-(morpholinoalkyl)-substituted pyridines, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof, that are active against a range of mammalian therapeutic indications.
US08450311B2	Pharmaceutical compositions containing a fluoroquinolone antibiotic drug Pharmaceutical compositions containing a fluoroquinolone antibiotic drug are disclosed. The compositions exhibit improved homogeneity, improved bioavailability, lower turbidity or a combination thereof. The composition can be use as otic or nasal compositions, but are particularly useful as ophthalmic compositions.
US08450306B2	Bradykinin B1-receptor antagonists Novel compounds which are useful for treating acute pain, visceral pain, neuropathic pain, inflammatory/pain receptor-mediated pain, tumor pain and headache diseases. The following is exemplary:
US08450304B2	4-azetidinyl-1-heteroaryl-cyclohexanol antagonists of CCR2 The present invention comprises compounds of Formula (I). wherein: R1, R2, R3, and R4 are as defined in the specification. The invention also comprises pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of formula (I) and methods of preventing, treating or ameliorating a CCR2 mediated syndrome, disorder or disease, for example, type II diabetes, obesity or asthma, by administering the compounds of formula (I).
US08450303B2	Azetidinyl diamides as monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitors Disclosed are compounds, compositions and methods for treating various diseases, syndromes, conditions and disorders, including pain. Such compounds are represented by Formula (I) as follows: wherein Y, Z, R1, and s are defined herein.
US08450302B2	2-(3-aminoaryl) amino-4-aryl-thiazoles and their use as c-kit inhibitors The present invention relates to the use of masitinib or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and in particular of masitinib mesylate, for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of GIST, to the use of this therapy for the treatment of GIST, and a method of treating mammals, including humans, suffering from GIST by administering to said mammal in need of such treatment an effective dose of masitinib, and in particular masitinib mesylate.
US08450301B2	Piperazine compounds with a herbicidal action The invention relates to the use of piperazine compounds of formula (I) or the agriculturally useful salts of piperazine compounds of formula (I) as herbicides, the variables in formula (I) being defined as cited in the claims and the description.
US08450300B2	Fusidic acid dosing regimens for treatment of bacterial infections Novel dosing regimens for the treatment and prevention of bacterial infections using fusidic acid are described. The use of a high loading dose of fusidic acid, followed by moderate maintenance doses of the drug, have been found to prevent development of drug-resistant strains of bacteria, to increase the effective spectrum of the drug, and to avoid nausea and vomiting associated with a prolonged course of therapy of high amounts of the drug.
US08450299B2	Methods of hormonal treatment utilizing ascending-dose extended cycle regimens The present invention provides ascending-dose extended cycle regimens in which a female is administered an estrogen and a progestin for a period of greater than 30 or 31 consecutive days, optionally followed by a hormone-free period or by a period of administration of estrogen. The disclosed regimens can be administered to a female to provide contraceptive and non-contraceptive benefits.
US08450298B2	Aminoalcohol lipidoids and uses thereof Aminoalcohol lipidoids are prepared by reacting an amine with an epoxide-terminated compound are described. Methods of preparing aminoalcohol lipidoids from commercially available starting materials are also provided. Aminoalcohol lipidoids may be prepared from racemic or stereochemically pure epoxides. Aminoalcohol lipidoids or salts forms thereof are preferably biodegradable and biocompatible and may be used in a variety of drug delivery systems. Given the amino moiety of these aminoalcohol lipidoid compounds, they are particularly suited for the delivery of polynucleotides. Complexes, micelles, liposomes or particles containing the inventive lipidoids and polynucleotide have been prepared. The inventive lipidoids may also be used in preparing microparticles for drug delivery. They are particularly useful in delivering labile agents given their ability to buffer the pH of their surroundings.
US08450296B2	Methods of use of biomaterial and injectable implant containing biomaterial This invention relates to the use of a biomaterial for the treatment, repair and/or enhancement of bodily tissue insufficiencies of the vocal chords, muscles, ligaments, cartilage, post-operative regions, sexual organs and/or weight supporting areas of the feet as well as other conditions of the bones and joints. The biomaterial for use in the invention may comprise an injectable bioresorbable polysaccharide composition wherein the polysaccharide may be succinochitosan glutamate. This invention also relates to the use of a biomaterial comprising an injectable bioresorbable polysaccharide composition in which resorbable particles may be in suspension, the said particles comprising or consisting essentially of chitin and/or chitosan, which may be free of any additional formulation modifying agents, and a process for manufacturing the same. The invention also includes the use of various medicaments in the biomaterial formulations to enhance the treatment of the affected area of the body.
US08450294B2	Shampoo compositions The present invention relates to a shampoo composition comprising a minced polygalactomannan hydrocolloid(s) in combination with a water soluble silicone compound.
US08450289B2	Compositions comprising a parvovirus VP1-variant and a parvovirus NS1 protein for induction of cytolysis The present invention provides a composition comprising (a) a parvovirus NS1 protein and (b) a parvovirus VP1 protein. Furthermore, the present invention provides DNA sequences encoding said proteins. The composition of the invention is useful for the preparation of a toxin for treating tumoral diseases.
US08450284B2	Coiled-coil lipopeptide helical bundles and synthetic virus-like particles The invention relates to lipopeptide building blocks consisting of a peptide chain comprising a coiled-coil domain, linked covalently to a lipid moiety comprising long alkyl or alkenyl chains, and optionally linked to an antigen; and to helical lipopeptide bundles and synthetic virus-like particles formed by aggregation. The nanometer size and shape of these bundles and particles, their stability under aqueous physiological conditions, their chemical composition, the possibility to incorporate B- and T-cell epitopes, and their production by chemical synthesis, make them highly suitable as vaccine delivery vehicles.
US08450282B2	Anionic polymer, polyion complex and ternary polymer composite using anionic polymer, and pharmaceutical composition There are provided an anionic polymer, a polyion complex, and a ternary polymer composite, each of which is stable in a biological environment and is capable of realizing small RNA delivery without causing any undesired immune response. An anionic polymer according to an embodiment of the invention includes: a main chain which includes repeating units having carboxyl groups; and a side chain which is linked with part of the carboxyl groups in the main chain and is represented by the following formula: -A-B—X where: A represents a residue having one or more aminoethyl bonds; B represents an in vivo cleavable bond; and X represents a small RNA. A polyion complex according to an embodiment of the invention includes the anionic polymer as described above and a cationic polymer. A ternary polymer composite according to an embodiment of the invention includes the polyion complex as described above and a charge conversional polymer.
US08450273B2	Fusion proteins of collagen-binding domain and parathyroid hormone Fusion proteins containing active agonist or antagonist fragments of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and parathyroid hormone related peptide (PTHrP) coupled to a collagen-binding domain are presented. The fusion proteins can be used to promote bone growth, to promote hair growth, to prevent cancer metastasis to bone, to promote immune reconstitution with a bone marrow stem cell transplant, to promote mobilization of bone marrow stem cells for collection for autologous stem cell transplant, and to treat renal osteodystrophy. Pharmaceutical agents comprising a collagen-binding polypeptide segment linked to a non-peptidyl PTH/PTHrP receptor agonist or antagonist are also presented.
US08450272B2	Combinations of somatostatin-analogs with different selectivity for human somatostatin receptor subtypes The present invention relates to a combination of two or more Somatostatin (SRIF) peptidomimetics (also referred to as Somatostatin- or SRIF-analogs) which have different selectivity for the five human somatostatin receptor subtypes, the use of such combination in the treatment of a disease mediated by activation of somatostatin receptors, and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such a combination.
US08450270B2	Glucagon analogs exhibiting enhanced solubility and stability in physiological pH buffers Modified glucagon peptides are disclosed having improved solubility and/or half-life while retaining glucagon agonist activity. The glycogen peptides have been modified by substitution of native amino acids with, and/or addition of, charged amino acids to the carboxy terminus of the peptide. The modified glucagon agonists can be further modified by pegylation, or the addition of a carboxy terminal peptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 23, or both to further enhance the solubility of the glucagon agonist analogs.
US08450269B2	Long-acting growth hormone and methods of producing same Use of a growth hormone protein and polynucleotides encoding same comprising an amino-terminal carboxy-terminal peptide (CTP) of chorionic gonadotrophin and two carboxy-terminal chorionic gonadotrophin CTPs attached to the growth hormone in methods of inducing growth or weight gain, method of increasing insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) levels, and methods of reducing the dosing frequency of a growth hormone in a human subject are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the growth hormone and polynucleotides encoding the growth hormone of the invention and methods of using same are also disclosed.
US08450267B2	GRG23 EPSP synthases: compositions and methods of use Compositions and methods for conferring herbicide resistance or tolerance to bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions include polynucleotides encoding herbicide resistance or tolerance polypeptides, vectors comprising those polynucleotides, and host cells comprising the vectors. The nucleotide sequences of the invention can be used in DNA constructs or expression cassettes for transformation and expression in organisms, including microorganisms and plants. Compositions also include transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues, and seeds. In particular, isolated polynucleotides encoding glyphosate resistance or tolerance polypeptides are provided. Additionally, amino acid sequences corresponding to the polynucleotides are encompassed. In particular, the present invention provides for isolated polynucleotides containing nucleotide sequences encoding the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, 33, or 35, or the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, or 34.
US08450266B2	Analogues of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide There is provided a novel series of analogues of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing said compounds, and the use of said compounds as GIP-receptor agonists or antagonists for treatment of GIP-receptor mediated conditions, such as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus and obesity.
US08450265B2	3-methyl-6-cyclohexadecen-1-one and its use in perfume compositions The present invention is directed to a novel compound, 3-methyl-cyclohexadec-6-enone, and a method of improving, enhancing or modifying a fragrance formulation through the addition of an olfactory acceptable amount of 3-methyl-cyclohexadec-6-enone.
US08450264B1	Fast drying and fast draining rinse aid The present invention is directed to rinse aid compositions and methods for making and using the rinse aid compositions. The compositions of the invention include a sheeting agent, a defoaming agent, and an association disruption agent. The rinse aid compositions of the present invention result in a faster draining/drying time on most substrates compared to conventional rinse aids. The rinse aid compositions of the present invention are especially suitable for use on plastic substrates.
US08450259B2	Benefit agent delivery compositions Benefit agent delivery compositions, compositions, packaged products and displays comprising such benefit agent delivery compositions, and processes for making and using such benefit agent delivery compositions, compositions, packaged products and displays. Such compositions have improved deposition and retention properties that may impart improved benefit characteristics to a composition and/or situs.
US08450258B2	Compositions comprising at least one silicone phosphate compound and at least one amine compound, and methods for using the same Compositions, methods, and kits for caring for, treating, conditioning or durable conditioning of at least one keratinous fiber comprising at least one silicone compound comprising at least one phosphate group compound and at least one amine compound comprising greater than three amino groups, wherein the amino groups are identical or different.
US08450256B2	High- and low-viscosity estolide base oils and lubricants Provided herein are compounds of the formula: in which n is an integer equal to or greater than 1; R2 is selected from hydrogen and optionally substituted alkyl that is saturated or unsaturated, and branched or unbranched; and R1, R3, and R4, independently for each occurrence, are selected from optionally substituted alkyl that is saturated or unsaturated, and branched or unbranched, wherein compositions comprising the compounds are characterized by particular combinations of values for estolide number, kinematic viscosity, and pour point. Also provided are compositions containing the compounds and methods of making both the compounds and compositions thereof.
US08450255B2	Functional fluid The disclosed invention relates to a functional fluid comprising: at least one oil of lubricating viscosity; at least one detergent, the detergent contributing an amount of metal to the functional fluid equal to a concentration in the range from about 0.015 to about 1% by weight of the functional fluid, the detergent contributing an amount of basicity to the functional fluid equal to a total base number in the range from about 0.3 to about 2; and at least one friction modifier, the friction modifier comprising at least two hydrocarbyl groups attached to a polar group or atom (eg., a nitrogen atom).
US08450254B2	Solid stick compositions comprising thermosetting plastic The present invention provides a modified solid stick composition comprising a thermosetting plasticizer, a resin, a lubricant, a friction modifier, or a combination thereof. The solid stick compositions may be used for application between two metal surfaces in sliding and rolling-sliding contact such as steel wheel-rail systems including mass transit and freight systems. A method of reducing energy consumption, or controlling friction between a metal surface and a second metal surface by applying the solid stick composition to one or more than one of the metal surfaces, is also provided.
US08450253B2	Lubricating oil composition The present invention provides a lubricating oil composition that is excellent in anti-fatigue properties for metals and load bearing properties while having improved fuel efficiency. The lubricating oil composition comprises (A) one type or a mixture of two or more types of mineral base oil having a 40° C. kinematic viscosity of from 5 to 15 mm2/s; and (B) one type or a mixture of two or more types of ester-based base oil having a 40° C. kinematic viscosity of from 3 to 25 mm2/s and a 0° C. kinematic viscosity of from 10 to 130 mm2/s, the 40° C. kinematic viscosity of the mixed base oil of (A) and (B) being 18 mm2/s or lower, the blend ratio of the ester-based base oil being from 0.58 to 80 percent by mass, and the 40° C. kinematic viscosity of the composition being from 4 to 23 mm2/s.
US08450251B2	Drag reduction of asphaltenic crude oils A system for reducing pressure drop associated with the turbulent flow of asphaltenic crude oil through a conduit. The crude oil has a high asphaltene content and/or a low API gravity. Such reduction in pressure drop is achieved by treating the asphaltenic crude oil with a high molecular weight drag reducing polymer that can have a solubility parameter within about 20 percent of the solubility parameter of the heavy crude oil. The drag reducing polymer can also comprise the residues of monomers having at least one heteroatom.
US08450249B2	Drag reduction of asphaltenic crude oils A method of introducing a drag reducing polymer into a pipeline such that the friction loss associated with the turbulent flow though the pipeline is reduced by suppressing the growth of turbulent eddies. The drag reducing polymer is introduced into a liquid hydrocarbon having an asphaltene content of at least 3 weight percent and an API gravity of less than about 26° to thereby produce a treated liquid hydrocarbon. The treated liquid hydrocarbon does not have a viscosity less than the viscosity of the liquid hydrocarbon prior to treatment with the drag reducing polymer. Additionally, the drag reducing polymer is added to the liquid hydrocarbon in the range from about 0.1 to about 500 ppmw.
US08450239B2	Reversible thermosensitive recording medium A reversible thermosensitive recording medium including an electronic information recording sheet having at least an electronic information recording element projecting from a surface thereof, a first sheet having a through hole into which the electronic information recording element can be inserted, and a second sheet having a cut-out portion capable of housing the entire electronic information recording sheet, wherein the second sheet houses in the cut-out portion the entire electronic information recording sheet, with being laid over the first sheet, and the electronic information recording element is inserted into the through hole.
US08450234B2	Method of producing a catalyst used for synthesizing dimethylether from a synthesis gas containing carbon dioxide The present invention relates to a catalyst used for producing dimethylether, a method of producing the same, and a method of producing dimethylether using the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a catalyst used for producing dimethylether comprising a methanol synthesis catalyst produced by adding one or more promoters to a main catalyst comprised of a Cu—Zn—Al metal component and a dehydration catalyst formed by mixing Aluminum Phosphate (AlPO4) with gamma alumina, a method of producing the same, and a method of producing dimethylether using the same, wherein a ratio of the main catalyst to the promoter in the methanol synthesis catalyst is in a range of 99/1 to 95/5, and a mixing ratio of the methanol synthesis catalyst to the dehydration catalyst is in a range of 60/40 to 70/30.
US08450233B2	Process for obtaining catalyst composites comprising MeAPO and their use in conversion of organics to olefins The present invention relates to a mixture comprising 0.01 to 30% by weight of at least one medium or large pore crystalline silicoaluminate, silicoaluminophosphate materials or silicoaluminate mesoporous molecular sieves (co-catalyst) (A) and respectively 99.99 to 70% by weight of at least a MeAPO molecular sieve. The present invention also relates to catalysts consisting of the above mixture or comprising the above mixture. The present invention also relates to a process (hereunder referred as “XTO process”) for making an olefin product from an oxygen-containing, halogenide-containing or sulphur-containing organic feedstock, wherein said oxygen-containing, halogenide-containing or sulphur-containing organic feedstock is contacted with the above catalyst (in the XTO reactor) under conditions effective to convert the oxygen-containing, halogenide-containing or sulphur-containing organic feedstock to olefin products (the XTO reactor effluent). The present invention also relates to a process (hereunder referred as “combined XTO and OCP process”) to make light olefins from an oxygen-containing, halogenide-containing or sulphur-containing organic feedstock comprising: contacting said oxygen-containing, halogenide-containing or sulphur-containing organic feedstock in the XTO reactor with the above catalyst at conditions effective to convert at least a portion of the feedstock to form an XTO reactor effluent comprising light olefins and a heavy hydrocarbon fraction; separating said light olefins from said heavy hydrocarbon fraction; and contacting said heavy hydrocarbon fraction in the OCP reactor at conditions effective to convert at least a portion of said heavy hydrocarbon fraction to light olefins.
US08450224B2	Pressure-sensitive adhesive composition and pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet The present invention provides a water-dispersed acrylic PSA composition suitable for forming a PSA sheet. The PSA composition contains 100 parts by weight of an acrylic copolymer with a Tg of −70° C. to −50° C. obtained by polymerization of a monomer starting material containing 60 wt % or more of an alkyl (meth)acrylate with a C8-12 alkyl group and 5 wt % or less of a radical polymerizable monomer with a carboxyl group. When an adhesive sheet is formed therefrom, it exhibits an average SUS adhesive strength of 11 N/20 mm or greater, PP adhesive strength of 8.5 N/20 mm or greater, 80° C. hold time of 1 hour or longer, and gap height of 10 mm or less in a curved surface adhesion test.
US08450208B2	Semiconductor device manufacturing method In a semiconductor device manufacturing method according to an exemplary embodiment, a sulfur-containing film containing sulfur is deposited on an n-type semiconductor, a first metal film containing a first metal is deposited on the sulfur-containing film, a heat treatment is performed to form a metal semiconductor compound film by reacting the n-type semiconductor and the sulfur-containing film, and to introduce sulfur to an interface between the n-type semiconductor and the metal semiconductor compound film being formed.
US08450204B2	Structure and process for metallization in high aspect ratio features A high aspect ratio metallization structure is provided in which a noble metal-containing material is present at least within a lower portion of a contact opening located in a dielectric material and is in direct contact with a metal semiconductor alloy located on an upper surface of a material stack of at least one semiconductor device. In one embodiment, the noble metal-containing material is plug located within the lower region of the contact opening and an upper region of the contact opening includes a conductive metal-containing material. The conductive metal-containing material is separated from plug of noble metal-containing material by a bottom walled portion of a U-shaped diffusion barrier. In another embodiment, the noble metal-containing material is present throughout the entire contact opening.
US08450202B1	Nanotube electronics templated self-assembly A fabricated substrate has at least one plurality of posts. The plurality is fabricated such that the two posts are located at a predetermined distance from one another. The substrate is exposed to a fluid matrix containing functionalized carbon nanotubes. The functionalized carbon nanotubes preferentially adhere to the plurality of posts rather than the remainder of the substrate. A connection between posts of the at least one plurality of posts is induced by adhering one end of the functionalized nanotube to one post and a second end of the functionalized carbon nanotube to a second post.
US08450199B2	Integrating diverse transistors on the same wafer Different types of transistors, such as memory cells, higher voltage, and higher performance transistors, may be formed on the same substrate. A transistor may be formed with a first polysilicon layer covered by a dielectric. A second polysilicon layer over the dielectric may be etched to form a sidewall spacer on the gate of the transistor. The sidewall spacer may be used to form sources and drains and to define sub-lithographic lightly doped drains. After removing the spacer, the underlying dielectric may protect the lightly doped drains.
US08450191B2	Polysilicon films by HDP-CVD Methods of forming polysilicon layers are described. The methods include forming a high-density plasma from a silicon precursor in a substrate processing region containing the deposition substrate. The described methods produce polycrystalline films at reduced substrate temperature (e.g. <500° C.) relative to prior art techniques. The availability of a bias plasma power adjustment further enables adjustment of conformality of the formed polysilicon layer. When dopants are included in the high density plasma, they may be incorporated into the polysilicon layer in such a way that they do not require a separate activation step.
US08450186B2	Optical modulator utilizing wafer bonding technology Optical modulator utilizing wafer bonding technology. An embodiment of a method includes etching a silicon on insulator (SOI) wafer to produce a first part of a silicon waveguide structure on a first surface of the SOI wafer, and preparing a second wafer, the second wafer including a layer of crystalline silicon, the second wafer including a first surface of crystalline silicon. The method further includes bonding the first surface of the second wafer with a thin oxide to the first surface of the SOI wafer using a wafer bonding technique, wherein a second part of the silicon waveguide structure is etched in the layer of crystalline silicon.
US08450185B2	Semiconductor structures having directly bonded diamond heat sinks and methods for making such structures A semiconductor structure is bonded directly to a diamond substrate by Van der Waal forces. The diamond substrate is formed by polishing a surface of diamond to a first degree of smoothness; forming a material, such as diamond, BeO, GaN, MgO, or SiO2 or other oxides, over the polished surface to provide an intermediate structure; and re-polishing the material formed on the intermediate structure to a second degree of smoothness smoother than the first degree of smoothness. The diamond is bonded to the semiconductor structure, such as GaN, by providing a structure having bottom surfaces of a semiconductor on an underlying material; forming grooves through the semiconductor and into the underlying material; separating semiconductor along the grooves into a plurality of separate semiconductor structures; removing the separated semiconductor structures from the underlying material; and contacting the bottom surface of at least one of the separated semiconductor structures to the diamond substrate.
US08450182B2	Method of manufacturing non-volatile semiconductor memory element and method of manufacturing non-volatile semiconductor memory device A method of manufacturing a non-volatile semiconductor memory element including a variable resistance element and a non-ohmic element. The variable resistance element includes a first electrode, a variable resistance layer, and a shared electrode. The non-ohmic element includes the shared electrode, a semiconductor or insulator layer, and a second electrode. The method includes: forming the first electrode on a substrate; forming the variable resistance layer on the first electrode; forming the shared electrode by nitriding a front surface of the variable resistance layer; forming the semiconductor or insulator layer on the shared electrode; and forming the second electrode. In the forming of the shared electrode, a front surface of a transition metal oxide is nitrided by a plasma nitriding process to form the shared electrode comprising a transition metal nitride.
US08450180B2	Methods of forming semiconductor trench and forming dual trenches, and structure for isolating devices Methods of forming a semiconductor trench and forming dual trenches and a structure for isolating devices are provided. The structure for isolating devices is disposed in a substrate having a periphery area and an array area. The structure for isolating devices includes a first isolation structure and a second isolation structure. The first isolation structure has a profile with at least three steps and is disposed in the substrate in the periphery area. The second isolation structure has a profile with at least two steps and is disposed in the substrate in the array area.
US08450179B2	Semiconductor device having a first bipolar device and a second bipolar device and method for fabrication A method for fabricating a semiconductor device having a first and second bipolar devices of the same dopant type includes: depositing a dielectric layer over a semiconductor layer, depositing a gate conductor layer over the dielectric layer, defining base regions of both bipolar devices, removing the gate conductor layer and dielectric layer in the base regions, depositing a base layer on the gate conductor layer and on the exposed semiconductor layer in the base regions, depositing an insulating layer over the base layer, forming a photoresist layer and defining emitter regions of both bipolar devices, removing the photoresist layer in the emitter regions thereby forming two emitter windows, masking the emitter window of the first bipolar device and exposing the base layer in the base region of the second bipolar device to an additional emitter implant through the associated emitter window.
US08450169B2	Replacement metal gate structures providing independent control on work function and gate leakage current The thickness and composition of a gate dielectric can be selected for different types of field effect transistors through a planar high dielectric constant material portion, which can be provided only for selected types of field effect transistors. Further, the work function of field effect transistors can be tuned independent of selection of the material stack for the gate dielectric. A stack of a barrier metal layer and a first-type work function metal layer is deposited on a gate dielectric layer within recessed gate cavities after removal of disposable gate material portions. After patterning the first-type work function metal layer, a second-type work function metal layer is deposited directly on the barrier metal layer in the regions of the second type field effect transistor. A conductive material fills the gate cavities, and a subsequent planarization process forms dual work function metal gate structures.
US08450167B2	Method of fabricating semiconductor devices A method of fabricating semiconductor device includes forming a plurality of gates on a substrate, forming a top layer on a top surface of each gate, forming sidewall spacers on opposite sides of each gate, and forming sacrificial spacers on the sidewall spacers. The method further includes performing a dry etching process on the substrate using the top layer and the sacrificial spacers as a mask to form a recess of a first width in the substrate between two adjacent gates, performing an isotropic wet etching process on the recess to expand the first width to a second width, and performing an orientation selective wet etching process on the recess to shape the rectangular-shaped recess into a Σ-shaped recess.
US08450165B2	Semiconductor device having tipless epitaxial source/drain regions A semiconductor device having tipless epitaxial source/drain regions and a method for its formation are described. In an embodiment, the semiconductor device comprises a gate stack on a substrate. The gate stack is comprised of a gate electrode above a gate dielectric layer and is above a channel region in the substrate. The semiconductor device also comprises a pair of source/drain regions in the substrate on either side of the channel region. The pair of source/drain regions is in direct contact with the gate dielectric layer and the lattice constant of the pair of source/drain regions is different than the lattice constant of the channel region. In one embodiment, the semiconductor device is formed by using a dielectric gate stack placeholder.
US08450162B2	HBT and field effect transistor integration Methods and systems for fabricating an integrated BiFET using two separate growth procedures are disclosed. Performance of the method fabricates the FET portion of the BiFET in a first fabrication environment. Performance of the method fabricates the HBT portion of the BiFET in a second fabrication environment. By separating the fabrication of the FET portion and the HBT portion in two or more separate reactors, the optimum device performance can be achieved for both devices.
US08450159B2	Thin film transistor, fabrication method of same, and display device having the same A thin film transistor, a method of manufacturing the same, and a display device including the same, the thin film transistor including a substrate; a polysilicon semiconductor layer on the substrate; and a metal pattern between the semiconductor layer and the substrate, the metal pattern being insulated from the semiconductor layer, wherein the polysilicon of the semiconductor layer includes a grain boundary parallel to a crystallization growing direction, and a surface roughness of the polysilicon semiconductor layer defined by a distance between a lowest peak and a highest peak in a surface thereof is less than about 15 nm.
US08450158B2	Method for forming microcrystalline semiconductor film and method for manufacturing semiconductor device A seed crystal which includes mixed phase grains including an amorphous silicon region and a crystallite which is a microcrystal that can be regarded as a single crystal is formed on an insulating film by a plasma CVD method under a first condition that enables mixed phase grains having high crystallinity and high uniformity of grain sizes to be formed at a low density, and then a microcrystalline semiconductor film is formed to be stacked on the seed crystal by a plasma CVD method under a second condition that enables the mixed phase grains to grow to fill a space between the mixed phase grains.
US08450157B2	Methods of manufacturing master, pixel array substrate and electro-optical device A master having a substrate including displaying units and an ESD protection structure including an adjacent first region and a second region is provided. The displaying units have a predetermined-cutting region therebetween. Each displaying unit includes a peripheral circuit region and a display region having pixels. The ESD protection structure disposed on the predetermined-cutting region, located in the peripheral circuit region, and connecting the display region includes a first patterned conductive layer disposed on the first region and having an end away from the predetermined-cutting region, a first patterned dielectric layer disposed on the first patterned conductive layer and the substrate and having a first opening exposing a portion of the first patterned conductive layer, a patterned transparent conductive layer disposed corresponding to the predetermined-cutting region and connecting the first patterned conductive layer, and a second patterned dielectric layer covering the patterned transparent conductive layer and the substrate.
US08450156B2	Method for producing a thyristor In a method for producing a thyristor, first and second connection regions are formed on or above a substrate; the first connection region is doped with dopant atoms of a first conductivity type and the second connection region is doped with dopant atoms of a second conductivity type; first and second body regions are formed between the connection regions, wherein the first body region is formed between the first connection region and second body region, and the second body region is formed between the first body region and second connection region; the first body region is doped with dopant atoms of the second conductivity type and the second body region is doped with dopant atoms of the first conductivity type, wherein the dopant atoms are in each case introduced into the respective body region using a Vt implantation method; a gate region is formed on or above the body regions.
US08450152B2	Double-side exposed semiconductor device and its manufacturing method A double-side exposed semiconductor device includes an electric conductive first lead frame attached on top of a thermal conductive but electrical nonconductive second lead frame and a semiconductor chip flipped and attached on top of the first lead frame. The gate and source electrodes on top of the flipped chip form electrical connections with gate and source pins of the first lead frame respectively. The flipped chip and center portions of the first and second lead frames are then encapsulated with a molding compound, such that the heat sink formed at the center of the second lead frame and the drain electrode at bottom of the semiconductor chip are exposed on two opposite sides of the semiconductor device. Thus, heat dissipation performance of the semiconductor device is effectively improved without increasing the size of the semiconductor device.
US08450150B2	Manufacturing method of semiconductor integrated circuit device While an adhesive layer is provided over the rear surface of a semiconductor chip in die bonding, a lamination processing (main pressure bonding) is necessary for securing the adhesive state of the adhesive layer after the die bonding process (temporary pressure bonding). In this case, typically the hardening of the adhesive is developed by applying heat while pressing down the rear surface of the chip from above with a pressurization member. It has become clear that various problems exist in the lamination processing of the laminate chips by such a mechanical pressurization method as the chip becomes thinner. That is, the problems include chip damage at a part in an overhang state, a chip position shift caused by bending and non-uniform pressurization, and the like.One invention of the present application is to perform the lamination processing by static gas pressure after laminating and temporarily pressure-bonding the plurality of semiconductor chips over a circuit substrate in the die bonding process of a substrate product.
US08450148B2	Molding compound adhesion for map-molded flip-chip A semiconductor device whose semiconductor device components have particularly reliable adhesion to a plastic housing composition surrounding them is intended to be produced by a simplest possible method. An adhesion promoting solution is introduced into the interspace between the front side of the flip-chips and the top side of the substrate and the solvent from the adhesion promoting solution is evaporated with formation of an adhesion promoting coating on the front sides of the semiconductor chips and the top side of the substrate. The semiconductor chip and the top side of the substrate are subsequently embedded into a plastic housing composition.
US08450146B2	Transistor assembly and method for manufacturing the same A method for manufacturing a transistor assembly includes the steps of: (a) forming a transistor; (b) polishing a base substrate; and (c) securing the transistor of which the base substrate is polished to a support substrate. The step (a) is a step of forming a first semiconductor layer and a second semiconductor layer on a principle surface of the base substrate. The step (b) is a step of polishing a surface of the base substrate opposite to the principle surface. The step (c) is a step of securing the transistor on the support substrate in the presence of a stress applied on the base substrate in such a direction that a warp of the base substrate is reduced. The base substrate is made of a material different from that of the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer, and a tensile stress is applied on the second semiconductor layer.
US08450145B2	Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device and method for producing the same A first opening and a second opening are formed at the same time over a first metal wiring and a second metal wiring, respectively which are provided as the same layer on a substrate on which a transistor for selecting a memory cell is formed. Then, a variable resistor and an upper electrode are deposited on a whole surface so as to completely fill the first opening with the upper electrode but not to completely fill the second opening with it. Thereafter, a variable resistive element is formed in the first opening and a via hole to connect to the third metal wiring (bit line), in the second opening, at the same time, by performing back-etching until a surface of the second metal wiring is exposed at a bottom of the second opening.
US08450144B2	Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same An object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a semiconductor device provided with a thin film transistor which includes an oxide semiconductor layer and has high electric characteristics. The semiconductor device includes a gate electrode over an insulating surface, an oxide semiconductor layer including silicon oxide, an insulating layer between the gate electrode and the oxide semiconductor layer, and source and drain regions between the oxide semiconductor layer including silicon oxide and source and drain electrode layers. The source and drain regions are formed using a degenerate oxide semiconductor material or a degenerate oxynitride material.
US08450143B2	Organic semiconductor compositions with nanoparticles A method of fabricating a circuit includes chemically bonding a coating to a plurality of nanoparticles. The nanoparticles are dispersed in a medium comprising organic molecules. An organic semiconductor channel is formed that comprises the medium. A plurality of electrodes is formed over the substrate. The electrodes are located to function as two of a gate electrode, a drain electrode, and a source electrode of a field-effect transistor.
US08450142B2	Organic thin film transistors An organic thin film transistor comprising: a substrate; a source electrode and a drain electrode defining a channel; a layer of insulating material disposed over the source and drain electrodes; a layer of organic semi-conductive material extending across the channel; a layer of dielectric material; and a gate electrode disposed over the layer of dielectric material.
US08450141B2	Processes for fabricating all-back-contact heterojunction photovoltaic cells Processes for fabricating back contacts for photovoltaic cell devices are disclosed. The processes involve depositing a passivation layer on the back surface of a wafer, depositing an emitter layer on the passivation layer, depositing a metal layer on the emitter layer, laser firing selected areas of the metal layer to form base contacts, laser cutting the metal layer to create at least one isolation region between emitter contacts and base contacts, and applying a stream of reactive gas to form a second passivation layer in the isolation region. The process may further involve inkjetting a resist on the passivation layer in a pattern corresponding to a boundary between the one or more emitter contacts and the one or more base contacts, and laser cutting the metal layer over the resist to create the isolation region.
US08450139B2	Method for manufacturing photoelectric conversion device A method for manufacturing a photoelectric conversion device including a forming a semiconductor film by a plasma CVD method. The semiconductor film is an amorphous film of SiGe-based compound or a microcrystalline film of SiGe-based compound. The plasma CVD controls bandgap in thickness direction of the semiconductor film by varying the ON or OFF time of electric power applied to generate a plasma and intermittently supplying the power. The ON time and OFF time of the power fall in a range where the duty ratio ON time/(ON time+OFF time)×100(%) is 10% or more and 50% or less.
US08450137B2	Method for reducing tilt of transparent window during manufacturing of image sensor The present invention discloses a method for reducing the tilt of a transparent window during manufacturing of an image sensor. The method includes the following steps: providing a semimanufacture of the image sensor; carrying out a preheating process; carrying out an adhesive spreading process; carrying out a transparent window closing process; and carrying out a packaging process. By carrying out the preheating process, the environmental conditions can be stabilized during the adhesive spreading process and the transparent window closing process such that the transparent window can be kept highly flat after combining. By the implementation of the present invention, the chance of tilt and crack of the transparent window during manufacturing of the image sensor can be reduced, thereby achieving the goal for a better yield rate.
US08450134B2	Trench process and structure for backside contact solar cells with polysilicon doped regions A solar cell includes polysilicon P-type and N-type doped regions on a backside of a substrate, such as a silicon wafer. An interrupted trench structure separates the P-type doped region from the N-type doped region in some locations but allows the P-type doped region and the N-type doped region to touch in other locations. Each of the P-type and N-type doped regions may be formed over a thin dielectric layer. Among other advantages, the resulting solar cell structure allows for increased efficiency while having a relatively low reverse breakdown voltage.
US08450125B2	Methods of evaluating epitaxial growth and methods of forming an epitaxial layer A method of evaluating an epitaxial growing process includes forming a mold layer on each of a plurality of substrates, forming a photoresist pattern on each mold layer, the photoresist pattern having opening portions, a total area of a bottom portion of the opening portions being different for each substrate, patterning each mold layer to expose a surface portion of the substrate to form an evaluation pattern on each substrate, evaluation patterns including opening portions corresponding to the opening portion in the photoresist pattern, determining substrate opening ratios for each substrate based on the opening portions in the evaluation pattern thereon, the substrate opening ratios being different for each substrate, performing a selective epitaxial process on each substrate to form an epitaxial layer, and evaluating characteristics of the epitaxial layer for each substrate to determine an optimal substrate opening ratio.
US08450122B2	Test structures and methods Test structures and methods for semiconductor devices, lithography systems, and lithography processes are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes using a lithography system to expose a layer of photosensitive material of a workpiece to energy through a lithography mask, the lithography mask including a plurality of first test patterns having a first phase shift and at least one plurality of second test patterns having at least one second phase shift. The layer of photosensitive material of the workpiece is developed, and features formed on the layer of photosensitive material from the plurality of first test patterns and the at least one plurality of second test patterns are measured to determine a optimal focus level or optimal dose of the lithography system for exposing the layer of photosensitive material of the workpiece.
US08450120B2	SEM repair for sub-optimal features A method and system for repairing photomasks is disclosed. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) is used to identify, measure, and correct defects. The SEM is operated in multiple modes, including a measuring mode and a repair mode. The repair mode is of higher landing energy and exposure time than the measuring mode, and induces shrinkage in the photoresist to correct various features, such as vias that are too small.
US08450119B2	Magnetic tunnel junction patterning using Ta/TaN as hard mask An MTJ MRAM cell is formed by using a reactive ion etch (RIE) to pattern an MTJ stack on which there has been formed a bilayer Ta/TaN hard mask. The hard mask is formed by patterning a masking layer that has been formed by depositing a layer of TaN over a layer of Ta on the MTJ stack. After the stack is patterned, the TaN layer serves at least two advantageous purposes: 1) it protects the Ta layer from oxidation during the etching of the stack and 2) it serves as a surface having excellent adhesion properties for a subsequently deposited dielectric layer.
US08450117B2	Method to detect beryllium by fluorescence A method of determining beryllium or a beryllium compound thereof in a sample is disclosed by measuring fluorescence. This method discloses improved sample preparation methods, particularly for refractory beryllium materials. The method also discloses methods to improve the detection limit of beryllium including use of optical filters with specific characteristics for selecting the emission wavelengths of the fluorescence signal.
US08450116B2	Method of applying a biological specimen to an analytic plate A method applying a biological specimen to an analytic plate by using an applicator device to apply a coating to the analytic plate and adhering the biological sample to the plate. The coating is substantially transparent, translucent or invisible, and is substantially flush with the surface of the analytic plate. The coating is preferably comprised of a polysiloxane, siloxane, silicone, a silane, a silicon fluid, or a combination thereof and optionally an acid.
US08450111B2	Lipid extraction from microalgae using a single ionic liquid A one-step process for the lysis of microalgae cell walls and separation of the cellular lipids for use in biofuel production by utilizing a hydrophilic ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium. The hydrophilic ionic liquid both lyses the microalgae cell walls and forms two immiscible layers, one of which consists of the lipid contents of the lysed cells. After mixture of the hydrophilic ionic liquid with a suspension of microalgae cells, gravity causes a hydrophobic lipid phase to move to a top phase where it is removed from the mixture and purified. The hydrophilic ionic liquid is recycled to lyse new microalgae suspensions.
US08450105B2	Mechanically reversible gel A process for making a gel comprising combining a silanol species comprising at least two silanol groups per molecule and a hydrophilic hydroxyl species comprising at least two hydroxyl groups per molecule. The gel is capable of being converted to a liquid by application of a mechanical shear force and the liquid is capable of being converted to the gel in the absence of the mechanical shear force.
US08450104B2	Method of optical detection of binding of a material component to a sensor substance due to a biological, chemical or physical interaction and apparatus for its embodiment (variants) Apparatus for detecting biological or chemical components in liquid or gas is based on measuring changes of the sensor layer thickness due to binding reactions. A plate or a gap with two surfaces of a solid optical material is used as the sensor layer. The surfaces are located at a distance of more than 10 μm, which allows pumping liquids through the gap at moderate pressure drops and investigating large biological objects (e.g., cells), or employment of affordable plates that are rigid enough without any substrate. The indicated thickness of the plate or the gap permits using of the superluminescent diodes as light sources, because it allows recording within their narrow spectrum a sufficient number of interference maxima and minima for precise registration of molecular binding reactions, which lead to much higher sensitivity of the apparatus as compared with apparatus based on thin-film sensor layers.
US08450102B2	Device and method for stabilising the flow through a chamber A device 1 with at least one electrode 8 for generating an electrical field in a chamber 7 is disclosed. The device 1 comprises at least one input channel 6 for introducing a fluid into the chamber 7, and at least one output channel 11 for discharging the fluid from the chamber 7. Also disclosed is a method for stabilizing the flow of a fluid through a chamber 7 in which an electrical field is generated and which has at least one input channel 6 for introducing the fluid into the chamber and at least one output channel 11 for discharging the fluid from the chamber 8. To avoid undesirable backflow of the fluid due to gas formation, the average inside diameter of the input channel 6 of device 1 is smaller than the average inside diameter of the output channel 11.
US08450099B2	Process for producing thioredoxin by stressing yeast cells An object of the present invention is to provide a process for conveniently and efficiently producing high purity thioredoxin from yeast.In the production of thioredoxin using yeast, thioredoxin is produced through the following steps (i) to (iii): (1) culturing the yeast; (2) stressing the yeast obtained in step (1) to cause a release of thioredoxin from a cell of the yeast; and (3) collecting the thioredoxin released from the yeast cell.
US08450098B2	Method for introducing nucleic acids into fungal cells The method disclosed herein, relates generally to introducing molecules such as biomolecules (e.g., nucleic acids) into a filamentous fungus. More specifically, the methods disclosed herein relate to introducing one or more nucleic acids into a filamentous fungus.
US08450096B2	Polypeptides having phytase activity and polynucleotides encoding same The invention relates to Citrobacter phytases derived from Citrobacter amalonaticus, Citrobacter gillenii, and related phytases. The phytases belong to the acid histidine phosphatase family, are acid-stable, and expectedly of a high specific activity. The invention also relates to the corresponding DNA, the recombinant and wild-type production of the phytases, as well as the use thereof, in particular in animal feed.
US08450095B2	Systems and methods for effecting a physical change in a biological sample The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for processing a biological sample that result in a physical change, such as reacting two molecules together to form a reaction product or for use in lysing viruses or biological cells for analysis using biological assay systems. As such, the present invention relates both to breaking apart biological species such as viruses and cells, as well as the formation of reactants from one or more reactive species. The sample has a volume in the range from about 1 microliter to 10 milliliters. The sample is processed by applying pressure, and either sonic energy or thermal energy to the sample, wherein the pressure achieved is usually at least 24 atmospheres, and the temperature of the sample is usually raised to at least 50° C.
US08450092B1	Process for harvesting and processing sugar-producing crops Present-day harvest methods for sweet sorghum are labor intensive, and/or require that large quantities of matter be removed to a central location for processing. A field harvesting process for harvesting and further processing sweet sorghum includes cutting the crop and reducing it to its separated juice and solids in the field. Separation is carried out using a roller press that is water-washed with water removed from the juices in a nanofiltration process. The juice is stored and fermented on the farm, followed by distillation by a mobile distillation process to separate the valuable alcohol from the stillage.
US08450089B2	Compounds as L-cystine crystallization inhibitors and uses thereof A method of preventing or inhibiting L-cystine crystallization using the compounds of formula I is disclosed. R1a—O-(-A-L-)m-A-O—R1b I, wherein A, L, R1a, R1b, and m are as described herein. The compounds may be prepared as pharmaceutical compositions, and may be used for the prevention and treatment of conditions that are causally related to L-cystine crystallization, such as comprising (but not limited to) kidney stones.
US08450088B2	Process for producing CMP-N-acetylneuraminic acid A method by which high-purity CMP-N-acetylneuraminic acid (HPLC purity, 95% or higher), which has been difficult to obtain with any technique other than chromatography, can be easily obtained in satisfactory yield by a simple operation without the need of chromatography. The process, which is for producing high-purity CMP-N-acetylneuraminic acid (CMP-NeuAc), is characterized by conducting a suitable combination of the following steps (1) to (4). Step 1: a step in which divalent cations are added to a solution containing CMP-NeuAc to thereby precipitate the phosphoric acid, pyrophosphoric acid, and nucleotide which coexist; Step 2: a step in which a phosphatase is added to a solution containing CMP-NeuAc to thereby convert the coexistent nucleotide into nucleoside; Step 3: a step in which an organic solvent is added to precipitate the CMP-NeuAc; and Step 4: a step in which the CMP-NeuAc precipitated is recovered.
US08450087B2	Use of triplex structure DNA in transferring nucleotide sequences The invention concerns a recombinant vector characterized in that it comprises a polynucleotide comprising a central initiation cis-active region (cPPT) and a termination cis-active region (CTS), the regions being of retroviral or retroviral-like origin, and the vector further comprising a predetermined nucleotide sequence (transgene or nucleotide sequence of interest) and retrotranscription regulating, expressing, and packaging signals of retroviral or retroviral-like origin.
US08450086B2	Bacterial membrane protein secretion Improved bacterial secretion signals derived from pelB and ompA are provided. The improved variants enhance bacterial membrane secretion are thus useful for production of proteins secreted from bacteria including proteins displayed on filamentous phage particles, and, in particular, proteins requiring oxidative formation of covalent bonds, such as disulfide bonds within or between polypeptide chains in order to form a correctly folded and functional protein structure. Described herein are methods for the multivalent display of complex dimeric proteins on the surface of a bacteriophage particle and combinatorial synthetic libraries of such proteins displayed as a fusion polypeptide with filamentous phage pIX coat protein. Heterodimeric or more complex interchain bonded structures may also be displayed using the method of the invention.
US08450080B2	Methods of monitoring metabolic pathways The present invention provides methods and compositions for monitoring cofactors and metabolites of a metabolic pathway of interest. The subject compositions and methods are particularly suited for monitoring the mevalonate pathway in a variety of cells. The invention also provides fermentation methods for the production of isoprenoids.
US08450078B2	Portable coagulation monitoring device and method of assessing coagulation response A device, system and method is disclosed in which small volume blood samples are subjected to shear forces and shear stresses between two parallel planar surfaces to which linear motion trajectories are imparted. The formation of clots or coagulation of the sample is measured from dynamic mechanical coupling which occurs between the two parallel planar surfaces. Detection of the coagulation response can be achieved through optical probing or by measurement of physical effects of the blood sample binding to the planar surfaces, and restricting movement thereof.
US08450076B2	Monitoring and inhibiting human immunodeficiency virus infection by modulating HMGB1 dependent triggering of HIV-1 replication and persistence Compositions and methods for modulating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection involving substances that inhibit the ability of high mobility box 1 (HMGB1) protein to interact with natural killer (NK) cells. Therapeutic compositions comprising antibodies and drugs, such as glycyrrhizin, which bind to HMGB1. Methods of detecting or monitoring HIV infection involving detection or quantitation of HMGB1 or antibodies specific for HMGB1 in a biological sample.
US08450075B2	Protein, an antibody and measurement of the protein Methods for determining the occurrence or level of a mammalian protein in a sample and methods for determining the capability of a compound to transform or to inhibit the transformation of a selected mammalian protein in pro-phospholipase B form to an enzyme active phospholipase B form employ a pro-phospholipase B (PLB-II) mammalian protein which comprises at least one SU2 subunit comprising SEQ ID NO: 3 and having a molecular weight within the range of 30-60 kDa. Methods for determining the capability of a compound to enhance or inhibit the enzymatic activity of a selected protein having phospholipase B enzyme activity employ a protein comprising an activated form of such a pro-phospholipase B (PLB-II) mammalian protein.
US08450074B2	Multi-stage nutrigenomic diagnostic food sensitivity testing in animals A multi-stage method for diagnosing an immunologic food sensitivity or intolerance in a companion animal. Firstly a saliva or blood spot or other non-serum bodily fluid sample is collected. The screening the saliva or blood spot or other non-serum bodily fluid sample detects the presence of at least one of IgA or IgM antibody to a particular food ingredient or composition. An immunologic food sensitivity or intolerance based on the presence of the antibody is diagnosed. Secondly a blood sample is collected and serum from the sample is screened to detect the semi-quantitative or quantitative presence of at least one of an IgA, IgM or IgG antibody or immune complex to a particular food ingredient or composition. An immunologic food sensitivity or intolerance based on the presence of the antibody or immune complex is diagnosed. Thirdly, a biologically active nutrient in relation to the animal from a molecular dietary signature is determined. The molecular dietary signature for the animal is a variation of expression of a set of genes, proteins or metabolites which may differ for the genotype of each animal.
US08450069B2	Highly sensitive biomarker panels Cardiovascular disease, e.g., congestive heart failure, is often first diagnosed after the onset of clinical symptoms, eliminating potential for early intervention. The invention provides a multi-marker immunoassay, including cardiac pathology and vascular inflammation biomarkers, yielding a more sensitive assay for early detection of CHF in plasma. A panel consisting of cardiac pathology (cTnI, BNP) and vascular inflammation (IL-6, TNFα, IL-17a) biomarkers provided a sensitivity of 94% for association with CHF.
US08450066B2	Methods for identifying the activity of gene products The invention comprises compositions and methods for determining the function of proteins. It advantageously uses cotransfection of a reporter gene to remove transfection efficiency as a factor affecting the success of cell based assays. This method links the activity of the gene product of interest to the expression of the reporter gene. In addition, it also allows for the development of assays that allow for rapid screening for protein function in cells and whole animals by using cloned genes in a high throughput assay format which is simple, fast and inexpensive.
US08450062B2	SOCS-3 promoter methylation in cancer This invention provides compositions and methods for the diagnosis and treatment of cancers that exhibit decreased SOCS-3 expression.
US08450061B2	Quantification of a minority nucleic acid species The technology relates in part to quantification of a minority nucleic acid species from a nucleic acid sample. In some embodiments, methods for determining the amount of fetal nucleic acid (e.g. absolute amount, relative amount) in a maternal sample are provided.
US08450058B2	Method of detecting target substance Provided are a method of detecting a target substance, by which the detection sensitivity in the PALSAR method can be improved and multiple genes can be simultaneously detected, and a kit for detection. The method is a method of detecting a target substance by forming a signal probe polymer with the use of multiple dimer probes or dimer-forming probes and an assist probe, in which each dimer probe is made up of two kinds of dimer-forming probes including a 5′-side region, a central region and a 3′-side region (the central regions of the two kinds of dimer-forming probes are complementary to each other and the 3′-side regions and the 5′-side regions thereof are not complementary to each other), the multiple dimer probes are constituted such that a dimer probe polymer is formed via a self-assembly reaction, and the assist probe is designed so as to have a structure having a region complementary to the 5′-side region of one dimer-forming probe in one dimer probe, a region complementary to the 3′-side region of the other dimer-forming probe, and a target region capable of binding to the target substance.
US08450055B2	Malaria antigen screening method The invention provides a method of identifying an antigen from a pathogen or a disease antigen comprising the use of an adenoviral vector array comprising two or more different adenoviral vectors, wherein each adenoviral vector comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding a different antigen of a pathogen. The adenoviral vectors are administered to antigen presenting cells (APCs) in vitro or to an animal in vivo. The immunogenicity of the antigen is measured by screening for an immune response from effector T lymphocytes in vitro and by screening for the absence of pathogen-induced disease onset in vivo.
US08450052B2	Double patterning strategy for contact hole and trench in photolithography A method of lithography patterning includes forming a first resist pattern on a substrate, the first resist pattern including a plurality of openings therein on the substrate; forming a second resist pattern on the substrate and within the plurality of openings of the first resist pattern, the second resist pattern including at least one opening therein on the substrate; and removing the first resist pattern to uncover the substrate underlying the first resist pattern.
US08450049B2	Process for forming an anti-oxidant metal layer on an electronic device A process for forming an anti-oxidant metal layer on an electronic device comprises the steps of providing a substrate; forming a conductive metal layer on the substrate; forming a first photoresist layer on the conductive metal layer; patterning the first photoresist layer to form apertures and first grooves; forming a connecting member having a top surface and a lateral surface in the aperture and the first groove; removing the first photoresist layer to reveal the top surface and the lateral surface; forming a second photoresist layer on the conductive metal layer; patterning the second photoresist layer to form apertures and second grooves; forming an anti-oxidant metal layer in aperture and second groove, the anti-oxidant metal layer covers the top surface and the lateral surface of the connecting member; and removing the second photoresist layer to reveal the anti-oxidant metal layer and the conductive metal layer.
US08450048B2	Method for forming resist underlayer film, patterning process using the same, and composition for the resist underlayer film There is disclosed a method for forming a resist underlayer film of a multilayer resist film having at least three layers used in a lithography, comprising at least; a step of coating a composition for resist underlayer film containing a novolak resin represented by the following general formula (1) obtained by treating a compound having a bisnaphthol group on a substrate; and a step of curing the coated composition for the resist underlayer film by a heat treatment at a temperature above 300° C. and 600° C. or lower for 10 to 600 seconds. There can be provided a method for forming a resist underlayer film, and a patterning process using the method to form a resist underlayer film in a multilayer resist film having at least three layers used in a lithography, gives a resist underlayer film having a lowered reflectance, a high etching resistance, and a high heat and solvent resistances, especially without wiggling during substrate etching.
US08450047B2	Method of controlling the states and vortex chirality in hexagonal ring structures comprising nanoscale magnetic elements A method is provided for achieving specific magnetic states with a given vortex chirality in artificial kagome spin ice building block structures containing one or more hexagonal rings of ferromagnetic islands created with electron beam lithography, where a subgroup of the ferromagnetic islands have a smaller width and therefore higher switching field than the other normal (wider) islands and are placed at specific positions in each of the rings. The positioning of the islands determines the magnetic state of the building block structure during magnetization reversal, and determines the chirality of the magnetic vortices that occur in each ring.
US08450046B2	Methods for enhancing photolithography patterning A method for fabricating a semiconductor device that includes: providing a substrate prepared with a photoresist layer; providing a photomask comprising a first and a second pattern having a respective first and second pitch range; providing a composite aperture comprising a first and a second off-axis illumination aperture pattern, the first off-axis aperture pattern having a configuration that improves the process window of the first pitch range and the second off-axis aperture pattern having a configuration that improves the process window for a second pitch range; exposing the photoresist layer on the substrate with radiation from an exposure source through the composite aperture and the photomask; and developing the photoresist layer to pattern the photoresist layer.
US08450045B2	Pattern forming method A pattern forming method includes providing and curing a under-layer film containing a radiation-sensitive acid generator which generates an acid upon exposure to radiation on a substrate. The under-layer film is irradiated with radiation through a mask to cause an acid to be selectively generated in an exposed area of the under-layer film. An upper-layer film which does not contain a radiation-sensitive acid generator and which contains a composition capable of polymerizing or crosslinking by an action of an acid is provided. A cured film is provided by polymerization or crosslinking selectively in an area of the upper-layer film corresponding to the exposed area of the under-layer film in which the acid has been generated. An area of the upper-layer film corresponding to an area of the under-layer film in which the acid has not been generated is removed.
US08450044B2	Positive resist composition and method of forming resist pattern A positive resist composition including a resin component (A) which exhibits increased solubility in an alkali developing solution under the action of acid and an acid-generator component (B), the resin component (A) including a polymeric compound (A1) having a structural unit (a1) containing an acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group, a structural unit (a5) containing a base dissociable group an a structural unit (a6) represented by general formula (a6-1) (R represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms or a halogenated alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms; each of R2 and R3 independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group that may contain an oxygen atom at an arbitrary position, or R2 and R3 are bonded together to form an alkylene group; and W represents a cyclic alkylene group that may include an oxygen atom at an arbitrary position).
US08450042B2	Positive resist composition and patterning process A positive resist composition comprising as a base resin a polymer having carboxyl groups whose hydrogen is substituted by an acid labile group of fluorene structure exhibits a high contrast of alkaline dissolution rate before and after exposure, a high resolution, a good pattern profile and minimal LER after exposure, a significant effect of suppressing acid diffusion rate, and improved etching resistance.
US08450041B2	Actinic ray-sensitive or radiation-sensitive resin composition and pattern forming method using the same An actinic ray-sensitive or radiation-sensitive resin composition includes (A) a compound capable of generating a specific acid having a norbornyl structure upon irradiation with an actinic ray or radiation, and (B) a resin capable of increasing the dissolution rate of the resin (B) in an alkali developer by an action of an acid, the resin (B) containing a specific repeating unit having a lactone structure on the resin side chain through a linking group, and a pattern forming method uses the composition.
US08450036B2	Electrophotographic photoreceptor, image forming apparatus, and process cartridge An electrophotographic photoreceptor containing fluororesin particles in which the cross-section obtained by cutting a surface layer along the thickness direction satisfies the following (1) and (2): 0≦A1≦0.5×A2 (1): 0.7×A3≦A2≦1.2×A3 (2): wherein A1 represents the proportion (%) of the area of the fluororesin particles occupying a region designated as a first region; A2 represents the proportion (%) of the area of the fluororesin particles occupying a region designated as a second region; and A3 represents the proportion (%) of the area of the fluororesin particles occupying the entire cross-section with respect to the entire area of the cross-section.
US08450033B2	Latent electrostatic image bearing member, and image forming apparatus, image forming method and process cartridge using the same To provide a latent electrostatic image bearing member including: an outermost surface layer that comprises a compound represented by the following General Formula (1) and a crosslinked resin formed by crosslinking between an isocyanate compound and a reactive charge transporting substance having at least two hydroxyl groups. where R1 and R2 may be identical or different and each represent a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group; and R3 represents one of alkyl and aryl groups which have at least one hydroxyl group.
US08450032B2	Electrophotographic photoreceptor, electrophotographic photoreceptor cartridge, and image-forming apparatus The invention provides an electrophotographic photoreceptor for use in an image-forming apparatus comprising a charging unit which charges an electrophotographic photoreceptor, an exposure unit which exposes the charged electrophotographic photoreceptor to light to form an electrostatic latent image on the electrophotographic photoreceptor, and a developing unit which develops the electrostatic latent image, wherein the electrophotographic photoreceptor comprises a conductive substrate and a photosensitive layer and the photosensitive layer contains a compound represented by the following formula (1).
US08450028B2	Holographic storage method A method of recording a volume holographic image is described in which a holographic recording medium containing a photoreactive dye is exposed to a plurality of coherent light sources emitting at a wavelength to which the dye is sensitive, thereby forming an interference fringe pattern therein. The photoreaction occurring in the areas of constructive interference generates a periodic array of photoreacted areas of the dye and unreacted areas of the dye. This generated interference fringe pattern may contain, but does not have to contain any image or other encoded information. Selected areas of the interference fringe pattern are then exposed to actinic radiation in such a manner to partially or fully bleach, remove, or deactivate the photoreactive dye fringe pattern, thereby producing a holographic pattern, shape, or image formed by areas of the interference fringe pattern that were not bleached, removed, or deactivated.
US08450026B2	Solid electrolyte fuel cell comprising an electrocatalyst/electrolyte assembly supported by a nano-structured material A membrane electrode assembly for a solid electrolyte fuel cell comprises: an electrode having a layer of nano-structured material on one of its faces, an electrocatalyst deposited on the nano-structured material and an electrolyte deposited on the electrocatalyst/nano-structured material. The nano-structured material can comprise carbon, silicon, graphite, boron, titanium and be in the form of multi-walled nano-tubes (MWNTs), single-walled nano-tubes (SWNTs), nano-fibers, nano-rods or a combination thereof. The nano-structured material can be grown or deposited on one face of an electrode of the cell or on a substrate such as a flexible sheet material of carbon fibers using chemical vapor deposition. The electrocatalyst and electrolyte can be incorporated in the nano structured material using physical vapor deposition (PVD), ion beam sputtering or molecular beam epitaxy (MBE).
US08450025B2	Assisted stack anode purge at start-up of fuel cell system A fuel cell system that enables an assisted anode purge upon start-up is provided. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack having a plurality of fuel cells with anodes and cathodes. The fuel cell stack has an anode supply manifold and an anode exhaust manifold in fluid communication with the anodes. The fuel cell system further includes a suction device in fluid communication with at least one of the anode supply manifold and the anode exhaust manifold. The suction device adapted to selectively draw a partial vacuum on the fuel cell stack during a start-up of the fuel cell system. Methods for starting the fuel cell system are also provided.
US08450024B2	Fuel cell having a separator with a folded back part A fuel cell comprises a membrane electrode assembly including an electrolyte membrane and electrode layers arranged on each surface of the electrolyte membrane respectively, and first and second separators that are formed by processing a metal plate and are arranged so as to sandwich the membrane electrode assembly. At a position outside a position facing the membrane electrode assembly, the separators have an opening that constitutes a reaction gas flow path that is roughly perpendicular to a surface direction of the membrane electrode assembly. The first separator has a folded back part that is formed by folding back at least part of the metal plate of the position at which the opening is formed toward the membrane electrode assembly side along a boundary line on the membrane electrode assembly side of the opening as a fold line. The folded back part has a communication hole that allows communication between an internal flow path space and the reaction gas flow path, the internal flow path space being a space communicated with an end surface of the membrane electrode assembly and being formed between the folded back part and the first separator. The second separator does not have the folded back part.
US08450018B2	Method to automatically enable/disable stack reconditioning procedure based on fuel cell stack parameter estimation A system and method for determining when to trigger reconditioning of a fuel cell stack and when to disable the reconditioning of the fuel cell stack. In one embodiment, the stack reconditioning is triggered when a maximum stack power estimation falls below a first predetermined power threshold. The reconditioning of the stack can be disabled so it is not performed when the trigger occurs if the reconditioning process does not raise the maximum power estimation above a second predetermined power threshold or the time from one reconditioning trigger to a next reconditioning trigger is less than a predetermined time threshold, or both.
US08450015B2	Fuel cell bioreactor The present invention discloses a fuel cell bioreactor, based on the microbial regeneration of the oxidant, ferric ions and on the cathodic reduction of ferric to ferrous ions, coupled with the microbial regeneration of ferric ions by the oxidation of ferrous ions, with fuel (such as hydrogen) oxidation on the anode. The microbial regeneration of ferric ions is achieved by iron-oxidizing microorganisms such as Leptospirillum. Electrical generation is coupled with the consumption of carbon dioxide from atmosphere and its transformation into microbial cells, which can be used as a single-cell protein.
US08450010B2	Sealing assembly of battery, method of fabricating the same, and lithium battery A sealing assembly of a battery, a method for fabricating the sealing assembly and a lithium ion battery are provided. The sealing assembly may comprise: a ceramic ring having a receiving hole; a metal ring fitted over the ceramic ring; and a core column formed in the receiving hole, which comprises a metal-ceramic composite.
US08450008B2	Secondary battery A secondary battery including an electrode assembly, the electrode assembly including a separator between a positive electrode and a negative electrode; current collectors, the current collectors being electrically connected to the positive electrode and the negative electrode, respectively; a case, the case accommodating the electrode assembly and the current collectors; a cap plate, the cap plate coupled to an opening in the case; and an insulating film, the insulating film insulating the electrode assembly and the electrode collectors from the case, wherein the insulating film includes a protuberance pattern on at least one surface thereof to compensate for vibration of the electrode assembly current collectors with respect to the case.
US08450007B2	Stacked secondary battery A stacked secondary battery includes battery element including a multilayer structure formed by laying alternately flat plate-shaped positive electrodes and flat plate-shaped negative electrodes by way of separators, the number of the positive electrodes being larger by one than that of the negative electrodes or vice versa, and connecting positive electrode draw-out terminals of the positive electrodes to each other and also negative electrode draw-out terminals of the negative electrodes to each other, plate-shaped metal members respectively arranged on and held in contact with the opposite end surfaces of the multilayer structure as viewed in the stacking direction, binding members binding the plate-shaped metal members so as to pinch and hold the multilayer structure from the end surfaces thereof and a film casing containing the battery element pinched by and held between the plate-shaped metal members in a sealed condition.
US08450004B2	Intrinsically-safe battery power supply for underground mining An intrinsically-safe battery power supply for electrical equipment in underground mining and in other areas exposed to the danger of explosion is disclosed. The power supply includes at least one chargeable storage battery cell disposed in a battery housing. At least one storage battery cell comprises a chargeable lithium storage battery cell and the battery housing is configured to be pressure-resistant and to receive all lithium storage battery cells in a manner so as to be protected from explosion. The pressure-resistant configuration of the battery housing enables the use of lithium storage battery cells in underground mining. Once the battery power supply fulfills all requirements of ignition protection certification, even modern types of lithium storage battery cell can be disposed in the battery housing.
US08450001B2	Flow batter with radial electrolyte distribution An electrochemical flow cell includes a permeable electrode, an impermeable electrode located adjacent to and spaced apart from the permeable electrode and a reaction zone electrolyte flow channel located between a first side of the permeable electrode and a first side of the impermeable electrode. The electrochemical flow cell also includes at least one electrolyte flow channel located adjacent to a second side of the permeable electrode, at least one central electrolyte flow conduit extending through a central portion of the permeable electrode and through a central portion of the impermeable electrode and at least one peripheral electrolyte flow inlet/outlet located in a peripheral portion of the electrochemical cell above or below the permeable electrode.
US08449999B2	Safety battery cell with safety exhaust part corresponding to the electrode lead Disclosed herein is a battery cell constructed in a structure in which an electrode assembly is mounted in a battery case made of a laminate sheet including a metal layer and a resin layer, and the battery case is thermally welded along the edge of a receiving part thereof to form a sealing part, wherein a weak part is formed at a portion of the sealing part (‘an electrode lea correspondence portion’) corresponding to one of electrode leads (a, b) connected to the electrode assembly, e.g., the electrode lead (a) having relatively low flexibility, the weak part being physically deformed, such that internal gas is discharged outside through the weak part, when predetermined pressure is applied to the weak part, and the weak part is not formed at an electrode lead correspondence portion of the other electrode lead (b).
US08449998B2	Battery system and method for increasing an operational life of a battery cell A battery system and a method for increasing an operational life of a battery cell are provided. The battery system includes a voltage sensor that generates a first signal indicative of a voltage level output by the battery cell, and a current sensor that generates a second signal indicative of a level of electrical current flowing through the battery cell. The battery system further includes a microprocessor that calculates a resistance level of the battery cell based on the first and second signals, and generates a control signal to induce a fluid supply system to increase a pressure level of the coolant fluid being supplied to the heat exchanger to a first pressure level, based on the resistance level.
US08449992B2	Surface-coated member and cutting tool Disclosed is a surface coated member having excellent adhesion resistance and fracture resistance. A surface coated member (1) comprises a coating layer (3) on the surface of a base (2). The coating layer (3) is composed of a multilayer body wherein a titanium carbonitride (TiCN) layer (4), a continuously existing intermediate layer (5) containing titanium, aluminum, carbon and oxygen and having an average film thickness of 5-30 nm, and an α-aluminum oxide (Al2O3) layer (9) composed of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) having an α crystal structure are sequentially formed by deposition.
US08449991B2	Use of SN and pore size control to improve biocompatibility in polycrystalline diamond compacts Polycrystalline diamond compacts for use in artificial joints achieve reduced corrosion and improved biocompatibility through the use of solvent metal formulations containing tin and through the control of solvent metal pore size, particularly in inner layers of the compact. Solvent metal formulations containing tin have been discovered which provide sintering ability, part strength, and grind resistance comparable to levels achieved by using CoCrMo solvent metals. It has been discovered that limiting the solvent metal pore size in the diamond layers minimizes or eliminates the occurrence of micro cracks in the solvent metal and significantly reduces the corrosion of the compact as manifested by the release of heavy metal ions from the compact. Polycrystalline diamond compacts which utilize both the solvent metal formulations containing tin and the control of pore sizes achieve significantly reduced corrosion and improved biocompatibility compared to prior art polycrystalline diamond compacts.
US08449990B2	Electroluminescent efficiency An organic light emitting device is provided. The device has an anode, a cathode, and an emissive layer disposed between the anode and the cathode. The emissive layer further includes a molecule of Formula I (shown below) wherein an alkyl substituent at position R′5 results in high efficiency and operational stability in the organic light emitting device.
US08449988B2	High-strength cold-rolled steel sheet excellent in bending workability A cold-rolled steel sheet has a chemical composition of C: 0.12% to 0.3%, Si: 0.5% or less, Mn: less than 1.5%, Al: 0.15% or less, N: 0.01% or less, P: 0.02% or less, and S: 0.01% or less, with the remainder including iron and inevitable impurities and has a martensite single-phase structure as its steel microstructure. In a surface region of the steel sheet from the surface to a depth one-tenth the gauge, the number density of n-ary groups of inclusions determined by specific n-th determinations is 120 or less per 100 cm2 of a rolling plane, where the distance in steel sheet rolling direction between outermost surfaces of two outermost particles of the group of inclusions is 100 μm or more. The steel sheet is a high-strength cold-rolled steel sheet which has a sufficiently minimized rate of bending fracture starting from inclusions and thereby has excellent bending workability.
US08449983B2	Interlayer film for laminated glass, laminated glass, and method of producing interlayer film for laminated glass It is an object of the present invention to provide an interlayer film for laminated glass containing gallium-doped zinc oxide fine particles as heat shielding fine particles and exhibiting a high transparency and an excellent heat shielding performance. The present invention is an interlayer film for laminated glass, which comprises gallium-doped zinc oxide fine particles, a plasticizer, a dispersant, and a thermoplastic resin, wherein the gallium-doped zinc oxide fine particles have a hexagonal crystalline structure and a c-axis crystal lattice constant of 0.5207 nm or more, and a visible light transmittance TV of 70% or more and an infrared transmittance TIR of less than 75% are obtained from measurement by the method according to JIS R 3106 performed on laminated glass obtained by interposing the interlayer film for laminated glass between a pair of 2.5 mm-thick clear glass sheets.
US08449982B2	Gas barrier film The present invention relates to a gas barrier film where a polyurethane resin layer and an inorganic layer are disposed in this order from a polyester resin film side on at least one surface of a polyester resin film, wherein the polyurethane resin constituting said polyurethane resin layer is a resin containing a skeleton represented by the following formula (1) and/or the following formula (2). The present invention provides a gas barrier film having excellent oxygen insulation and water vapor insulation.
US08449980B2	Composite particles for an electrode comprising lithium vanadyl phosphate (LiVOPO4), production process thereof and electrochemical device Composite particles for an electrode comprising LiVOPO4 particles and a metal, wherein the metal is supported on at least a portion of the surface of the LiVOPO4 particles to form a metal coating layer.
US08449970B2	Antistatic article, method of making the same, and display device having the same An antistatic article having an antistatic layer disposed on a substrate is disclosed herein. The antistatic layer is formed from a cationic copolymer, a non-cationic (meth)acrylic polymer, and a crosslinking agent. The cationic copolymer consists essentially of a cationic monomer, a hydrophobic monomer, a crosslinkable monomer, and an optional nitrogen-containing monomer. The substrate may comprise an optical film such as a multilayer optical film. Methods for making the antistatic article and display devices containing the antistatic article are also disclosed.
US08449965B2	Multilayer optical recording medium and optical recording method A multilayer optical recording medium including at least multiple information layers each having at least a phase change recording layer capable of recording information by laser irradiation and a reflection layer, wherein each information layer other than the innermost information layer as seen from a side of the laser irradiation has at least a lower protection layer, the phase change recording layer, an upper protection layer, the reflection layer and an optical transmission layer, the upper protection layer and the optical transmission layer in each information layer other than the innermost information layer as seen from the side of the laser irradiation are composed of an Sn oxide-containing material and a thickness of the upper protection layer in each information layer other than the innermost information layer as seen from the side of the laser irradiation is 2 nm to 15 nm is provided.
US08449963B1	Integrated form including label and concealed document An improved integrated multi-use label and concealed document form. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, such a form comprises a first sheet material, a second sheet material, and a third sheet material. The sheet materials are joined together with the first sheet material between the other two sheet materials. Lines of weakness defining at least one multi-use label and concealed document label are cut into the joined together sheet materials.
US08449962B2	Adhesive assembly tapes The invention relates to double-sided adhesive tape comprising a viscoelastic, first polymer layer, a second polymer layer on the top face and a third polymer layer on the bottom face of the viscoelastic, first polymer layer, where the viscoelastic, first polymer layer is based on a polymer which is obtainable by polymerization of a monomer composition of 65% to 97% by weight of ethylhexyl acrylate and/or butyl acrylate, 0% to 30% by weight of methyl acrylate, 3% to 15% by weight of acrylic acid, the viscoelastic interlayer being crosslinked, the second polymer layer is based on a polymer which is obtainable by polymerization of a monomer composition of 85% to 95% by weight of ethylhexyl acrylate and/or butyl acrylate, 5% to 15% by weight of acrylic acid, this second polymer layer being thermally crosslinked using at least one epoxycyclohexyl derivative in the absence of accelerators.
US08449960B2	Polymer having unsaturated cycloaliphatic functionality and coating compositions therefrom A polymer is provided that preferably includes at least one unsaturated cycloaliphatic group. In one embodiment, the polymer is combined with an optional crosslinker and an optional carrier to form a coating composition suitable for use in coating articles such as packaging articles. In one embodiment, the polymer has at least one unsaturated cycloaliphatic group that is at least bicyclic.
US08449955B2	Acrylic resin containing film, and polarizing plate and a liquid crystal display device employing the same This invention provides an acrylic resin containing film, which is transparent and highly heat resistant and has significantly improved brittleness, and a polarizing plate using the acrylic resin containing film. Further yield in punching work and laminating work of the polarizing late is improved and a liquid crystal display device which can maintain good visibility in long term use is also provided by the polarizing plate. The acrylic resin containing film is composed mainly of an acrylic resin and is characterized in that the film contains the acrylic resin and the cellulose ester resin in a weight ratio of 51:49 to 95:5 and further contains a retardation control agent.
US08449954B2	Compound having photoreactive functional group, photoreactive polymer, and alignment film comprising the same The present invention relates to a specific photoreactive polymer that shows excellent alignment stability and thermal stability together with excellent liquid crystal alignment, thereby being desirably used in an alignment film of a liquid crystal display device, a compound having a photoreactive functional group that is used as a monomer for the preparation of the photoreactive polymer, and an alignment film.
US08449953B2	Chiral dopants, liquid crystal matrix and manufacturing method thereof and liquid crystal display An embodiment of the invention provides a chiral dopant having the following formula: wherein X1 and X2 are independently wherein F is fluorine, m is a positive integer from 1 to 8, and n is a positive integer from 1 to 4; Y1 and Y2 are independently —O—, —CH2CH2—, —CH═CH—, —C(O)O—, or —CH2O—; and R1, R2 are independently substituted or non-substituted C1-C10 linear alkyl, wherein substituents of the substituted C1-C10 linear alkyl are independently —F, —Cl, —OCF3, —NCS, or —CN, wherein a number of backbone carbon atoms in each of —Y1R1 and —Y2R2 is larger than 3.
US08449952B2	Method and system for coating vinyl products A method and system for coating a vinyl workpiece includes denibbing the workpiece and deionizing the air around the workpiece. The workpiece is roll coated using a roll coating machine, wherein the roll coating machine includes a plurality of engraving rollers. An angular surface of the workpiece is roll coated using a corresponding angularly positioned application roller. The workpiece is coated with an ultraviolet (UV) curable coating using a vacuum coating machine. The UV coating is cured using the vacuum coating machine.
US08449948B2	Method and system for corrosion protection of layers in a structure of a magnetic recording transducer A method for providing a structure in a magnetic recording transducer is described. The method includes plating a first layer in a plating bath using a first plurality of plating conditions. The first layer has a first galvanic potential. The method also includes modifying the plating bath and/or the first plurality of plating conditions to provide a modified plating bath and/or a second plurality of plating conditions. The method further includes plating a second layer using the modified plating bath and/or the second plurality of plating conditions. The second layer has a second galvanic potential. The first galvanic potential is between the second galvanic potential and a third galvanic potential of a third layer if the third layer adjoins the first layer. The second galvanic potential is between the first galvanic potential and the third galvanic potential of the third layer if the third layer adjoins the second layer.
US08449939B2	Crosslinkable, cellulose ester compositions and films formed therefrom New compositions for forming films for use in optical devices are provided. The compositions comprise a cellulose and a crosslinking agent dissolved or dispersed in a solvent system. Preferred celluloses are cellulose esters such as cellulose acetates, cellulose triacetates, cellulose acetate phthalates, and cellulose acetate butyrates. Preferred crosslinking agents are triazines such as those derived from melamine and benzoguanamine. The inventive compositions can be used to form, for example, protective and/or compensation films for use in polarizing plates.
US08449934B2	Tofu prep An apparatus for easily removing excess moisture from blocks of tofu. The apparatus is constructed of a sturdy plastic material and is substantially box or rectangular shaped. It is designed to be approximately the size of a block of commercially available tofu. The container which holds the tofu has perforations on the bottom which permits the extracted moisture to drain out and away from the unit. The container with the tofu features four feet on the corners with a drain tray to capture the extracted moisture. There is a flat member that sits on the top of the tofu and an inner top lid that has a spring attached to it. The inner top lid engages a pair of arm like projections and the spring engages another tray that sits on the top of the tofu so that as the spring exerts pressure on the flat member on the tofu water is removed from the tofu.
US08449931B2	Chewing gum composition The present invention relates to a chewing gum base formulation comprising a biocompatible particulate polymer having an average particle size of from about 200 μm to about 2000 μm wherein the polymer fibrillates when subjected to a shear stress such as that encountered during chewing.
US08449929B2	Herbal medicinal composition and extract thereof for inhibiting growth of cancer cells The present invention relates to herbal medicinal compositions and extracts thereof for inhibiting growth of cancer cells. One of the examples described in the present invention comprises Forsythiae fructus, Menthae Herba, Gardeniae Fructus, Scutellariae Radix, Lophatheri Folium, Glycyrrhizae Radix, Rhei Rhizoma, Na2SO4, and Atractylodis Rhizoma. The residual examples are described herein.
US08449928B2	Cleanser compositions and methods for using the same The present invention is directed to anti-microbial cleanser compositions comprising linalool, hinokitiol and dipropylene glycol. The present invention further provides methods for using these compositions to maintain eyelid hygiene, to treat an ocular disorder or to clean a skin surface. The cleanser compositions of the present invention can be in the form of a foam, gel or liquid.
US08449926B2	Topical antifungal composition A composition obtained primarily from plant materials provides antimicrobial activity for use as an anti-fungal agent. The anti-fungal agent is effective in inhibiting the growth of Trichophyton rubrum, the fungus that is the most common cause of Tinea pedis. The composition includes selective mixtures of the origanum oil, menthol, and Atlantic cedarwood oil, thuja oil, cedarwood oil, cinnamon oil, clove oil, cumin oil, fennel oil, peppermint oil, or rosemary oil.
US08449920B2	Sustained release beads and suspensions including the same for sustained delivery of active ingredients Sustained-released beads providing active ingredients over an extended period of time to an individual orally ingesting the sustained release beads. The sustained-release beads can be part of a suspension wherein the sustained-release beads are suspended and evenly dispersed in the suspension. Binding agents are used to form the structural framework of the sustained released beads and retain the active ingredients without chemical or electrical bonding. The components of the dispersion medium are GRAS designated, making the suspension suitable for use as a food product.
US08449918B2	Composition exhibiting enhanced formulation stability and delivery of topical active ingredients A therapeutic, cosmetic or cosmeceutic composition for topical application, capable of stabilizing an active ingredient and delivering the active ingredient, comprising a plurality of microcapsules having a core-shell structure. The microcapsules have a diameter of approximately 0.1 to 100 micron. The core of each microcapsule includes at least one active ingredient, and is encapsulated within a microcapsular shell. The shell is comprised of at least one inorganic polymer obtained by a sol-gel process, and the shell protects the active ingredient before topical application and is designed to release the active ingredient from the microcapsules following application. The composition is useful in encapsulating active ingredients, such as benzoyl peroxide, that are unstable in other formulation, or are irritating to the skin.
US08449917B2	Solid herbicide compositions with built-in adjuvant The present invention concerns stable herbicidal solid compositions containing built-in adjuvant which exhibit improved herbicidal efficacy when used to control weeds in flooded rice paddies or fields.
US08449916B1	Antimicrobial compositions and methods The invention provides compositions and methods to treat microbial infections in animals, to inhibit the replication of microbes in infected cells, and to kill pathogens in infected cells. The methods can include administering to an animal in need of such treatment an effective antimicrobial amount of a composition comprising polyanhydride microparticles or nanoparticles that encapsulate a plurality of antimicrobial agents. The polyanhydride microparticles or nanoparticles can be, for example, copolymers of sebacic anhydride (SA) and 1,6-bis-(p-carboxyphenoxy)hexane (CPH) anhydride, copolymers of 1,8-bis(carboxyphenoxy)-3,6-dioxaoctane (CPTEG) anhydrides and 1,6-bis-(p-carboxyphenoxy)hexane (CPH) anhydride, or various combinations thereof. The microparticles or nanoparticles can accumulate in infected monocytes, dendritic cells, both, or on or in other infected cells, and degrade by surface erosion over a period of time to release the antimicrobial agents, thereby killing or inhibiting the microbes and treating the infection.
US08449915B1	Pharmaceutical composition of nanoparticles The invention discloses a pharmaceutical composition of multifunctional core-shell nanoparticles, each nanoparticle comprising: a core portion comprised of hydrophobic poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and a detection-enhancing substance, and a shell portion comprised of positively charged chitosan adapted to cause no aggregation of nanoparticles due to electrostatic repulsion between the positively charged nanoparticles. In one embodiment, the detection-enhancing substance includes SPIO, a quantum dot, a fluorescent quantum dot, a bubble, an air bubble, and the like.
US08449913B2	Methods of administering a dermatological agent to a subject Methods for administering a dermatological agent to a subject are provided. In the subject methods an effective amount of a topical formulation of the dermatological agent is topically applied to a host. The topically applied formulation of dermatological agent is then occluded with a hydrogel patch, where a feature of the hydrogel patch is that it lacks a pharmaceutically active agent. Also provided are methods of treating a subject for a disease condition by administering a dermatological agent to the subject. Also provided are kits for use in practicing the subject methods. The subject methods and compositions find use in a variety of different applications.
US08449910B2	Stable compositions of famotidine and ibuprofen Stable pharmaceutical compositions of famotidine and ibuprofen in a single unit dosage form are disclosed herein. The compositions comprise a famotidine core having a reduced or minimal surface area surrounded by a layer of ibuprofen. In some embodiments, the ibuprofen is in direct physical contact with the famotidine.
US08449903B2	Crosslinked bioabsorbable medical devices The present invention is directed to bioabsorbable medical devices which are introduced into the body of a subject in a first configuration and deformed in the subject's body to a second configuration. The devices generally include at least one bioabsorbable expandable device component that comprises at least one type of biodegradable polymer. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the expandable device component is crosslinked while in an expanded configuration. The crosslinked device component is then heated to a temperature above the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the material forming the device component. Upon heating to this temperature, the device component is compressed into a contracted configuration and cooled to below the Tg of the material to maintain the contracted configuration.
US08449902B2	Methods for producing biomaterials with variable stiffness This invention relates to the production of biomaterials with variable stiffness by subjecting a gel which varies in at least one dimension to plastic compaction. These biomaterials may be useful, for example, for the directional control or guidance of cells within tissue equivalent implants.
US08449899B2	Non-aqueous generation of chlorine dioxide Disclosed is a method of making a non-aqueous chlorine dioxide solution by combining a chlorite salt and a non-aqueous carboxylic acid and the non-aqueous chlorine dioxide solution made by this method. Also disclosed are methods of disinfecting an object by applying the non-aqueous chlorine dioxide solution to the object and methods of disinfecting a liquid by adding the non-aqueous chlorine dioxide solution to the liquid.
US08449898B2	Fungicidal mixtures Disclosed is a fungicidal composition comprising (a) at least one compound selected from the compounds of Formula 1 N-oxides, and salts thereof, wherein R1, R2, A, G, W, Z1, X, J, and n are as defined in the disclosure, and (b) at least one additional fungicidal compound. Also disclosed is a method for controlling plant diseases caused by fungal plant pathogens comprising applying to the plant or portion thereof, or to the plant seed, a fungicidally effective amount of the aforesaid composition.Also disclosed is a composition comprising component (a) of aforesaid composition and at least one insecticide.Also disclosed are compounds of Formula 1A, 1B and 1C, wherein R1, R2, A, G, W, Z1, X, J, n, Z3, M and J1 are as defined in the disclosure.
US08449897B2	Refreshment towel and applied solution A refreshment towel with applied solution is an apparatus consisting of a carrying agent, most likely a high quality cotton towel or towelette, that has been saturated with an aqueous solution comprised of various ingredients. The resulting saturated towel can be rubbed on a user's skin such that the aqueous solution that has been absorbed by the towel is transferred. The aqueous solution is compounded specifically to provide cooling, insect repellant, sun protection, freshness, cleansing and other uses. More specifically, the aqueous solution is specially formulated so that desired sensory results take place when the towel comes in contact with the skin.
US08449893B2	Compositions and dosage regimes comprising a clostridial vaccine and levamisole A composition and dosage regime including a vaccine and levamisole for the treatment of clostridial diseases and helminthiasis. New methods of administration relating to particular dosage regimes of such a composition are also claimed.
US08449891B2	Recombinant flagellin protein and preparation and use thereof The present invention provides an optimized recombinant flagellin protein and preparation and use thereof. The protein is with a deletion in the hypervariable region, said hypervariable region is the region from 180 to 400 amino acid of the flagellin protein, and the proteins include FliCΔ190-278, FliCΔ220-320 or FliCΔ180-400. The method of preparing said protein, comprising introducing a deletion into the hypervariable region of the flagellin protein. First constructed the flagellin protein recombinant plasmid, and then used it as template to construct the flagellin deletion cloning, and expressed and purified. The present invention also provides the use of the recombinant flagellin protein as adjuvant. The recombinant flagellin protein in present invention decreases the potential risks it may have, and decreases its antigenicity and immunogenicity and the inflammatory response induced by it, through deleting its main areas of immunogenicity and antigen activity.
US08449890B2	Neprilysin inhibitors In one aspect, the invention relates to compounds having the formula: where R1, R2a, R2b, R3-R6, a, b, Z, and X are as defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. These compounds have neprilysin inhibition activity. In another aspect, the invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds; methods of using such compounds; and processes and intermediates for preparing such compounds.
US08449884B2	Clotting factor-fc chimeric proteins to treat hemophilia The invention relates to a chimeric protein comprising at least one clotting factor and at least a portion of an immunoglobulin constant region. The invention relates to a method of treating a hemostatic disorder comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a chimeric protein wherein the chimeric protein comprises at least one clotting factor and at least a portion of an immunoglobulin constant region.
US08449881B2	Anti-α-enolase I antibodies for diagnosis and treatment of α-enolase I-associated diseases The invention relates to antibodies against α-enolase I, their pharmaceutical compositions and diagnosis and treatment uses. Particularly, the invention provides polyclonal anti-α-enolase I antibodies and monoclonal single-chain variable fragment (scFv) anti-α-enolase antibodies, pharmaceutical compositions containing the same and their uses in uses in diagnosis and treatment of cancers, autoimmune disorders, ischemia and bacterial infection.
US08449876B2	Human lysosomal proteins from plant cell culture A device, system and method for producing glycosylated proteins in plant culture, particularly proteins having a high mannose glycosylation, while targeting such proteins with an ER signal and/or by-passing the Golgi. The invention further relates to vectors and methods for expression and production of enzymatically active high mannose lysosomal enzymes using transgenic plant root, particularly carrot cells. More particularly, the invention relates to host cells, particularly transgenic suspended carrot cells, vectors and methods for high yield expression and production of biologically active high mannose Glucocerebrosidase (GCD). The invention further provides for compositions and methods for the treatment of lysosomal storage diseases.
US08449875B2	Targeting pseudotyped retroviral vectors The present invention provides targeted lentiviral vectors that are psuedotyped with mutated Sindbis envelopes. For example, mutations in the Sindbis E2 protein are used to alter viral titer, specificity, specificity index, tropism, and susceptibility to host immune response. Typically, one or more of the E1, E2, or E3 proteins can be mutated at one or more amino acid positions. The psuedotyped, targeted lentiviral vectors of the invention are used to transduce heterologous genes into a cell and can be used for in vivo and ex vivo therapeutic applications, as well as for diagnostic and research tool applications.
US08449874B2	Interleukin-1 muteins linked to virus-like particles to treat IL-1 associated diseases The present invention is related to the fields of molecular biology, virology, immunology and medicine. The invention provides a composition comprising an ordered and repetitive antigen array, wherein the antigen is an IL-1 mutein. More specifically, the invention provides a composition comprising a virus-like particle, and at least one IL-1 mutein linked thereto. The invention also provides a process for producing the composition. The compositions of the invention are useful in the production of vaccines for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, and chronic autoimmune diseases, genetic diseases and cardiovascular diseases. The composition of the invention efficiently induces immune responses, in particular antibody responses. Furthermore, the compositions of the invention are particularly useful to efficiently induce self-specific immune responses within the indicated context.
US08449870B2	Stable cosmetic emulsion with polyamide gelling agent The present invention relates to a gelled cosmetic emulsion comprising an oil phase, an aqueous phase and a gelling system which contains at least one non-siloxane based polyamide in a sufficient amount to gel the emulsion. The polyamide can have an tertiary amide, ester, acid, or amine terminal end group. The emulsion is stabilized with an alkylene oxide containing emulsion stabilizer. The polyamide resin is stabilized with a resin stabilizer containing an atom with a certain electronegativity. The emulsions of the present invention are substantially transparent and when colorants are added the color is especially bright and clear. The emulsions are used in lipstick and mascara products as well as other gel and stick products.
US08449868B2	Preparation of cationic nanoparticles and personal care compositions comprising said nanoparticles The present invention is directed to cationic nanoparticles, methods to make them, and the use of compositions containing said nanoparticles in personal care compositions or formulations. The nanoparticles are useful in personal care applications and impart antimicrobial properties to home and personal care products containing them. These cationic nanoparticles also contribute useful conditioning properties to hair-care and skin-care products.
US08449867B2	Microemulsion and sub-micron emulsion process and compositions An oil in water microemulsion or sub-micron emulsion composition for dermal delivery of at least one pharmaceutically active ingredient, is provided. The composition includes an oil phase dispersed throughout a water phase, the oil phase including at least one member selected from the group consisting of an animal oil, a mineral oil, a vegetable oil, a silane member, a siloxane, an ester, a fatty acid, a fat, a halogen compound, and an alkoxylated alcohol; and at least one lipophilic surfactant, the water phase including at least one hydrophilic surfactant, water and optionally a non-surfactant amphiphilic compound, the weight ratio of the at least one hydrophilic surfactant to the at least one lipophilic surfactant being approximately 9.0:1.0 to 2.0:3.0.
US08449861B2	Generation of hydrogen and oxygen from water and storage thereof with silicides In a process for photochemical and thermochemical generation of hydrogen and/or oxygen, water is contacted with at least one Si-containing compound selected from silicides, silicide-like compositions, and oxides of the silicides and silicide-like compositions. The Si-containing compound is selected from metallosilicides and non-metallic silicides of the formula RSixOy wherein R represents an organic, metallic, organometallic, biochemically derived and/or inorganic residue, wherein Si is silicon. The compound is preferably a silicide moiety with X>zero.
US08449860B2	Method and system for recovering sulfur in the thermal stage of a Claus reactor Method and system are presented for the combustion of hydrogen sulfide mixed with other gases for simultaneous recovery of sulfur and energy from hydrogen sulfide at higher efficiency. The amounts and velocity of the hydrogen sulfide into the reactor is selected in such a way that it is not possible to burn the hydrogen sulfide in a normal thin reaction zone during its combustion. The injected hydrogen sulfide gas is mixed in a thermal reactor with fresh air and hot active combustion gases in the reactor on account of internal jet pump effect and self-induced entrainment. The reaction is exothermic so that the chemical energy present in hydrogen sulfide is recovered together with the sulfur. Various reactors are shown capable of controlling the formation of a thermal distribution flow pattern based on the position, and position and direction (and other factors) regarding fluid introduction within a combustion chamber of the reactors.
US08449858B2	Continuous extraction technique for the purification of carbon nanomaterials Systems and methods for the purification of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by continuous liquid extraction are disclosed. Carbon nanotubes are introduced to a flow of liquid that enables the separation of CNTs from impurities due to differences in the dispersibility of the CNTs and the impurities within the liquid. Examples of such impurities may include amorphous carbon, graphitic nanoparticles, and metal containing nanoparticles. The continuous extraction process may be performed in one or more stages, where one or more of extraction parameters may be varied between the stages of the continuous extraction process in order to effect removal of selected impurities from the CNTs. The extraction parameters may include, but are not limited to, the extraction liquid, the flow rate of the extraction liquid, the agitation of the liquid, and the pH of the liquid, and may be varied, depending on the impurity to be removed from the CNTs.
US08449857B2	Method for saturating and re-saturating ammonia storage material in containers A method for saturating or re-saturating ammonia storage material (1) capable of reversibly absorbing and desorbing ammonia in one or more storage containers (2), wherein said material is partly or fully depleted of ammonia, with ammonia to a predetermined saturation degree comprises a. placing the storage container(s) (2) in direct or indirect contact with a thermostatting medium (4) at a temperature level TT≦ about 65° C.; and b. connecting the storage container(s) (2) to a source of gaseous ammonia wherein at least during a part of the method the gaseous ammonia during saturating or re-saturation of the ammonia storage material (1) is at a pressure PS≦ about PT, wherein PS is the ammonia pressure during saturating or re-saturating of the ammonia storage material (1) and PT is the equilibrium vapor pressure of liquid ammonia at the temperature level TT.
US08449855B2	Inorganic compounds The invention is related to a boride of a metal of transition group four of the periodic table of the elements, wherein at least 40 wt. % of the particles have a grain size of more than 106 μm, determined by sieve analysis according to ASTM B 214, and these particles consist of grown, monocrystalline grains. The invention also relates to a cermet, wettable powder and a surface coating which contain the boride. The invention further relates to a process to prepare the boride. The invention additionally relates to a process to prepare a cermet or a wettable powder.
US08449852B1	Diesel oxidation catalysts, systems and methods of treatment Diesel oxidation catalysts comprising a first washcoat layer including a platinum group metal impregnated on a promoted non-zeolitic support are described. The promoter is one or more of tin, manganese, indium, group VIII metals. Methods of making and using the diesel oxidation catalyst, including emissions treatment systems, are also described.
US08449850B2	Method and apparatus for the extraction and processing of molybdenum-99 A method for the extraction and purification of molybdenum, the method comprising the steps of: transferring an irradiated fuel solution to an extraction system, the irradiated fuel solution comprising iodine and molybdenum and other fission products, the extraction system comprising at least one sorbent column; passing the irradiated fuel solution upwards through the at least one sorbent-containing extraction column; directing the irradiated fuel solution towards a fuel management system by means of at least one discharge alignment valve; directing the extraction column eluate towards an iodine removal system; removing the iodine from the extraction column eluate; purifying the extraction column eluate; and collecting the purified eluate. Also disclosed is an apparatus for accomplishing the aforementioned method.
US08449835B2	Device for fecal occult blood test A devise for fecal occult blood test comprises a first and a second casings, a sampling portion extending from the first casing, a specimen processing portion, at least a testing portion and a packing cylindrical member. The packing cylindrical member is coupled between the first and second casings when unused and dismantled therefrom when used. After sampling via a specimen collecting portion of the sampling portion, the specimen collecting portion is drawn into the first casing to reduce the device size. The first and second casings are fixedly coupled together in a specimen processing position thereof to mix specimens with a liquid of the specimen processing portion into a testing liquid, and then in a specimen testing position thereof to disperse onto the testing portions for testing and directly display test results. The present invention advantages high accuracy, rather hygiene, significant size reduction, real-time testing-result display and convenient use.
US08449831B2	Spin formed catalyst A catalytic device and method for forming a catalytic device are described. The devices and methods described can be used for emissions systems in heavy duty diesel engines. In particular, a method of spin forming a catalytic device generally includes disposing a mat about an outer surface of a catalyst substrate and inserting the catalyst substrate and mat inside a shell. The mat is between the shell and the catalyst substrate. The shell, catalyst substrate, and mat can be spin formed into at least a generally elliptical shape but generally other than a circle shape.
US08449830B2	Microfluidic extraction and reaction device A microfluidic arrangement for extracting and optionally processing an extract from a sample and for transferring the extract in flowable form to a microfluidic chip using an extractor with a compressible extraction chamber and at least one opening thereof, a reactor that has a reaction chamber, an inlet opening that communicates with the at least one opening of the extractor, wherein the two openings define a flow path between the chambers, an outlet opening for fluidically connecting to the microfluidic chip and a ventilation opening of the reaction chamber, and having a filter arrangement installed in the flow path between the extractor and the reactor. A lab-on-a-chip system with such a microfluidic arrangement and a microfluidic chip that is rigidly connected to the reactor.
US08449829B2	Method of sterilization in clean air supply apparatus and clean air supply apparatus A clean air supply apparatus is provided which has an ability of sterilizing effectively and uniformly also a secondary side surface of a filter. The apparatus has a pre-filter 23 for roughly filtering air sequentially introduced from an air inlet port 18 for introducing air to an air supply port 22 for sending clean air to a work environment, a blower 24 for sucking air to the introduced, a heater 25 for adjusting a temperature of introduced air, a chemical agent gas supply apparatus 27, a chemical agent gas eject apparatus 26 for supplying chemical agent gas into the air path, high performance filters or ultrahigh performance filters 41 and 42 for filtering air to be delivered from an air supply port 22 to generate clean air.
US08449828B2	Blower type chemical diffusing apparatus, and chemical cartridge and chemical impregnated body used therefor A chemical cartridge for a blower-type chemical diffusing apparatus includes a chemical-impregnated body including an air-permeable and liquid-absorptive sheet impregnated with a chemical, and a retainer receptacle for containing the chemical-impregnated body. The retainer receptacle includes a liquid pool recess formed at a central area thereof such that liquid chemical stored in the liquid pool recess is permeable towards a peripheral area of the sheet.
US08449827B2	Reaction well for an automatic analysis appliance A reaction well, intended for use in an automatic analysis appliance and including an opening at its top end and one or two flaps for partially closing said opening, the flaps being separated by a slot enabling a liquid injection or sampling needle to pass through, and preventing stirrer means contained within the well from escaping.
US08449825B2	High throughput screen The present invention relates to a structure comprising a biological membrane and a porous or perforated substrate, a biological membrane, a substrate, a high throughput screen, methods for production of the structure membrane and substrate, and a method for screening a large number of test compounds in a short period. More particularly it relates to a structure comprising a biological membrane adhered to a porous or perforated substrate, a biological membrane capable of adhering with high resistance seals to a substrate such as perforated glass and the ability to form sheets having predominantly an ion channel or transporter of interest, a high throughput screen for determining the effect of test compounds on ion channel or transporter activity, methods for manufacture of the structure, membrane and substrate, and a method for monitoring ion channel or transporter activity in a membrane.
US08449822B2	Smear preparing apparatuses and methods of preparing sample smears Smear preparing apparatuses for preparing a smear of a specimen on a glass slide are described that include a memory for storing smearing conditions in connection with pertinent information required for establishing the smearing condition; and a controller for retrieving one of the stored smearing conditions corresponding to the pertinent information of the specimen from the memory and for determining it as the smearing condition of the specimen. Methods of preparing sample smears on a glass slide are also described that include receiving condition identification data; storing smear preparing conditions correlated with the condition identification data; retrieving the smear preparing conditions correlated with the condition identification data; and applying the sample smear to the glass slide based on the smear preparing conditions.
US08449821B2	Slug mitigation by increasing available surge capacity A system includes a controller and an apparatus that includes a housing having a volume and an inlet. The inlet can receive a fluid that includes a gas and a liquid. The apparatus also includes a baffle that partitions the volume into a first portion and a second portion. The baffle extends from a base of the housing. The first portion can receive the liquid and separate the liquid into a first part and a second part. The second portion can receive the second part of the liquid from the first portion. The controller regulates an amount of the second part of the liquid in the second portion such that a level of the second part of the liquid is higher than a height that the baffle extends from the base of the housing, thus enabling the use of the extra surge capacity in the vessel.
US08449816B2	Composition and methods of preparation of target material for producing radionuclides A composition suitable for use as a target containing antimony to be irradiated by accelerated charged particles (e.g., by protons to produce tin-117m) comprises an intermetallic compound of antimony and titanium which is synthesized at high-temperature, for example, in an arc furnace. The formed material is powdered and melted in an induction furnace, or heated at high gas pressure in gas static camera. The obtained product has a density, temperature stability, and heat conductivity sufficient to provide an appropriate target material.
US08449814B2	Systems and methods for melting scrap metal A scrap submergence vessel for melting scrap metal is disclosed. The vessel comprises a front wall comprising an inlet, a back wall (opposite the front wall) comprising an outlet, and a flow direction member that causes molten metal flowing into the inlet to be directed at least partially upward against a portion of the back wall. The movement of molten metal through the vessel creates a downward pull that draws metal scrap placed above or within the vessel downward into the molten metal bath where it melts.
US08449804B2	Evacuation process for use in a method for producing a composite structure The present invention relates to a method for producing a composite structure comprising fiber reinforced material by means of vacuum assisted resin transfer molding, where fiber material is impregnated with liquid resin. The method comprises an evacuation process of a mold cavity by initially providing an under-pressure in a part of the mold cavity in order to provide a first vacuum front having a first pressure gradient oriented towards a first side of the forming structure, and a second vacuum front with a second pressure gradient oriented towards a second side of the forming structure, and controlling the first vacuum front and the second front to move towards the first side and the second side of the forming structure, respectively.
US08449801B2	Composition and process for preparing NIR shielding masterbatch and NIR shielding masterbatch and application thereof Disclosed herein is a method for preparing a near infrared shielding masterbatch. The method includes the steps of preparing and compounding a composition, and then pelletizing the compounded composition. The composition includes at least one metallic ionic compound powder in an amount of about 1-25 wt %, a cross-linking agent in an amount of about 0.1-5 wt %, a thermoplastic polymer in an amount of about 67-98.7 wt %, an initiator in an amount of about 0.1-1 wt %, and a dispersing agent in an amount of about 0.1-2 wt %.
US08449796B2	Method of manufacturing light guide and method of manufacturing a radiation detector According to a method of manufacturing a light guide of this invention, a shaping member is provided that covers a molding frame. In a releasing step, when the shaping member is lifted up in a direction apart from the molding frame, the light guide is lifted and pulled out from an aperture of the molding frame accordingly. As a result, there is no need to pull out the light guide by conventionally providing a pressing plug on a bottom of the molding frame and pressing the plug in a direction. In addition, there is no need to perform a grinding process to the light guide.
US08449794B2	Non-resonant two-photon absorption recording material and non-resonant two-photon absorption compound A non-resonant two-photon absorption recording material containing at least (a) a non-resonant two-photon absorption compound, and (b) a recording component in which at least either a refractive index or fluorescence intensity changes, wherein the non-resonant two-photon absorption compound (a) is a compound having a structure represented by formula (1) as described.
US08449786B2	Film adhesive for semiconductor vacuum processing apparatus A bonded assembly to reduce particle contamination in a semiconductor vacuum chamber such as a plasma processing apparatus is provided, including an elastomeric sheet adhesive bond between mating surfaces of a component and a support member to accommodate thermal stresses. The elastomeric sheet comprises a silicone adhesive to withstand a high shear strain of ≧800% at a temperature range between room temperature and 300° C. such as heat curable high molecular weight dimethyl silicone with optional fillers. The sheet form has bond thickness control for parallelism of bonded surfaces. The sheet adhesive may be cut into pre-form shapes to conform to regularly or irregularly shaped features, maximize surface contact area with mating parts, and can be installed into cavities. Installation can be manually, manually with installation tooling, or with automated machinery. Composite layers of sheet adhesive having different physical properties can be laminated or coplanar.
US08449781B2	Selective etch back process for carbon nanotubes intergration The present disclosure relates to a method for selectively etching-back a polymer matrix to expose tips of carbon nanotubes comprising: a. growing carbon nanotubes on a conductive substrate; b. filling the gap around the carbon nanotubes with a polymeric fill matrix comprising at least one latent photoacid generator; and c. selectively etching-back the polymeric fill matrix to expose tips of the carbon nanotubes.
US08449779B2	Backflow collection receptacle and method for reclaiming the same The present disclosure provides a collection receptacle and a method for reclaiming backflow from a wellbore. The collection receptacle, in one embodiment, includes an enclosure configured to collect solid and liquid matter, and an elevated auger extending into the enclosure and configured to remove the solid matter from the enclosure. In this embodiment, the auger includes a housing and a flighting, the housing and flighting configured in such a way as to promote separation of the solid matter from the liquid matter as the solid matter travels up the auger and out of the enclosure.
US08449778B2	Ballast water treatment method A method for treating ballast water with sulfurous acid to kill invasive species and remove oxygen from the ballast water to preserve hulls from rusting.
US08449775B2	Adsorption of heavy metals in waste water A method and adsorbent composition for removing heavy metals from contaminated water, including mixing a water having a concentration of one or more heavy metals with an adsorbent including granules of a mixture of 3.33 wt % bentonite clay and a siwak stick powder; and collecting water having a reduced concentration of the heavy metal(s).
US08449773B2	Method for pretreatment of cellulosic and lignocellulosic materials for conversion into bioenergy A process for converting organic waste materials into usable products and products thereof is disclosed. According to the process, organic waste materials are contacted with an oxidant to form a product and then an amount of the oxidant is removed from the product to form a reactor-ready feedstock. The oxidant is removed by various means, including washing, photolysis, catalytic means, oxidation of the oxidant, reduction of the oxidant, and heat. The reactor-ready feedstock may then be introduced into a reactor, such as a digester or incubator, and the reactor-ready feedstock is converted by microorganisms into biofuel or other products.
US08449772B2	Micro fluidic system and a method of attaching a membrane to a tube A micro fluidic system comprising at least one tube (1), a membrane (3) and at least one fitting member (4). The fitting member (4) is positioned around the membrane (3) and an end part (2) of the tube(s) (1), thereby fitting the membrane (3) to the end part(s) (2). The fitting member(s) (4) is/are made from a shrinkable material, and it/they is/are fitted tightly around the membrane (3) end part(s) (2). This is obtained by causing the shrinkable material to shrink, e.g. by heating the material, while the fitting member (4) is positioned around the membrane (3) and the end part(s) (2). It is an advantage that the fitting member (4) is made from a shrinkable material because this provides the possibility of fitting the membrane (3) tightly to the end part(s) (2) in an easy and cost effective manner. The micro fluidic system is very suitable for use in a probe, such as a dialysis probe. Also claimed is a method of manufacturing the micro fluidic system.
US08449771B2	Pump for a desalination system A pump assembly to move water past a reverse osmosis membrane, the pump assembly having a first pump and a second pump each including a bore having a longitudinal axis and surrounding a chamber. First and second partition members extend longitudinally of the chamber. The second partition is moveable relative to the first partition member, and divides the chamber into a first sub chamber and a second sub chamber. A shaft is attached to the second member to cause angular movement thereof about the axis to change the volumes of the sub chambers. End caps are fitted to ends of each chamber to contain pressure, and ducting is provided to provide for the flow of water. The shaft of the first pump is coupled to the shaft of the second pump so that the first pump second partition angularly oscillates in phase with the second pump second partition.
US08449766B2	Device for capturing odor and/or taste-generating substances present in water flowing in a network The invention relates to a device (10) for capturing odor- and/or taste-generating substances present in water flowing continuously in a water distribution network via a pipe (12). In characteristic manner, the device comprises: capture means (22) for capturing said substances; at least one chamber (18) containing said capture means (22) and suitable for having network water flow therethrough; and hydraulic link and connection means (14; 42) between said chamber (18) and said pipe (12). The invention is applicable to networks for distributing drinking water.
US08449763B2	Nozzle reactor and method of use Embodiments of a nozzle reactor of the type useable to inject a first material feed stock and a second material feed stock to cause interaction between the first material feed stock and second material feed stock are described herein. According to some embodiments, the nozzle reactor may crack residual oil produced by other processing units in a refinery process. Furthermore, nozzle reactors may replace traditional processing units of a refinery process, such as cokers, hydrocrackers and deasphalting units.
US08449759B2	Apparatus and method for controlling a gas sensor A gas sensor control apparatus including internal resistance detection means for detecting an internal resistance value of one of cells of a gas sensor, concentration detection means for detecting a concentration value of a specific gas component in a gas to be measured and outputting the detected concentration value, heater current supply control means for controlling a current to be supplied to a heater of the gas sensor such that the detected internal resistance value becomes a target value, determination means for determining whether or not the detected internal resistance value is within a permissible range including the target value, nullification information generation means for generating nullification information to nullify the detected concentration value, when it is determined that the target value is out of the permissible range, and nullification information output means for outputting the nullification information to an external device connected to the gas sensor control apparatus.
US08449758B2	Small volume in vitro analyte sensor and methods of making A sensor utilizing a non-leachable or diffusible redox mediator is described. The sensor includes a sample chamber to hold a sample in electrolytic contact with a working electrode, and in at least some instances, the sensor also contains a non-leachable or a diffusible second electron transfer agent. The sensor and/or the methods used produce a sensor signal in response to the analyte that can be distinguished from a background signal caused by the mediator. The invention can be used to determine the concentration of a biomolecule, such as glucose or lactate, in a biological fluid, such as blood or serum, using techniques such as coulometry, amperometry; and potentiometry. An enzyme capable of catalyzing the electrooxidation or electroreduction of the biomolecule is typically provided as a second electron transfer agent.
US08449755B2	Process for the anodic dehydrodimerization of substituted phenols The invention relates to a process for preparing biaryl alcohols, in which anodic dehydrodimerization of substituted phenols is carried out in the presence of partially fluorinated and/or periluorinated mediators and a supporting electrolyte at a graphite electrode.
US08449752B2	Trailing plated step Methods for fabrication of magnetic write heads, and more specifically to fabrication of magnetic poles and trailing magnetic pole steps. A write pole may first be patterned on a substrate. Then a side gap material may be patterned along sidewall portions of the write pole. Thereafter, a masking layer may be deposited and patterned to expose a portion of the write pole. A trailing magnetic pole step may be formed on the exposed portion of the write pole.
US08449751B2	Copper electrolytic solution containing amine compound having specific skeleton and organosulfur compound as additives, and electrolytic copper foil produced using the same The invention has an object of obtaining a low-profile electrolytic copper foil made by electrolytic copper foil manufacturing using a cathode drum such that the surface roughness on the rough surface side (the opposite side to the lustrous surface) is low. In particular, the invention has an object of obtaining an electrolytic copper foil that can be finely patterned and have an excellent elongation and tensile strength at normal and high temperatures. This object is attained by using a copper electrolytic solution containing, as additives, an organosulfur compound, and an amine compound having a specific skeleton obtained by additively reacting an amine compound and a compound having one or more epoxy groups in a molecule thereof to an addition reaction.
US08449750B2	Fluid separator with smart surface A separating system for separating a fluid mixture incorporates a smart surface having reversibly switchable properties. A voltage is selectively applied to the smart surface to attract or repel constituents of a fluid mixture, such as oil and water produced from a hydrocarbon well. The smart surface can be used in a conditioner to increase droplet size prior to entering a conventional separator, or the smart surface and other elements of the invention can be incorporated into an otherwise conventional separator to enhance separation. In a related aspect, a concentration sensor incorporating smart surfaces senses concentration of the fluid mixture's constituents.
US08449748B2	Sample separation/adsorption appliance A sample separation/adsorption appliance (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a first buffer solution tank (103) equipped with a first electrode (101) and used for holding a first buffer solution; a second buffer solution tank (104) equipped with a second electrode (102) and used for holding a second buffer solution; a sample separation section (110) that holds a sample separation medium (131) for separating a sample; and a conductive section (120) that holds a conductive medium (133), wherein: the sample separation medium (131) and the conductive medium (133) are in contact with the sample adsorption member (132), respectively, on the opposite sides thereof; an end of the sample separation medium (131) opposite to an end being in contact with the sample adsorption member (132) is connected to an inside of the first buffer solution tank (103); and an end of the conductive medium (133) opposite to an end being in contact with the sample adsorption member (132) is connected to an inside of the second buffer solution tank (104). With this arrangement, a sample separation/adsorption appliance that enables efficient transfer of a sample is offered.
US08449745B2	Monolithic electrophoresis flat gel system Apparatus, systems and methods for performing gel electrophoresis using a horizontal monolithic electrophoresis unit that at least includes first and second buffer chambers containing buffer solution and a gel chamber containing a pre-cast flat gel, whereby all of these chambers are integrated into a pre-fabricated single unit that is ready for use. In performing gel electrophoresis, a top seal of this monolithic electrophoresis unit is removed, target samples are loaded into the pre-cast gel, interior walls of the unit are broken to allow buffer from anode and cathode chambers to combine within the gel chamber and cover the loaded gel matrix, a reusable lid is attached to the top surface of the unit, and an electrical connection is provided through the reusable lid into the horizontal monolithic electrophoresis unit for performing electrophoresis on the flat pre-cast gel.
US08449742B2	Gas sensor and method of manufacturing same The gas sensor includes a sensor element having electrode pads formed in its electrode forming surfaces at the proximal end portion thereof, an insert-holding insulator insert-holding the sensor element, a housing insert-holding the insert-holding insulator, and a terminal unit. The proximal end portion of the sensor element is held by the terminal unit which includes a pair of proximal end insulators formed with metal terminals at their inner surfaces, and a spring member pressing the proximal end insulators in a direction that they approach each other. Each of the proximal end insulators includes an insulator contact portion in contact with one of the electrode forming surfaces. The insulator contact portion is located closer to the proximal end of the sensor element than a terminal contact portion at which the metal terminal contacts a corresponding one of the electrode pads.
US08449741B2	Method for influencing the properties of cast iron, and oxygen sensor A method is provided for influencing the properties of cast iron by adding magnesium to the cast iron melt and measuring the oxygen content of the cast iron melt. Magnesium is added to the cast iron melt until the oxygen content of the cast iron melt is approximately 0.005 to 0.2 ppm at a temperature of approximately 1,420° C. A sensor for measuring the oxygen content in cast iron melts contains an electrochemical measuring cell containing a solid electrolyte tube.
US08449739B2	Metal-coated carbon surfaces for use in fuel cells A method of coating a carbon article with a metal by reductively electropolymerizing the metal via cyclic voltammetry on the carbon article, thereby forming a metal coating on the carbon article and the polymerized metal-coated carbon article made by the method. A polymerized metal-coated carbon article having a carbon article and a metal coating disposed on an exterior surface of the carbon article, the coating being present in an amount less than about 0.1 mg/cm2. A method of using a fuel cell by forming a fuel cell with a polymerized metal-coated carbon article as a working electrode and reducing oxygen, thereby providing power to a vehicle. A fuel cell including a polymerized metal-coated carbon article as a working electrode.
US08449736B2	Hydrogen supplemental system for on-demand hydrogen generation for internal combustion engines A hydrogen generation system for producing hydrogen and injecting the hydrogen as a fuel supplement into the air intake of internal combustion engines. Hydrogen and oxygen is produced with a fuel cell at low temperatures and pressure from water in a supply tank. The hydrogen is directed to the air intake of the engine while the oxygen is vented to the atmosphere. The device is powered by the vehicle battery. The system utilizes an engine sensor that permits power to the system only when the engine is in operation.
US08449731B1	Method and apparatus for increasing local plasma density in magnetically confined plasma Local plasma density, e.g., the plasma density in the vicinity of the substrate, is increased by providing an ion extractor configured to transfer ions and electrons from a first region of magnetically confined plasma (typically a region of higher density plasma) to a second region of plasma (typically a region of lower density plasma). The second region of plasma is preferably also magnetically shaped or confined and resides between the first region of plasma and the substrate. A positively biased conductive member positioned proximate the second region of plasma serves as an ion extractor. A positive bias of about 50-300 V is applied to the ion extractor causing electrons and subsequently ions to be transferred from the first region of plasma to the vicinity of the substrate, thereby forming higher density plasma. Provided methods and apparatus are used for deposition and resputtering.
US08449723B2	Shoe press belt A shoe press belt includes a substrate, a wet paper web-side layer provided on the outer side of the substrate; and a shoe-side layer on the inner side; the wet paper web-side layer and the shoe-side layer are made from a high-polymer elastic material. The surface layer of the wet paper web-side layer includes concave water catching parts and land parts which are projecting parts occurring due to formation of the water catching parts. The occurrence of cracks in the surface part of the land part and the bottom part and corner parts of the water catching part of the shoe press belt is suppressed by setting the hardness of the surface part of the land part at a relatively higher value than the hardness of the bottom part of the water catching part. Thereby, occurrence of cracks in the surface part of the land parts and the bottom part of the water catching part in a shoe press belt having water catching parts and land parts in the surface layer of the wet paper web-side layer can be suppressed.
US08449722B2	Used paper recycling apparatus and its constitutent devices A used paper recycling apparatus being installed in a room of a small shop or the like, friendly to the environment, low in running cost, and capable of maintaining a high confidentiality. The apparatus includes, in an apparatus case of furniture size, a pulp making section for manufacturing used paper pulp by macerating and mashing used paper, a paper making section for manufacturing recycled paper by making the used paper pulp manufactured in the pulp making section, and a control section for driving and controlling the pulp making section and paper making section, in which the pulp making section comprises a macerating unit for macerating the used paper by agitating and tearing, and a mashing unit for mashing the used paper macerated in the macerating unit, and the mashing machine of the mashing unit has mashing members rotating relatively being disposed oppositely across a slight mashing clearance, and the opposing faces of these mashing members cooperate to form a mashing action surface, and the used paper passing the mashing clearance is pressurized and mashed by the mashing action surface, and the inks forming characters and patterns on the used paper are pulverized.
US08449721B2	Aqueous suspensions of fine-particulate fillers, method for the manufacture thereof and use thereof for the manufacture of fluid-containing papers Aqueous slurries of finely divided fillers which are at least partly covered by anionic latices, the slurries being obtainable by treating aqueous slurries of finely divided fillers with at least one anionic latex which comprises, incorporated in the form of polymerized units, at least one monomer comprising phosphonic and/or phosphoric acid groups, preparation of the aqueous slurries and their use as an additive to the paper stock in the production of filler-containing paper, filler-containing cardboard or filler-containing board by draining the paper stock.
US08449717B2	Method for preventing clogging in a strainer construction for a continuous digester The method is for influencing the flow from a strainer construction in a continuous digester. In order to avoid clogging of the withdrawal compartment in the strainer construction, an additive that counteracts precipitation processes is added directly to the withdrawal compartment while the cooking fluid is withdrawn from the withdrawal compartment. The addition of chemicals can take place at the same time as the withdrawn cooking fluid is withdrawn from the digester and the strainer construction, or while the withdrawn cooking fluid is fully or partially re-circulated back to the withdrawal compartment.
US08449716B2	Device and method for separating a substrate from a carrier substrate Device for separating a substrate from a carrier substrate which is connected to the substrate by an interconnect layer. The device includes a carrier substrate holder with a holding surface for holding the carrier substrate, and a substrate holder which is located opposite the carrier substrate holder with a substrate holding surface which can be located parallel to the holding surface for accommodating the substrate. There are separating means for parallel displacement of the substrate relative to the carrier substrate in the interconnected state of the substrate and carrier substrate.
US08449712B2	Electrode bonding method and part mounting apparatus An electrode bonding method according to the present invention includes: a plasma cleaning step of irradiating an electrode surface to be cleaned of at least either one of a part, such as a semiconductor device, and a substrate with atmospheric pressure plasma for cleaning; an inert gas atmosphere maintaining step of covering the electrode surface to be cleaned and its vicinity with a first inert gas before the irradiation of the atmospheric pressure plasma is ended, and maintaining that state even thereafter; and a bonding step of bonding an electrode of the part and an electrode on the substrate before the inert gas atmosphere maintaining step is ended. The electrode surface is thereby plasma-cleaned without the possibility of damaging the part to be bonded to the substrate, and the cleaned state is maintained while bonding the electrodes to provide an electrode bonding state of high bonding force and high reliability.
US08449709B2	Method of fabricating fiber reinforced composite structure having stepped surface Fiber reinforced composite structures having curved stepped surfaces are fabricated by laying up plies of fiber reinforced material over a tool having a stepped tool feature. The plies are rotated about a fixed axis as they are laid up to substantially form a fixed axis rosette pattern. The plies are angularly oriented such that at least certain of the plies have fiber orientations other than 0, +45, −45 and 90 degrees. Potential bridging of the fibers over the stepped tool features is reduced or eliminated by cutting slits in the plies in the area of the stepped features, so that the plies can be fully compacted.
US08449707B2	Method of manufacturing a structural polymer core assembly A composite structure, and method of manufacturing it, having a specified width, length, and height defining a top and bottom the composite structure. The composite structure includes a three dimensional structural core constructed of a polymer with a first series of a geometric pattern repeated along its length. The structural core also has a second series of the geometric pattern repeated along the width thereof. The geometric patter may be a sinusoidal curve or a substantially pyramidal shape. The composite structure also includes a first reinforcement layer made of a polymer positioned above the structural core and bonded thereto. It also includes a second reinforcement layer made of a polymer that is positioned below the structural core and bonded thereto. The composite structure may also include a decorative layer above the first reinforcement layer, an acoustical batting layer positioned between the first reinforcement layer and the structural core, and may include fire retardant chemicals.
US08449706B2	Process for manufacturing deaerating hollow fiber module A process for manufacturing a deaerating hollow fiber module with no core, including the steps of wrapping a sheet containing a multiplicity of hollow fibers around a temporary core; retaining in tubular form the sheet wrapped around the temporary core; and removing the temporary core from the sheet retained in tubular form.
US08449704B2	Method of making a coated glass article, and intermediate product used in same A temporary protective coating is provided over a coated glass substrate. The temporary protective coating includes a hot melt adhesive and is preferably applied in liquid form then solidified on the substrate. Moreover, the temporary protective coating can be easily removed by simply peeling it off. In certain example embodiments, the temporary protective coating is applied after heat treatment and is removed by peeling it off before the coated substrate is coupled to another substrate to form a window unit such as an IG window unit or a laminated vehicle windshield.
US08449703B2	Predictable bonded rework of composite structures using tailored patches A patch for reworking an inconsistent area in a composite structure includes a composite laminate patch and a layer of adhesive for bonding the laminate patch to the composite structure. The laminate patch has at least first and second regions for releasing strain energy around the inconsistent area respectively at different rates.
US08449701B2	Acoustic baffle members and methods for applying acoustic baffles in cavities An uncured acoustic absorbing member for cavity sealing comprises a thermally inert carrier (8, 28) and a thermally expandable material (6, 26) applied to the carrier (8, 28). The carrier (8, 28) contains openings (3) which become covered when the thermally expandable material (6, 26) is expanded to seal the cavity. The thermally expandable material (6, 26) may be in the form of substantially discontinuous segments (25) having an area in the range of 0.25 to 400 mm2. The substantially discontinuous segments (25) provide a highly uniform expansion of the material when it is thermally expanded. The acoustic absorbing members are particularly useful for sealing automotive cavities to provide acoustical abatement and to prevent the entry of fluids into the cavity.
US08449694B2	Method for producing a surface-decarburised hot-rolled strip Disclosed is a method which allows steel strip to be produced in which high hardness and good formability are combined. The following steps of operation are followed: making the steel strip from the heat-treatable steel, heating the steel strip, when coiled into the open coil, to a decarburising annealing temperature which may be up to 20° C. below the Ac1 temperature of the given heat-treatable steel and which does not exceed the Ac3 temperature of the given heat-treatable steel, annealing the steel strip, in the open coil, in a decarburising atmosphere for a decarburising annealing time of at least 90 minutes, the decarburising gas which forms the decarburising atmosphere flowing through the gaps which exist between the layers of the open coil, accelerated cooling the steel strip, the depth of decarburisation, as measured from the given surface of the steel strip, being limited to a range which is less than a quarter of the thickness of the steel strip.
US08449691B2	Liquid solvent abutment unit In order to provide a liquid solvent abutment unit for accelerating the reaction of a liquid solvent against an adhesive member existing between a perforated support plate and a wafer, a liquid solvent abutment unit includes a supply part for supplying a support plate surface with a liquid solvent, a retention part for retaining the supplied liquid solvent in the hole-formed region on the support plate surface; a recovery part for recovering the liquid solvent retained in the hole-formed region, and a vibration unit for vibrating the liquid solvent.
US08449688B2	High-pressure liquid atomisation nozzle for a machine for cleaning optical lenses or other substrates High-pressure washing liquid spray intended for use in a washing machine for ophthalmic glass or other substrates, consisting of an entry opening (11) for washing liquid and an exit opening (12) for liquid in a jet, connected by a channel. The channel (1) has a rectangular channel in cross section which introduces a constriction, in particular in the center, giving that channel an X shape, so as to form, on one hand, downstream of the above-mentioned constriction, an expanded exit cavity (13) ending in a slit forming the exit opening (12) and, upstream of the above-mentioned constriction on the other hand, an entry cavity (14) in the base cone where the rectangular base forms the entry opening (11) of the channel (1).
US08449685B2	Automatic sanitation system A cover for a pedicure spa containing an automatic sanitation apparatus is disclosed. When activated, the cover automatically sprays disinfectant in a circular motion from a nozzle on the bottom of the cover. The interior surfaces of the pedicure basin are treated with the disinfectant solution. The pedicure basin is thereby efficiently and thoroughly sanitized.
US08449684B2	Substrate cleaning method, substrate cleaning system and program storage medium The present invention provides a substrate cleaning method capable of removing particles from the entire surface of a substrate to be processed at a high removing efficiency. In the substrate cleaning method according to the present invention, a substrate to be processed W is immersed in a cleaning liquid in a cleaning tank 12. Then, ultrasonic waves are generated in the cleaning liquid contained in the cleaning tank 12, so that the substrate W is subjected to an ultrasonic cleaning process. The step of generating ultrasonic waves includes a step of generating ultrasonic waves in the cleaning tank while the cleaning liquid is being supplied into the cleaning tank. A supply rate at which the cleaning liquid is supplied into the cleaning tank at a certain timing in the step of generating ultrasonic waves differs from a supply rate at which the cleaning liquid is supplied into the cleaning tank at another timing in the step of generating ultrasonic waves.
US08449683B2	Apparatus and method for picking up stickers in grassy and other areas An apparatus and method for picking up stickers in grassy or other ground areas. A roller is rotatably mounted on a frame and a stretchable fabric is removably mounted and stretched on an outer surface of the roller. The fabric is of a construction and thickness to pick up stickers as the roller is moved by the frame and rotated in engagement with a grassy or other ground surface. When the fabric is full of stickers, it is removed from the roller and replaced with a new unused stretchable fabric that is removably mounted on the roller.
US08449682B2	Swivel broom A broom comprises a head supporting bristles. A handle is connected to the head at a swivel joint where the swivel joint allows the handle to feely rotate relative to the head. A lock is movable to a locked position to fix the position of the handle relative to the head when the head is in a first position relative to the handle and an unlocked position where the head is free to rotate relative to the handle. A method of operating a broom comprises providing a head supporting bristles connected to a handle at a lockable swivel joint; locking the lockable swivel joint to fix the position of the handle relative to the head in a first position; and unlocking the lockable swivel joint to allow the handle to rotate relative to the head.
US08449678B2	Combinatorial process system A combinatorial processing chamber is provided. The combinatorial processing chamber is configured to isolate a radial portion of a rotatable substrate support, which in turn is configured to support a substrate. The chamber includes a plurality of clusters process heads in one embodiment. An insert having a base plate disposed between the substrate support and the process heads defines a confinement region for a deposition process in one embodiment. The base plate has an opening to enable access of the deposition material to the substrate. Through rotation of the substrate and movement of the opening, multiple regions of the substrate are accessible for performing combinatorial processing on a single substrate.
US08449672B2	Method of growing group III nitride crystals This disclosure pertains to a process for making single crystal Group III nitride, particularly gallium nitride, at low pressure and temperature, in the region of the phase diagram of Group III nitride where Group III nitride is thermodynamically stable comprises a charge in the reaction vessel of (a) Group III nitride material as a source, (b) a barrier of solvent interposed between said source of Group III nitride and the deposition site, the solvent being prepared from the lithium nitride (Li3N) combined with barium fluoride (BaF2), or lithium nitride combined with barium fluoride and lithium fluoride (LiF) composition, heating the solvent to render it molten, dissolution of the source of GaN material in the molten solvent and following precipitation of GaN single crystals either self seeded or on the seed, maintaining conditions and then precipitating out.
US08449668B2	Method and composition for priming wood and natural fibres This invention relates to a primer composition for wood comprising a waterborne composition comprising polyamine and having a pH of at least 11.5 and a method of improving the bonding of wood with coatings such as electrostatic coatings, and adhesives using the primer.
US08449667B2	Sealing reagent for aluminum alloy A nickel-free sealing reagent comprises an alkyl sodium sulfonate compound, a dispersing agent, and a siloxane defoaming agent. A method of sealing an alloy comprises applying a nickel-free sealing reagent to the alloy, wherein the sealing agent comprises an alkyl sodium sulfonate compound, a dispersing agent, and a siloxane defoaming agent.
US08449663B2	Wax composition, method for manufacturing, and method for waxing A wax composition is provided according to the invention. The wax composition includes a wax component, a double tail surfactant component, and water. The weight ratio of the wax component to the double tail surfactant component, on a solids basis, is about 0.1 to about 1.25. A foam wax composition and a method for waxing are provided.
US08449661B2	Filter arrangement To connect and disconnect a filter in a gas flow system, a filter unit has a filter housing wherein an adsorption/absorption filter is movably arranged. The filter housing has two tube connectors for connecting the filter unit in a gas conducting passage. The filter unit also has a shifting element which is movable from a first to at least a second position. The first position allows the filter to substantially fill the gas conducting passage in a way that forces the gas in the gas flow system to pass through the filter, whereas the second position substantially removes the filter from the gas conducting passage, allowing the gas to pass through the filter unit without passing the filter.
US08449660B2	Polytetrafluoroethylene porous membrane, method for producing same, and waterproof air-permeable filter A first unsintered sheet made of PTFE having a standard specific gravity of 2.16 or more and a second unsintered sheet made of PTFE having a standard specific gravity of less than 2.16 are laminated, and a pressure is applied to a resulting laminated body so as to obtain a pressure-bonded article. The pressure-bonded article is stretched in a specified direction at a temperature lower than a melting point of PTFE, and then the pressure-bonded article is stretched further in the specified direction at a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of PTFE or heated to a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of PTFE. Thereafter, the pressure-bonded article stretched in the specified direction is stretched in a width direction perpendicular to the specified direction at a temperature lower than the melting point of PTFE.
US08449648B2	Method for drying a compressed gas Method for drying compressed gas using a dryer with pressure vessels. The method having the steps of guiding a first part of the gas to a cooler via a regulating valve, and of subsequently drying this first part of the gas in the drying pressure vessel; and of heating a second part of the gas so as to regenerate the regenerating pressure vessel. When the temperature in the regenerating pressure vessel rises above an upper limit value, the regulating valve will be gradually moved in the direction of the shut position and, when the temperature in the regenerating pressure vessel drops under a predetermined bottom limit, the regulating valve will be gradually moved in the direction of the entirely open position, which adjustment allows to set the compressed gas at a desired temperature.
US08449646B1	Method for preparing titanium powder with low oxygen concentration Disclosed is a method for preparing low-oxygen titanium powders. The method includes (a) separately placing titanium base powders and calcium in a deoxidation container, (b) deoxidizing the titanium base powders by heating an inner part of the deoxidation container at a temperature of 850° C. to 1050° C. so that the calcium is evaporated to make contact with the titanium base powders, (c) removing calcium oxide from surfaces of titanium powders, which are obtained by deoxidizing the titanium base powders in step (b), by washing the titanium powders, and (d) drying the titanium powders subject to the removing of the calcium oxide in step (c).
US08449643B2	Exhaust gas cleaner An exhaust gas cleaner which can attain an improvement in the efficiency of particulate filter regeneration and has excellent durability. The exhaust gas cleaner, which purifies an exhaust gas discharged from an internal combustion engine, comprises: a gas channel through which the exhaust gas flows; and a DPF (17) disposed in the gas channel and having many pores. The DPF (17) has an introduction surface (171) which comes into contact with the exhaust gas, the surface (171) having been almost wholly coated with a microporous material (18) having micropores with a smaller pore diameter than the pores. This microporous material (18) comprises a support made of an oxygen-storing/releasing oxide having one or more elements selected from the group consisting of alkaline earth metal elements, transition metal elements, Group-12 elements, and Group-13 elements and a silver-containing catalyst deposited on the support.
US08449635B2	Abrasive articles and methods for making same The disclosure is directed to an abrasive article. The abrasive article includes a backing having a major surface and a make layer. The make layer is disposed over the major surface of the backing. The make layer includes abrasive grains and a photoinitiator that increases the depth of ultraviolet cure of the make layer by at least about 50% compared to bis(2,4,6-trimethyl benzoyl) phenyl phosphine oxide. The disclosure is also directed to a method for forming the abrasive article.
US08449633B2	Steam-hydrocarbon reforming with limited steam export A steam-hydrocarbon reforming process and apparatus wherein reformate from a prereformer is reacted in a gas heated reformer which is heated by reformed gas from a primary reformer. Reformate from the gas heated reformer is passed to the primary reformer as feed gas.
US08449629B2	Production of biodiesel fuels which are low in glycerin and sulfur The present invention relates to a process and apparatus for the production of carboxylic acid esters and/or biodiesel fuel from feedstocks containing fatty acids, glycerated fatty acids, and glycerin by reactive distillation. Specifically, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to the production of biodiesel fuels having low glycerin, water, and sulfur content on an industrial scale.
US08449625B2	Methods of measuring heart valve annuluses for valve replacement A device for measuring an expanded internal orifice of a patient includes an orifice-expanding device, a pressure measuring device, and a size-measuring device. The size-measuring device measures a dimension of the orifice after it has been expanded by the orifice-expanding device.
US08449624B2	Arm prosthetic device A prosthetic arm apparatus including a plurality of segments that provide a user of the prosthetic arm apparatus with substantially the same movement capability and function as a human arm. The segments are connectable to one another and connectable to a prosthetic support apparatus that may be adorned by the user. Each segment of the plurality of segments provides a portion of the movement capability, enabling the plurality of connected segments connected to the harness mount to provide substantially the same movement capability as that lacking in the user.
US08449623B2	Self-aligning prosthesis with hydraulic actuators A hydraulic device includes a first plate that pivots in a first direction, a second plate that pivots in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, a first hydraulic system comprising a first cylinder and piston, a second cylinder and piston and, channels connecting the first cylinder to the second cylinder, the first hydraulic system filled with hydraulic fluid, wherein the transfer of fluid between the first cylinder and second cylinder pivots the first plate, and a second hydraulic system comprising a third cylinder and piston, a fourth cylinder and piston and, channels connecting the third cylinder to the fourth cylinder, the second hydraulic system filled with hydraulic fluid, wherein the transfer of fluid between the third cylinder and fourth cylinder pivots the second plate.
US08449619B2	Hip stem instrument with releasable connection A surgical device includes a first portion and a second portion. The first and second portions are releasably connected together by cooperating first and second formations. The first formation may be formed on the first portion. The second formation includes a resilient arm which is formed on the second portion and engages the first formation on the first portion. The resilient arm may be integrally formed with the second portion.
US08449612B2	Graft pulley and methods of use A placement assembly used for positioning and holding a ligament graft within a selected bone tunnel. The assembly includes a graft pulley, a surgical suture, and a graft pulley placement instrument. The graft pulley includes a pulley portion and a bone anchoring portion. The pulley portion is adapted to receive the surgical suture and for surgical suture to be drawn through it, to act as a pulley. The bone anchoring portion comprises at least one flexible wing that is adapted to selectively fix the graft pulley within a bone tunnel. At least one wing is adapted to flex during insertion into a bone tunnel and then resist flex and thereby resist movement back out of the tunnel and hence wedge itself within the tunnel. The graft instrument may be selectively attached to the graft pulley and includes a handle and elongate body, adapted to insert the graft pulley into the selected bone tunnel. Once the graft pulley is in place, the placement instrument may then be detached and withdrawn leaving the graft pulley firmly fixed within the bone tunnel and can then be used to position a ligament graft.
US08449611B2	Intraocular lens An intraocular lens comprises an optic portion having a peripheral edge and at least two haptics. Each haptic is integrated with the peripheral edge of the optic portion by a corresponding haptic integration region. Also, each haptic comprises a distal segment region and a deformation segment region. The distal segment region has an outer distal length bounded by a proximate endpoint and a distal endpoint on an outer surface of the haptic, and is scribed by a distal segment angle α of 20° to 30°. The distal segment angle has a segment origin that lies within a radial segment bound by a radial distance 1.5 mm to 1.9 mm from an optic center and a segment angle θ of from 30° to 45° from a vertical axis. The vertical axis extends through the distal endpoint of at least one haptic and the optic center.
US08449610B2	High refractive index, acrylic ophthalmic device materials with reduced glistenings High refractive index copolymers with reduced glistenings are disclosed. The copolymers, which are particularly suitable for use as ophthalmic device materials, comprise a high molecular weight, reactive, linear polyethylene glycol component.
US08449603B2	Endoprosthesis coating An endoprosthesis, e.g., a stent (e.g., a drug eluting stent), that includes a porous surface and hollow elements integrated with a coating on the surface and a method of making the same are disclosed.
US08449602B2	Methods for using a stent having nanoporous layers Implantable medical devices having at least one porous layer, and methods for making such devices, and loading such devices with therapeutic agents are described. A mixture or alloy is placed on the surface of a medical device, then one component of the mixture or alloy is generally removed without generally removing the other components of the mixture or alloy to create the pores of the porous layer. The porous layer may be adapted for bonding non-metallic coating, including drug eluting polymeric coatings. A porous layer may have a random pore structure or an oriented or directional grain porous structure. The medical device may be a vascular stent having at least one porous layer adapted to resist stenosis or cellular proliferation.
US08449600B2	Iliac extension with flared cuff A leg extension (10) for a stent grafting system to connect between an aortic graft and an iliac graft. The leg extension is a tubular body (12) of a biocompatible graft material with self-expanding stents connected along the length of the tubular body and the tubular body having a distal end with a connection region. The connection region has a flared stent defining an external frusto-conical surface to provide a connection arrangement to engage within an internally flared portion of an iliac graft.
US08449599B2	Prosthetic valve for replacing mitral valve Embodiments of prosthetic valves for implantation within a native mitral valve are provided. A preferred embodiment of a prosthetic valve includes a radially compressible main body and a one-way valve portion. The prosthetic valve further comprises at least one ventricular anchor coupled to the main body and disposed outside of the main body. A space is provided between an outer surface of the main body and the ventricular anchor for receiving a native mitral valve leaflet. The prosthetic valve preferably includes an atrial sealing member adapted for placement above the annulus of the mitral valve. Methods and devices for delivering and implanting the prosthetic valve are also described.
US08449597B2	Longitudinally flexible expandable stent Segmented articulatable stent of open structure comprised of end-connected struts of first and second lengths making up first and second segments with angular interconnects between adjacent first and second segments.
US08449593B2	Stent and stent delivery system for side-branch locations in a conduit A method for the placement of medical devices within a body lumen defined by a vessel wall is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a first and second medical device each having a tubular body with a plurality of slits extending through the side wall to form a plurality of sidewall segments, disposing the first medical device within the body lumen . . . initiating radial expansion of the second medical device such that flared second wall segments at least partially cover the slits of the first medical device. Medical devices and a system of medical devices capable of performing the method are also disclosed.
US08449592B2	Stent with expandable foam A stent for treating a physical anomaly. The stent includes a skeletal support structure for expanding in the physical anomaly and a shape memory material coupled to the skeletal support structure.
US08449591B2	Chemically based vascular occlusion device deployment A vascular occlusion device deployment system for placing an occlusion device at a preselected site within the vasculature of a patient. The deployment system employing a pusher having a lumen with an opening at the distal end of the pusher. A vascular occlusion device is connected to the distal end of the pusher by a portion that is removeably disposed within the opening. The portion of the occlusion device is forced out of the opening by an expandable reaction chamber, thereby deploying the occlusion device. The expandable reaction chamber, prior to deployment, has multiple chambers separated by a heat-dissolvable membrane. When the membrane is dissolved, components from the chambers react and expand, leading to deployment.
US08449590B2	Apparatus and method for preventing brain damage during cardiac arrest, CPR, or severe shock Apparatuses and methods for the cooling of the cranial and extracranial portions of a patient in need thereof. The apparatuses and methods of the present invention preferably employ a head cooling apparatus which includes a watertight shroud for the head and which needs no refrigeration. In certain preferred embodiments, the apparatuses of the present invention are collapsible and possess a reduced profile. In some presently preferred embodiments, the present invention includes a hammock that supports the head. In some embodiments, the present invention includes a shroud that lies behind the head with optional portions that may be drawn over the patient's neck and cranial area. The apparatuses and methods of the present invention also provide an improved mechanism for cooling the cranial and extracranial areas through the use of a novel distribution of endothermic solids (e.g. ammonium nitrate). The present invention provides a novel distribution of ammonium nitrate pellets that preferably includes multiple populations solid ammonium nitrate, preferably including small diameter (e.g., powdered) and larger diameter (e.g., 7 millimeter) ammonium nitrate to allow water initially to be cooled very quickly, thereby facilitating the rapid cooling of the cranial and extracranial areas, while at the same time producing extended hypothermia.
US08449589B1	Portable thermal therapeutic apparatus and method A portable thermal therapeutic apparatus, adapted to transfer heat between a creature and the atmosphere by circulating heat transfer fluid within a conduit held in contact with the creature. The apparatus includes a housing with a support structure that is particularly adapted for portable use. A heat pump is disposed within the housing, and operates to transfer heat between a first portion and a manifold. A heat sink is thermally coupled to the first portion, and transfers heat between the first portion and the atmosphere. A pump is disposed within the housing and circulates the fluid through the manifold and the conduit. A power supply is disposed within the housing and drives the pump, thereby causing the fluid to circulate within the manifold and the conduit. The power supply is also provides direct current to the heat pump, thereby causing heat to flow from the manifold to the first portion.
US08449585B2	Semi-constrained bone screw A bone screw for attaching a bone plate to bone includes a shank defining a lumen extending at least partially therethrough from a proximal end thereof, a head defining a lumen therethrough, and a rod member. The rod member is configured for insertion through the lumen of the head and into the lumen of the shank. The rod member is fixedly engageable with the shank and moveably coupled to the head such that both the rod member and the shank are moveable with respect to the head.
US08449584B2	Absorbable bone anchor A bone anchor is provided that can toggle in two planes for secure anchorage within a bone cavity. The bone anchor includes an oblique suture channel configured such that a suture strand extending through the bone anchor can be tensioned to toggle the bone anchor inside the bone cavity. The suture strand can be located on the same side of the anchor body to maximize the area of the anchor surface which engages bone, resulting in increased engagement into bone and resistance to tensile forces.
US08449580B2	Methods and devices for expanding a spinal canal Devices and methods are disclosed for expanding a spinal canal. An implantable device having a shaft with a first cross-sectional dimension distinct from a second cross-sectional dimension can be inserted into an opening in a lamina and rotated 90 degrees to hinge the lamina away from the spinal canal. The implant can have one or more radiused edges, a bulleted tip, one or more lateral extensions for fastening the implantable device to bone, one or more hinged lateral extensions, one or more arcuate protrusions for biting into adjacent bone, an enlarged proximal head to prevent over-insertion, and/or a sleeve disposed therearound to reduce friction. Various embodiments of an insertion apparatus that can be selectively coupled to the implantable device are also disclosed, along with methods of expanding a spinal canal in minimally-invasive procedures using an implantable device and/or an insertion apparatus.
US08449579B2	Linked bilateral spinal facet implants and methods of use Superior and/or inferior facets of one or more facet joints may be replaced by superior and/or inferior facet joint prostheses. In one embodiment, a kit of superior or inferior prostheses is provided, in which the prostheses have at least two dimensions that vary among members of the kit independently of each other. Each prosthesis may have a bone engaging surface having a surface that is polyaxially rotatable against a corresponding resection of a vertebra. Each prosthesis may also have an articulating surface shaped such that, after attachment to the spine, the replaced or partially replaced facet joints provide a larger medial-lateral range of motion when the spine is flexed than when the spine is extended. Crosslinks may be used to connect left and right prosthesis together in such a manner that they are stabilized in a position in which they are seated directly against the vertebra.
US08449575B2	Advanced intra-spinal decompression implant A new Intra-spinal decompression implant is introduced that comprises of two plate attachments to a titanium metal implant that fits between the spinous processes of the vertebrae in the lower back, decompressing the neuro elements. The invention has a number of new design features including: double axis adjustable side plates, stepped conical tipped body and piercing tips on side plates, among many mentioned in this disclosure, that improves the quality of the surgery and the result for the patient. More examples are given in this application.
US08449574B2	Elastic element for the use in a stabilization device for bones and vertebrae and method for the manufacture of such elastic element A stabilization device for bones or vertebrae comprises a substantially cylindrical elastic element. The elastic element has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. An elastic section extends between the first end and the second end. The elastic section includes at least first and second helical coils. The first and second helical coils are arranged coaxially so that the first helical coil extends at least in a portion between the second helical coil. The elastic element may form, for example, a portion of a rod, bone anchoring element, or plate.
US08449573B2	Insertion device and method for delivery of a mesh carrier An insertion device includes an elongate member and a stylet. The elongate member has a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and defines a lumen therethrough. The stylet has a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and is slidably coupled to the elongate member. The stylet is configured to move from a first position to a second position with respect to the elongate member. The proximal end portion of the stylet is configured to removably couple a mesh carrier thereto. A portion of the proximal end portion of the stylet is disposed outside of the lumen of the elongate member when the stylet is in its first position and is disposed within the lumen when the stylet is in its second position.
US08449571B2	Extraluminal sealant applicator and method An apparatus for applying sealant to a target tissue of a surgical site is provided. The apparatus includes a handle, conduit and an end effector. The handle has means configured and adapted for operating the end effector and dispensing biological sealant to the surgical site via the end effector. The conduit stores and/or carries sealant towards the end effector. The end effector is configured to clamp around a body organ or tissue and apply and confine biological sealant in a substantially uniform manner thereto.
US08449570B2	Forceps for endoscope A forceps for endoscope includes: a pair of first and second forceps members that is supported by a forceps rotary shaft so as to be relatively rotatable; an opening and closing wire that is moved forward and backward in the direction of the axis so that the first forceps member and the second forceps member are rotated relatively; a stopper that switches an angle in which the first forceps member and the second forceps member rotate relatively at first and second positions different from each other in the direction of the axis; an adjusting wire is moved forward and backward in the direction of the axis; and a sheath through which the opening and closing wire and the adjusting wire are inserted and in which the first forceps member, the second forceps member, and the stopper protrude from the front end thereof.
US08449567B2	Tattoo needle housing and assembly The present invention provides a tattoo needle housing, including: a substantially hollow structure configured to surround a plurality of tattoo needles, wherein the substantially hollow structure includes a bottom edge portion at one end thereof that has a shape that substantially matches a collective shape of the tips of the plurality of tattoo needles, and wherein the substantially hollow structure includes an opening manufactured into one or more of a top surface and a bottom surface thereof. Optionally, the substantially hollow structure includes a plurality of openings manufactured into one or more of the top surface and the bottom surface thereof. Preferably, the substantially hollow structure includes an end wall that, along with the bottom edge portion, forms a port by which access to the plurality of tattoo needles is had from the exterior of the substantially hollow structure.
US08449566B2	Thrombus removal system and process A device captures and assists in the removal of a thrombus in arteries, even in small arteries. The device uses a soft coil mesh to engage the surface of a thrombus, and a guidewire is used to retract the soft coil mesh with the captured thrombus. The soft coil is formed by an elongated microcoil element that forms the helical elements of a macrocoil element. The microcoil element provides a relatively elastic effect to the helical element forming the macrocoil and allows for control of gripping forces on the thrombus while reducing non-rigid contact of the device with arterial walls.
US08449563B2	Fragmentable device for the anastomosis of hollow organs Fragmentable compression device for the anastomosis of hollow organs consisting of a pot-shaped body composed of two elements (1, 2), inserted one into the other and consisting of a plurality of composable sectors (5, 6), a third ring-shaped or hollow cylinder-shaped element (3) intended to be inserted into said pot-shaped body to clamp the edges of the organs to be anastomized, and a fourth element (4) also ring-shaped or hollow cylinder-shaped which is pressure-inserted into element (3) to compress said edges. Also elements (3, 4) consist of a plurality of composable sectors (7, 8). The axial dimension of the device is notably short so that, when it is applied in the vicinity of the anal canal of the patient, tenesmus is considerably reduced.
US08449562B2	System for providing fluid flow to nerve tissues Provided is an apparatus that includes a nerve conduit, a manifold and a support structure for providing a reduced pressure. Also provided is a system that includes a source of reduced pressure, a nerve conduit, a manifold, a support structure and a conduit for providing fluid communication between the manifold support and the source of reduced pressure. Additionally provided is a method that includes implanting the above nerve conduit, manifold and support structure at a site of damaged nerve tissue and applying a reduced pressure to the manifold thereby stimulating repair or regrowth of nerve tissue.
US08449561B2	Graft fixation device combination A graft fixation device combination. The device is useful for affixing a tissue graft to a bone or other body surface. The combination has a fixation device having two implantation members connected by a connecting member. The implantation members have longitudinal passageways therethrough. The combination also has an insertion member in engagement with the distal end of each implantation member.
US08449558B2	Device and method for endoluminal therapy A device and method for selectively engaging or penetrating a layer of a luminal organ wall where the luminal organ wall has a plurality of layers including an outermost layer and an innermost layer adjacent to the lumen of the organ. The device and method select one of the plurality of layers of the organ wall other than the innermost layer and deploy from within the lumen of the organ a tissue device through the innermost layer to a specific depth to engage or penetrate the selected one of the plurality of layers. The device and method may be employed to create luminal pouches or restrictive outlets. In a stomach organ, the device and methods may be employed to treat obesity by forming a gastric pouch with or without a restrictive outlet.
US08449557B2	Vacuum extractor cup for delivery A vacuum extractor cup 2 for vacuum extractor delivery is provided which includes a cup portion 11 formed with a foldable and flexible material such as a sheet made of, for example, a vinyl material and in a cup-like shape with a sucking hole 13 on its bottom side and an extracting hole 14 on its opening side and includes a porous elastic member 12 formed with sponge. An extracting ring portion 16 has elastic force being larger than elastic force of a surrounding wall 15 in the cup portion 11. A convex/concave portion 17 is formed in an inner surface of the surrounding wall 15 in the cup portion 11 and the convex/concave portion 17 serves as a slipping-stop device between the cup portion 11 and porous elastic member 12.
US08449554B2	Intervertebral implant and instrument with removable section An intervertebral instrument includes a shaft having distal and proximal ends. The proximal end of the shaft includes an attaching feature connected to handle. The shaft defines a pair tracks disposed along a portion of the surface thereof. The distal end includes a pair of wings. Each track guides instruments and implants along the intervertebral instrument. The implants are configured to receive bone graft or bone enhancers. The distal end of the shaft may include a removably attachable tip configured to engage the implants. The implants and the removably attachable tip form an implantable intervertebral disk. An intervertebral instrument and implant kit is also disclosed. A method of inserting intervertebral implants is also disclosed.
US08449548B2	Broach handle with flexure spring An instrument for holding a surgical tool or bone implant includes a handle with a bearing surface formed in one end for engaging the surgical tool. An elastically deformable plate is mounted on the handle body the plate having a catch element formed on a leading end thereof adapted to engage a coupling element formed on the surgical tool. The elastically deformable plate includes a cam follower formed in a recess thereon and includes a deformable spring section intermediate the can elements and the plate end with the catch element. An elongated pivotable loading member is rotatably mounted on the handle body. The loading member includes a cam surface for engaging the cam follower surface on the deformable plate. The cam surface on the loading member is shaped to elastically deform the elastically deformable plate section in a direction away from the plate catch element to thereby load and maintain a connecting force between the plate and the surgical tool or bone implant.
US08449546B2	Spine cutter A cutter for spine surgery is provided, especially for use in the area of the delicate cervical spine. The cutter includes a cylindrical cutter shank with cutter teeth formed at the distal end thereof. The cutter teeth at the distal end of the cutter shank are formed by grooves in the wall of the cutter shank. The grooves become deeper and expand from the outer radius of the cutter shank towards the distal end such that teeth narrowing towards the distal end with increasing height are formed between them. This guarantees especially gentle cutting in the area of the cervical spine, without surrounding delicate tissue being additionally jeopardized.
US08449545B2	Low cost modular tapered hollow reamer for medical applications An easy-to-assemble modular reamer for medical applications includes a shaft portion, a disposable tapered hollow reamer and a modular pilot. The shaft portion has a proximal end for attachment to a drill, two or more torque transmitting tabs and a distal threaded end. The disposable tapered hollow reamer has an integrally attached cutter sleeve with externally protruding cutters, apertures through the sleeve thickness for discharging bone fragments and cement debris and inwardly protruding anchoring projections. A central molded polymeric portion attaches to the anchoring projection and is fixed to the shaft through central holes and slots in the polymeric portion, which engage torque transmitting shaft tabs. Channels in the polymeric portion collect bone fragments and bone debris. A threaded modular pilot coaxially secures the disposable tapered hollow reamer to the threaded distal end of the shaft, permitting rotation of the tapered hollow reamer without wobbliness.
US08449542B2	Implant assembly device An implant assembly device for use in inserting a bone fixation implant includes: (a) a handle portion for manipulation by a user and (b) a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the shaft connected to the handle portion. The distal end of the shaft includes a screw engaging portion configured and adapted to engage and rotate a connecting screw. The device also includes (c) an elongated rod extended through the shaft from a proximal end to a distal end thereof The proximal end of the elongated rod is non-movably coupled to the shaft and the distal end of the elongated rod extending distally past of the distal end of the shaft. The elongated rod is configured and dimensioned to simultaneously pass through an interior portion of, and support, an implant insertion handle, the connecting screw and the bone fixation implant.
US08449541B2	Surgical glove system A surgical system including a surgical glove having support systems such as, but not limited to, lights, electrical cautery, suction, and irrigation. The surgical glove may include one or more lights, electrical cautery, suction, and irrigation positioned on distal ends of fingers of the surgical glove. The support systems may be controlled with switches positioned on the fingers upon which each support system is positioned. The switches may be operable with the thumb on the human hand upon which the surgical glove is attached. The surgical system may also include a surgical gown having a connection system for attaching support conduit to the surgical gown. The surgical system enables a surgeon to have a plurality of support systems immediately available and reduces entanglement problems endemic with conventional systems.
US08449540B2	Electrosurgical pencil with improved controls An electrosurgical pencil is provided and includes an elongated housing having an electrocautery blade supported therein and extending distally from the housing. The electrocautery blade is connected to a source of electrosurgical energy. The pencil further includes a plurality of activation switches supported on the housing for activating electrocautery blade. Each activation switch is configured and adapted to selectively complete a control loop extending from the source of electrosurgical energy upon actuation thereof. In use, actuation of at least one of the plurality of activation switches produces a dividing with hemostatic effect at the electrocautery blade. The electrosurgical pencil further includes at least one voltage divider network supported on the housing. The at least one voltage divider network is electrically connected to the source of electrosurgical energy and controls the intensity of electrosurgical energy being delivered to the electrosurgical pencil.
US08449536B2	Electrode device Neutral electrodes (used for introducing a high frequency treatment current via a skin section of a human or animal body) that include, in addition to known components, at least one measuring electrode spaced from the main electrode, and at least one measuring current generator that is connected to the main electrode and to the measuring electrode generating a high frequency measuring current, which flows between the measuring electrode and the main electrode. The neutral electrodes thus allow for monitoring of the contact of the neutral electrode with the skin and for monitoring of the high frequency current flow and its spatial distribution. This allows for increased safety during use of the neutral electrode for treatment.
US08449528B2	Enteral feeding extension set connector A connector for coupling to a base of an indwelling device equipped with a circular hub having a radius, a top surface, a side surface, and a circumferential recess defined in the side surface. The connector has a resilient assembly including a plurality of release buttons extending from the resilient assembly and may include a conduit defining a fluid pathway through the connector. Each release button has a finger contact zone and a catch. The catch is configured to releasably engage the circumferential recess. The connector is coupled by positioning the connector on the circular hub and depressing the connector until the catches engage the circumferential recess such that the connector is configured to rotate completely about the circular hub. The connector is decoupled from the hub by pressing the release buttons to reversibly displace the respective catches radially to disengage from the circumferential recess.
US08449526B2	Torqueable soft tip medical device and method of usage A medical device or intravascular device, and methods of use. The devices may be tubular and may have a flexible polymer tip. The body may be nitinol and may have cuts part way through along its length to facilitate bending. The device may have a liner which may extend through the tip or form the tip. The device may have markers readily visible on an X-ray viewer during insertion. The tip may have an anti-collapsing structure and may be shaped before use to perform a medical procedure such as treating an aneurysm. The device may have a strong fiber through it for complete removal. The method may include selecting the device, bending the tip, setting the shape, and inserting the device into the patient's anatomy. The shape of the tip may be set by heating with steam and then removing a mandrel.
US08449525B2	Dialysis catheter assembly A catheter assembly includes an elongated main body defining two or more longitudinal lumens including distally positioned openings. One or more side-ports are defined in the main body communicating with at least one of the two or more longitudinal lumens. The catheter assembly also includes an inflatable balloon disposed around a portion of the main body. The inflatable balloon includes a distal end disposed substantially adjacent to a proximal side of one or more side-ports. The inflatable balloon in the inflated state is adapted to extend at partially over the one or more side-ports.
US08449518B2	Disposable nappy with separate belt or leg guards formed from laminate outer cover A disposable nappy includes a disposable nappy body portion (3) and a separate belt (5) to secure the nappy body to the person. The belt includes a number of Velcro-type fastener portions that attach to a cover stock material of the nappy. The cover stock material is of a material that includes fibers that can retain the Velcro-type fasteners. Also defined are leg guards (19) formed from outer edges of a laminate cover layer.
US08449514B2	Conductive wound dressings and methods of use Wound treatment dressings comprising combinations of at least one conductive layer, at least one absorbent layer or a moisture regulation layer, and methods of making and methods of use are disclosed for treatment of wounds in humans and animals. The novel dressings aid in healing by helping restore the transepithelial potential of the skin, providing a functional anti-microbial barrier, and allowing for regulation of the moisture content of the wound without disturbing the wound.
US08449512B2	Stoma stabilitating device and method A method and device may be used to avoid surgically re-opening a stoma or the like in an animal, including human beings. The stoma stabilitating device comprises an anchoring portion, preferably flat, that includes an opening configured to surround a stoma. The anchoring portion preferably includes an inner tension ring attached to an inner edge to define the opening and a tension ring attached to an outer edge. The anchoring portion may include additional structural rings. The device may be of a mesh construction and used to maintain, for example, a stoma, a fistula, a tracheotomy and any other pathway from outside the body to the inner part of the body. The device may be used to maintain an open pathway for air and to maneuver devices within a cavity. The device may also be used internally.
US08449511B2	Activity ostomy bag The ostomy receiving bag comprises a front wall (2) and a rear wall and has a top end and a bottom end. The top end of the rear wall is provided with an inlet to receive a stoma, and one wall is provided with at least one first half of a fixation pair (A), and the same effective wall after closure of the bag, if available, is provided with at least one second half of a fixation pair (B), such that when the first half and the second half of the fixation pair are attached, the volume of the receiving bag is reduced.
US08449510B2	Lid assembly for a medical waste fluid collection and disposal system A medical waste fluid collection and disposal system includes a medical waste fluid collection cart including first and second fluid collection canisters. A valve assembly selectively communicates with the canisters and a valve drive system controls the valve assembly. A liquid level sensor is positioned within each of the canisters. A cart processor communicates with the liquid level sensors and the valve drive system. A cart drain line communicates with the valve assembly and a receptacle, a cart flushing line communicates with the valve assembly and the receptacle and a cart data line and a cart power line communicate with the cart processor and the cart receptacle. A station includes a drain pump that communicates with a drainage system and a station drain line, a flushing pump that communicates with a source of washing liquid and a station flushing line and a station processor in communication with the drain and flushing pumps. A station data line communicates with the station processor. A coupler communicates with the station drain line, flushing line and the station data line and a station power line. The station coupler removably engages the cart receptacle so operation of the cart and station components can be coordinated by the processors for drainage and flushing of the cart canisters.
US08449501B2	Enteral feeding pump system An enteral pump system for delivering medical fluids unidirectionally includes a disposable fluid delivery set having a repeatable compression portion and an enteral feeding pump. The repeatable compression portion is helically coiled around a central axis to define a cylindrical shape. The compression portion is configured to pump a large volume of medical fluids per stroke. The compressing portion includes at least two adjacent tubing walls joined around the central axis for repeatable compression. The enteral feeding pump is configured to repeatedly and reliably compress the compression portion of the fluid delivery set along the central axis. In operation, the compression portion is repeatably compressed without distortion along the central axis by the enteral feeding pump to flow unidirectionally through the fluid delivery set.
US08449497B2	Catheter having an improved balloon-to-catheter bond A balloon catheter assembly includes a first tubular member with a proximal portion and a distal portion and a lumen extending between the proximal portion and the distal portion. A balloon has a proximal waist length, a distal waist length and an expandable region therebetween disposed about the distal portion. A tie layer is disposed between the proximal waist length or distal waist length and the first tubular member. The tie layer comprises a polyester polymer and a polyamide polymer.
US08449496B2	Method for testing peritoneum function and a peritoneal dialysis planning apparatus The present invention is a peritoneal function testing method characterized by using a ratio MTACun/MTACc calculated using MTACun and MTACc as an index for a peritoneal function test, where MTACun is an overall mass transfer-area coefficient for urea nitrogen and MTACc is an overall mass transfer-area coefficient for creatinine. The use of MTACun/c of the present invention in this way enables examination of the future peritoneal function of a patient (a mechanism of deterioration in peritoneal function). To be specific, MTACun and MTACc can be obtained by computing Pyle-Popovich model. In addition, the peritoneal function testing method may further calculate a permeability coefficient for cell pores (LPSC) and an overall permeability coefficient (LPS) from Three-Pore Theory model while obtaining a ratio LPSC/LPS calculated using the LPSC and the LPS, and may use the LPSC/LPS ratio and the MTACun/MTACc ratio as indexes for the peritoneal function test.
US08449494B2	Apparatus and method for preparing foam A device and a method for preparing foam are provided. The device includes a first housing having a first chamber therein and a first movable member positioned at least partially within the first housing. The device also includes a second housing having a second chamber therein, the second chamber being selectively and operably connectable to the first chamber. The second housing further includes a biasing member and a second movable member therein, the biasing member biasing the movable member toward a first end portion of the second housing. The device includes a valve operably connected to the first chamber and the second chamber and movably positionable to selectively control the connection between the first chamber and the second chamber and a handle operably connected to the first movable member and movable to bias the first movable member toward a first end portion of the first housing.
US08449489B2	Method and means for treating inflammatory bowel disease A method of treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) comprises providing an intestinal biopsy sample obtained from inflamed tissue of a patient; mechanically treating the sample to obtain a cell suspension; identifying cell surface markers of activated leukocytes selected from T lymphocytes, neutrophil granulocytes, and eosinophil granulocytes in the suspension; raising antibodies against one of more of the activated cells and immobilizing them on a support; providing a column loaded with the support; diverting a portion of the patient's peripheral blood to make it pass through the column before re-infusing it to the patient to make the activated leukocytes couple with antibodies on the support, thereby eliminating them from the blood stream. Also disclosed are corresponding columns and supports, and their use in the method.
US08449488B2	Blood component collection apparatus and method A blood component collection apparatus comprises a blood component collecting circuit which includes an anticoagulant line for feeding an anticoagulant and a line for collecting an initial flow of collected blood. In the blood component collection apparatus, air is intermediately present between the anticoagulant and the blood in the passage of a blood collection needle side line, after a priming operation is performed in which anticoagulant is supplied from the anticoagulant line toward the side of a centrifugal separator in the blood collection needle side line through a branch connector and after an initial flow collecting operation is performed in which the initial flow of blood is collected.
US08449487B2	Blood treatment apparatus A blood treatment apparatus (1) comprising a degassing unit (15) receiving gas-containing fluid and supplying degassed fluid to a fluid chamber (3) of a blood treatment unit (2). The degassing unit has a gas separator (16), a degassing pump (18) to circulate fluid in a degassing line (12), a flow restrictor (17) for reducing the pressure in the degassing line (12), an absolute pressure sensor (19), and a control unit (20) designed to control the speed of said degassing pump from the absolute pressure signal emitted by the pressure sensor. The apparatus comprises a dialysis machine provided with a device for preparing on-line a dialysis liquid from water and concentrates. The apparatus achieves an accurate and reliable regulation of a desired concentration of gas in the dialysis liquid.
US08449485B2	Cervical collar with cable reel adjustment system A cervical collar having a vertically adjustable chin support, the collar including a chin support adjustably connected to a collar body, a cable reel for adjusting the length of a cable cable, a cable stop connecting between the collar body and the chin support and slidingly positionable along a slot on the collar body and a pulley located on the collar body adjacent to the elongate slot. Adjustment of the length of the cable adjusts the position of the cable stop along the slot and adjusts the vertical position of the chin support relative to the collar body.
US08449483B2	Compression device and control system for applying pressure to a limb of a living being A device to compress the limb of a living being includes a user interface, a programmable logic controller, a power source, a source of fluidic pressure, valves with ports in fluidic connection with the source of fluidic pressure, other valves, and a first and second inflatable bladders, wherein the programmable logic controller is programmed to cause the repeating sequence of inflating the first inflatable bladder by manipulating the ports of the valves, after a first preset period of time, deflating the first inflatable bladder and allowing the pressure within the first inflatable bladder to inflate partially the second inflatable bladder by manipulating the ports of the valves. The source of fluidic pressure can be a self-contained pump, a connection to fluidic pressure in a health care facility, or a pressurized canister. The power source can be a battery. The device may extend the life of the power source.
US08449479B2	Squeeze activated medical puncturing device The medical puncturing device (10) includes a housing (12) having a proximal end (18) and a distal end (16) and a skin puncturing assembly (14) within the housing. The skin puncturing assembly includes a movable carrier (50) and a skin puncturing element (52). The skin puncturing element is adapted to puncture the skin of a patient. The carrier is movable from a retracted position wherein a distal tip of the skin puncturing element is disposed within the housing, to a puncturing position wherein the distal tip is exposed to puncture the skin of the patient. The carrier is moved from the retracted position to the puncturing position upon radial deformation of the housing. An internal guide (42) may be provided within the housing for guiding the movement of the carrier from the retracted position to the puncturing position.
US08449476B2	Multiple configuration electronic thermometer A plurality of custom thermometer models are manufactured from a universal clinical thermometer core. The thermometer core includes a housing, a controller storing a software program, a power source, a probe, a probe cord, and a display. A plurality of model selection devices are produced, each corresponding to a different thermometer model. One of the model selection devices is selected and connected to the controller. The controller operates the thermometer as a function of the connected model selection device such that the thermometer is configured with the features and default settings of the thermometer model corresponding to the connected model selection device.
US08449473B2	Gas sensor A method of determining the respiratory function of a subject is disclosed, the method comprising measuring the concentration of water vapor in the gas stream exhaled by the subject, and from the measured water vapor concentration determining the respiratory function of the subject. Mathematical techniques for analyzing the data obtained from the measurement of concentrations of gaseous components in an exhaled gas stream are also disclosed and their use in determining the lung function of a subject.
US08449472B2	Neurostimulation and neurosensing techniques to optimize atrial anti-tachycardia pacing for prevention of atrial tachyarrhythmias Implantable systems and method for use therewith are provided that take advantage of various neuromodulation and neurosensing techniques for either preventing atrial fibrillation (AF) or terminating AF. Specific embodiments are for use with an implantable device that includes one or more atrial electrode for sensing atrial fibrillation (AF) and/or delivering Atrial Anti-Tachycardia Pacing (AATP) and one or more electrode for monitoring and/or stimulating atrial vagal fat pads.
US08449471B2	Health monitoring appliance A heart monitoring system for a patient includes one or more wireless nodes forming a wireless network; a wearable appliance having a wireless transceiver to communicate with the one or more wireless nodes; and an analyzer to determine vital signs, the analyzer coupled to the wireless transceiver to receive patient data over the wireless network.
US08449470B2	System for repetitive measurements of cardiac output in freely moving individuals A system for evaluating the cardiovascular system parameters using indicator dilution and non-invasive or minimally invasive detection and calibration methods are disclosed. Intravascular indicators are stimulated, and emissions patterns detected for computation of cardiac output, cardiac index, blood volume and other indicators of cardiovascular health.
US08449469B2	Two-part patch sensor for monitoring vital signs A two-component monitoring device and system for monitoring blood pressure from a patient is disclosed herein. The two-component monitoring device includes a disposable component and a main component. The disposable component features: i) a backing structure having a first aperture; and ii) first and second electrodes, each electrode connected to the backing structure and including an electrical lead and a conductive electrode material, and configured to generate an electrical signal that passes through the electrical lead when the conductive electrode material contacts the patient. The main component includes: i) first and second connectors configured to connect to the first and second electrical leads to receive the first and second electrical signals; and ii) an optical component comprising a light source that generates optical radiation and a photodetector that detects the optical radiation. The optical component inserts into the first aperture of the disposable component. The main component optionally includes an acoustic sensor. The system utilizes a processing device, connected to the monitoring device by a cable which receives and processes a plurality of signals to determine real-time blood-pressure values for the patient.
US08449467B2	Helical acoustic array for medical ultrasound An acoustic array is helical or twisted about or around an azimuth axis. For example, one end of the array has an emitting face at 0 degrees, but the other end has an emitting face at 20 degrees. The elements in between gradually transition between the different rotations. Different apertures of the twisted array may be used to scan different generally radial diverging planes for three-dimensional imaging. The different amount of relative rotation associated with each aperture cause angular elevation spacing of the planes. For use in a catheter, a single row of elements may be used to scan electrically a volume.
US08449465B2	System and method for characterizing vascular tissue A system and method is provided for using ultrasound data backscattered from vascular tissue to estimate the transfer function of a catheter and/or substantially synchronizing the acquisition of blood-vessel data to an identifiable portion of heartbeat data. In one embodiment, a computing device and catheter acquire RF backscattered data from a vascular structure. The backscattered ultrasound data is then used to estimate at least one transfer function. The transfer function(s) can then be used to calculate response data for the vascular tissue. Another embodiment includes an IVUS console connected to a catheter and a computing device that acquires RF backscattered data from a vascular structure. Based on the backscattered data, the computing device estimates the catheter's transfer function and to calculate response data for the vascular tissue. The response data and histology data are then used to characterize at least a portion of the vascular tissue.
US08449463B2	Lateral access system and method of use A surgical access device including a frame, first and second supports, and first and second retractor blades releasably coupled with the first and second supports, respectively. The frame has first and second arms. The first support is releasably coupled with the first and second arms. The second support is slidably mounted on the first and second arms. The second support is movable between a first position with the retractor blades in close cooperative position and a spaced apart position with respect to the first support. The first and second retractor blades each have a distal end portion configured and adapted to engage a vertebral body. In one method of use, the retractor is inserted through an incision in first orientation with the blades in close approximation and rotated approximately 90°, before spreading the retractor blades to retract tissue.
US08449462B2	Speculum A speculum insertable into a body cavity of a person including a support member having an opening, provided with elongated arm sections each disposed in a plane including a centerline of such opening, blade members each lying in the plane of an arm section and having an intermediate section pivotally connected to the support member, a first end section displaceable into and out of engagement with the end section of another blade member and a second end section displaceable relative to one of the arm sections, means for releaseably biasing the first end sections of the blade members into engagement, permitting such end sections to be inserted into and removed from a body cavity, and means mounted on each arm member, engageable by a second end section of a blade member, for caroming such blade member to pivot about the axis thereof.
US08449461B2	Surgical retractor Provided is a surgical retractor capable of preventing an organ of a human body from being damaged when the organ of the human body positioned over a surgical area in the human body is lifted up. The surgical retractor includes a support body including a plurality of support members that are inserted below an organ of a human body which is positioned over a surgical area in the body of a patient to lift the organ of the human body in an upward direction, the plurality of support members being fastened to a joint, and a protective film member joined to the support body to cover a region between the support members, and configured to enclose and protect a lower surface of the organ of the human body.
US08449458B2	Body-insertable apparatus and radio in-vivo information acquiring system A body-insertable apparatus that is used in a state of being introduced inside the body of a subject and that executes a predetermined function inside the body of the subject, comprises a driving controller that controls the driving condition of the predetermined function.
US08449456B2	Endoscope Lead screws and nut members screwed to the respective lead screws are provided on a wire operation section for operating wires for operating a bending section in a bending manner, and a driving force generating section, a drive coupling shaft rotationally driven in a spin direction by a driving force from the driving force generating section, and drive couplings are provided on a drive source unit separably coupled to the wire operation section. The lead screws are rotationally driven in a spin direction from the driving force generating section via the drive coupling shaft to move the nut members in the axial direction thereby performing pulling operation of the wires during coupling of the drive source unit and the wire operation section.
US08449453B2	Endoscopic image processing apparatus and endoscope system An endoscopic image processing apparatus includes an endoscope information reading section that reads endoscope information that is information relating to an endoscope from the endoscope, a synchronizing signal detecting section that is given an image pickup signal that includes a synchronizing signal outputted by an image pickup device provided in the endoscope from the endoscope, performs detection processing of the synchronizing signal, outputs the detected synchronizing signal when the synchronizing signal can be detected, and generates and outputs a synchronizing signal based on the endoscope information read by the endoscope information reading section when the synchronizing signal cannot be detected, and an image signal generating section that generates an image signal based on the synchronizing signal outputted from the synchronizing signal detecting section and the image pickup signal outputted from the image pickup device of the endoscope.
US08449451B2	Method and apparatus that enables remote operation of a pleasuring device through a communications network A method and apparatus that enables remote operation of a pleasuring device through a communications network is disclosed. The method may include receiving one or more text strings at a first communication device from a second communication device through the communications network, recognizing one or more words or phrases from the received one or more text strings, determining if the recognized one or more words or phrases are found in a lexicon, matching the recognized one or more words or phrases with its corresponding action stored in the lexicon, and signaling the pleasuring device to perform the corresponding action.
US08449449B2	Methods and apparatus providing suction-assisted tissue engagement through a minimally invasive incision Suction-assisted tissue-engaging devices, systems, and methods are disclosed that can be employed through minimal surgical incisions to engage tissue during a medical procedure through application of suction to the tissue through a suction member applied to the tissue. A shaft is introduced into a body cavity through a first incision, and a suction head is attached to the shaft via a second incision. The suction head is applied against the tissue by manipulation of the shaft and suction is applied to engage the tissue while the medical procedure is performed through the second incision. A system coupled to the shaft and a fixed reference point stabilizes the shaft and suction head. When the medical procedure is completed, suction is discontinued, the suction head is detached from the shaft and withdrawn from the body cavity through the second incision, and the shaft is retracted through the first incision.
US08449448B2	Fecal incontinence device, systems and method A device for treating fecal incontinence in a subject is provided. The device includes a plug configured for positioning mostly within an anal canal of the subject.
US08449440B2	Apparatus for automatic tracking and identification of device components Embodiments of an apparatus and method to track and identify radioactive sources are described. In one embodiment, a device includes first housing for a radioactive source having a first electronic tag, a second housing for the radioactive source having a second electronic tag, and a guide tube that couples the first housing with the second housing. The guide tube includes a third electronic tag. The first, second, and third electronic tags communicate with each other to confirm automatically a delivery path for the radioactive source. In one embodiment, the electronic tags may be a radio frequency identification device (RFID).
US08449439B2	Blood processing apparatus with robust automated process control A centrifuge for separating blood having a camera observing fluid flow, and a controller controlling the flow. The location of an interface is detected by image processing steps, which may comprise the steps of “spoiling” the image, “diffusing” the image, “edge detection”, “edge linking”, “region-based confirmation”, and “interface calculation”. “Spoiling” reduces the number of pixels to be examined preferentially on orthogonal axis oriented with respect to the expected location of the interface or phase boundary. “Diffusing” smoothes out small oscillations in the interface boundary, making to the location of the interface more distinct. “Edge detection” computes the rate of change in pixel intensity. “Edge linking” connects adjacent maxima. “Region-based confirmation” creates a pseudo image of the regions that qualify as distinct. “Final edge calculation” uses the points where the shade changes in the pseudo image, averages the radial displacement of these points for the interface position.
US08449435B2	Guiding exercise based on fat oxidation rate Disclosed is An exercise guide apparatus comprising: a sensing unit configured to obtain a heart rate of a subject; a strength determining unit configured to determine a maximal oxygen uptake of the subject; an exercise intensity measurement unit configured to determine a current exercise intensity of the subject based on the heart rate obtained by the sensing unit; and an exercise guide unit configured to estimate a fat oxidation rate of the subject, determine whether or not fat oxidation of the subject occurs, generate guide information according to a result of the determination of the occurrence of fat oxidation, and display the guide information generated, wherein the fat oxidation rate is estimated based on a ratio of fat being oxidized at the current exercise intensity to the maximal oxygen uptake, and wherein the occurrence of fat oxidation is determined by checking whether or not the fat oxidation rate estimated is greater than a threshold.
US08449425B2	Electric tool One aspect of the invention includes a speed changing device which can be switched from a high-speed low-torque output state to a low-speed high-torque output state. In the high-speed low-torque state, a second stage internal gear rotates together with a first stage carrier. The low-speed high-torque output state is caused as the second stage internal gear is disconnected from the first stage carrier so as to be restricted from rotating. The timing of resetting the speed changing device is shifted relative to the timing of stopping the electric motor by an OFF operation of the switch lever with a delay mechanism, so that the second stage internal gear is engaged with the first stage carrier after the rotation through inertia is stopped, whereby its impact is reduced.
US08449423B2	Selectable one-way clutch with breakaway feature A selectable overrunning clutch and breakaway, i.e., energy absorbing, cone clutch is disposed in series between two elements of a planetary gear automatic transmission. An annular piston is received within a complementary cylinder and includes a male cone clutch member that mates with a stationary female cone clutch member. Also carried by the annular piston is an annular drive ring which engages a planetary gear assembly element such as a ring gear. Disposed between the drive ring and the piston is a selection ring having a plurality of circumferential apertures or ports that receive a like plurality of struts. The face of the annular piston includes pockets or recesses that receive the struts and the face of the drive ring includes notches or surfaces against which the struts engage. Tangentially disposed in the annular piston is a small selection piston which rotates the selection ring between two positions to either allow overrunning in one direction between the annular piston and the annular drive ring or lock the two components together.
US08449421B2	Transmission for motor and controlling device thereof A transmission is adapted to have a deceleration structure while generating an output in the same direction as when a motive power is rotated forwardly when the motive power is rotated reversely. The transmission includes a motor, an output cover, fixed shafts, and a transmission. The transmission is selectively connected according to the rotational direction of the driving shaft. The transmission provides a constant speed output in the forward direction since the driving shaft and the output cover are directly connected to each other when the driving shaft is rotated forwardly, but provides a decelerated output in the forward direction since a reduction planetary gear is geared between the driving shaft and the output cover when the driving shaft is rotated reversely.
US08449417B2	Football including indicia to improve visibility A prolate spheriodal ball includes first and second ends and first and second mid regions between the first and second ends and the tranverse axis, respectively. The ball is colored with a first color. First and second tips at first and second ends are colored to contrast with the first color. First and second mid regions include colored regions that are colored to contrast with the first color. The peripheries of the contrasting colored regions are continuous around the ball.
US08449415B2	Mechanical broadhead A mechanical broadhead including rearwardly deploying and/or sliding blades. The broadhead includes a ferrule defining a bore joined with a penetrating tip. A connector body, such as a carriage element or a pin, is slidably and moveably disposed within the bore, distal from the tip. One or more cutting blades is joined with the connector body. The connector body moves together in unison with the cutting blades as they expand from a retracted, in flight mode to a deployed, target penetrating mode. The connector body and blades can be joined with the ferrule so that the broadhead converts from a deployed mode to an unbarbed mode to facilitate broadhead removal. Optionally, the broadhead can include an internal retainer element that is resilient and durable enough to be used for multiple deployments. A related method of operating the broadhead also is provided.
US08449414B2	Apparatus, system and method for electronic archery devices According to one aspect, an apparatus is configured to couple to an arrow-mounted electronic device where the apparatus includes a housing, a receptacle included in the housing and at least one electrical contact configured to couple to a contact included in the arrow-mounted electronic device. According to one embodiment, the receptacle is configured to receive at least a portion of the arrow-mounted electronic device, the at least one electrical contact includes a spring-bias in a first direction and the spring bias is opposed with the arrow-mounted electronic device inserted within the receptacle.
US08449413B1	Non-lethal arrow A non-lethal arrow is disclosed that includes a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis. A nock is located on a first end of the shaft and a flight is positioned at approximately the first end of the shaft. A tip connector is included that has a foam tip connection end and a shaft connection end. The shaft connection end is connected with a second end of the shaft. The foam tip connection end includes a plurality of securing ribs extending circumferentially about the foam tip connection end. The securing ribs taper upwardly toward a back surface thereby allowing the securing ribs to grip a foam tip connected with the foam tip connection end. The shaft connection end includes an elongate cylindrical portion defining a hollow tube that is sized and configured to receive the second end of the shaft.
US08449409B1	Golf green reader and putting aid A golf green reading device capable of displaying graphical putting aid to a user. The device captures both a plurality of distance measurements between the device and a putting green, and an angular orientation of the device. Using those measurements, the device computes the topography of a putting green. With the computed topography, the device constructs and displays graphical putting aid to a user.
US08449408B2	Iron-type golf clubs The present invention is directed to an iron-type golf club that may be included in a set. In particular, the inventive golf club includes an adjustable hosel coupling and a mechanism for altering the sole configuration. The golf club may be included in a set having a progressive sole configuration that provides desired bounce for each club within the set.
US08449406B1	Golf club head A golf club head is provided having a club body and a contact plate secured to the club body. The contact plate defines at least a portion of a striking surface having a plurality of striking surface grooves. A plurality of soft portions is provided that are coupled to a rear surface of the contact plate. The plurality of soft portions also corresponds to the plurality of striking surface grooves.
US08449404B2	Releasable and interchangeable connections for golf club heads and shafts Golf club heads are releasably engaged with shafts so they may be readily interchanged and/or so that the shaft orientation with respect to the club head can be readily changed. Assemblies for connecting the club head and shaft may include a shaft adapter and a head adapter. The shaft adapter may have an exterior surface extending along a first axis and a bore having a cross-sectional shape along a second axis configured to attach to a shaft member. The second end of the shaft adapter has a cross-sectional shape of a regular polygon. The head adapter has a first end and a second end along a first axis and a bore having a shape of a regular polygon along a second axis that is shaped to receive the second end of the shaft adapter in a plurality of orientations.
US08449398B2	Secure, parallel, and independent script execution In examples presented herein, a game server and a client device may perform parallel execution of scripts for a computer-implemented virtual game. In one example, in response to determining that a user of a virtual game has performed an in-game action, a first event script to execute is determined based on the in-game action. The first event script is executed to present an in-game effect to the user. After the execution of the first event script, an update notification is sent to a server computer. The update notification indicates the in-game action and client-side state information. An update response is received from the server computer based on execution of a second event script responsive to the in-game action.
US08449392B2	Storage medium having game program stored therein, game apparatus, control method, and game system using a heartbeat for performing a game process in a virtual game world A player object is caused to perform a motion in a virtual game world in accordance with information corresponding to a biological signal acquired from a player. Biological signal acquisition means acquires the biological signal from the player. Pulse detection means detects pulse or heartbeat of the player in accordance with the biological signal acquired by the biological signal acquisition means. Player object motion control means causes the player object to discharge a discharge object in the virtual game world when the pulse detection means detects the pulse or the heartbeat.
US08449391B2	Game program, storage medium, game device and game system In a game program for a multiplayer game, when a player character receives damage and the strength level reaches a certain level, the player character goes into an extension state before death, in which the character is weakened but is able to recover. If a friendly player character performs a recovery action within a certain time from the weakened state having been reached, the player character in the weakened state recovers to a normal state. On the other hand, if the player character in the weakened state is attacked by an enemy character, or if the certain time has elapsed, the player character in the weakened state is caused to die and the game is ended.
US08449390B2	Gaming device having a multi-trigger bonus A gaming device having one or more primary games. The primary games may be played simultaneously. Each primary game has a triggering event which corresponds to an award or bonus game. If multiple triggering events occur in the same play, the player receives a multi-trigger bonus or bonus game.
US08449387B2	Progressive game eligibility and winning A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes both enhanced as well as new ways of winning a progressive jackpot. New ways of becoming eligible for a progressive jackpot are also disclosed. In some embodiments, the reset amount, startup value, and funding percentage may be selected as needed to improve player excitement and anticipation. Players may also customize various aspects of the progressive game upon payment of a fee.
US08449384B2	Systems and methods for player rewards Players in a player loyalty scheme are awarded points based on their point-generating activity and are then ranked in order of generated points. Rank-based points are then associated with each rank according to a predefined mapping scheme. The rank-based point totals may be updated periodically. Rank-based points may also be used in tournament play.
US08449383B2	Gaming machine with loyalty bonus A gaming machine is provided, which awards loyalty points to players playing the game who have identified themselves to the machine. The machine is arranged to award loyalty points to the player and to play two game means wherein, the first or base game may be provided by the slot machine game as a stand alone function with no dependence upon a supporting communications network, the second game may be linked game in which a plurality of network connected machines (50) participate with control of the game being provided by a central game controller (60), while the communications network (62) is controlled by a network controller (61). A first game mode is available to all players and a second enhanced game mode is made available to players who have reached a predetermined threshold of loyalty points.
US08449379B2	Wide area loyalty access through independent bonus network Disclosed are methods, apparatus, and systems, including computer program products, implementing and using techniques for providing wide area bonusing over a gaming network from a gaming machine provider. Player identification information associated with a player is received. Gaming machine data is also retrieved. The gaming machine data is associated with the player identification information, and includes information particular to one or more gaming machines played by the player. One or more criteria are applied to the retrieved gaming machine data. A player bonus is issued according to the application of the one or more criteria to the retrieved gaming machine data. The gaming machine data can identify a brand of gaming machines played by the player. The gaming machine data can also include data selected from the group consisting of total number of machines played, gaming machine play history, games played, number of plays per machine, number of plays per game, amounts wagered per machine, amounts wagered per game, and gaming machine location. The gaming machine data can be stored on a portable device carried by the player.
US08449378B2	Gaming system, gaming device and method for utilizing bitcoins The gaming system may enable a player to wager an amount of bitcoins on one or more plays of one or more primary or base games. If a player wagers an amount of bitcoins on a play of a game, the gaming system may determine and display an outcome for the play of the game. The gaming system then may determine if any award may be associated with the determined outcome. If an award having a value greater than zero is associated with the determined outcome, the gaming system may provide the determined award to the player, such as an amount of bitcoins.
US08449376B2	Gaming device for determining a re-drawing group for following games To display a plurality of symbols in a plurality of display regions, upon starting a game, and in a case where trigger symbols are stop displayed in any of the plurality of display regions, to draw for specific display regions where trigger symbols are displayed, from a plurality of types of symbols so that the symbols are displayed having a predetermined relationship among the symbols in at least game units, and at the same time, to draw for general display regions that have symbols other than the trigger symbol displayed, from a plurality of types of symbols so that arbitrary symbols are independently displayed.
US08449375B2	Gaming machine and method providing a multi-play high-low game A gaming machine and method having a high-low game including a plurality of ranked symbols. The gaming machine enables the player to select a number of ranked symbols to play in the game and to make a wager. The gaming machine displays the number of ranked symbols. For each of the displayed ranked symbols, the gaming machine associates another one of the ranked symbols, a comparison symbol, with the displayed ranked symbol and enables the player to make an input to indicate whether the comparison symbol will be of a higher rank or a lower rank than the displayed ranked symbol. After the player makes the input, the gaming machine generates the comparison symbol and determines if the player's input was correct. The gaming machine provides an award to the player if the player makes a predetermined number of correct inputs.
US08449371B2	Card selection game with feature A gaming machine and method are disclosed. A selected symbol is displayed in a non-revealed manner, for example on a display, a player having nominated at least one characteristic of the symbol. If the selected symbol is revealed to have the nominated characteristic a prize is awarded to the player, and if the symbol is revealed to be a special symbol a game controller awards the player a feature outcome that comprises a plurality of bonus plays of a feature game that includes at least one special symbol. Progression to the next bonus play in the plurality of bonus plays is dependent on selection of the special symbol.
US08449368B2	Methods and system for providing paper-based outcomes Gaming devices may generate outcomes to be sold in printed form. Representations of the outcomes, corresponding payouts, and other information are printed on sheets of paper. Multiple printed outcomes are assembled into books, wrapped, and sold to consumers. Consumers may purchase the books and browse through the printed outcomes at their leisure. When finished with a book, a consumer may submit a portion of the book to the casino that sold the outcomes. The casino may then pay the player based on the payouts associated with the outcomes in the book.
US08449367B2	Gaming machine capable of being played by a plurality of players and dividing the prize among them When one player acquires a qualification for playing a scramble bonus game, another player can participate in the scramble bonus game by paying a predetermined amount of participation charge. In addition, in a case where a fellow character could be acquired as a fellow of the player characters, the amount of prize to be paid to the players is increased according to features of that fellow character. Further, items of equipment of the player characters become more gorgeous, as the prizes acquired by the players increase in amount. A damage imparted to an enemy character varies depending on weapons that the player characters use. A prize is awarded when a hit point of the enemy character becomes 0.
US08449365B2	System and method of increasing poker tournament pools and number of payout positions A second optional poker tournament fee allows participating players a chance to receive a payout when finishing the poker tournament in one of one or more extra bubble spots. So, if the player finishes close to the conventional bubble position the player may receive a payout if he or she paid the second optional fee. The number of extra spots is based on the number of second optional fees paid. In one version, if no players finish in the extra bubble spots the house collects the second optional fees as profits. In another version, the second optional fees, or a portion thereof, are used to increase the payouts associated with the conventional payout scheme independent of the second optional fees.
US08449362B2	Gaming system and method for providing automatic wild card assignment in video poker games A video poker-type wagering game in which a wager is made to play an underlying draw poker game consisting of at least a single hand of poker. An additional bet is required to utilize a wild card play option. A predetermined amount of initial cards are randomly dealt from a standard deck of 52 cards to form the initial player's hand. If the player has made a side bet wager, at least one up to the predetermined amount of player's hand cards are simultaneously dealt from a separate deck to a house hand. Any cards in the player's hand that match any cards in the house hand by rank, suit and/or position are automatically changed to be wild cards. The player chooses which cards to hold and which cards to discard from the player's hand. Replacement cards for the discarded cards are dealt from the remainder of cards in the player's hand deck. The outcome for this final hand is evaluated according to a predetermined paytable and any wins are provided to the player.
US08449361B2	Systems and methods for scoring competitive strategy predictions of users on a play-by-play basis The present disclosure describes, among other things, a method that includes receiving, by a first computing device, an identity of an event that has occurred in a sporting competition, the sporting competition comprising a plurality of events. The method includes determining, by a processor of the first computing device, a probability that the event would occur. The method includes determining, by the processor of the first computing device, a number of points based at least in part on the probability that the event would occur. The method includes receiving, by the first computing device, a prediction of an event from a second computing device in communication with the first computing device. The method includes increasing, by the processor of the first computing device, a score of a user of the second computing device by the number of points if the prediction of the event matches the identity of the event.
US08449360B2	Displaying song lyrics and vocal cues Described are methods, systems, and apparatuses, including computer program products, for displaying song lyrics and vocal cues in a rhythm-action game. In one aspect this is accomplished by displaying, on a display in communication with a game platform, a vocal cue. The vocal cue moves on the display in synchronization with a timing component of a musical composition towards a target marker. Lyrics are also displayed, but instead of moving with the movement of the vocal cue the lyrics are displayed in a fixed position. The lyrics maintain their position until the vocal cue has moved to a particular position with respect to the target marker.
US08449353B2	Hard finish machine for hard finishing of a workpiece The invention relates to a hard finish machine (1) for hard finishing of a workpiece (2), comprising at least two different hard finish tools (3, 4) which are arranged on a tool spindle (5), wherein the tool spindle (5) is arranged movable in the direction (Y) of its axis (6) on a tool carrier (7), wherein the tool carrier (7) is translational movable relatively to a machine bed (8) and wherein the hard finish machine furthermore comprises cooling lubricant supplying means (9) for the supply of cooling lubricant to the machining region between the workpiece (2) and the hard finish tool (2, 3). To work in all possible tool and method combinations with optimized cooling lubricant supply conditions the invention proposes that the cooling lubricant supplying means (9) comprise at least a first cooling lubricant nozzle (9′) having at least one opening for a stream of cooling lubricant and at least a second cooling lubricant nozzle (9″) having at least one opening for a stream of cooling lubricant, wherein the two cooling lubricant nozzles (9′, 9″) are arranged movable relatively to another in the direction (Y) of the axis (6) of the tool spindle (5).
US08449352B2	Carbon electrode grinding apparatus A carbon electrode grinding apparatus for shaping a front end of an arc discharge carbon electrode is provided with front end grinding blades configured to grind a front end surface of the carbon electrode, lateral surface grinding blades configured to grind a surface from the front end surface to a base end of the carbon electrode, and rotation means configured to rotate and drive the front end grinding blades and the lateral surface grinding blades around a rotation axis line coincident with an axis line of the carbon electrode.
US08449348B2	Techniques for debris reduction when performing edge deletion on coated articles having temporary protective coatings applied thereto Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to techniques for edge deleting coatings supported by coated articles while a temporary protective coating is applied thereto. More particularly, a stationary, enlarged, and higher powered aspirator is connected to flexible tubing, which itself has an enlarged diameter, that has a nozzle located proximate to a grinding wheel on an edge deletion unit is provided in connection with an edge deletion table. Advantageously, the edge deletion table and aspirator of certain example embodiments are capable of performing edge deletion and removal of a temporary protective coating substantially simultaneously (e.g., from a common area of interest), during which process the debris produced when edge deletion is performed is controlled and removed from the substrate of interest.
US08449343B2	Discharge lamp having a heat resistant film and method for producing same A discharge lamp includes an arc tube and a boron oxide film formed on an inner surface of the arc tube.
US08449341B2	Floating support comprising a drum equipped with two buoys to which to fasten tethers and pipes connecting between the sea bed and the surface An oil production floating support having a mooring device for mooring anchor lines anchoring to the bottom of the sea and bottom-to-surface connection pipes. The device has two mooring buoys having the anchor lines and the bottom-to-surface connection pipes moored respectively thereto. The said two mooring buoys being connectable and disconnectable to a turret under which they are fastened, independently of each other.
US08449340B1	Personal propulsion apparatus and method associated therewith A personal propulsion apparatus for controllable gliding a rider over a water surface includes a buoyant body unit, a power unit and a thrust assembly with at least two independently pivotable thrust nozzles. An intake unit having receiving and directing portions. A height adjusting arrangement is formed with the directing portion. During motion over the surface of water, the intake unit with the height adjusting arrangement, remains submerged. Upon excessive lifting force being generated the height adjusting arrangement is elevated above the water surface, causing entry of air into the power unit, resulted in decreasing the thrust and lowering the height adjusting arrangement below the water surface into the submerged position, so that the rider assumes the longitudinal motion over the water surface.
US08449338B2	Electrical connector An electrical connector has at least two contact assemblies spaced apart from each other by a first distance to receive corresponding one of at least two plug conductors being spaced apart from each other by a second distance. Each of the at least two contact assemblies includes a pair of contact members for contacting one corresponding plug conductor, and a clamping member configured to clamp the pair of contact members to apply a holding force onto the pair of contact members and the corresponding plug conductor. The clamping member is inserted through the pair of contact members in a direction opposite to a mating direction, and the clamping member and the pair of contact members are adapted to swing in a direction substantially perpendicular to the mating direction in order to compensate for a difference between the first and second distances.
US08449335B2	Electrical connectors and receptacle assemblies having retention inserts An electrical connector including a connector housing having opposite mating and loading faces and a mating axis extending therebetween. The connector housing has interior walls that oppose each other with a contact cavity therebetween. The electrical connector also includes a retention insert that is sized and shaped to be advanced through the loading face and positioned within the contact cavity. The retention insert has an outer engagement surface. The electrical connector also includes first and second rows of mating contacts that are separated by the retention insert. The contact cavity has a component-receiving region that exists between the first and second rows of mating contacts and is accessible through the mating face. The mating contacts of the first and second rows are oriented to extend lengthwise along the mating axis and are held between the engagement surface of the retention insert and respective interior walls.
US08449334B2	Card edge connector A card edge connector includes an insulating body having a base body, multiple first terminals, and multiple second terminals. A first body and a second body extend from a front end of the base body sequentially from bottom to top. Multiple recessed first receiving slots are disposed at the first body. A recessed first retaining slot is disposed at the first body and a side wall of each of the first receiving slots. Each of the first terminals has a first retaining portion retained in the first retaining slot with a first connecting portion bent and extends laterally thereof. A first elastic section extends forwards from the first connecting portion and located in the first receiving slot. A first contact arm extends forwards from the rear end of the first elastic section and has a first contact portion which enters the first insertion space.
US08449333B2	Battery connecting structure The present invention is to provide a battery connecting structure to prevent a joint between a terminal and an electric wire from getting wet with water. The battery connecting structure includes a plurality of bus bars connecting a plurality of batteries in series by connecting a positive electrode and a negative electrode of the adjacent battery, said batteries overlapped with each other in a manner that the positive electrode and the negative electrode are arranged in the straight line alternately; a plurality of terminals respectively overlapped with each bus bar; a plurality of electric wires respectively connected with each terminal; and a plate receiving them. The plate includes a plurality of first receiving portion for receiving each bus bar and each terminal overlapped with the bus bar, a second receiving portion for receiving the electric wires connected to each terminal, and a plurality of third receiving portion for leading each electric wire connected to each terminal from each first receiving portion to the second receiving portion. Further, a bus bar connecting and a wire connecting portions of each terminal are received in each first receiving portion.
US08449332B2	Filtering assembly and modular jack using same A magnetic jack assembly includes a housing, circuit boards, shields and various filtering components. Multiple aspects of the assembly enhance manufacturability and facilitate automated manufacturing.
US08449330B1	Cable header connector A cable header connector includes a contact module having a support body and a plurality of cable assemblies held by the support body and arranged in a column. The cable assemblies include a contact sub-assembly configured to be terminated to a cable, and a ground shield coupled to and providing electrical shielding for the contact sub-assembly. The contact sub-assembly has a pair of signal contacts extending between mating ends and terminating ends. The signal contacts are terminated to corresponding signal wires of the cable at the terminating ends. A ground bridge is coupled to the support body and is electrically conductive. The ground bridge includes intercolumn bridges arranged between corresponding cable assemblies. The intercolumn bridges engage and are electrically connected to the ground shields of corresponding cable assemblies on both sides of the intercolumn bridges. The ground bridge electrically connects corresponding cable assemblies engaged by the intercolumn bridges.
US08449325B2	Connector assembly for corrugated coaxial cable A compression connector for connecting to a coaxial cable is provided. The compression connector is provided in a first state for fitting onto an end of the cable, after which it may be compressed to a second state, thereby joining the connector to the cable to make a coaxial cable assembly. The connector is comprised of a tubular connector body and a compression cap structured to slidably engage the second end of the tubular body. The connector is further internally configured with means for collapsing the first exposed corrugation of the outer conductor of the coaxial cable in the axial direction when the compression cap is compressed onto the tubular connector body.
US08449324B2	Coaxial connector having detachable locking sleeve A connector is provided for terminating coaxial cable. The connector includes a connector body having a cable receiving end and an opposed connection end. A locking sleeve is provided in detachable, re-attachable snap engagement with the insertion end of the connector body for securing the cable in the connector body. The cable may be terminated to the connector by inserting the cable into the locking sleeve or the locking sleeve may be detachably removed from the connector body and the cable inserted directly into the cable body with the locking sleeve detached subsequently.
US08449323B2	Watertight shield connector An object of the present invention is to provide a watertight shield connector able to waterproof successfully without an effect of a parting line, and surely preventing an annular packing or a shield shell from falling out with a plain structure. For attaining the object, there is provided a watertight shield connector 1 including: an insulating connector housing 4 having a terminal attaching portion 9 projected outward from a flange wall 2, and an annular hole 19 disposed around the terminal attaching portion 9; a terminal 10 configured to be inserted into the terminal attaching portion 9 and having a step portion 11a in a middle thereof; a conductive shield shell 6 having a flange plate 5 abutting on the flange wall 2; an annular packing 8 having an annular packing main body 30 attached to the annular hole 19, and a flange-shaped projection 7 disposed on an outer periphery of the packing main body 30 and abutting on the flange plate 5; and a spacer 12 configured to be engaged with the step portion of the terminal and to abut on an outer end wall 8a of the annular packing 8.
US08449321B2	Power connectors and electrical connector assemblies and systems having the same A power connector including a connector housing having an interior cavity and a mating face. The connector housing is configured to be mounted to a circuit board. The power connector also includes a contact assembly that has anode and cathode contacts that are configured to electrically engage power contacts of a mating connector. The contact assembly also includes anode and cathode terminals that are disposed in the interior cavity. The anode and cathode terminals are electrically coupled to the anode and cathode contacts, respectively, and are configured to be electrically coupled to the circuit board. The power connector also includes a power cable that has substantially flat anode and cathode conductive layers that are surrounded by an insulative jacket. The anode and cathode conductive layers are electrically coupled to the anode and cathode contacts, respectively, and are electrically parallel to the anode and cathode terminals, respectively.
US08449318B2	Plug system for surgical devices A plug system for surgical devices includes a plurality of sockets into which connecting plugs of electrosurgical instruments can be inserted, and a switching matrix having a plurality of switches for connecting at least one of the sockets to at least two different outputs or inputs of an electrosurgery device. A control system having a preselection device for controlling the switching matrix is arranged in the plug system. The switching matrix connects predetermined sockets to predetermined inputs or outputs, depending on data input into the preselection device. The control system includes a storage element for storing a basic configuration of a connection between the sockets and the inputs or outputs of the electrosurgery device. The basic configuration is set if no data is entered into the preselection device, and all switches are open in the basic configuration.
US08449315B2	Linkage device and programmable control unit using the same A linkage device cooperating with a casing, which has a connecting port, is disclosed. The linkage device includes a barrier and a push bar. The barrier is pivotly disposed on the casing and is positioned at a first position or a second position with respect to the connecting port of the casing. When the barrier is at the first position, the barrier covers at least a part of the connecting port; otherwise, when the barrier is at the second position, the barrier does not cover the connecting port. The push bar is slidingly disposed on the casing and abuts against the barrier. When the push bar pushes the barrier, the barrier rotates from the first position to the second position. A programmable control unit using the linkage device is also disclosed. The programmable control unit is assembled with a bottom board. The bottom board pushes the push bar to rotate the barrier from the first position to the second position.
US08449309B1	USB port protector A Universal Serial Bus port protector having a top piece and a tongued planar surface, where the top piece includes a rectangular surface, a rectangular planar surface, a box having an open bottom and an open top, and a shim-like piece, and where the tongued planar surface includes a tongued portion and an untongued portion, where the tongued portion includes one dado and two rabbet cuts and two projections, where the top piece and the tongued planar surface are slideably insertable into and extractable from a Universal Serial Bus port to ensure that no electrical connection is made to the Universal Serial Bus port when the top piece and the tongued planar surface are so inserted.
US08449308B2	Electric ground clamp with pivoted jaws and single attached adjusting bolt and terminal block An adjustable ground clamp for easy positioning onto electric conduits of different diameters and grounding multiple electrical devices. A first and a second jaw are pivotally connected and have differently angled jaw surfaces. A distal end of the first jaw has an elongated hole and a distal end of the second jaw has a curved fork having a slot for receiving a bolt with a cylindrical nut. A fastener connects a ground conductor or wire to the ground clamp. A terminal block accepts ground conductors from multiple different electrical devices. The jaws may be easily separated for placement of an electrical conduit without separating or detaching any parts from the ground clamp, making attachment to an electrical conduit quick, easy, and secure. The terminal block permits different electrical devices to be grounded with a single ground clamp.
US08449303B2	Methods and apparatus enabling meeting notes to be inscribed on electrostatic film and retained A meeting attendee brings into a meeting room a kit which includes a container possessing a supply cylinder on which conventional electrostatic or electret film/paper is wound, a retention cylinder, and, optionally, writing implements. A sheet of the electrostatic film is unwound from the supply roll and is applied to a vertical surface to which it clings by electrostatic attraction. The exposed side of the sheet is written-on by conventional writing tools. Following the meeting, one or more of the sheets is peeled from the surface and retained by being wound up and placed into the retention cylinder. The retention cylinder can then be removed from the meeting room within the container or separately therefrom.
US08449300B2	Method and apparatus for personal awareness and growth An presentation generator is disclosed for generating presentations for interacting with a user on a personal topic of, e.g., the user's selection, wherein the presentations assist the user in obtaining a greater awareness of his/her motivations and/or behaviors relating to the topic. In one embodiment, the presentation generator generates and presents to the user textual observations, questions, and/or statements for the user's consideration. Such presentations use and/or are consistent with textual descriptions obtained from: (a) the results of one or more personality/motivation test results, and (b) user inputs, e.g., regarding the selected topic together with his/her confidence in the validity of such inputs. The invention organizes the textual descriptions so that outputs to the user can be generated from various personality/motivational perspectives thereby assisting the user in viewing the topic of discussion from different perspectives and thereby becoming more aware of his/her biases, motivations, and/or concerns relating to the topic.
US08449299B1	Teaching device and method A multielement linear array for teaching a person to count comprises a first set of four linearly arranged elements of first and second types A and B, arranged in a first pattern A-B-A-B. In the description herein, the term “linear” is intended to be construed to mean that the elements are arranged sequentially, and therefore are topologically linear, not that the device itself must assume a linear form. A third element C is positioned to follow the first set. A second set of four linearly arranged elements of the first and the second types A and B are arranged in a second pattern B-A-B-A, and are positioned to follow the third element. A fourth element D is positioned to follow the second set. Preferably the elements A, B, C, and D are mutually distinguishable, for example, by at least one of color and shape.
US08449298B2	Optical alignment device for a weapon simulator using an optical simulation beam An alignment device for a weapon that generates a simulation beam and an alignment beam used to align the simulation beam with the weapon's sight. The device can be secured to the weapon during the alignment process, after which it can be removed. The device includes a housing that can be mounted on the weapon so that its optical receiving port intersects both the optical alignment beam generated by the optical transmitter and the sighting axis of the weapon's sight. The optical receiving port includes an optical arrangement for receiving the alignment beam and focusing it on a projection screen located inside the housing. An image of the alignment beam on the projection screen can be viewed through the sight. The alignment beam is parallel to the simulation beam. Thus, by centering the alignment beam in the sight, the alignment beam, and hence the simulation beam, will be properly aligned.
US08449296B2	Dental appliance An appliance fabricated to improve the appearance of a patient's smile includes a plurality of simulated teeth. The interior surfaces of each of the teeth closely fits and conforms to the surface of a patient's real teeth while the outer surfaces of each of the simulated teeth has an ideal surface configuration. The dental appliance provides the patient with the appearance of a perfect set of teeth and an ideal smile without a need to alter the dental structure of the patient's teeth.
US08449284B2	Optical element molding die and method for molding optical element An optical element molding die is designed for molding an optical element having a concave-convex structure. The optical element can be manufactured by a wet system that enables element formation over a large area and a curved surface, without using a lithographic process, and is advantageous in terms of mass production and equipment cost. The optical element molding die includes a substrate having a surface with a negative standard electrode potential in the oxidation reaction and an anodic oxidation layer provided on the substrate. A protective layer with the positive standard electrode potential is provided between the substrate and the anodic oxidation layer.
US08449281B2	Method and device for separating and removing rigid core for building tire A device for separating and removing a rigid core when building a tire, including a slide table and positioning means which are provided on a support table of the separation/removal device. The slide table is slidable to convey the tire, whose inner surface is held by the rigid core body and a core holding mechanism, to a central position on the support table. An elevating device is provided on the central axis of the support table, and includes a clamping means to elevate the rigid core body and the tire from which the core holding mechanism is removed, to a position where the rigid core body and the tire do not interfere with the core holding mechanism. A pair of core separation/removal mechanisms are disposed below the center of the support table, capable of elevating movement, and radially contracting and removing each type of the segment groups.
US08449279B2	Hot isostatic pressing device A hot isostatic pressing device according to the present invention includes an inner casing, an outer casing, and a heating means which are provided inside a high-pressure container. The device further includes a first cooling means for forcedly circulating pressure medium gas in such a manner that pressure medium gas guided upwardly between the inner casing and the outer casing is guided to the outside of the outer casing through an upper part of the outer casing, cooled while being guided downwardly along an inner circumferential surface of the high-pressure container, and then returned to between the inner casing and the outer casing through a lower part of the outer casing; and a second cooling means for guiding pressure medium gas within a hot zone formed inside the inner casing to the outside of the hot zone, cooling the pressure medium gas guided to the outside by merging it with the pressure medium gas forcedly circulated by the first cooling means, and returning the cooled pressure medium gas into the hot zone. According to such a structure, a high cooling efficiency can be attained while maintaining the hot zone in a thermally uniform condition.
US08449278B2	Mould lining comprising a sacrificial connecting element The invention relates to a lining assembly (14) comprising a plurality of lining elements (18) intended to be attached to a support block (12) of a segment (10) of a mold for a tire, the lining elements (18) being intended to form tread blocks of part of a tread band of a tire, the assembly (14) further comprising at least one sacrificial connecting element (24) joining the lining elements (18) together.
US08449276B2	Variable-speed scroll-type refrigeration compressor The compressor includes a sealed housing defining a suction volume and a compression volume respectively provided on either side of a body contained in the housing, an oil injection circuit supplied with oil from an oil contained in a casing and adapted for injecting oil into the compression volume, the oil injection circuit comprising an electrovalve including a body attached to the wall of the sealed housing and a core movable under the action of a magnetic fluid between a closing position for injecting oil into the compression volume and an opening position preventing or limiting the injection of oil into the compression volume. The compressor includes a control system for moving the core of the electrovalve between the opening and closing positions based on the compressor speed and/or on the cooling gas discharge temperature.
US08449275B2	Rotor drive mechanism, eccentric shaft sealing structure, and pump apparatus A pump apparatus includes a first rotor drive mechanism configured to transfer rotation of an input shaft portion to an output shaft portion coupled to an external screw type rotor of a uniaxial eccentric screw pump, the input shaft portion being rotated with a central axis thereof kept in a certain position, and a uniaxial eccentric screw pump. The output shaft portion is rotatably provided via a bearing at a position eccentrically located with respect to the input shaft portion. The rotation of the input shaft portion is transferred through a first power transmission mechanism, including an inner gear, to the output shaft portion to cause the output shaft portion to carry out an eccentric rotational movement. The input shaft portion and the output shaft portion are arranged inside a pitch circle of the inner gear.
US08449273B2	Fluid transporting device using conductive polymer A fluid transporting device is provided with a pump chamber that has a pump function for sucking and discharging a fluid, and is filled therein with the fluid, a casing unit which forms one portion of a wall surface of the pump chamber, a diaphragm which is formed by a conductive polymer film that is subjected to electrochemomechanical expansion and contraction, and forms one portion of the wall surface of the pump chamber, an electrolyte chamber that contains an electrolyte therein, with one portion of the electrolyte being made in contact with the diaphragm, a power supply that applies a voltage to the diaphragm, and a pressure maintaining unit that maintains a pressure of the diaphragm within a predetermined range by moving or deforming the one portion of the wall surface of the electrolyte chamber.
US08449272B2	Sealed compressor with easy to assemble oil pump A sealed compressor has a lower end cap secured to a center shell, and defines a sealed chamber. An electric motor is received within the sealed chamber. The electric motor drives a shaft that drives a compressor pump unit. A lower bearing housing includes a bearing for supporting the shaft, and an oil pump. The oil pump includes a pump housing including one of a slot and a leg, with the bearing housing including the other of a slot and a leg. The leg is received in the slot to position the pump housing within the bearing housing. The oil pump further includes a piston to be driven by the shaft to drive the lubricant from a sump in the sealed chamber upwardly into a passage in the shaft.
US08449271B2	Engine assembly including camshaft with integrated pump A camshaft assembly may include a shaft and a mechanical vacuum pump. The shaft may define first and second ends and include first and second lobes and first and second bearing support structures distributed between the first and second end. The shaft may define a first vane opening. The mechanical pump may be coupled to the shaft between the first and second ends. The mechanical vacuum pump may include a cover, a housing coupled to the cover to define a cavity therebetween and a vane. The cover may define a cover opening that rotatably receives the shaft. The housing may define a housing opening that rotatably receives the shaft. The vane may be arranged within the cavity and slidably received within the first vane opening such that the vane rotates with the shaft.
US08449269B2	Electric pump and electric pump mounting structure An electric pump includes: a second housing and a first housing separated from each other in an axial direction; a stator portion that accommodates an annular coil portion; an outer rotor portion that is rotated based on a magnetic field generated by the coil portion, at a position on the inner side of the housings; and an inner rotor that is rotatably supported by a support shaft portion having an axis that is offset from that of the outer rotor portion, and that has an outer peripheral surface that is engaged with an inner peripheral surface of the outer rotor portion. The second housing is fitted onto the support shaft portion, to which the first housing has been fixed, from one side of the support shaft portion in the axial direction. As a result, the outer rotor portion and the stator portion are clamped between the first housing and the second housing from both sides in the axial direction.
US08449268B2	Fan and method for manufacturing the same A fan includes a shaft, a hollow, approximately cylindrical rotor yoke that rotates around the shaft as a rotation axis and is open toward one of its axial ends, a rotor magnet secured to an inner circumference of the rotor yoke, and an impeller secured to an outer circumference of the rotor yoke and arranged to rotate together with the rotor yoke to generate an air flow. One of the impeller and the rotor yoke is provided with an index used for circumferentially positioning the impeller or the rotor yoke.
US08449265B2	Hydraulically actuated reciprocating pump A hydraulically driven reciprocating pump. In some embodiments, the pump includes a housing including a hydraulic chamber, a cylinder coupled to the housing, a piston assembly adapted for reciprocal motion within the housing and the cylinder, the piston assembly separating the hydraulic chamber into three subchambers, and a hydraulic system fluidicly coupled to each of the subchambers. The hydraulic system is actuatable to deliver hydraulic fluid to a first of the subchambers, whereby the piston assembly strokes back and a working fluid is drawn into the cylinder, to deliver hydraulic fluid to a second of the subchambers, whereby the piston assembly strokes out and the working fluid is exhausted from the cylinder, and to adjust a volume of hydraulic fluid within a third of the subchambers, whereby the piston assembly translates to bring a pressure of the working fluid in the cylinder to within a pre-selected range.
US08449264B2	Method for delivering fluids using a centrifugal pump A method for delivering a fluid using a centrifugal pump (11). Machines (1, 6) and/or apparatus (3, 8), which influence the pressure and/or the temperature of the fluid, are disposed upstream of the centrifugal pump (11). At the inlet to the centrifugal pump (11), the fluid is regulated to achieve a specific entry state. According to the invention, the entry state of the fluid is regulated by using the machines (1, 6) or apparatus (3, 8) such that, in the centrifugal pump (11), the fluid only takes on states in which the compressibility factor of the fluid has already reached or exceeded the minimum thereof.
US08449262B2	Nickel-based superalloys, turbine blades, and methods of improving or repairing turbine engine components Nickel-based superalloys, turbine blades, and methods of improving or repairing turbine engine components are included. A nickel-based superalloy includes, by weight, about 5% to about 12% cobalt, about 3% to about 10% chromium, about 5.5% to about 6.3% aluminum, about 5% to about 10% tantalum, about 3% to about 10% rhenium, about 2% to about 5% of one or more of elements selected from a group consisting of platinum, ruthenium, palladium, and iridium, about 0.1% to about 1.0% hafnium, about 0.01% to about 0.4% yttrium, about 0.01% to about 0.15% silicon, and a balance of nickel.
US08449258B2	Turbomachine impeller An impeller is provided that may be used in compressors or turbines. In another aspect of the present invention, a fiber or a bundle of fibers is woven to form at least two blades of an impeller. Yet another aspect of the present invention employs a peripheral component woven around impeller blades. An additional conductive fiber or bundle of fibers is woven into the impeller in a further aspect of the present invention. Moreover, an aspect of the present invention provides a chilling system that includes at least one compressor, at least one wave rotor, and a refrigerant.
US08449257B2	Wind generator with folding mast Wind generator comprising a folding mast (1) pivotally mounted about an articulation (5) positioned at a location some way between the lower (Ia) and upper (Ib) ends of the mast, a counterweight (19) is movably connected to the lower part of the mast and the wind generator comprises a control device (V2) adapted to move the counterweight so that the center of gravity (G) of the counterweight is moved toward and away from the articulation along the longitudinal axis (A) of the mast.
US08449255B2	Wind turbine blade system with air passageway In this presentation, we study various aspects of the wind turbines or wind mills. We optimize the performances of both a single wind turbine and a wind farm, collectively. We study the nozzles on the blades and all the variations and accessories for the operation of a nozzle. We also explore flow patterns around the blades, the mechanisms to get air or other gasses to the blades, the couplers for the electrical connections and the gas connections, and the gaps, holes, channels, conduits, or openings on the body or structure of a tower. We also present various mathematical models and formulations for optimizations.
US08449250B2	Duct for changing direction of flow, particularly for turbocharger compressor inlet A direction changing flow duct, for example, a compressor inlet duct (34) for a turbocharger compressor cover, wherein the direction of flow is made to change abruptly in a short distance. The direction changing segment is designed to provide a balanced output, optimize air flow, minimize pressure drop, and maintain compressor efficiency. This can be accomplished by providing a bulge (81, 83, 84) extending radially inwards into a first duct segment, outward bulges perpendicular to the inward bulge, for promoting flow attachment along the walls of the duct.
US08449248B2	Casing arrangement Asymmetric loading within such machines as gas turbine engines can cause distortion of a casing surrounding a rotating assembly. Such distortion may cause rub and therefore inefficient energy usage and shorter operational life. By providing driver arms 112, 212, 312 which extend from radially extending links 113, 213 in a first or high pressure compressor inner casing 101, 201 to a second outer casing 108, compensation for asymmetric loading can be achieved. The casings 101, 201, 108, 208 are presented upon relatively stable bearing supports 102, 110 and therefore, reaction loads are compensated for in order to retain concentricity of the casing 101, 201.
US08449241B2	Grapple for a skid steer loader A hydraulically-operated grapple attachment for the scoop bucket of a skid steer loader comprises a mounting bar running the length dimension of the bucket along a top rear edge thereof and pivotally attached to the mounting bar by tubular steel arms is a crossbar member having perpendicularly oriented tines projecting downward therefrom where at least one of the tines is hydraulically displaceable in a direction forward from the crossbar. Actuation of the hydraulically-movable tine serves to prevent the skid steer loader from becoming mired.
US08449234B2	Blind rivet A blind rivet design has an exposed mandrel portion modified from the conventional and standardized mandrel to reduce amount and cost of materials required to produce the mandrel, while also minimizing costs related to production, use, and spent mandrel disposal, all while still making use of conventional riveting tools for rivet setting and maintaining rivet performance. The blind rivet also facilitates feeding of a shortened spent mandrel through conventional riveting tools and into mandrel collection devices.
US08449233B2	Clamp sleeve A clamp sleeve for an indexing device is provided, the clamp sleeve being capable of providing a desirable clamping force without greatly increasing a fluid pressure, and having a long life. A clamp sleeve 34a has a through hole 34a7 and an annular groove 34a1 continuously provided around an outer periphery of the clamp sleeve 34a and defining a part of a pressure chamber 34d. The annular groove 34a1 includes a pair of inner end surfaces 34e6, 34e6′, a groove bottom surface 34e0 extending in parallel to the through hole 34a7, and arcuate first transition surfaces 34e1, 34e1′ provided between the inner end surfaces 34e6, 34e6′ and the groove bottom surface 34e0. The annular groove 34a1 is provided such that a thickness t1 in a region provided with the groove bottom surface 34e0 is a thickness to allow the region to be deformable. A second transition surface 34e2, 34e2′ is provided between at least one of the first transition surfaces 34e1, 34e1′ and the groove bottom surface 34e0, the second transition surface 34e2, 34e2′ having a further reduced curvature than a curvature of the first transition surfaces.
US08449231B2	Milling cutter for dressing resistance welding electrodes The milling cutter includes blades each having a cutting edge and a rear face. The cutting edges extend radially outwards from a longitudinal axis so as to create, during the rotation of the milling cutter, one or two concave surfaces for receiving the ends of one or two electrodes. The rear face has a concave profile in a section plane perpendicular to the cutting edge.
US08449226B2	Throw-away cutting insert and cutting tool with replaceable cutting edge using the same The present invention includes a first ridge line positioned at an intersection between a first surface and an upper side section of a side surface along the first surface; and a second ridge line positioned at an intersection between a second surface and a lower side section along the second surface of the side surface. A cutting section is formed at the first ridge line with the first surface forming a rake face. A second cutting section is formed at the second ridge line with the lower side section along the second surface of the side surface forming a rake face. Selective use can be made of the first cutting section and the second cutting section.
US08449225B2	Cutting tool and cutting insert therefor A metal cutting tool having an insert holder and a cutting insert releasably secured therein. The insert holder has upper and lower blocks and upper and lower jaws, each jaw projects from the front end of each respective block. The cutting tool has a cutting portion support projecting transversely from the front end of the lower clamp at an angle α. The cutting insert has a shaft and a first cutting portion projecting transversely from the shaft at the angle α. The cutting insert has non-planar abutment surfaces formed to mate with corresponding, non-planar support surfaces located on the lower and upper jaws and on the cutting portion support.
US08449222B2	System for and method of installing foundation elements in an underwater ground formation The invention relates to a system for installing tubular foundation elements having open ends, in particular (mono)piles, in an underwater ground formation, comprising an hydraulic driver, an anvil, and an adaptor for transmitting energy from the anvil to the toe of the foundation element, which adaptor fits inside the tubular foundation element.
US08449216B2	Manhole cover safety device A manhole cover assembly includes a frame that includes a central opening and a safety stop portion, and a cover hingedly attached to the frame such that the cover is pivotable between a closed position covering the central opening and an open position providing access to the central opening. A safety device is connected to the frame and the cover for locking the cover in the open position. Movement of the cover to the open position automatically moves the safety device to a locked position in which said safety device engages the safety stop portion and prevents movement of the cover to the closed position. When the cover is open, the safety device is manually movable between the locked position and an unlocked position in which the safety device is disengaged from the safety stop and permits movement of the cover to the closed position.
US08449215B2	Hub-shaft assembly A hub and shaft assembly includes a shaft having a portion with an enlarged diameter outer surface, a hub having an inner surface configured to engage the outer surface of the shaft, and a first fastening device positioned within a first opening formed in the engaged outer surface of the shaft and the inner surface of the hub along lengths of the shaft and the hub.
US08449212B2	Floor maintenance tool and method A floor tool including a handle, a mop head, and a fluid reservoir. The handle includes first and second opposite ends through which a longitudinal axis of the handle extends. The mop head is coupled to the second end of the handle. The fluid reservoir is coupled to and carried by the handle at a location between the first and second ends of the handle and has a center of mass offset from the longitudinal axis. A portion of the handle is offset from the longitudinal axis more the center of mass of the fluid reservoir. Additionally, the portion of the handle is located between the fluid reservoir and the first end of the handle such that the portion of the handle is located above the fluid reservoir.
US08449211B2	Oral care toothbrush An oral care toothbrush includes a head mounted to one end of the handle containing a plurality of oral care elements. An oral care accessory is mounted to the opposite end of the handle. An oral care material dispenser is mounted in the head within the cleaning field defined by the oral care elements. The toothbrush is preferably made of small size and of lightweight so as to be readily portable for use away from the home.
US08449210B2	Drawer mechanism and image forming apparatus equipped with the same A drawer mechanism includes a plate-shaped frame, a first roller and a second roller disposed in a rotatable manner on a surface of the frame at a specific interval, and a rail movable between a first state where the rail is mounted on the surface of the frame and a second state where the rail is pulled out from the frame in a predetermined pull-out direction. Each roller includes a guide peripheral surface formed in an outer peripheral portion in a radial direction and a lower surface opposing the surface of the frame at a specific interval. The rail includes a first pinched portion and a second pinched portion extending linearly in the pull-out direction and pinched between the surface of the frame and one of the lower surfaces and the guide peripheral surfaces of the first roller and the second roller, respectively.
US08449209B2	Image recording apparatus including cutting unit and supporting member with friction member The image recording apparatus includes conveying unit configured to convey a roll-shaped recording medium, a recording head adapted to record an image on the recording medium, a guide member configured for guiding the recording medium, and a cutting unit configured to cut the recording medium, wherein the guide member is provided with at least one friction member on a surface of the guide member, the at least one friction member configured to come into contact with the recording medium.
US08449208B2	Ramped-key keyboard for a handheld mobile communication device Wireless handheld mobile communication device and keyboard therefore having a keyfield including a plurality of depressible keys arranged in rows that are distributed about a vertical centerline (Vc) of the keyboard. Each depressible key has a top engagement surface with an upper inboard portion that is raised relative a lower outboard portion thereof. The top engagement surface of each depressible key is ramped from the lower outboard portion toward the upper inboard portion. Each top engagement surface is generally crest shaped, with the apex of the crest running generally diagonally across the respective key with a remaining surface falling away from the crest toward the upper outboard portion and the lower inboard portion of the key. The top engagement surface of each of the depressible keys terminates at an upper edge thereof in an elevated ridge down from which the balance of the respective top engagement surface slopes.
US08449200B2	Resin composition for sliding member and rolling bearing A resin composition for a sliding member is difficult to peel and whose component is difficult to elute when the resin composition is formed as a film on a surface of a mechanical part, even though the resin composition is used in environment where the sliding member contacts lubricating oil containing a sulfur-based additive or in atmosphere containing a sulfur-based compound. A resin composition for a sliding member to be used for a mechanical part having a surface thereof formed of said sliding member. The resin composition contains polyamide-imide resin having an elongation percentage of 60% to 120%, fullerene, and at least one disulfide selected from among molybdenum disulfide and tungsten disulfide. 0.1 to 10 vol % of the fullerene and 0.5 to 20 vol % of the disulfide are contained in an entirety of the resin composition.
US08449193B2	Crankshaft bearing for internal combustion engine Disclosed is a crankshaft bearing for an internal combustion engine. At the inner periphery of the semicircular thrust bearing, two impact load receiving projections are projected besides the two tabs. Each of at least the two impact load receiving projections is between each of the two tabs and each of the circumferential end surfaces of the semicircular thrust bearing. The two impact load receiving projections are at line-symmetrical positions with each other with respect to the center line of the semicircular thrust bearing. A height of the impact load receiving projection is set at a dimension such that a top portion of the impact load receiving projection is not in contact with an outer circumferential surface of the semi-cylindrical sliding bearing in a static state in which the pair of semi-cylindrical sliding bearings is assembled into the bearing housing of the crankshaft and restrained.
US08449189B2	Motor with aerodynamic pressure bearing mechanism In a gas dynamic pressure bearing mechanism (1) for smoothing rotary motion of a shaft (10) by feeding gas to the bearing clearance between the shaft (10) and a fixed sleeve (20) for supporting the shaft (10) through a herring bone groove (10a), the herring bone groove (10a) is provided in the shaft (10) such that pressure distribution generated in the bearing clearance moves at a high speed. The herring bone groove (10a) consists of N grooves such that N minimal pressure values appearing alternately with maximal pressure values at the positions where the maximal pressure values of dynamic pressure variation appear in the bearing clearance when the shaft (10) rotates have such an interval as it becomes lower than the condensation pressure value.
US08449182B2	Temperature sensing module A temperature sensing module includes a thermal sensor and an auxiliary fixture member. The thermal sensor includes a sensing head and plural pins. The pins and respective wires are connected with each other to form plural connecting regions. The auxiliary fixture member includes a fixing part, an extension part, a receiving part and a covering part. The extension part includes plural grooves for partially accommodating the pins of the thermal sensor, the wires and the connecting regions. The receiving part is arranged between the fixing part and the extension part for accommodating the sensing head of the thermal sensor. The covering part is disposed over the extension part for covering the extension part so that the pins, the wires and the connecting regions accommodated within the grooves of the extension part are fixed between the extension part and the covering part.
US08449179B2	Temperature detection system Provided is a temperature detection system which is low in cost. The temperature detection system includes a plurality of temperature detection ICs (10) for detecting an abnormal temperature and a resistor (20). Each of the plurality of temperature detection ICs (10) includes a reference voltage terminal connected to an output terminal of one of the plurality of temperature detection ICs (10) located at a preceding stage. The resistor (20) is provided between an output terminal of one of the plurality of temperature detection ICs (10) located at the final stage and a ground terminal.
US08449177B2	Vacuum sensor A micro mechanical vacuum sensor for determining the pressure within a cavity of a micro mechanical device is provided. The sensor comprises a substrate, at least one electrically conductive support member connected to the substrate, and a thermally resistive layer supported by the at least one support member and spaced from the substrate by the support member to provide a space between the thermally resistive layer and the substrate. The sensor is arranged such that the thermally resistive layer is substantially thermally insulated from the substrate. The sensor is further arranged to be driven such that the pressure within the cavity is determined by a temperature value sensed by the sensor.
US08449173B1	Method and system for thermal testing of computing system components Some embodiments provide a system that tests a computing system. During operation, the system monitors a temperature of a component in the computing system while running a series of calibrated workloads on the component. Next, the system analyzes a fluctuation of the temperature resulting from the calibrated workloads to determine a thermal performance of the component. The system then uses the determined thermal performance to improve the reliability of the computing system.
US08449171B2	Method for microfluidic mixing and mixing device A method of mixing (10), including: providing a fluid (10) in a well (6) so as to establish an acoustic field gradient; and applying an acoustic signal to cause mixing within a fluid (3).
US08449168B2	Intelligent and energy-saving LED lamp with glimmer and full light emission An intelligent and energy-saving LED lamp with glimmer and full light emission includes a lamp holder and a LED substrate disposed in the lamp holder. A plurality of LEDs is provided on the LED substrate. An infra-red sensing device with an infra-red detecting head is disposed inside the lamp holder. A lampshade is connected to a top end of the lamp holder and includes a protruding cover corresponding to the infra-red detecting head. The LEDs do not light up when there is enough light from external surrounding. The LEDs radiates a glimmering light when there is not enough light from external surrounding and the infra-red detecting head does not sense any movements of objects. The LEDs radiates a full light when there is not enough light from external surrounding and the infra-red detecting head senses movements of objects.
US08449165B2	Backlight module having housing provided with groove structure The present invention relates to a backlight module having housing provided with groove structure, wherein the backlight module comprises: a housing, a plurality of LED chips, a thermal conductive layer, a reflector, and a light guide plate. In which, the housing has a groove formed on a housing bottom thereof, and the circuit layer is disposed in the groove through a first thermally conductive insulating layer. In addition, the plurality of LED chips are disposed in the housing and welded on the circuit layer. In the present invention, the circuit layer and the LED chips are disposed in the groove of the housing, therefore, when mass producing the backlight module, it is able to ensure that the position of LED chips would correspond to the circuit layer in the housing, such that each the backlight module manufactured by mass production can be used for providing a stable light source.
US08449163B2	Backlight module A backlight module includes at least one light emitting device capable of emitting a light beam, a light guide plate, and a thermal insulation light guide element. The light guide plate has two surfaces opposite to each other and a side surface connecting the two surfaces. The light emitting device is disposed beside the side surface. The light beam enters the light guide plate through the side surface. The thermal insulation light guide element has a light incident surface and a light emitting surface. The light incident surface having at least one first recess is located in a transmission path of the light beam and between the light emitting device and the side surface. The light emitting surface is disposed between the light incident surface and the side surface. The glass transition temperature of the thermal insulation light guide element is higher than that of the light guide plate.
US08449162B2	Backlight module with optical film having notches A backlight module includes a light guide plate, an optical film set, and at least one light emitting element. The light guide plate has a first light-emitting surface, a bottom surface, and a first light incident surface. The optical film set on the first light-emitting surface includes at least one optical film having a second light incident surface, a second light-emitting surface, and a side surface. The side surface of the optical film and the first light incident surface of the light guide plate are at the same side, and at least one notch is disposed on the side surface. The light emitting element is adjacent to the first light incident surface and capable of emitting a light beam. The light beam is capable of entering the light guide plate through the first light incident surface and being transmitted to the optical film set via the first light-emitting surface.
US08449161B2	Luminous decorative vehicle trim insert A luminous decorative vehicle trim insert having an opaque carrier structure. A reflective layer is disposed over the opaque carrier structure. A light pipe is adjacent the reflective layer and operably connected to a light source. An optic layer is disposed in the light pipe. A total internal reflection (TIR) protective layer is disposed over the light pipe. A diffusing layer is disposed over the TIR protective layer. A decorative transmitting layer is disposed over the diffusing layer. An optic layer creates a luminous effect in the trim insert visible only when the light source is activated. An environmental layer is disposed over the transmitting layer.
US08449154B2	Illumination device including a light-emitting module fastened to mount member with a constant orientation A mount member (5) has a contact surface (27a) touching the bottom surface of an LED module (3) and protrusions (5a) protruding from the periphery of the contact surface (27a) in the thickness direction of the LED module (3) and regulating sliding motions thereof. A fixing member (6) made of a resilient, plate-like member comprises an opposing pair of flat portions (43) near the contact surface (27a) of the mount member (5) and flat tabs (44) projecting from the flat portions (43) toward the contact surface (27a) touching the upper surface of a substrate (17). The flat portions (43) of the fixing member (6) are fastened to be lower than the top surface of the substrate (17) of the LED module (3). Thus, elastically deformed areas extending from the fastened parts of the flat portions (43) through the flat tabs (44) press the substrate (17) into the mount member (5).
US08449147B2	Ophthalmic endoillumination with thermally isolated phosphor An illuminator configured to deliver white light into an optical fiber includes a pump light source and a white phosphor. The pump light source configured to emit short-wavelength light. The white phosphor is disposed to receive the short-wavelength light from the pump light source and to output white light in response to the pumping light. The white phosphor is thermally isolated from the pump light source.
US08449146B2	LED lamp assembly for use in a long passage A LED lamp assembly for use in a long passage includes an elongated rectangular housing carrying multiple power-output electric connectors, a power-input electric connector and a power switch, a flat rectangular light source having a light-emitting face and selectively fastened to a rectangular top end of housing in one of four angular positions that spaced from one another at 90° angle, and a mounting plate extending perpendicularly from one side of the rectangular end wall of the housing having a plurality a plurality of equiangularly spaced and smoothly arched mounting slots for mounting.
US08449143B2	Metal base circuit board Provided is a metal base circuit board having a new function of a light reflection in addition to the conventional printed circuit board function for mounting electronic parts. The metal base circuit board has a circuit arranged on a metal plate via an insulation layer. A white film is arranged at least one the insulation layer.
US08449142B1	Reinforced housing structure for a lighted sign or lighting fixture A lighted sign or lighting fixture includes a housing that contains a series of LEDs. The housing has a pair of side walls and a series of spaced apart reinforcing members that extend between and interconnect the side walls. The reinforcing members may be formed integrally with the side walls, or may be in the form of separate members that are securely attached to the side walls. An LED mounting structure, such as a PCB, may be attached to the reinforcing members, or alternatively a separate bottom wall may be secured to the reinforcing members.
US08449138B2	Lighting device A lighting device including a housing, a coupling member being coupled to an inner upper surface of the housing, having an insertion groove formed in the middle part thereof in a direction of the inner upper surface of the housing, and having a first connection terminal provided in the middle of the insertion groove, at least one reflector coupled between an inner wall surface of the housing and an outer wall surface of the coupling member; and a light source unit having an upper part thereof attachable to and removable from the coupling member by using the insertion groove, having a second connection terminal provided in the upper part thereof, the second connection terminal being electrically connected to the first connection terminal when connected to the coupling member, and having a lower part thereof emitting light toward the reflector.
US08449136B2	Long-range, handheld searchlight A handheld searchlight for producing a high intensity beam of light output has an elongated housing including a handle portion for gripping by a user. A head has a window opening for transmitting a light beam. There is a mechanical coupling between the housing and the head. A parabolic reflector is mounted in the head facing the window and has an aperture for accommodating a high intensity lamp. The reflector has a longitudinal optical axis. The rotation of the head about the coupling causes movement of the parabolic reflector relative to the lamp along the optical axis thereby changing a spread of the high-intensity light beam. The searchlight further includes a rotatable bezel ring mounted on the head and a filter ring mount connected to the rotatable bezel. An optical filter is mounted in the filter ring mount.
US08449130B2	Solid state lighting panels with limited color gamut and methods of limiting color gamut in solid state lighting panels Methods of controlling a backlight unit including a plurality of solid state light emitting devices include receiving a request to set a color point of the backlight unit at a requested color point, and determining if the requested color point is within an acceptable range. In response to the requested color point being outside the acceptable range, a modified color point is selected in response to the requested color point, and a color point of the backlight unit is set at the modified color point. Corresponding solid state lighting units are also disclosed.
US08449127B2	Endoscope objective lens and endoscope using the same An endoscope objective lens includes, in sequence from an object side, a front group which includes a negative first lens having a concave surface faces at image side, a filter, and a positive second lens having a convex surface at the object side and a flat surface or concave surface at the image side; an aperture stop; and a back group which includes a positive third lens having a convex surface at the image side, and a combined lens formed of a plano-convex lens or a biconvex lens and a negative meniscus lens, and satisfies the Conditional Expression (1) and (2): n3>−ν3/12+5.5, (1) 2.0>df/Ih>1.5. (2)
US08449125B2	Light-absorbing structure and methods of making A critically coupled optical resonator absorbs greater than 95% of incident light of the critical wavelength with an absorber layer less than 10 nm thick.
US08449122B2	Image marking method and apparatus In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for marking an image projected onto a surface includes capturing a second image from the surface, detecting the existence of a marking point in the second image, and modifying the first image by placing a graphic element at a location corresponding to a location of the marking point in the second image.
US08449116B2	Electro-oculography estimating device, electro-oculography calculating method, eye-gaze tracking device, wearable camera, head-mounted display, and electronic eyeglasses An electro-oculography estimating device includes: a distance obtaining unit which obtains a right-eye corneal distance, a right-eye retinal distance, a left-eye corneal distance, and a left-eye retinal distance; and an electro-oculography theoretical value calculating unit which calculates an electro-oculography theoretical value generated at the given three-dimensional positions, based on the right-eye corneal distance, the right-eye retinal distance, the left-eye corneal distance, and the left-eye retinal distance that are obtained by the distance obtaining unit, as an input into an electro-oculography model that is a function for calculating the electro-oculography theoretical value generated in the given three-dimensional spatial position, based on the right-eye corneal distance, the right-eye retinal distance, the left-eye corneal distance, and the left-eye retinal distance.
US08449111B2	Method of making prescription lens In one aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a prescription lens includes obtaining information of a prescription lens and a frame to accommodate the prescription lens, the information of the prescription lens comprising a lens power, an optical zone and a spherical front base curve, and the information of the frame comprises a frame curve; calculating the maximum lens thickness of the prescription lens at the optical zone according to the information of the prescription lens; selecting a lens according to the calculated maximum lens thickness at the optical zone, the information of the prescription lens and the frame; and processing the selected lens so as to obtain the prescription lens having an intermediate zone surrounding the optical zone and an edge zone surrounding the intermediate zone such that the thickness of the edge zone is substantially thinner than the maximum lens thickness of the optical zone.
US08449108B2	Method and system for providing evidence of printing in event of print head failure Systems and methods for providing evidence of printing in metering systems even in the event of a print head failure are provided. Along with generating a primary image for an indicium that evidences payment, a secondary image for the indicium, identical to a corresponding portion of the primary image but at a lower density, with physical boundaries that are within the boundaries of the primary image, is also generated. The primary image is printed by a first nozzle array, and the secondary image is printed by a second nozzle array. Because the primary image completely overlaps the secondary image, the secondary image is undetectable if the primary image is properly printed. The secondary image provides evidence of printing of the indicium that can be used to obtain a refund for the indicium in the event that the primary image was not printed due to failure of the first nozzle array.
US08449105B2	Printing apparatus and method of installing printing apparatus A printing apparatus includes a first housing at least a sheet feeding unit is provided therein and a second housing at least a printing unit is provided therein. The first housing and the second housing are individually supported on a floor. The first housing and the second housing are separable for the purpose of maintenance.
US08449104B2	Conveyance apparatus and recording apparatus A conveyance apparatus includes a holding unit configured to hold a roll sheet, a conveyance unit configured to convey the roll sheet in a first direction in which the roll sheet is unrolled and a second direction opposite from the first direction, and a control unit configured to control the drive of the conveyance unit. The amount of drive per unit conveyance distance at the time when the conveyance unit conveys the roll sheet is controlled so as to be larger in the conveyance in the first direction than in the conveyance in the second direction.
US08449101B2	Ink composition and method of producing a processed product of printed matter An active radiation curable ink composition is disclosed. The ink composition includes a compound having a persulfide bond, at least one end of the persulfide bond being bonded to a ring structure directly or via a carbonyl group or a thiocarbonyl group; one or more radical polymerizable compounds; and a photopolymerization initiator.

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