最新美国发明专利第2013-07-09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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US08481776B2	Functional substance-releasing agent The present invention relates to a functional substance-releasing agent containing a silicic acid ester compound represented by formula (1) below, a process for producing the functional substance-releasing agent, and a composition containing the functional substance-releasing agent. wherein R1 represents a residue of an alcohol which results from removal of one hydroxyl group therefrom, the alcohol being selected from a functional alcohol having a log P value of 2.0 or less and an alcohol having a log P value of 2.1 or more, a plurality of R1s may be the same or different, provided that the silicic acid ester compound has, in one molecule, at least one residue resulting from removal of one hydroxyl group from a functional alcohol having a log P value of 2.0 or less and at least one residue resulting from removal of one hydroxyl group from an alcohol having a log P value of 2.1 or more.
US08481772B2	Trihydroxy polyunsaturated eicosanoid derivatives The invention features methods for the preparation of naturally occurring trihydroxy polyunsaturated eicosanoids and their structural analogs. The invention further provides new derivatives and analogs of trihydroxy polyunsaturated eicosanoids that can be prepared according to these methods. The invention also provides compositions and methods using trihydroxy polyunsaturated eicosanoid derivatives for the prevention, amelioration and treatment of a variety of diseases or conditions associated with inflammation or inflammatory response, autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, or abnormal cell proliferation or cancer.
US08481770B2	Separation method A method of selectively separating a phospholipid from a sample solution containing the phospholipid is provided. The method comprises: adsorbing calcium ions to a filler, at least a surface of the filler being constituted of a calcium phosphate-based compound; supplying the sample solution into an apparatus having a filling space, wherein the filling space being filled with the filler so that the phospholipid contained in the sample solution is adsorbed to the filler through the calcium ions; supplying an organic solvent-based eluate into the filling space of the apparatus to obtain a liquid containing the phospholipid and discharged from the apparatus; and fractionating the obtained liquid per a predetermined amount to thereby separate the phospholipid from the sample solution.
US08481768B2	Integrated process for the preparation of fatty acid methyl ester (biodiesel) The disclosure provides methods and systems for the production of biodiesel from biological feedstocks such as vegetable oils or animal fats. In particular, the disclosure is directed to the product of biodiesel from seeds such as non-edible oil seeds. Methods for maximizing oil recovery from the feedstocks are provided, as well as methods to convert free fatty acids in the feedstocks into glycerides amenable to transesterification. Thus the methods and systems provide for efficient biodiesel production.
US08481765B2	Method for the production of epichlorohydrin The invention relates to a method for the production of epichlorohydrin, wherein a chloropropane-containing ally chloride in excess is reacted in a first reaction stage with hydrogen peroxide. The non-reacted ally chloride is separated and returned to the reaction, wherein part of the separated ally chloride is added to a second reaction stage and reacted with hydrogen peroxide, wherein the hydrogen peroxide quantity is selected in the second reaction stage such that the ally chloride is largely reacted. The chloropropanes are separated from the reaction mixture of the second reaction stage by means of distillation and removed from the process.
US08481764B2	Process for producing propylene oxide A process for producing propylene oxide, which comprises supplying an organic peroxide and propylene to an epoxidation reactor in which a solid catalyst is packed thereby continuously producing propylene oxide through epoxidation reaction, wherein said process comprises cooling at least a part of the propylene before supplying to separate and remove water contained in the propylene, and supplying the propylene in which water has been separated and removed to the epoxidation reactor.
US08481761B2	Method for preparing sesamin and sesamolin The present invention provides a method for preparing sesamin and sesamolin. The method includes the steps of passing a mixed solution of an oil containing sesamin and sesamolin and an aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent through a silica gel column, washing the silica gel column with an aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent, and eluting the sesamin and sesamolin adsorbed by the silica gel column with an eluent selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, acetone and ethyl acetate. The method of the present invention allows a simple and convenient operation, and has excellent purifying effects and high recovery rates. Thus, the method of the present invention has substantial applicability in related industries.
US08481754B2	Quinoid silafluorene organic semiconductor material, preparation method and use thereof A quinoid silafluorene organic semiconductor material represented by formula (I) is disclosed, in which R1, R2, R5 and R6 are selected from H or C1-C20 alkyl; R3 and R4 are selected from C1-C20 alkyl; m and n are an integer of 0 to 10. A preparation method of said quinoid silafluorene organic semiconductor material and the use thereof are also disclosed.
US08481752B2	Fluorescent imaging with substituted cyanine dyes Compounds and methods are disclosed that are useful for noninvasive imaging in the near-infrared spectral range. The cyanine compounds of Formula I are presented: wherein Q is a portion of a polymethine bridge selected from the group consisting of: Also included are bioconjugates of the compounds of Formula I, methods of labeling biomolecules with the compounds, and methods of imaging.
US08481751B2	Process for the production of bendamustine alkyl ester, bendamustine, and derivatives thereof Methods are provided for the production of bendamustine alkyl ester, bendamustine, as well as derivatives thereof. With the methods the production of these compounds is possible in reproducibly high yields. To this end, hydroxyl-group-containing esters are used as the starting material, whose hydroxyl groups are substituted in a simple way by halogen groups. This substitution is possible in the presence of (i) oxalyl chloride and (ii) dialkylformamide, dialkyl acetamide or dimethyl sulfoxide. In a subsequent reaction, the resulting esters can be hydrolyzed to form the acid.
US08481750B2	Derivatives of 6,7-dihydro-5H-imidazo[1,2-α]imidazole-3-carboxylic acid amides Derivatives of 6,7-dihydro-5H-imidazo[1,2-a]imidazole-3-carboxylic acid amide exhibit good inhibitory effect upon the interaction of CAMs and Leukointegrins and are thus useful in the treatment of inflammatory disease.
US08481744B2	Process for producing anthranilamide compound To provide a process for producing an anthranilamide having the 3-position of pyrazole substituted by a bromine atom, or its salt.A process for producing an anthranilamide compound represented by the formula (I) or its salt: which comprises reacting a compound represented by the formula (II): (wherein Z is 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, 4-pyridyl or benzene substituted by a nitro group), with a brominating agent, to produce a compound represented by the formula (III): and further reacting the compound of the formula (III) with an oxidizing agent.
US08481739B2	3,5-Disubstituted-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine and 3,5-disubstituted-3H[1,2,3]triazolo [4,5-b] Pyridine Compounds as Modulators of protein kinases The present invention provides, inter alia, compounds of formula I as protein kinase modulators, methods of preparing them, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and methods of treatment, prevention and/or amelioration of kinase mediated diseases or disorders with them.
US08481738B2	Gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor antagonists and methods relating thereto GnRH receptor antagonists are disclosed which have utility in the treatment of a variety of sex-hormone related conditions in both men and women. The compounds of this invention have the structure: wherein R1a, R1b, R1c, R1d, R2, R2a, and A are as defined herein, including stereoisomers, esters, solvates and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Also disclosed are compositions containing a compound of this invention in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, as well as methods relating to the use thereof for antagonizing gonadotropin-releasing hormone in a subject in need thereof.
US08481737B2	Solid forms of a chemokine receptor antagonist and methods of use thereof The citrate salt of (S)-4-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-1-{3-[7-(1-hydroxy-1-methyl-ethyl)-11H-10-oxa-1-aza-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5-ylidene]-propyl}-3,3-dimethyl-piperidin-4-ol, which may be used in pharmaceutical applications, is disclosed. The crystalline Citrate Salt, including particular single crystal forms and combinations of the single crystalline forms, are also discussed. Mixtures for forming the crystalline salts are discussed. As well, methods of producing the Citrate Salt, and crystalline forms thereof, and using such Citrate Salt, and crystalline forms thereof, in treating diseases associated with aberrant leukocyte recruitment, activation, or recruitment and activation are also discussed.
US08481736B2	Liquid crystalline rylene tetracarboxylic acid derivatives and use thereof The present invention relates to liquid-crystalline rylene tetracarboxylic acid derivatives, to processes for their preparation and to their use as n-type organic semiconductors for producing organic field-effect transistors and solar cells.
US08481735B2	Organic metal complex and process for preparing amine compound [Problem]The present invention aims to provide a novel organometallic compound that can be used as a general-use highly active catalyst with superior selectivity for functional groups.[Means for Solving Problem]The present invention relates to an organometallic compound having a novel specific structure of general formula (1): and to a general-use highly active catalyst used in reductive amination reaction with superior selectivity for functional groups that comprises said organometallic compound, and to a process for preparing amine compounds by reductive amination reaction using said catalyst.
US08481732B2	Substituted heterocyclic compounds The present invention relates to substituted heterocyclic compounds of Formula I or XI: or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or N-oxides or quaternary ammonium salts thereof wherein constituent members are provided hereinwith, as well as their compositions and methods of use, which are histamine H4 receptor inhibitors useful in the treatment of histamine H4 receptor-associated conditions or diseases or disorders including, for example, inflammatory diseases or disorders, pruritus, and pain.
US08481731B2	Compounds, pharmaceutical composition and methods relating thereto New compounds are disclosed which have utility in the treatment of a variety of metabolic related conditions in a patient. The compounds of this invention have the structure (I): wherein X1, X2, X3, X4, Y1, Y2, A, R1, R2, R3, R4, m, n, p, and q are as defined herein, including stereoisomers, esters, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Also disclosed are compositions containing a compound of this invention in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, as well as methods relating to the use thereof in a patient in need thereof.
US08481727B2	Crystals of hydrochloride of pyridazin-3(2H)-one compound and process for production of same Provided are novel crystals of 4-bromo-6-(3-(4-chloro-phenyl)propoxy)-5-(pyridin-3-ylmethylamino)pyridazin-3(2H)-one monohydrochloride, and a process for production of same. A-form crystals of 4-bromo-6-(3-(4-chlorophenyl)propoxy)-5-(pyridin-3-ylmethylamino)pyridazin-3(2H)-one monohydro-chloride represented by formula (1), which exhibit a powder X-ray diffraction pattern with characteristic peaks at diffraction angles (2θ) of 8.24, 11.24, 11.76, 16.48, 17.16, 17.80, 18.24, 19.80, 21.64, 22.56, 22.96, 23.68, 24.52, 25.92, 26.32, 27.12, 27.40, 28.00, 28.64, 29.28, 31.84 and 34.80°.
US08481725B2	Cycloalkylcarbonylamino acid derivative and process for producing the same Cycloalkylcarbonylamino acid derivatives, which are raw material intermediates of a novel cycloalkane carboxamide derivative that selectively inhibits cathepsin K, and a production process thereof, are provided.A cycloalkylcarbonylamino acid derivative represented by the following general formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof: (wherein, R1 and R2 represent alkyl groups, alkenyl groups, alkynyl groups, aromatic hydrocarbon groups, heterocyclic groups or the like, and ring A represents a cyclic alkylidene group having 5, 6 or 7 carbon atoms).
US08481722B2	High stability polyionic liquid salts Polyionic liquid salts are provided comprising polycationic or polyanionic molecules. Further provided are solvents comprising one or more polyionic liquid salts, and the use of such polyionic liquid salts as stationary phases in gas chromatography, and as a reagent in electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS).
US08481720B2	Manufacturing method of tagatose using galactose isomerization of high yield The present invention relates to a manufacturing method of tagatose using galactose isomerization of high yield, more particularly a method to enhance conversion rate of isomerization by adding borate which binds specifically to tagatose and a manufacturing method of tagatose using the same.
US08481718B2	Method of manufacturing gel using polysaccharides as raw materials A gel manufactured by irradiating ionizing radiation in the range of 5-1000 kGy to an obtained paste compound of a density of 10% by weight or more after adding water to carboxymethyl carrageenan and wherein each gram of dry gel obtained is capable of absorbing 20 grams or more of water. The ionizing radiation may be gamma rays, electron beams or X-rays.
US08481715B2	Methods for isolating crystalline form I of 5-azacytidine The invention includes methods for isolating crystalline Form I of 5-azacytidine substantially free of other forms, wherein 5-azacytidine is represented by the formula: The invention also includes pharmaceutical compositions comprising Form I of 5-azacytidine.
US08481713B2	Preparation of alkyl-substituted 2-deoxy-2-fluoro-D-ribofuranosyl pyrimidines and purines and their derivatives The present invention provides (i) a process for preparing a 2-deoxy-2-fluoro-2-methyl-D-ribonolactone derivative, (ii) conversion of the lactone to nucleosides with potent anti-HCV activity, and their analogues, and (iii) a method to prepare the anti-HCV nucleosides containing the 2-deoxy-2-fluoro-2-C-methyl-β-D-ribofuranosyl nucleosides from a preformed, preferably naturally-occurring, nucleoside.
US08481712B2	Nucleoside derivatives as inhibitors of RNA-dependent RNA viral polymerase The present invention provides nucleoside compounds and certain derivatives thereof which are inhibitors of RNA-dependent RNA viral polymerase. These compounds are inhibitors of RNA-dependent RNA viral replication and are useful for the treatment of RNA-dependent RNA viral infection. They are particularly useful as inhibitors of hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS5B polymerase, as inhibitors of HCV replication, and/or for the treatment of hepatitis C infection. The invention also describes pharmaceutical compositions containing such nucleoside compounds alone or in combination with other agents active against RNA-dependent RNA viral infection, in particular HCV infection. Also disclosed are methods of inhibiting RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, inhibiting RNA-dependent RNA viral replication, and/or treating RNA-dependent RNA viral infection with the nucleoside compounds of the present invention.
US08481710B2	RNA interference suppression of neurodegenerative diseases and methods of use thereof The present invention is directed to small interfering RNA molecules (siRNA) targeted against nucleic acid sequence that encodes huntingtin or ataxin-1, and methods of using these siRNA molecules.
US08481709B2	Mycobacterial peptide deformylase The present invention relates to the design of the Antisense-oligonucleotide complementary to the specific region of peptide deformylase gene from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The use of this Antisense-oligonucleotide on mycobacterial culture inhibits the production of the peptide deformylase enzyme by hybridizing within the region, which is found to be responsible for maintaining stability as well as retaining the functionality of the enzyme and thus in turn affecting the growth of the cells. This invention also establishes the essentiality of the peptide deformylase enzyme in mycobacteria and claims it as a drug target in this microorganism.
US08481708B2	snRNA gene-like transcriptional units and uses thereof By a computer search for upstream promoter elements (DSE, PSE) typical of small nuclear RNA (snRNA) genes, we have identified a number of previously unrecognized, putative transcription units whose predicted products are novel noncoding RNAs with homology to protein-coding genes. By elucidating the function of one of them, we provide evidence for the existence of a sense/antisense-based gene regulation network where part of the Pol III transcriptome could control its Pol II counterpart.
US08481706B2	Method for overproducing specific recombinant protein with P. cinnabarinus monokaryotic strains The use of monokaryotic strains of filamentous fungi of the Pycnoporus species of the basidiomycete group, for implementing a method for preparing a specific recombinant protein, the method being carried out by overexpressing the gene encoding the protein in the Pycnoporus monokaryotic strain.
US08481704B2	Nucleic acid molecule encoding human GM-CSF antigen binding proteins Antigen binding proteins that bind to human GM-CSF protein are provided. Nucleic acids encoding the antigen binding protein, vectors, and cells encoding the same are also provided. The antigen binding proteins can inhibit binding of GM-CSF to GM-CSFR, inhibit GM-CSF-induced proliferation and signaling of myeloid lineage cell lines and inhibit GM-CSF-induced activation of human monocytes.
US08481703B2	Anti-mesothelin antibodies This invention relates to the use of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies that specifically bind to and become internalized by mesothelin-positive cells and also induce an immune effector activity such as antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity. The antibodies are useful in specific delivery of pharmacologic agents to mesothelin expressing cells as well as eliciting an immune-effector activity particularly on tumor cells and precursors. The invention is also related to cells expressing the monoclonal antibodies, polyclonal antibodies, antibody derivatives, such as human, humanized, and chimeric monoclonal antibodies, antibody fragments, mammalian cells expressing the monoclonal antibodies, derivatives and fragments, and methods of treating cancer using the antibodies, derivatives and fragments.
US08481699B2	Multiplex barcoded Paired-End ditag (mbPED) library construction for ultra high throughput sequencing Multiplex barcoded Paired-End Ditag (mbPED) library construction for ultra high throughput sequencing is disclosed. The mbPED library comprises multiple types of barcoded Paired-End Ditag (bPED) nucleic acid fragment constructs, each of which comprises a unique barcoded adaptor, a first tag, and a second tag linked to the first tag via the barcoded adaptor. The two tags are the 5′- and 3′-ends of a nucleic acid molecule from which they originate. The barcoded adaptor comprises a barcode, a first polynucleotide sequence comprising a first restriction enzyme (RE) recognition site, and a second polynucleotide sequence comprising a second RE recognition site and covalently linked to the first polynucleotide sequence via the barcode. The two REs lead to cleavage of a nucleic acid at a defined distance from their recognition sites. The length of the adaptor is set so that the bPED nucleic acid fragment fits one-step sequencing.
US08481698B2	Parallel proximity ligation event analysis The present invention describes compositions and methods showing that the spatial proximity of intracellular components may be related to their ability to cooperate in intracellular biochemical reactions. In some embodiments, the present invention contemplates a variety of nucleic acid barcoded binding partners capable of determining the spatial proximity of intracellular components as determined by ligation of their respective nucleotide barcodes. As such, an intracellular component contact map may be constructed to fingerprint specific physiological and/or pharmacological intracellular conditions.
US08481693B2	Virus like particle purification Methods for purifying human Calciviruses are disclosed, including Noroviruses and Sapoviruses.
US08481689B2	Antibody specifically binding to c-Met and methods of use Antibodies specifically binding to c-Met protein, hybridoma cell lines, and compositions comprising the antibodies are disclosed herein. Methods of making and using the antibodies and compositions are also disclosed.
US08481688B2	Anti-FGFR2 antibodies Monoclonal antibodies that bind and inhibit biological activities of human FGFR2 are disclosed. The antibodies can be used to treat cell proliferative diseases and disorders, including certain forms of cancer, associated with activation or overexpression of FGFR2.
US08481686B2	Antibodies that bind stresscopin peptides The invention provides novel nucleic acids and polypeptides, referred to herein as stresscopin 1 and stresscopin 2, which preferentially activate the CRH-R2 receptor over the R1 receptor. Stresscopins, analogs and mimetics, and related CRH-R2 agonists suppress food intake and heat-induced edema; but do not induce substantial release of ACTH. Stresscopin also finds use in the recovery phase of stress responses, as an anti-inflammatory agent, as a hypotensive agent, as a cardioprotective agent, and in the treatment of psychiatric and anxiolytic disorders. Stresscopin nucleic acid compositions find use in identifying homologous or related proteins and the DNA sequences encoding such proteins; in producing compositions that modulate the expression or function of the protein; and in studying associated physiological pathways.
US08481683B2	Human antibodies that bind CD22 and uses thereof The present disclosure provides isolated monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to CD22 with high affinity, particularly human monoclonal antibodies. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the antibodies of this disclosure, expression vectors, host cells and methods for expressing the antibodies of this disclosure are also provided. Antibody-partner molecule conjugates, bispecific molecules and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibodies of this disclosure are also provided. This disclosure also provides methods for detecting CD22, as well as methods for treating various cancers and inflammatory and autoimmune disorders using an anti-CD22 antibody of this disclosure.
US08481682B2	Maize cellulose synthases and uses thereof The invention provides isolated cellulose synthase nucleic acids and their encoded proteins. The present invention provides methods and compositions relating to altering cellulose synthase levels in plants. The invention further provides recombinant expression cassettes, host cells, and transgenic plants comprising cellulose synthase nucleic acids. The invention provides isolated products from the processing of transgenic plants comprising cellulose synthase nucleic acids.
US08481677B2	Protein concentrate from starch containing grains: composition, method of making, and uses thereof The present invention relates to methods of producing a protein concentrate from a starch containing grain and uses thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the protein concentrate produced is used to prepare an aquaculture feed.
US08481670B2	Stabilized polyolefin compositions Disclosed are compositions comprising antioxidants and stabilizers, such as, acid scavengers or organic phosphorus stabilizers, and optionally further comprising co-stabilizers. The disclosed compositions are useful as stabilizers for polyolefins and other polymeric materials. The disclosed compositions and methods generally provide longer shelf lives and better oxidative resistance to materials than currently available antioxidants.
US08481667B2	Silicone containing polymeric materials A polymeric material with a variable modulus of elasticity is described herein. The polymeric material described herein is useful for forming implantable medical devices (e.g. ophthalmic lenses, breast implants, and body augmentation devices). In addition, medical devices formed from the polymer material can be used to controllably release a therapeutic agent. Also, the polymeric material may be used to prepare topical compositions or other applications or devices where control of a mechanical property such as material modulus is important.
US08481666B2	Polyethylene compositions, method of producing the same, articles made therefrom, and method of making the same The instant invention is a polyethylene composition, method of producing the same, articles made therefrom, and method of making the same. The polyethylene composition according to the instant invention comprises (1) less than or equal to 100 percent by weight of the units derived from ethylene; and (2) less than 15 percent by weight of units derived from one or more α-olefin comonomers. The polyethylene composition according the instant invention has a density of equal to D g/cm3, wherein D=[(0.0034(Ln(I2))+0.9553], wherein I2 is melt index expressed in g/10 min, a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) in the range of 1.70 to 3.62, a melt index (I2) in the range of 2 to 1000 g/10 minutes, a molecular weight distribution (Mz/Mw) in the range of less than 2.5, and a vinyl unsaturation of less than 0.06 vinyls per one thousand carbon atoms present in the backbone of the composition.
US08481665B2	Polyolefin production Use of a metallocene compound of general formula Ind2R″MQ2 as a component of a catalyst system in producing polyethylene, wherein each Ind is the same or different and is indenyl or substituted indenyl; R″ is a bridge which comprises a C1 to C4 alkylene radical, a dialkyl germanium or silicon or siloxane, alkyl phosphine or amine, which bridge is substituted or unsubstituted, M is a Group IV metal or vanadium and each Q is hydrocarbyl having 1 to 20 carbon atoms or halogen; and the ratio of meso to racemic forms of the metallocene in the catalyst system is at least 1:3. The metallocene may be supported. The ethylene may be polymerized in a reaction medium that is substantially free of any external comonomer, with comonomer being formed in situ. The produced polyethylene may have long chain branching. The produced polyethylene may be atactic.
US08481664B2	Particulate water absorbing agent including polyacrylic acid (polyacrylate) based water absorbing resin as a principal component, method for production thereof, water-absorbent core and absorbing article in which the particulate water absorbing agent is used As a characteristic that had not been known conventionally at all, “permeability potential under pressure (PPUP)” of a particulate water absorbing agent is regulated, and further, “range of particle size distribution” and “coloring” are concomitantly regulated. The present invention is directed to a particulate water absorbing agent having the following (a) to (c): (a) permeability potential under pressure (PPUP) being 50 to 100%; (b) yellowness index (YI) being 0 to 10, and rate of change of yellowness index (ΔYI) being 100 to 150% following a coloring acceleration test for 14 days at 70±1° C. and the relative humidity of 95±1%; and (c) particles of smaller than 150 μm specified by standard sieve classification accounting for 0 to 5% by weight, weight average particle diameter (D50) being 200 to 550 μm, and logarithmic standard deviation (σζ) of particle size distribution being 0.20 to 0.40.
US08481659B2	Cure accelerators for anaerobic curable compositions The present invention relates to cure accelerators useful for anaerobic curable compositions, such as adhesives and sealants.
US08481657B2	Increased monomer conversion in emulsion polymerization A method for increasing the monomer conversion in a redox initiated emulsion polymerization has been discovered. The method comprises adding a composition comprising an effective amount of a substituted phenol to the polymerization medium. In this manner, high monomer conversion is obtained and the product has low gel contents and a low amount or no crosslinking.
US08481656B2	Silicone resin composition and optical semiconductor device using the composition A silicone resin composition that exhibits low gas permeability and is suitable for encapsulating optical semiconductors. The composition includes: (A) an organopolysiloxane having a specific structure containing two or more alkenyl groups, (B) an organohydrogenpolysiloxane composed of two organohydrogenpolysiloxanes having specific structures, in which the mass ratio between the two organohydrogenpolysiloxanes is within a range from 10:90 to 90:10, in an amount that provides 0.4 to 4.0 mols of silicon atom-bonded hydrogen atoms within the component (B) per 1 mol of alkenyl groups within the component (A), and (C) an addition reaction catalyst.
US08481650B2	Process for production of polymers having functional groups, and star polymers obtained thereby It is to provide a method for producing a polymer by a living anionic polymerization, wherein the number of functional groups and the introduction position are accurately specified in the polymer. For this purpose, a cinnamyl alcohol represented by the following formula [I] or a derivative thereof is subjected to a reaction when conducting a living anionic polymerization. In formula [I], R1 represents an alkyl group or alkoxy group; m represents an integer of 0 to 5 and when m is 2 or more, R1s may be the same or different; R5 represents a hydrogen atom, alkali metal atom, trialkylsilyl group or a substituent represented by the following formula [II]. In formula [II], R3 represents a hydrogen atom or a C1-C6 alkyl group; and R4 represents an alkyl group which may be substituted by an alkoxy group, a cycloalkyl group which may be substituted by an alkoxy group, a phenyl group which may be substituted by an alkyl group, or a phenyl group which may be substituted by an alkoxy group).
US08481649B2	Coupled polymers and manufacturing method thereof A coupled copolymer is provided. The coupled copolymer is coupled by reacting a silane coupling agent with a copolymer, where the copolymer is polymerized by a conjugated diene monomer and a vinyl aromatics monomer, and the silane coupling agent has an alkenyl group and a alkoxy group, and has a chemical Formula (I) as follows: where R1 and R4 are alkyl groups; R3 is a group having an alkenyl group; R5 is one of an alkyl and an alkenyl groups; q is one of “1” and “0”; when q=0, then k=j=0, 1≦n≦3, 0≦m≦2, m+n=3, and R2 is alkoxy group; and when q=1, then k+j=3, R2 is —(CH2)r, r=1-6 and m+n=3.
US08481647B2	Thermoplastic elastomer polyolefin in-reactor blends and molded articles therefrom This invention relates to an in-reactor polymer blend comprising: (a) a first ethylene-containing polymer having a density of greater than 0.90 g/cm3 and a Mw of more than 20,000 g/mol and (b) a second ethylene-containing polymer having a density of less than 0.90 g/cm3 wherein the polymer blend has a Tm of at least 90° C. (DSC second melt), a density of less than 0.92 g/cm3, and the densities of the first and second polymers differ by at least 1%.
US08481645B2	Stabilizer polymer and coating compositions thereof A stabilizer polymer and coating compositions containing the stabilizer polymer are provided. The stabilizer polymer preferably includes a polyester backbone and a plurality of carbon-carbon double bonds. A coating composition is provided that preferably includes the stabilizer polymer, an acrylic component, and a thermoplastic dispersion. In a preferred embodiment, the acrylic component is included in the stabilizer polymer.
US08481643B2	Nanoparticle precursor structures, nanoparticle structures, and composite materials Nanoparticle precursor structures, nanoparticle structures, and composite materials that include the nanoparticle structures in a polymer to form a composite material. The nanoparticle structures have chemical linkage moieties capable of forming non-covalent bonds with portions of a polymer for the composite material. Such composite materials are useful as biomaterials in medical devices.
US08481642B2	Process for the preparation of hydrothermal hybrid material from biomass, and hydrothermal hybrid material obtainable by the process The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of hydrothermal hybrid material, in particular coal-like hybrid material from biomass. The process involves the heating of a reaction mixture comprising water, biomass and a copolymerizable compound, wherein the copolymerizable compound is added when preparing the reaction mixture, in a variant of the process, the biomass is converted to activated biomass in a first step, and the copolymerization of the activated biomass and a copolymerizable compound to give the hydrothermal, preferably coal-like, hybrid material is started by adding a polymerization initiator. The invention also relates to the hydrothermal hybrid materials obtainable by the processes as such, e.g. to aqueous dispersions thereof. By incorporating copolymerizable compounds, e.g. petrochemical compounds in the structure of the hydrothermal hybrid materials, the physical properties of the materials and the preparation process thereof can be controlled.
US08481636B2	Polyolefin resin composition for anti-scratch improvement and automotive product prepared from the composition Provided is a polyolefin resin composition including: an ultra-high crystalline polypropylene resin, e.g. about 40-80 wt %, having an isotactic index of about 99.5 or higher; a branched polypropylene, e.g., about 10-20 wt %, having a branching index of about 7 or higher; a thermoplastic elastomer, e.g., about 1-20 wt %; an inorganic filler, e.g., about 1-30 wt %; and a fluoroacrylic copolymer-based amide polymer compound, e.g., about 2-6 wt %.
US08481634B2	Hot melt desiccant matrix composition based on plasticized polyolefin binder A hot melt desiccant matrix composition has an organic binder and an absorbent material as components thereof. The organic binder includes about 10% to 80% by weight of a propylene based poly-α-olefin polymer having a melting point or a glass transition temperature less than 180° C., a density in the range of 0.85 to 0.95 g/cc or a blend of poly-α-olefin polymers; about 5% to 70% by weight of a plasticizer having a flash point equal to or greater than 180° C.; about 0% to 50% by weight a compatible tackifier; and a stabilizer in the amount of about 0% to 5% by weight. The absorbent component may be a water/moisture absorbing material, or a VOC absorbing material, or a blend of water/moisture absorbing and VOC absorbing materials. The absorbent material is selected from absorbing materials including, but not limited to, silica gels, activated carbons, silica alumina, calcium sulfate, calcium oxide, natural zeolites and molecular sieves and the mixtures thereof. The ratios of organic binder component to absorbent component range from about 30% by weight to about 80% by weight.
US08481632B2	Method for improving the flowability of a mixture that contains wax and other hydrocarbons A method for improving the flowability of a mixture that contains wax and other hydrocarbons, which method comprises adding to the mixture an amount of a dendrimeric hyperbranched polyester amide.
US08481624B2	Methods for producing flameproofed thermoplastic moulding compounds The invention relates to a process for the preparation of thermoplastic molding materials comprising A) from 39 to 99% by weight of at least one thermoplastic polymer, B) from 1 to 60% by weight of a flameproofing component comprising B1) an expandable graphite, and C) from 0 to 60% by weight of further additives, the percentages by weight being based in each case on the total weight of the components A) to C) and together giving 100% by weight, by mixing melts of the components A), B) and, if present, C) in a screw extruder, the screw extruder comprising at least one metering zone, one plasticating zone, one homogenization zone and one discharge zone in this sequence along the conveying direction, wherein the metering of the expandable graphite B1) into the screw extruder is effected at a point behind which—viewed in the conveying direction—the extruder screw comprises substantially no shearing elements, and thermoplastic molding materials which can be prepared by these processes, the use of said thermoplastic molding materials for the production of fibers, films, moldings and foams, and these fibers, films, moldings and foams themselves.
US08481623B2	Radiation-curable coating masses with high adhesion The present invention relates to radiation-curable coating compositions combining high adhesion with high elasticity.
US08481621B2	Compositions comprising an amino triazine and ionomer or ionomer precursor Disclosed embodiments concern using at least one triazine, typically an amine or polyamine triazine (referred to as amino triazines), in combination with at least one ionomer or ionomer precursor to form compositions useful for making sporting equipment, such as golf ball components. The ionomer or ionomer precursor typically includes plural acid functional groups, such as carboxyl or carboxylate groups, that react or form salts with the amino triazine. Specific examples, without limitation, of suitable amino triazines include guanamine, 6-methyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine(acetoguanamine), 6-nonyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine(nonylguanamine), 6-phenyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine(benzoguanamine) and 2,4,6-triamino-triazine(melamine).
US08481620B2	Process for producing resin composition A method for producing a resin composition, including the steps of melt-kneading a raw material A containing a polylactic acid resin, a crystal nucleating agent, and a plasticizer containing an ester compound formed between a polycarboxylic acid having a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 7 carbon atoms and a mono-alcohol having a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 7 carbon atoms, to prepare a polylactic acid-containing melt-kneaded mixture having a relative crystallinity of 70% or more (step A); and further melt-kneading the polylactic acid-containing melt-kneaded mixture obtained by the step A and a raw material B containing a polypropylene resin and a compatibilizing agent (step B). The resin composition obtainable by the method of the present invention can be suitably used in various industrial applications, such as daily sundries, household electric appliance parts, and automobile parts.
US08481619B2	Aqueous resorcinol-formaldehyde-latex dispersions, adhesion-improved fibres, processes for production thereof and use thereof The present invention relates to aqueous resorcinol-formaldehyde-latex dispersions comprising at least one carbodiimide based on compounds of the formula (I) R′—(—N═C═N—R—)m—R″ (I), where, m is an integer from 1 to 500, R=C1-C18-alkylene, C5-C18-cycloalkylene-, arylene and/or C7-C12-aralkylene, R′=R—NCO, R—NHCONHR1, R—NHCONR1R2, R—NHCOOR3 or R—NHCO—R5 and R″=—NCO, —NHCONHR1, —NHCONR1R2, —NHCO—R5 or —NHCOOR3, where R1 and R2 in R′ are mutually independently identical or different and are a C1-C6-alkyl moiety, C6-C10-cycloalkyl moiety or C7-C12-aralkyl moiety, and R3 is as defined for R1 or is a polyester moiety or a polyamide moiety or —(CH2)l—(O—(CH2)k—O)g—R4, —C8H4(OH) or —C8H3(OH)—((CH2)h—C6H4(OH))y and R5=epoxide, phenol, oxime, resorcinol, polyethylene glycols and/or lactam, preferably caprolactam, where l=from 1 to 3, k=from 1 to 3, g=from 0 to 12, h=from 1 to 2 and y=from 1 to 50, and R4=H or C1-C4-alkyl.
US08481617B2	Adjuvant system for prefabricated concrete The present invention relates to a system of adjuvants for concrete comprising a superplasticizer, such as a polyalkoxylated polycarboxylate comb polymer; an accelerator selected from calcium salts; and a rheology extender, which is a polyalkoxylated polyphosphonate. The system of adjuvants is particularly useful for prefabricated concrete, which is used for producing concrete building elements in series such as slabs, walls, beams, frontage panels. Methods for preparing prefabricated concrete using this system of adjuvants are also provided.
US08481613B2	Solvent transfer process for organic polymers An organic polymer is transferred from one solvent to another. In a first step, a solution of the polymer in a first solvent is divided into droplets, dispersed into a liquid phase such as water bath, and the first solvent is removed from the droplets to produce a slurry in the liquid phase. Then, the second solvent is contacted with the slurry to dissolve the organic polymer and produce a second solution. The second solution is removed from the liquid phase. The process is especially suitable for transferring a butadiene polymer from a hydrocarbon solvent into a halogenated solvent for bromination.
US08481610B2	Method of manufacturing puncture-sealing agent A method for manufacturing a puncture-sealing agent, which effectively prevents gelification of the puncture-sealing agent caused by agglomerates of rubber latex and that can enhance the productivity of the puncture-sealing agent is provided. The manufacturing method includes a first mixing process of mixing an antifreeze liquid with water to obtain a mixture liquid A1; a second mixing process of adding the mixture liquid A1 dropwise into a rubber latex that is being stirred and performing mixing to obtain a mixture liquid A2, while increasing the stirring speed as a liquid amount of the mixture liquid A2 increases; and a third mixing process of mixing the mixture liquid A2 with a tackifier. An amount of variation in the stirring speed is preferably from 0.1 rpm/mm to 6.0 rpm/mm, and a dropwise-addition rate of the mixture liquid A1 is preferably from 0.5 kg/min to 500 kg/min.
US08481608B2	Silicone monomer The invention provides a silicone monomer having high purity and suitable for use in the manufacture of ophthalmic devices, and a contact lens produced from the silicone monomer as a polymerizable component. The silicone monomer is represented by the formula (1): wherein Y1 to Y9 each independently stands for an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, n is an integer of 0 to 3, a and b each independently denotes an integer of 0 or 1, and R stands for a hydrogen atom or a methyl group.
US08481607B2	Surface-treatment method for a fluororesin molded body, and fluororesin molded body A surface treatment method for a fluororesin molded body, which is a method for treating a surface of an ETFE molded body by using a glow discharge generated by a pulsed electric field having a voltage-rising time of at most 10 μsec in a nitrogen atmosphere under a pressure in the vicinity of atmospheric pressure;which comprises carrying out a plurality of glow discharge treatments at intervals of at least 0.01 sec so that the discharge density of each of the glow discharges is from 40 to 200 W·min/m2, and that the total discharge density of the glow discharges is from 220 to 800 W·min/m2. Further, an ETFE molded body subjected to a surface treatment by the surface treatment method.
US08481605B2	Rigid polyurethane foam and system and method for making the same An embodiment of a closed-cell polymeric rigid foam may be made using a one-shot method and a reaction system that includes a hydrofluoroalkene physical blowing agent and a polyol mixture having an aminic polyol. The hydrofluoroalkene blowing agent has 3 to 5 carbon atoms and a boiling point between 10° C. and 40° C. at 1 atmosphere pressure. Embodiments of rigid foams may have high closed cell content and are particularly well suited for thermal insulation.
US08481604B2	Expandable polysiloxanes The present invention provides a crosslinkable and expandable elastomeric material based on and/or containing siloxane polymer, the process for manufacturing of such material and the use of such material and its blends and composites.
US08481603B2	Methods for making polymer beads The present invention relates to a polymer bead material that are characterised by having pore sizes that can be pre-determined and that can be obtained with a narrow distribution of such pore sizes created by use of sacrificial filler materials within the polymer material. The invention also discloses processes for production of the material as spherical or approximately spherical beads or resins with predefined sizes. Also, the invention relates to the preparation of molecularly imprinted polymer materials that are created by the said method. Further the invention relates to the use of said polymer materials for separation, detection, catalysis or entrapment of chemicals, metal ions, inorganic compounds, drags, peptides, proteins, DNA, natural and artificial polymers, natural or artificial compounds, food or pharma products, viruses, bacteria, cells and other entities.
US08481599B2	Compositions and methods for increasing compliance with therapies using aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibitors and treating alcoholism Compositions and methods for treating, preventing, or reducing alcoholism, in particular methods for increasing patient compliance with therapies that require the intake of an ALDH inhibitor comprising the step of administering a monoamine oxidase B inhibitor.
US08481598B2	Stable dosage forms of levomilnacipran The present invention relates to stable dosage forms of levomilnacipran and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Processes for the preparation of these dosage forms and methods of using these dosage forms are also described.
US08481596B2	Polymomorph of desvenlafaxine benzoate The present invention relates to a novel crystalline form L of (±)-desvenlafaxine benzoate and process for the preparing of the same. Further, the present invention also relates to pharmaceutical composition of novel crystalline form L of desvenlafaxine benzoate and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
US08481592B2	Uses of sesquiterpene derivatives The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating hyperlipidemia, fatty liver, diabetes and obesity comprising a sesquiterpene derivative as an active ingredient. The sesquiterpene derivatives of the present invention leads to decrease in body fat weight, visceral fat weight and total cholesterol levels, triglyceride of plasma and liver tissue, blood glucose and blood insulin levels in a fast state, finally exhibiting efficacies on prevention or treatment of hyperlipidemia, fatty liver, diabetes and obesity.
US08481591B2	Polymeric topical compositions The present invention relates to topical antibacterial compositions. The compositions comprise an antibacterial agent such as mupirocin, water, a polymer and a volatile solvent present in an amount of less than about 40%. The invention also relates to methods of treatment by administering the compositions to a patient in need thereof, and to the use of such compositions in the treatment of bacterial conditions.
US08481589B2	Taxoid-based compositions The disclosure relates to novel taxoid-based compositions comprising injectable formulations of these derivatives in the form of an emulsion.
US08481582B2	1,3-dihydroimidazole-2-thione derivatives as inhibitors of dopamine-beta-hydroxylase Compounds of formula I and a method for their preparation are described: where R1, R2 and R3 are the same or different and signify hydrogens, halogens, alkyl, nitro, amino, alkylcarbonylamino, alkylamino or dialkylamino group; R4 signifies -alkyl-aryl or -alkyl-heteroaryl; X signifies CH2, oxygen atom or sulphur atom; n is 2 or 3; including the individual (R)- and (S)-enantiomers or mixtures of enantiomers thereof; and including pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof. The compounds have potentially valuable pharmaceutical properties for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders such as hypertension and chronic heart failure.
US08481580B2	Lisofylline analogs and methods for use The present invention provides analogs of a Lysofylline (LSF), and synthetic methods for the preparation of such analogs. The have the active side chain moiety (5-R-hydroxyhexyl) of LSF and can have greater potency and oral bioavailability than LSF.
US08481579B2	Triazolyl phenyl benzenesulfonamides Compounds are provided that act as potent antagonists of the CCR2 or CCR9 receptor. Animal testing demonstrates that these compounds are useful for treating inflammation, a hallmark disease for CCR2 and CCR9. The compounds are generally aryl sulfonamide derivatives and are useful in pharmaceutical compositions, methods for the treatment of CCR2-mediated diseases, CCR9-mediated diseases, as controls in assays for the identification of CCR2 antagonists and as controls in assays for the identification of CCR9 antagonists.
US08481578B2	Thiophene-carboxamides useful as inhibitors of protein kinases The present invention relates to compounds useful as inhibitors of protein kinase. The invention also relates to pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising said compounds and methods of using the compounds and compositions in the treatment of various disease, conditions, or disorders. The invention also relates to processes for preparing compounds of the inventions.
US08481575B2	Synthesis of epothilones, intermediates thereto, analogues and uses thereof The present invention provides convergent processes for preparing epothilone A and B, desoxyepothilones A and B, and analogues thereof. Also provided are analogues related to epothilone A and B and intermediates useful for preparing same. The present invention further provides novel compositions based on analogues of the epothilones and methods for the treatment of cancer and cancer which has developed a multidrug-resistant phenotype.
US08481573B2	Modulators of sphingosine phosphate receptors Compounds of the following generic structure are provided: Such compounds activate a sphingosine-I-phosphate receptor of the subtype 1 (S1P1), and have utility in the treatment of malconditions mediated by S1P1 activation. More specifically, such compounds are beneficial in the treatment of, for example, multiple sclerosis, transplant rejection and/or adult respiratory syndrome.
US08481567B2	Sigma receptor compounds The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I), methods for their preparation, medicaments comprising these compounds as well their use in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of humans and animals.
US08481564B2	Inhibitors of c-fms kinase The invention is directed to compounds of Formula I: wherein Z, X, J, R2 and W are set forth in the specification, as well as solvates, hydrates, tautomers and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, that inhibit protein tyrosine kinases, especially c-fms kinase. Methods of treating autoimmune diseases; and diseases with an inflammatory component; treating metastasis from ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, stomach cancer, hairy cell leukemia; and treating pain, including skeletal pain caused by tumor metastasis or osteoarthritis, or visceral, inflammatory, and neurogenic pain; as well as osteoporosis, Paget's disease, and other diseases in which bone resorption mediates morbidity including rheumatoid arthritis, and other forms of inflammatory arthritis, osteoarthritis, prosthesis failure, osteolytic sarcoma, myeloma, and tumor metastasis to bone with the compounds of Formula I, are also provided.
US08481562B2	Pyrazolo pyridine derivatives as NADPH oxidase inhibitors The present invention is related to pyrazolo pyridine derivatives of Formula (I), pharmaceutical composition thereof and to their use for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of disorders or conditions related to Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NADPH Oxidase).
US08481560B2	Abuse deterrent transdermal formulations of opiate agonists and agonist-antagonists Described herein are abuse-resistant multi-layer transdermal patches comprising opioids and opioid prodrugs having a barrier layer located between the layer containing opioid or opioid prodrug and a layer containing an opioid antagonist or opioid antagonist prodrug.
US08481556B2	Piperidinone carboxamide azaindane CGRP receptor antagonists The present invention is directed to piperidinone carboxamide azaindane derivatives which are antagonists of CGRP receptors and useful in the treatment or prevention of diseases in which the CGRP is involved, such as migraine. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and the use of these compounds and compositions in the prevention or treatment of such diseases in which CGRP is involved.
US08481554B2	Solid oral dosage forms of lamivudine The present invention relates to the oral solid pharmaceutical composition comprising lamivudine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof with isomalt as a filler. The present invention also relate to the combination of lamivudine and other Anti-HIV agents. Thus, for example, the present invention provides a stable tablet formulation comprising lamivudine, isomalt, crospovidone, calcium stearate and opadry white.
US08481549B2	Dual-acting thiophene, pyrrole, thiazole and furan antihypertensive agents In one aspect, the invention relates to compounds having the formula: wherein: Ar, Z, R3, R4 and R5 are as defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. These compounds have AT1 receptor antagonist activity and neprilysin inhibition activity. In another aspect, the invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds; methods of using such compounds; and process and intermediates for preparing such compounds.
US08481541B2	Pyrrolopyrazine kinase inhibitors The present invention relates to the use of novel pyrrolopyrazine derivatives of Formula I, wherein the variables Q, R2, R3, and Y are defined as described herein, which inhibit JAK and SYK and are useful for the treatment of auto-immune and inflammatory diseases.
US08481539B2	Alkynylaryl compounds and salts thereof, pharmaceutical compositions comprising same, methods of preparing same and uses of same The invention relates to alkynylaryl compounds according to the general formula (I) in which A, B, D, E, Ra, R1, R3, R4, R5 and q are as defined in the claims, and salts, N-oxides, solvates and prodrugs thereof, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising said alkynylaryl compounds, to methods of preparing said alkynylaryl compounds, to intermediate compounds useful in said methods, to uses of said intermediate compounds in the preparation of said alkynylaryl compounds, as well as to uses of said alkynylaryl compounds for manufacturing a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of diseases of dysregulated vascular growth or of diseases which are accompanied with dysregulated vascular growth.
US08481538B2	Heterocyclic inhibitors of c-Met and uses thereof The present invention provides compounds useful as inhibitors of c-Met tyrosine kinase. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising the compounds of the invention and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of various proliferative disorders.
US08481537B2	Caspase inhibitors based of pyridazinone scaffold The present invention relates to a pyridazinone derivative which can be used as a caspase inhibitor, process for the preparation thereof, and pharmaceutical composition for inhibiting caspase comprising the same.
US08481528B2	Heterobiaryl-cyclohexyl-tetraazabenzo[e]azulenes The present invention relates to heterobiaryl-cyclohexyl-tetraazabenzo[e]azulenes of formula I wherein R1, R2 and R3 are as described herein. The compounds according to the invention act as V1a receptor modulators, and in particular as V1a receptor antagonists, their manufacture, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as medicaments. The active compounds of the present invention are useful as therapeutics acting peripherally and centrally in the conditions of dysmenorrhea, male or female sexual dysfunction, hypertension, chronic heart failure, inappropriate secretion of vasopressin, liver cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome, anxiety, depressive disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, autistic spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, and aggressive behavior.
US08481527B2	Benzamide derivatives as bradykinin antagonists The present invention relates to new phenylsulfamoyl benzamide derivatives of formula (I) wherein R1-R5 and Z are as defined in the claims, and optical antipodes or racemates and/or salts and/or hydrates and/or solvates thereof, which are selective antagonists of bradykinin B1, to processes for producing these compounds, to pharmacological compositions containing them and to their use in therapy or prevention of painful and inflammatory conditions.
US08481523B2	Biocide composition comprising pyrithione and pyrrole derivatives The present invention is directed to a biocidal composition comprising a blend of one or more pyrithione compounds, and one or more pyrrole compounds of Formula I wherein said biocidal composition is copper free or low copper content.
US08481516B2	Ciclesonide containing sterile aqueous suspension The present invention relates to a sterile aqueous suspension containing ciclesonide, a microgel and a water soluble ionic polymer. The present invention provides a sterile aqueous suspension in which ciclesonide is dispersed homogeneously over a long period of time.
US08481515B2	Derivatives of cholest-4-en-3-one oxime, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and preparation method The object of the invention is the use as a drug of a compound fitting formula I wherein X represents an oxygen atom or a ═N—OH group and R represents a group selected from or one of its esters and/or of its addition salts with pharmaceutically acceptable acids, particularly as a cytoprotective drug, preferentially a cardioprotective and/or neuroprotective drug, the compounds of formula I wherein R is R2, R3, R4, R5 or R6 as novel compounds as well as their preparation method and use.
US08481514B2	Therapeutical uses of inecalcitol The present invention thus concerns a method for treating and/or preventing rickets, osteoporosis, osteomalacia, psoriasis, autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis or type I diabetes, hyperparathyroidism, benign prostate hyperplasia, any type of cancer or any vitamin D relevant disease comprising administering inecalcitol at doses comprised between 1 mg/day and 100 mg/day to a human patient in need thereof.
US08481510B2	Uracyl spirooxetane nucleosides Compounds of the formula I: including any possible stereoisomers thereof, wherein: R4 is a monophosphate, diphosphate or triphosphate ester; or R4 is R7 is optionally substituted phenyl, optionally substituted naphthyl, or optionally substituted indolyl; R8 and R8′ are hydrogen, C1-C6alkyl, benzyl, or phenyl; or R8 and R8′ form C3-C7cycloalkyl; R9 is C1-C10alkyl, C3-C7cycloalkyl, phenyl or phenyl-C1-C6alkyl, wherein the phenyl moiety in phenyl or phenyl-C1-C6alkyl is optionally substituted; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof; pharmaceutical formulations and the use of compounds I as HCV inhibitors.
US08481509B2	Organic compositions to treat HSF1-related diseases The present disclosure relates to methods of treating heat shock factor 1 (HSF1)-related diseases such as cancer and viral diseases, using a therapeutically effective amount of a RNAi agent to HSF.
US08481507B2	Micro-RNAs that control myosin expression and myofiber identity The present invention relates to the identification of two microRNAs, miR-499 and miR-208b, that repress fast skeletal muscle contractile protein genes. Expression of miR-499 and/or miR-208b can be used to repress fast fiber genes and activate slow fiber genes in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. Inhibition of miR-499 and/or miR-208b is proposed as a treatment for cardiac hypertrophy, myocardial infarction, and/or heart failure. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising antagonists and agonists of miR-499 and miR-208b function are also disclosed.
US08481506B2	Nucleic acids involved in viral infection Provided herein are isolated viral and human nucleic acids associated with viral infection and various nucleic acid molecules relating thereto or derived therefrom. The nucleic acids may be useful for the prevention, treatment and diagnosis of viral infections.
US08481498B1	Pharmaceutical compositions and methods Pharmaceutical compositions and kits including a tyrosine hydroxylase inhibitor, a melanin promoter, a p450 3A4 promoter, and a leucine aminopeptidase inhibitor are provided. Also provided are methods of treating cancer in a subject, comprising administering an effective amount of a tyrosine hydroxylase inhibitor, a melanin promoter, a p450 3A4 promoter, and a leucine aminopeptidase inhibitor to the subject in need thereof. Also provided are methods of reducing cell proliferation in a subject comprising administering an effective amount of a tyrosine hydroxylase inhibitor, a melanin promoter, a p450 3A4 promoter, and a leucine aminopeptidase inhibitor to the subject in need thereof.
US08481494B2	Compounds for the treatment of diseases related to protein misfolding The present invention relates to the field of protein misfolding diseases and thus to diseases which are associated with or induced by abnormal or pathogenic three-dimensional folding of proteins and/or peptides or which are linked to pathogenic conformational changes of proteins and/or peptides, such as Alzheimer's disease. Particularly, the present invention provides novel trimeric pyrazole compounds, which exhibit a therapeutic effectiveness in regard to the aforementioned protein misfolding diseases, and refers to their use for the treatment of such protein misfolding diseases, especially neurodegenerative diseases as well as to medicaments or pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds.
US08481491B2	Scaffold polypeptides for heterologous peptide display The present invention relates to the use of Stefin A as a scaffold protein for the display of inserted peptides, particularly wherein the Stefin A is a human Stefin A. Several mutations are advantageously made in the wild type stefin A sequence to improve it as a scaffold; preferably the Stefin A comprises a heterologous peptide insertion at the Leu 73 site. Furthermore, preferably the scaffold protein comprises a V48D mutation; preferably the scaffold protein comprises a G4W mutation. Preferably the scaffold comprises Leu73, V48D and G4W mutations. The invention also relates to the scaffold proteins themselves, in particular a stefin A polypeptide having the Leu73, V48D and G4W mutations, such as shown as SEQ ID NO: 1. The invention also relates to a method for identifying binding proteins and to peptide A (RLNKPLPSLPV, SEQ ID NO: 30) and its use in treating yeast infections.
US08481489B2	GH secretagogues and uses thereof The invention relates to use of a GH secretagogue (e.g. GRF or an analog thereof) for (1) altering a lipid parameter in a subject; (2) altering a body composition parameter in a subject, (3) treating a condition characterized by deficient or decreased bone formation in a subject (4) improving daytime vigilance and/or cognitive function in a subject, (5) improving a metabolic condition in a subject, (6) improving anabolism in a catabolic condition in a subject, and/or (7) improving and/or reconstituting immune function in a subject.
US08481484B2	Cyclic heptapeptide and use of the same A novel cyclic heptapeptide that is useful as a preadipocyte differentiation-inhibitory agent or an adipocyte fat accumulation-inhibitory agent, and the use of such agents, are provided. A novel cyclic heptapeptide represented by the following formula is provided. wherein R is CH3, CH2CH(CH3)2, CH2OCH2C6H5, CH(OH)CH3, or CH2OH.
US08481483B2	Cyclosporin analogues The present invention provides cyclosporin analogues of formula I, and compositions comprising these compounds, as well as processes for their preparation, intermediates in their synthesis, and methods of use thereof for prevention of organ transplantation rejection, the treatment of immune disorders and inflammation, and treatment of viral (particularly hepatitis C viral) infection.
US08481481B2	Peptides and their use as carriers into cancer cells The use of a peptide is described as a carrier for the transport of molecules or radioisotopes into cancer cells; also described are modifications of said peptide and their use.
US08481480B1	Anti-adherent formulation including a quaternary ammonium compound and a fatty alcohol Formulations having anti-adherent properties are disclosed herein. The anti-adherent formulation described herein acts to prevent the adherence of menses and/or fecal material to the skin in the labial and perianal regions during and after menstruation or defecation, respectively. The anti-adherent formulation contains a carrier, from about 0.1% by weight to about 10.0% by weight of a quaternary ammonium compound, and from about 0.5% by weight to about 10.0% by weight of a fatty alcohol. The anti-adherent formulation may be applied to the targeted surface either directly, in liquid form, such as by a spray bottle or similar packaging capable of delivering a liquid formulation in a relatively uniform amount over the full surface to be covered. Alternatively, the formulation may be applied to the targeted surface by a “wet” wipe or wiper.
US08481479B1	Formulations of factor VIIa inhibitors and utility A nanoparticle, a chemical structure, and a treatment method for treating a patient having a disorder. The nanoparticle includes a poly L-arginine polymer and a Factor VIIa inhibitor conjugated to or encapsulated in the poly L-arginine polymer. The chemical structure includes a Factor VIIa inhibitor that includes at least one nitric oxide (NO) donor. The treatment method administers a therapeutic effective amount of the nanoparticle or chemical structure to the patient to treat the disorder. The disorder may be a vascular disorder, pulmonary hypertension, cardiac insufficiency, a neurological disorder, and combinations thereof.
US08481471B2	Method of using solid-layered bleach compositions The present invention provides a solid-layered composition having at least two parts. The first part comprises a) calcium hypochlorite, magnesium hypochlorite and mixtures thereof, b) a builder, c) a water-soluble polymer, d) an acid, and e) wherein the first part does not contain sodium hypochlorite, lithium hypochlorite, potassium hypochlorite and mixtures thereof. The second part comprises a) a functional ingredient, b) a builder or filler, and c) wherein the second part does not contain any oxidant.
US08481469B2	Rust inhibitors to minimize turbo sludge A turbo-charged, sump-lubricated internal combustion engine which is susceptible to contamination of lubricant with liquid fuel, may be lubricated with a lubricant which contains an amount of a rust inhibitor effective to reduce the deterioration of said lubricant and turbo sludge formation.
US08481464B2	Spacer member reducing fretting wear and fastened structures using spacer member The present invention relates to a spacer member reducing fretting wear and fastened structures using a spacer member, furthermore, the present invention provides a spacer member 1 sandwiched between contact surfaces 7 of contact materials 6 subject to abrasion and suffering from wear and provided with sliding and vibrating surfaces 2, 2 characterized in that the sliding or vibrating surfaces (2, 2) of the spacer member 1 have a higher hardness than at least one of the contact surfaces (7) of the first contact material (6) and the second contact material (6′) and the sliding or vibrating surfaces (2, 2) of the spacer member 1 have a lower coefficient of friction and a higher flatness than at least one of the contact surfaces (7) of the first contact material (6) and the second contact material (6′), whereby the sliding or vibrating surfaces 2, 2 of the spacer member 1 do not easily wear down the contact surfaces 7 of the contact materials 6.
US08481461B2	Detection method for microarray Described is a means for objectively determining hybridization failure in addition to performance degradation, insufficient washing and the like in a microarray. In particular a method for detecting the hybridization between a probe polynucleotide and a target polynucleotide by using a microarray is presented.
US08481457B2	Method for the improved use of the production potential of transgenic plants The invention relates to a method for improving the utilization of the production potential of transgenic plants by treating the plant with an effective amount of at least one compound of the formula (I) in which R1 and A have the meanings given in the description.
US08481456B2	Active compound combinations Active compound combinations are disclosed which comprise (A) a dithiino-tetracarboximide of formula (I) and a further insecticidally active compound (B). Methods for controlling animal pests such as insects and/or unwanted acarids and for curatively or preventively controlling the phytopathogenic fungi of plants or crops are also disclosed as well as the use of a composition according to the invention for the treatment of seed, to a method for protecting a seed and to the treated seed.
US08481454B2	Honeycomb structure A honeycomb structure includes aluminum titanate and cell walls. The cell walls extend along a longitudinal direction of the honeycomb structure to form a plurality of cells between the cell walls. A porosity of the honeycomb structure is from about 40% to about 60%. In a binary image of substrate portions and pore portions of each of the cell walls, an area ratio (%) of the pore portions to a whole area in a rectangularly-divided image is in a range from (the porosity−about 25%) to (the porosity+about 25%). The binary image is converted from a microscopic image of a cross section of each of the cell walls in parallel with the longitudinal direction. The rectangularly-divided image is formed by dividing the binary image in a direction parallel to a thickness direction of each of the cell walls at a predetermined width.
US08481453B2	Capture of volatilized vanadium and tungsten compounds in a selective catalytic reduction system An apparatus and method for treating diesel exhaust gases are described. The system consists of two functionalities, the first being a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst system and the second being a capture material for capturing catalyst components such as vanadia that have appreciable volatility under extreme exposure conditions. The SCR catalyst component is typically based on a majority phase of titania, with added minority-phase catalyst components comprising of one or more of the oxides of vanadium, silicon, tungsten, molybdenum, iron, cerium, phosphorous, copper and/or manganese vanadia. The capture material typically comprises a majority phase of high surface area oxides such as silica-stabilized titania, alumina, or stabilized alumina, for example.
US08481450B2	Catalysts for producing a crude product Methods and systems for contacting of a crude feed with one or more catalysts to produce a total product that includes a crude product are described. The crude product is a liquid mixture at 25° C. and 0.101 MPa. The crude product has an MCR content of at most 90% of the MCR content of the crude feed. One or more other properties of the crude product may be changed by at least 10% relative to the respective properties of the crude feed.
US08481448B2	Catalyst for oxidation of saturated and unsaturated aldehydes to unsaturated carboxylic acid, method of making and method of using thereof The invention is a heteropoly acid compound catalyst composition, a method of making the catalyst composition and a process for the oxidation of saturated and/or unsaturated aldehydes to unsaturated carboxylic acids using the catalyst composition. The catalyst composition is a heteropoly acid compound containing molybdenum, vanadium, phosphorus, cesium, bismuth, copper and antimony. Thermal stability is achieved with higher cesium content (up to less than 3.0) but antimony, copper and bismuth must be present to maintain good activity.The catalyst is made by dissolving compounds of the components of each of the heteropoly acid compounds in a solution, precipitating the heteropoly acid compounds, obtaining a catalyst precursor and calcining the catalyst precursor to form a heteropoly acid compound catalyst.Unsaturated aldehydes, such as methacrolein, may be oxidized in the presence of the heteropoly acid compound catalyst to produce an unsaturated carboxylic acid, such as methacrylic acid.
US08481443B2	Transalkylation of heavy aromatic hydrocarbon feedstocks In a process for producing xylene by transalkylation of a C9+aromatic hydrocarbon feedstock with a C6 and/or C7 aromatic hydrocarbon, the C9+aromatic hydrocarbon feedstock, at least one C6 and/or C7 aromatic hydrocarbon and hydrogen are contacted with a first catalyst under conditions effective to dealkylate aromatic hydrocarbons in the feedstock containing C2+alkyl groups and to saturate C2+olefins formed so as to produce a first effluent. At least a portion of the first effluent is then contacted with a second catalyst under conditions effective to transalkylate C9+aromatic hydrocarbons with said at least one C6-C7 aromatic hydrocarbon to form a second effluent comprising xylene.
US08481442B2	Sulfur-resistant exhaust gas aftertreatment system for the reduction of nitrogen oxides An arrangement for aftertreatment of exhaust gas for lean-burn internal combustion engines such as diesel engines and Otto engines with direct injection has a NOx storage catalyzer installed in the exhaust gas train for reducing nitrogen oxides and at which nitrogen oxides are stored in lean operating phases and these stored nitrogen oxides are reduced in rich operating phases. At least one molecular sieve which keeps sulfur dioxide away from the at least one NOx storage catalyzer is arranged upstream of the NOx storage catalyzer.
US08481438B2	Very low packing density ceramic abrasive grits and methods of producing and using the same Producing and using very low packing density ceramic abrasive grits comprising various fused aluminum oxide materials with or without other oxide additives, fused aluminum oxide-zirconium oxide co-fusions with or without other oxide additives, or sintered sol gel aluminum oxide materials with or without other oxide additives where the ceramic abrasive grains are preferably made by crushing bubbles of the material.
US08481435B2	Protein repelling silicon and germanium surfaces The present invention relates to a process for preparing a functionalized Si/Ge-surface, wherein an unfunctionalised Si/Ge-surface is contacted in the presence of ultraviolet radiation with a C2-C50 alkene and/or a C2-C50 alkyne, the alkene and/or alkyne being optionally substituted and/or being optionally interrupted by one or more heteroatoms. The present invention further relates to articles or substrates comprising the functionalized Si/Ge-surface and the use of the functionalised Si/Ge-surface to prevent or to reduce adsorption of a biomolecule to an article or a substrate.
US08481431B2	Method for opening one-side contact region of vertical transistor and method for fabricating one-side junction region using the same A method for opening a one-side contact region of a vertical transistor is provided. The one-side contact region of the vertical transistor is opened using a polysilicon layer, a certain portion of which can be selectively removed by a selective ion implantation process. In order to selectively remove the polysilicon layer formed on one of both sides of an active region, at which the one-side contact is to be formed, impurity ion implantation is performed in a direction vertical to the polysilicon layer by a plasma doping process, and a tilt ion implantation using an existing ion implantation process is performed. In this manner, the polysilicon layer is selectively doped, and the undoped portion of the polysilicon layer is selectively removed.
US08481426B2	Method of forming pattern structure and method of fabricating semiconductor device using the same A method of forming a pattern structure and a method of fabricating a semiconductor device using the pattern structure, are provided the method of forming the pattern structure includes forming a mask on an underlying layer formed on a lower layer. The underlying layer is etched using the mask as an etching mask, thereby forming patterns on the lower layer. The patterns define at least one opening. A sacrificial layer is formed in the opening and the mask is removed. The sacrificial layer in the opening is partially etched when the mask is removed.
US08481420B2	Integrated circuit packaging system with lead frame stacking module and method of manufacture thereof A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: providing an integrated circuit die having an active side and a passive side; providing a contact pad having a top side oriented in a same direction as the passive side; connecting an inner bond wire to the contact pad and the integrated circuit die; and molding a stacking structure around the contact pad, the inner bond wire, and the integrated circuit die with the passive side and the top side exposed, and the stacking structure having a top structure surface on top and adjacent to or below the integrated circuit die, and a horizontal member under the integrated circuit die and forming a cavity.
US08481416B2	Semiconductor devices having contact plugs with stress buffer spacers and methods of fabricating the same A semiconductor device includes an inorganic insulating layer on a semiconductor substrate, a contact plug that extends through the inorganic insulating layer to contact the semiconductor substrate and a stress buffer spacer disposed between the node contact plug and the inorganic insulating layer. The device further includes a thin-film transistor (TFT) disposed on the inorganic insulating layer and having a source/drain region extending along the inorganic insulating layer to contact the contact plug. The device may further include an etch stop layer interposed between the inorganic insulating layer and the semiconductor substrate.
US08481414B2	Incorporating impurities using a discontinuous mask Methods of incorporating impurities into materials can be useful in non-volatile memory devices as well as other integrated circuit devices. Various embodiments provide for incorporating impurities into a material using a discontinuous mask.
US08481412B2	Method of and apparatus for active energy assist baking A method of and apparatus for forming interconnects on a substrate includes etching patterns in ultra-low k dielectric and removing moisture from the ultra-low k dielectric using active energy assist baking. During active energy assist baking, the ultra-low k dielectric is heated and exposed to light having only wavelengths greater than 400 nm for about 1 to about 20 minutes at a temperature of about 300 to about 400 degrees Celsius. The active energy assist baking is performed after wet-cleaning or after chemical mechanical polishing, or both.
US08481409B2	Manufacturing process for a stacked structure comprising a thin layer bonding to a target substrate The invention relates to a process for manufacturing a stacked structure comprising at least one thin layer bonding to a target substrate, comprising the following steps: a) formation of a thin layer starting from an initial substrate, the thin layer having a free face called the first contact face, b) putting the first contact face into bonding contact with a face of an intermediate support, the structure obtained being compatible with later thinning of the initial substrate, c) thinning of the said initial substrate to expose a free face of the thin layer called the second contact face and opposite the first contact face, d) putting a face of the target substrate into bonding contact with at least part of the second contact face, the structure obtained being compatible with later removal of all or some of the intermediate support, e) removal of at least part of the intermediate support in order to obtain the said stacked structure.
US08481398B2	Method of forming semiconductor device having a capacitor A method of forming a semiconductor device includes forming a lower electrode layer on a substrate, forming a surface oxide layer on the lower electrode layer, partially removing the lower electrode layer to form a lower electrode, removing the surface oxide layer to expose the lower electrode, forming a capacitor dielectric layer on the lower electrode, and forming an upper electrode on the capacitor dielectric layer.
US08481396B2	Memory cell that includes a carbon-based reversible resistance switching element compatible with a steering element, and methods of forming the same Memory cells, and methods of forming such memory cells, are provided that include a steering element coupled to a carbon-based reversible resistivity switching material that has an increased resistivity, and a switching current that is less than a maximum current capability of the steering element used to control current flow through the carbon-based reversible resistivity switching material. In particular embodiments, methods and apparatus in accordance with this invention form a steering element, such as a diode, having a first cross-sectional area, coupled to a reversible resistivity switching material, such as aC, having a region that has a second cross-sectional area smaller than the first cross-sectional area.
US08481395B2	Methods of forming a dielectric containing dysprosium doped hafnium oxide The use of a monolayer or partial monolayer sequencing process, such as atomic layer deposition, to form a dielectric layer of hafnium oxide doped with dysprosium and a method of fabricating such a combination produces a reliable structure for use in a variety of electronic devices. Forming the dielectric structure can include depositing hafnium oxide onto a substrate surface using precursor chemicals, followed by depositing dysprosium oxide onto the substrate using precursor chemicals, and repeating to form a thin laminate structure. A dielectric layer of dysprosium doped hafnium oxide may be used as the gate insulator of a MOSFET, as a capacitor dielectric in a DRAM, as a tunnel gate insulator in flash memories, or as a dielectric in NROM devices, because the high dielectric constant (high-k) of the film provides the functionality of a thinner silicon dioxide film, and because the reduced leakage current of the dielectric layer when the percentage of dysprosium doping is optimized improves memory function.
US08481394B2	Memory cell that includes a carbon-based memory element and methods of forming the same In a first aspect, a method of forming a memory cell is provided that includes: (a) forming a layer of dielectric material above a substrate; (b) forming an opening in the dielectric layer; (c) depositing a solution that includes a carbon-based switching material on the substrate; (d) rotating the substrate to cause the solution to flow into the opening and to form a carbon-based switching material layer within the opening; and (e) forming a memory element using the carbon-based switching material layer. Numerous other aspects are provided.
US08481388B2	Non-volatile memory device having a nitride-oxide dielectric layer A non-volatile memory cell may include a semiconductor substrate; a source region in a portion of the substrate; a drain region within a portion of the substrate; a well region within a portion of the substrate. The memory cell may further include a first carrier tunneling layer over the substrate; a charge storage layer over the first carrier tunneling layer; a second carrier tunneling layer over the charge storage layer; and a conductive control gate over the second carrier tunneling layer. Specifically, the drain region is spaced apart from the source region, and the well region may surround at least a portion of the source and drain regions. In one example, the second carrier tunneling layer provides hole tunneling during an erasing operation and may include at least one dielectric layer.
US08481387B2	Method of forming an insulation structure and method of manufacturing a semiconductor device using the same In a method of forming an insulation structure, at least one oxide layer is formed on an object by at least one oxidation process, and then at least one nitride layer is formed from the oxide layer by at least one nitration process. An edge portion of the insulation structure may have a thickness substantially the same as that of a central portion of the insulation structure so that the insulation structure may have a uniform thickness and improved insulation characteristics. When the insulation structure is employed as a tunnel insulation layer of a semiconductor device, the semiconductor device may have enhanced endurance and improved electrical characteristics because a threshold voltage distribution of cells in the semiconductor device may become uniform.
US08481385B2	Methods of fabricating a memory device A memory device comprising a vertical transistor includes a digit line that is directly coupled to the source regions of each memory cell. Because an electrical plug is not used to form a contact between the digit line and the source regions, a number of fabrication steps may be reduced and the possibility for manufacturing defects may also be reduced. In some embodiments, a memory device may include a vertical transistor having gate regions that are recessed from an upper portion of a silicon substrate. With the gate regions recessed from the silicon substrate, the gate regions are spaced further from the source/drain regions and, accordingly, cross capacitance between the gate regions and the source/drain regions may be reduced.
US08481384B2	Method for producing MIM capacitors with high K dielectric materials and non-noble electrodes A method of producing a Metal-Insulator-Metal (MIM) capacitor stack through doping to achieve low current leakage and low equivalent oxide thickness is disclosed. A high K dielectric material is deposited on a non-noble electrode; the dielectric material is doped with oxides from group IIA. The dopant increases the barrier height of metal/insulator interface and neutralizes free electrons in dielectric material, therefore reduces the leakage current of MIM capacitor. The electrode may also be doped to increase work function while maintaining a rutile crystalline structure. The method thereby enhances the performance of DRAM MIM capacitor.
US08481376B2	Group III nitride semiconductor devices with silicon nitride layers and methods of manufacturing such devices Methods of fabricating transistor in which a first Group III nitride layer is formed on a substrate in a reactor, and a second Group III nitride layer is formed on the first Group III nitride layer. An insulating layer such as, for example, a silicon nitride layer is formed on the second Group III nitride layer in-situ in the reactor. The substrate including the first Group III nitride layer, the second group III nitride layer and the silicon nitride layer is removed from the reactor, and the silicon nitride layer is patterned to form a first contact hole that exposes a first contact region of the second Group III nitride layer. A metal contact is formed on the first contact region of the second Group III nitride layer.
US08481372B2	JFET device structures and methods for fabricating the same In accordance with the present techniques, there is provided a JFET device structures and methods for fabricating the same. Specifically, there is provided a transistor including a semiconductor substrate having a source and a drain. The transistor also includes a doped channel formed in the semiconductor substrate between the source and the drain, the channel configured to pass current between the source and the drain. Additionally, the transistor has a gate comprising a semiconductor material formed over the channel and dielectric spacers on each side of the gate. The source and the drain are spatially separated from the gate so that the gate is not over the drain and source.
US08481369B2	Method of making semiconductor package with improved standoff A no-lead type semiconductor package is formed by attaching a die to a top surface of a flag of a lead frame and then taping a bottom surface of the flag and leads of the lead frame. Die bonding pads are connected to the leads with wires and then the assembly is put in a mold chase and encapsulated with a plastic material. The mold chase has protrusions between the flag and the leads of a lead frame, and between the leads themselves, which causes indentations to be formed between the leads and between the flag and the leads. The method is particularly useful for making quad flat no lead (QFN) devices and power-QFN type devices.
US08481365B2	MEMS devices A method of manufacturing a MEMS device comprises forming a MEMS device element (14). A sacrificial layer (20) is provided over the device element and a package cover layer (22) is provided over the sacrificial layer. The sacrificial layer is removed using at least one opening (22) in the cover layer and the at least one opening (24) is sealed by an anneal process.
US08481364B2	Flexible micro-system and fabrication method thereof A fabrication method for integrating chip(s) onto a flexible substrate in forming a flexible micro-system. The method includes a low-temperature flip-chip and a wafer-level fabrication process. Using the low-temperature flip-chip technique, the chip is bonded metallically onto the flexible substrate. To separate the flexible substrate from the substrate, etching is used to remove the sacrificial layer underneath the flexible substrate. The instant disclosure applies standardized micro-fabrication process for integrating chip(s) onto the flexible substrate. Without using special materials or fabrication procedures, the instant disclosure offers a cost-effective fabrication method for flexible micro-systems.
US08481357B2	Thin film solar cell with ceramic handling layer A method for fabricating a photovoltaic (PV) cell panel wherein all PV cells are formed simultaneously on a two-dimensional array of monocrystalline silicon mother wafers affixed to a susceptor is disclosed. Porous silicon separation layers are anodized in the surfaces of the mother wafers. The porous film is then smoothed to form a suitable surface for epitaxial film growth. An epitaxial reactor is used to grow n- and p-type films forming the PV cell structures. A glass/ceramic handling layer is then formed on the PV cell structures. The PV cell structures with handling layers are then exfoliated from the mother wafer. The array of mother wafers may be reused multiple times, thereby reducing materials costs for the completed solar panels. The glass/ceramic handling layers provide structural integrity to the thin epitaxial solar cells during the separation process and subsequent handling.
US08481354B2	Methods of creating a micro electro-mechanical systems accelerometer using a single double silicon-on-insulator wafer Methods for creating a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device using a single double, silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer. The double SOI wafer includes at least a base layer of silicon, a first layer of silicon, and a second layer of silicon, the layers of silicon are separated by an oxide layer. A stationary electrode with rigid support beams is formed into the second layer of silicon. A proof mass and at least one spring are formed into the first layer of silicon. The proof mass is separated from the stationary electrode by a first gap and the proof mass is separated from the base silicon layer by a second gap.
US08481349B2	Method for manufacturing semiconductor light emitting device A method for manufacturing a semiconductor light emitting device can result in a device that includes a housing having a cavity, a light emitting element on a bottom face of the cavity, and a wavelength conversion layer provided within the cavity. The wavelength conversion layer can include particles of a wavelength conversion material. The method includes forming the wavelength conversion layer within the cavity, which can include applying and hardening a first material to form a first wavelength conversion layer on the light emitting element, and applying and hardening a second material to substantially fill the remainder of the entire cavity, thereby forming a second wavelength conversion layer. The semiconductor light emitting device manufactured by the inventive method can achieve uniform light emitting characteristics without substantially any uneven color and can include high heat dissipation efficiency.
US08481347B2	Resonance tunneling devices and methods of manufacturing the same Provided are a resonance tunneling device and a method of manufacturing the resonance tunneling device. The resonance tunneling device includes a substrate, a plurality of electrodes disposed on the substrate, and a nanoparticle layer disposed between the electrodes, and doped with an impurity. The nanoparticle layer uses the impurity to exhibit resonance tunneling where a current peak occurs at a target bias voltage applied between the electrodes.
US08481346B2	Method of analyzing iron concentration of boron-doped P-type silicon wafer and method of manufacturing silicon wafer An aspect of the present invention relates to a method of analyzing an iron concentration of a boron-doped p-type silicon wafer by a SPV method, which comprises subjecting the wafer to Fe—B pair separation processing by irradiation with light and determining the iron concentration based on a change in a minority carrier diffusion length following the separation processing. The iron concentration is calculated with a calculation equation comprising a minority carrier diffusion length LAF1 measured after the separation processing, a minority carrier diffusion length LAF2 measured after a prescribed time has elapsed following measurement of LAF1, and dependence on time of recombination of Fe—B pairs separated by the separation processing. The calculation equation is derived by assuming that the irradiation with light causes boron atoms and oxygen atoms in the wafer to form a bonded product, and by assuming that the bonded product has identical influences on LAF1 and LAF2.
US08481344B2	Methods of evaporating metal onto a semiconductor wafer in a test wafer holder Apparatus and methods for evaporating metal onto semiconductor wafers are disclosed. One such apparatus can include an evaporation chamber that includes a wafer holder, such as a dome, and a test wafer holder that is separate and spaced apart from the wafer holder. In certain implementations, the test wafer can be coupled to a cross beam supporting at least one shaper. A metal can be evaporated onto production wafers positioned in the wafer holder while metal is evaporated on a test wafer positioned in a test wafer holder. In some instances, the production wafers can be GaAs wafers. The test wafer can be used to make a quality assessment about the production wafers.
US08481338B2	ALD processing techniques for forming non-volatile resistive-switching memories ALD processing techniques for forming non-volatile resistive-switching memories are described. In one embodiment, a method includes forming a first electrode on a substrate, maintaining a pedestal temperature for an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process of less than 100° Celsius, forming at least one metal oxide layer over the first electrode, wherein the forming the at least one metal oxide layer is performed using the ALD process using a purge duration of less than 20 seconds, and forming a second electrode over the at least one metal oxide layer.
US08481336B2	Magnetic separation device for cell sorting and analysis A magnetic sifter is adapted for manipulation of biological cells by providing a greater pore density at the edge of the sifter than at the center. Application of an external magnetic field to the sifter causes high magnetic fields and field gradients at the sifter pores. These conditions are suitable for capturing magnetically tagged or labeled cells at the sifter pores. Altering the external magnetic field can provide controlled capture and/or release of magnetically labeled cells from the sifter pores. The purpose of having a greater pore density at the periphery of the sifter than at the center is to provide improved flow rate uniformity through the sifter. Such flow rate uniformity is advantageous for cell quantification.
US08481335B2	Specificity and sensitivity enhancement in cantilever sensing The invention is directed to a sensor system including at least one sensor and target specific receptors bound substrates for purposes of enhancing detection sensitivity. Optionally, the sensor system may include quantum dots for independently verifying the presence of a target molecule or compound. The sensor system may be particularly beneficial in the field of medical diagnostics, bio-defense, food safety, water safety and general chemical detection.
US08481333B2	Detection of degradation products of feline NT-proBNP A method for determining the amount of NT-proBNP in blood samples from felines. The method includes detecting degradation products of feline NT-proBNP by various methods, including using antibodies, kits and devices.
US08481329B2	Analysis system for the photometric determination of an analyte in a body fluid The invention relates to an analysis system for the photometric determination of an analyte in a body fluid, having an analysis device and a test carrier. The test carrier has an evaluation zone in which a photometrically detectable change takes place as the result of a reaction of a sample of the body fluid which contacts the test carrier with a reagent contained in the test carrier. The analysis device comprises an optical emitter for emitting light onto the evaluation zone, an optical receiver for receiving light from the evaluation zone and for generating a measurement signal corresponding to the received light, and a measurement and evaluation device with a measuring unit and an evaluating unit. The measurement signal is amplified and digitalized in the measuring unit. In the evaluating unit, the concentration value is determined from the digitalized measurement signal. In the evaluating unit, a control value of a control parameter is detected at one detection point during the processing after the calculation step. An error in the measurement and evaluation device is recognized if the deviation of the control value from the expected value exceeds a predefined threshold value.
US08481327B2	Methods for using congeneric, chlorinated, brominated and/or iodised, fluorinated aromatic standard compounds having two benzol rings Congeneric, halogenated, fluorinated aromatic compounds A and B are each phenyl radicals, L=oxygen atom, sulfur atom or alkylene radical and p=0 or 1; processes for their preparation and their use.
US08481325B2	Device for studying individual cells A device for studying individual cells including a picowell array (such as an array of microwells, dimples, depressions, tubes or enclosures) and a fluid reservoir in fluid communication with the picowells through channels is disclosed. Preferably, the device has a moveable lid that in one rest location allows loading of cells in the picowell array. Preferably the channels of the device are capillary channels.Also disclosed is a device for the automated study of cells including a picowell-bearing device having a picowell array with a moveable lid, a lid-moving component, at least one solution dispensing component and a control system functionally associated with the lid-moving component as well as with the solution dispensing component.
US08481323B2	Systems and methods for measuring glycated hemoglobin The present invention is drawn to a method of measuring glycated hemoglobin, which can comprise steps of establishing multiple age-specific groups of red blood cells, and measuring HbA1c levels of at least one of said groups. In another embodiment, a system for measuring glycated hemoglobin can comprise a separating device configured to separate red blood cells into multiple age-specific groups, and a measuring device configured to measure HbA1c levels of at least one of said groups.
US08481322B2	Method for marking liquid hydrocarbons and other fuels and oils A method for marking a petroleum hydrocarbon, biodiesel fuel or ethanol fuel by adding to the petroleum hydrocarbon, biodiesel fuel or ethanol fuel at least one compound having formula (I) wherein R1 and R2 independently represent at least one substituent selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1-C12 alkyl, C1-C12 alkoxy and nitro; and R3 and R4 independently represent hydrogen, methyl or ethyl.
US08481321B2	Compositions and methods for improved protein production The present invention relates to the identification of novel nucleic acid sequences, designated herein as 7p, 8k, 7E, 9G, 8Q and 203, in a host cell which effect protein production. The present invention also provides host cells having a mutation or deletion of part or all of the gene encoding 7p, 8k, 7E, 9G, 8Q and 203, which are presented in FIG. 1, and are SEQ ID NOS.: 1-6, respectively. The present invention also provides host cells further comprising a nucleic acid encoding a desired heterologous protein such as an enzyme.
US08481319B2	Compositions and methods for modulating oxidative burst in plant transformation A method for introducing a nucleic acid sequence into the genome of a plant cell and regenerating a transformed plant therefrom, including culturing the plant cell on at least one plant transformation media, the at least one plant transformation media comprising an effective amount of a compound or compounds which may modulate oxidative burst, such as melatonin, 6-hydroxy melatonin (a melatonin analog), N-t-butyl hydroxylamine (NtBH), thiamazole, 1,3 dimethylthiourea, Resveratrol, epicatechin, NADPH, or NADH.
US08481318B2	Nestin-expressing hair follicle stem cells Hair follicle stem cells are isolated in a method which relies on the identification of stem cells as being small, spindle, oval or round shaped nestin-expressing cells that are located in the permanent upper part of telogen hair follicles below the sebaceous glands and in the bulge area.
US08481314B2	Activation of human antigen-presenting cells through dendritic cell lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1) The present invention includes compositions and methods for targeting the LOX-1 receptor on immune cells and uses for the anti-LOX-1 antibodies.
US08481310B2	Tag peptide having a protease recognition sequence and use thereof Provided is a tag peptide in which a protease recognition sequence and an epitope of an antibody against the tag peptide are overlapped and thereby the protease recognition sequence per se is usable for detection or purification. Also provided is a purification method for recombinant proteins using the tag peptide and an antibody thereagainst. A preferable tag peptide comprises a Tobacco etch virus (TEV) protease recognition sequence as the protease recognition sequence, and its examples include a tag peptide comprising the amino acid sequence (1): RX1X2LYX3QGKDG (wherein X1, X2 and X3 may be the same or different and represent any amino acid residue).
US08481308B2	Methods for culturing undifferentiated cells using sustained release compositions Methods for culturing undifferentiated mammalian cells, such as stem and progenitor cells, are provided. The methods involve incubating the cell in the presence of a sustained release composition containing at least one growth factor, wherein the sustained release composition continuously releases the growth factor(s), and wherein the presence of the sustained level of growth factor maintains the cell in an undifferentiated state.
US08481307B2	Modified fluorescent proteins and methods for using same Nucleic acid molecules encoding improved fluorescent mutants of the mKate2 protein, variants and derivatives thereof are provided, as well as proteins and peptides encoded by these nucleic acids. Also provided are proteins that are substantially similar to, or derivatives, homologues, or mutants of, the above-referenced specific proteins. Also provided are fragments of the nucleic acids and the peptides encoded thereby, as well as antibodies specific to the proteins and peptides of the invention. In addition, host-cells, stable cell lines and transgenic organisms comprising above-referenced nucleic acid molecules are provided. The subject protein and nucleic acid compositions find use in a variety of different applications and methods, particularly for labeling of biomolecules, cells or cell organelles. Finally, kits for use in such methods and applications are provided.
US08481306B2	Methods for ligation independent cloning of DNA The present invention provides methods for assembling DNA molecules in a predetermined order to produce a DNA construct useful in Agrobacterium mediated transformation in plants. The method employs ligation independent cloning of separate DNA elements where one of the DNA elements contains T-DNA borders from Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The invention further provides methods for assembling a construct containing an inverted repeat. Using this approach, DNA constructs are constructed rapidly, efficiently and directionally.
US08481305B2	Rotation driving device for cell culturing The present invention relates to a rotation driving device for cell culturing, comprising: a power supplying unit operated by receiving an electric power from an outside; a rotational part rotated by the power supplying unit; and a driving part which is provided at an upper side of the rotational part and maintained in a stopped state during the rotation of the rotational part, and of which an inclination is changed according to a rotational direction of the rotational part. According to the present invention, there is provided a rotation driving device a rotation driving device which enables cells to be uniformly grown by equally distributing a culture solution with help of inclination control, of which a rotational speed is also controlled and which has a firm structure with a strong durability.
US08481304B2	Photo bioreactor with light distributor and method for the production of a photosynthetic culture The invention provides a photo bioreactor comprising an aqueous liquid comprising a photosynthetic culture and a light distributor (30). Each light distributor has a surface arranged to receive light and a surface arranged to emit at least part of the received light. At least part of the surface is submerged in the aqueous liquid comprising the photosynthetic culture. The walls of the light distributors define a fluid filled cavity.
US08481302B2	Total bacteria monitoring system A system for measuring total microbiological content in an aqueous medium by adding a fluorescent dye to the aqueous medium, measuring the fluorescent signal in the aqueous medium to obtain a baseline fluorescent signal, releasing intracellular content of the microbiological matter into the aqueous medium by lysing the microbiological matter. The system then measures the fluorescent signal in the aqueous medium with the released intracellular content of the microbiological matter to obtain a second fluorescent signal. Next, the system subtracts the baseline signal from the second fluorescent signal to obtain a net fluorescent signal and equates the net fluorescent signal with a microbiological content.
US08481301B2	Centrifugal micro-fluidic structure for measuring glycated hemoglobin, centrifugal micro-fluidic device for measuring glycated hemoglobin, and method for measuring glycated hemoglobin Disclosed are a centrifugal micro-fluidic structure for measuring glycated hemoglobin, a centrifugal micro-fluidic device for measuring glycated hemoglobin, and a method for measuring glycated hemoglobin. According to the disclosure, immunosorbent assay and affinity measurements are simultaneously conducted using only a single device in order to detect hemoglobin variants or interfering substances and, therefore, the detected results are applied to analysis of measurement results so as to eliminate and/or compensate for, or calibrate errors in measurement of, glycated hemoglobin, thereby more accurately measuring the glycated hemoglobin.
US08481292B2	Increasing confidence of allele calls with molecular counting Aspects of the present invention include methods and compositions for determining the number of individual polynucleotide molecules originating from the same genomic region of the same original sample that have been sequenced in a particular sequence analysis configuration or process. In these aspects of the invention, a degenerate base region (DBR) is attached to the starting polynucleotide molecules that are subsequently sequenced (e.g., after certain process steps are performed, e.g., amplification and/or enrichment). The number of different DBR sequences present in a sequencing run can be used to determine/estimate the number of different starting polynucleotides that have been sequenced. DBRs can be used to enhance numerous different nucleic acid sequence analysis applications, including allowing higher confidence allele call determinations in genotyping applications.
US08481288B2	Polynucleotides encoding antibodies that bind both IL-17A and IL-17F The present invention relates to blocking, inhibiting, reducing, antagonizing or neutralizing the activity of IL-17A and IL-17F. IL-17A and IL-17F are cytokines that are involved in inflammatory processes and human disease. The present invention includes antibodies that bind both IL-17A and IL-17F, hybridomas that produce the antibodies, and methods of using the same in inflammation.
US08481287B2	Method, vector and system for expressing polypeptides Disclosed herein are methods and systems for expressing a polypeptide in a Rhodospirillum species. The methods include introducing an expression vector having a nucleic acid sequence encoding the polypeptide operably linked to a puc promoter into the Rhodospirillum bacterium and growing the Rhodospirillum bacterium under conditions that allow expression of the polypeptide. Vectors for expressing a membrane polypeptide in a Rhodospirillum species are disclosed. The vectors include a puc promoter and a nucleic acid encoding a membrane polypeptide.
US08481284B2	Process of preparing conjugates of allium organosulfur compounds with amino acids, peptides, and proteins Processes using Allium tissue homogenates and extracts in a simple and cost-effective manner to maximize the yields and recovery of thiosulfinates from Allium tissues and related organisms possessing alliinase, LF synthase and/or S-alk(en)yl-L-cysteine sulfoxides are disclosed.
US08481282B2	Method for detecting the presence of anisotropic crystals in undiluted whole blood An apparatus and method for detecting the presence of anisotropic crystals within a biologic fluid sample is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) disposing the sample within a sample chamber in a sample layer having a height not greater than about fifteen microns (15μ); b) disposing the sample layer within the sample chamber between a polarizing filter and an analyzing filter; c) disposing the polarizing filter, sample chamber, and analyzing filter in a configuration relative to a light source such that polarized light passes through the sample, and subsequently impinges on the analyzing filter; and d) wherein polar orientations of the polarizing filter and the analyzing filter are such that the polarized light will not pass through the analyzing filter, and light passing through an anisotropic crystal disposed within the sample will pass through the analyzing filter and appear as a point of light.
US08481280B1	Method for determining activity of an antibiotic with hops A method for determining the combined activity of two or more ingredients by impregnating a carrier with one ingredient and bringing it into contact with target material to create a zone of inhibition, then adding a second ingredient to the target material and bringing the carrier into contact with it to create a second zone of inhibition. The zones are then compared.
US08481272B2	Enzyme sensors, methods for preparing and using such sensors, and methods of detecting protease activity Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for enzyme sensors, protease sensors, methods for producing and using the enzyme and protease sensors, methods of detecting and/or measuring protease activity, methods for characterizing protease cellular activity, fusion proteins, polynucleotides, and vectors corresponding to the enzyme and protease sensors, kits, and the like.
US08481269B2	PIK4CA as modifier of the Rac pathway and methods of use Human PIK4CA genes are identified as modulators of the RAC pathway, and thus are therapeutic targets for disorders associated with defective RAC function. Methods for identifying modulators of RAC, comprising screening for agents that modulate the activity of PIK4CA are provided.
US08481265B2	Concentration and enrichment of microbial cells and microbial nucleic acids from bodily fluids The present invention relates to a method for isolating microorganisms and/or microorganisms nucleic acids from a bodily fluid that may comprise or may be suspected to comprise microorganisms and/or host cells and/or host cells debris. Microorganisms nucleic acids may further be isolated by lysing the isolated microorganisms. The present invention also relates to a method for detecting microorganisms in a bodily fluid. The present invention further relates to a saponin formulation and its use.
US08481264B2	Immobilized nucleic acid complexes for sequence analysis Provided are methods for sequencing a nucleic acid that include fixing a template to a surface through a template localizing moiety and sequencing the nucleic acid with a sequencing enzyme, e.g. a polymerase or exonuclease. The sequencing enzyme can optionally be exchanged with a second sequencing enzyme, which continues the sequencing of the nucleic acid. The template localizing moiety can optionally anneal with the nucleic acid and/or associate with the sequencing enzyme. Also provided are compositions comprising a nucleic acid fixed to a surface via a template localizing moiety, and a first sequencing enzyme, which can sequence the nucleic acid and optionally exchange with a second sequencing enzyme present in the composition. Compositions in which a template localizing moiety is immobilized on a surface are provided. Compositions for sequencing reactions are provided. Also provided are sequencing systems comprising reaction regions in which or near which template localizing moieties are immobilized.
US08481263B2	Bead-ligand-nascent protein complexes Bead-ligand-nascent protein complexes, and method of creating and detecting a bead-ligand-nascent protein complexes, are described. PCR-amplified product which is attached to a surface, e.g. of a bead, is used to generate nascent protein, which in turn is captured on the bead and detected, e.g. by fluorescence.
US08481262B2	Method for enriching and/or separating prokaryotic DNA using a protein that specifically bonds to unmethylated DNA containing CpG-motifs The invention relates to a method for separating and/or enriching prokaryotic DNA, comprising the following steps: a) contacting of at least one prokaryotic DNA that is in solution with a protein that bonds specifically to prokaryotic DNA, the protein being 25%-35% homologous with the wild-type CGPB protein, thus forming a protein-DNA complex; and b) separation of the complex. The invention also relates to a kit for carrying out said method.
US08481261B2	Nucleic acid extraction method The present invention relates to a nucleic acid extracting apparatus, and the nucleic acid extracting apparatus can include a pipe-shaped tube having an open outlet at one side thereof, and a hydrogel column that is provided inside the tube and filters impurities excluding an extraction target material.
US08481260B2	Methods for diagnosing episodic movement disorders and related conditions The present invention provides compositions and methods for research, diagnostic, drug screening, and therapeutic applications related to paroxysmal dystonic choreoathetosis and related conditions. In particular, the present invention provides mutations in the myofibrillogenesis regulator 1 (MR-1) gene associated with such conditions.
US08481256B2	In vitro method for identifying compounds for cancer therapy The present invention relates to an in vitro method for identifying and evaluating compounds useful in the treatment of different types of cancer, especially lung, breast, colorectal and bladder cancer in an individual, for determining the stage or severity of said cancer in the individual, or for monitoring the effect of the therapy administered to an individual having said cancer; to finding, identifying, developing and evaluating the efficacy of compounds for the therapy of said cancer, for the purpose of developing new medicinal products; as well as to agents inhibiting the expression and/or activity of the choline kinase alpha protein and/or the effects of this expression.
US08481252B2	Silver halide photographic photosensitive material and production method thereof Silver halide photographic photosensitive materials are disclosed. A silver halide photographic photosensitive material has a support, and on or above the support, a red-sensitive silver halide emulsion layer, a first interlayer, a green-sensitive silver halide emulsion layer, a second interlayer, and a blue-sensitive silver halide emulsion layer in this order from the support, wherein the first interlayer includes a chelating agent and another silver halide photographic photosensitive material has, in the following order, a support, and provided on or above the support, a first interlayer containing a chelating agent, a blue-sensitive silver halide emulsion layer, a second interlayer, a red-sensitive silver halide emulsion layer, a third interlayer, a green-sensitive silver halide emulsion layer, and a protective layer.
US08481249B2	Method for manufacturing recording head A method for manufacturing a recording head including forming a flow-channel side-wall forming layer which contains a photosensitive resin, on a substrate having ejection energy generating elements and wiring thereon; exposing the flow-channel side-wall forming layer to light, and optically determining a flow channel; forming a shape stabilizing layer which contains a photosensitive resin; forming an ejection orifice forming layer which contains a photopolymerization initiator and a negative photosensitive resin; exposing the ejection orifice forming layer to light, and optically determining an ejection orifice; and developing the ejection orifice forming layer, shape stabilizing layer, and flow-channel side-wall forming layer, in the order named. The photosensitive resin in the shape stabilizing layer is a material to be cured by a component that is produced upon the exposure of the ejection orifice forming layer and derives from the photopolymerization initiator.
US08481248B2	Method for fabricating micromachine component of resin A method for fabricating a micromachine component of resin comprising step (a) of forming a sacrifice layer on a substrate, step (b) of forming at least two photosensitive resin composition layers sequentially on the sacrifice layer, and performing photolithography of each photosensitive resin composition layer to form an air gap portion defining the circumferential edge portion of the micromachine component and an air gap portion where an internal structure of the micromachine component is constituted to form a multilayer structure, step (c) for depositing dry film resist on the multilayer structure of the cured photosensitive resin composition layer, and performing photolithography of the dry film resist layer to form a cured dry film resist layer in which an air gap portion defining the circumferential edge of a shroud layer and an air gap where the structure of the shroud layer is constituted are formed, and step (d) for separating the micromachine component having the multilayer structure of the cured photosensitive resin composition layer and the cured dry film resist layer from the substrate by removing the sacrifice layer.
US08481247B2	Resist underlayer film forming composition containing liquid additive To provide a resist underlayer film forming composition for lithography that is used in a lithography process for production of a semiconductor device. There is provided a resist underlayer film forming composition used in a lithography process for production of a semiconductor device, comprising a resin (A), a liquid additive (B) and a solvent (C). The liquid additive (B) may be an aliphatic polyether compound. The liquid additive (B) may be a polyether polyol, polyglycidyl ether or a combination thereof. Further, there is provided a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, including the steps of forming a resist underlayer film by applying the resist underlayer film forming composition on a semiconductor substrate and by calcining the composition; forming a photoresist layer on the underlayer film; exposing the semiconductor substrate coated with the resist underlayer film and the photoresist layer to light; and developing the photoresist layer after the exposure to light.
US08481245B2	System, method and apparatus for pattern clean-up during fabrication of patterned media using forced assembly of molecules A pattern clean-up for fabrication of patterned media using a forced assembly of molecules is disclosed. E-beam lithography is initially used to write the initial patterned bit media structures, which have size and positioning errors. Nano-sized protein molecules are then forced to assemble of on top of the bits. The protein molecules have a very uniform size distribution and assemble into a lattice structure above the e-beam patterned areas. The protein molecules reduce the size and position errors in e-beam patterned structures. This process cleans the signal from the e-beam lithography and lowers the noise in the magnetic reading and writing. This process may be used to fabricate patterned bit media directly on hard disk, or to create a nano-imprint master for mass production of patterned bit media disks.
US08481239B2	Carrier for two-component developer A carrier, including a magnetic particulate core material and a resin layer on the core material, wherein the resin layer includes a resin obtained by heat treatment of a copolymer including a site derived from a monomer component having the following formula (1) and a site derived from a monomer component having the following formula (2), and includes a cross-linked material obtained by hydrolysis of the copolymer to produce a silanol group and condensation using an organotitanium compound: wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; m represents an alkylene group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R2 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; R3 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; X represents 10 to 90 mol %; and Y represents 10 to 90 mol %.
US08481238B2	Electrophotographic photoreceptors, electrophotographic photoreceptor cartridge, and image-forming apparatus An electrophotographic photoreceptor is provided which comprises a conductive substrate and a photosensitive layer formed thereover, wherein the photosensitive layer contains at least a polyarylate resin having a repeating structure represented by the following formula [1] and a compound represented by the following formula [6]. This photoreceptor has excellent abrasion resistance under practical load, has high mechanical strength, and further has highly excellent electrical properties.
US08481233B2	Organic photoreceptor, image forming apparatus and process cartridge Disclosed is an organic photoreceptor comprising on an electrically conductive support a light-sensitive layer and a surface layer, wherein the surface layer comprises a resin formed by curing a photocurable compound containing at least one polar group and at least one photocurable-functional group and a particulate metal oxide having a water absorption of 0.1 to 10%. There are also disclosed an image forming apparatus and a process cartridge.
US08481226B2	Sheet body of solid oxide fuel cell, and solid oxide fuel cell A sheet body includes an electrolyte layer, a fuel electrode layer formed on the upper surface of the electrolyte layer, and an air electrode layer formed on the lower surface of the electrolyte layer, wherein these layers are stacked and fired in such a manner that the electrolyte layer is sandwiched between the fuel electrode layer and the air electrode layer. The fuel electrode layer is a porous layer including a first layer on a side close to the electrolyte layer made of fine particles of Ni and YSZ, and a second layer on a side apart from the electrolyte layer made of fine particles of Ni, YSZ, and ZrSiO4. The zircon particles are uniformly distributed in the second layer in the plane direction and in the stacking direction.
US08481225B2	Membrane electrode assembly, manufacturing method thereof and fuel cell The present invention provides a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) which has a high level of power generation performance under a low humidified condition and a high level of production efficiency, and further, a manufacturing method of such an MEA and a fuel cell having such an MEA. The present invention includes forming first electrode catalyst layer 2, forming polymer electrolyte layer 1 on the first electrode catalyst layer 2 in such a way that a cross sectional surface of the first electrode catalyst layer 2 is also covered with the polymer electrolyte layer 1, and forming second electrode catalyst layer 3 on the polymer electrolyte layer 1 in such a way that a cross sectional surface of the second electrode catalyst layer 3 is covered with the polymer electrolyte layer 1.
US08481223B2	Stack for fuel cell A fuel cell stack for generating electrical energy by an electrochemical reaction of a fuel and an oxidizing gas including a plurality of electricity generating units and a fastening member is disclosed. The plurality of electricity generating units are configured for an electrochemical reaction between the fuel and the oxidizing gas to generate electrical energy, and the fastening member combines the plurality of electricity generating units into a stack. Each electricity-generating unit includes a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and separators that are provided on each side of the MEA. Each separator comprises a channel on a surface facing the MEA. The channel is divided into a multiple of 2 sub-channels that is greater than 2 on a surface of the separator, and the sub-channels have substantially the same fluid passage length.
US08481221B2	Fuel cell system A fuel cell system includes: a fuel supply unit supplying a fuel; an air supply unit supplying air; a stack including a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) having an air path and a fuel path; a gas-liquid separator connected to an outlet of the fuel path and an outlet of the air path for separating gas-liquid into high-temperature liquid and moisture gas; a mixer mixing the high-temperature liquid separated by the gas-liquid separator and a fuel supplied from the fuel supply unit and connecting the gas-liquid separator and the MEA; a moisture absorbent connected to the gas-liquid separator to absorb condensed liquid in the high-temperature moisture gas; and a heat exchanger to vaporize the liquid absorbed by the moisture absorbent.
US08481219B2	Fuel cell system and operation method thereof A fuel cell system and an operation method thereof are provided, which are capable of properly executing special shutdown of the fuel cell system in the event of a trouble in purge operation by use of material gas. In the fuel cell system (100), if an abnormality occurs in a purge process by use of material gas during shutdown of the fuel cell system (100), the controller (11) brings, according to the contents of the abnormality, the opening/closing state of fuel electrode opening/closing devices (26, 23, 24) for opening and closing the outlet/inlet of a fuel electrode (13a), oxidant electrode opening/closing devices (25, 28, 20, 27) for opening and closing the outlet/inlet of an oxidant electrode (13c) or hydrogen generator opening/closing devices (21, 23, 22) for opening and closing the outlet/inlet of a hydrogen generator (12) into a state that is different from their opening/closing state when the purge process by use of the material gas is performed.
US08481217B2	Method and apparatus for supplying input gases to a fuel cell stack A fuel supply system for a fuel cell stack includes a cathode gas supply line for supplying an oxidant to the cathode input of the fuel cell stack and an anode gas supply line for supplying fuel to the anode input of the fuel cell stack. An anode gas recirculation line recirculates partially used anode gas from the anode output to the anode input while a purge line may be connected for conducting away the partially used anode gas, as a purge gas from the anode gas recirculation line into the cathode gas supply line. The supply system also includes a conditioning arrangement disposed upstream of the cathode input. The conditioning arrangement is designed to a) mix a partial flow of the oxidant with the purge gas in a mixing station, b) compress accelerate, and/or heat the partial flow or the mixed flow, and c) conduct the mixed flow into the cathode gas supply line.
US08481215B2	Electrolyte having eutectic mixture and electrochemical device containing the same An electrolyte includes (a) a eutectic mixture of an alkoxy alkyl group-containing amide compound and an ionizable lithium salt; and (b) a carbonate-based compound. The electrolyte has excellent thermal and chemical stability and exhibits a low lowest limit of electrochemical window. Also, the electrolyte shows low viscosity and high ion conductivity, so it may be usefully applied as an electrolyte of electrochemical devices using various anode materials.
US08481209B2	Electrode and battery having the same An electrode includes: a collector; and an active material layer provided on the collector, containing a copolymer obtained by copolymerizing, as a comonomer, at least one member selected from monomers represented by the following general formulae (1) to (4) with vinylidene fluoride or vinylidene fluoride and a copolymerizable monomer thereof wherein each of R1 to R3 independently represents a hydrocarbon group having from 4 to 10 carbon atoms; R4 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; each of R6 and R7 independently represents a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; each of R5 and R8 independently represents a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group having from 4 to 10 carbon atoms; and X represents a cyano group or an aldehyde group.
US08481207B2	Metal-air room-temperature ionic liquid electrochemical cell with liquid fuel Provided in one embodiment is an electrochemical cell for generating power, and more particularly to a metal-air electrochemical cell using a low temperature ionic liquid and a liquid metal fuel.
US08481205B2	Nonaqueous electrolyte and nonaqueous electrolyte battery A nonaqueous electrolyte includes: a nonaqueous solvent; an electrolyte salt; a hydrocarbon compound having a nitrile group; and at least one of a heteropolyacid and a heteropolyacid compound.
US08481203B2	Integrated energy storage unit An integrated energy storage unit includes a container and a battery housed within the container. The battery includes a positive battery terminal, a negative battery terminal, and a battery electrolyte. A capacitor is housed within the container, separate from the battery. The capacitor includes a positive capacitor terminal, a negative capacitor terminal, and a capacitor electrolyte. A plurality of connectors electrically couple the battery and the capacitor in parallel. A positive lead is electrically coupled to the positive battery terminal and the positive capacitor terminal. The positive lead extends from the container. A negative lead is electrically coupled to the negative battery terminal and the negative capacitor terminal. The negative lead extends from the container.
US08481197B2	Bipolar secondary battery, method for manufacturing the bipolar secondary battery, bipolar electrode, method for manufacturing the bipolar electrode and assembled battery A bipolar secondary battery includes a plurality of bipolar electrodes, each including a current collector that has a positive electrode layer on one surface thereof and a negative electrode layer on the opposite surface thereof. A separator is disposed between adjacent two bipolar electrodes such that the positive electrode layer of one bipolar electrode and the negative electrode layer of the adjacent bipolar electrode adjacent are opposed to each other along the length of the separator. The positive electrode layer and the negative electrode layer are formed with protrudent portions disposed at positions offset from each other along a length of the current collector.
US08481195B1	Lithium battery structures This invention provides a novel battery structure that, in some variations, utilizes a mixed lithium-ion and electron conductor as part of the separator. This layer is non-porous, conducting only lithium ions during operation, and may be structurally free-standing. Alternatively, the layer can be used as a battery electrode in a lithium-ion battery, wherein on the side not exposed to battery electrolyte, a chemical compound is used to regenerate the discharged electrode. This battery structure overcomes critical shortcomings of current lithium-sulfur, lithium-air, and lithium-ion batteries.
US08481194B2	Rechargeable battery and battery module using the same A rechargeable battery includes an electrode group for producing electricity, a case for housing the electrode group, a cap plate combined with the case, an electrode terminal electrically coupled to the electrode group, and a fixing member disposed inside the case and combined to the support shaft portion. The electrode terminal includes a head portion disposed outside the case, and a support shaft portion protruding from the head portion and penetrating the cap plate. Contact resistance of the rechargeable battery can be reduced with this configuration. A battery module includes a plurality of rechargeable batteries and bus bars electrically connecting at least two of the rechargeable batteries, wherein each rechargeable battery includes a case with an internal space, a cap plate combined with the case, an electrode terminal including a head portion caught on the cap plate and a support shaft portion protruding from the head portion and penetrating the cap plate, and a fixing member disposed inside the case and combined to the support shaft portion.
US08481193B2	Battery module and method of manufacturing the same A battery module ensuring task safety during assembly or repair of the battery module by blocking current. The battery module includes: i) at least one first battery, each first battery having an end portion connected to an anode terminal and at least one second battery, each second battery having an end portion connected to a cathode terminal wherein the anode terminals and the cathode terminals are made of elastic materials; ii) at least one connection member for electrically connecting adjacent anode and cathode terminals; iii) a first pack case having battery-containing portions in which the batteries are contained and connection member mounting portions on which the connection members are mounted; and iv) a second pack case which is coupled with the first pack case. The anode and cathode terminals are pressed by the second pack case so as to be in contact with the respective connection members.
US08481192B2	Redox flow battery A redox flow battery has a high energy density and an excellent charge and discharge efficiency because re-precipitation is prevented in an electrolyte solution or eduction is prevented in an electrode during reduction of a metal ion used as an electrolyte.
US08481190B2	Method, apparatus, and system for mounting an electronic device A battery cover for an electronic device including a battery receptacle. The battery cover generally comprises a base and a cover mating element. The base is operable to couple with a portion of the electronic device and at least partially cover the battery receptacle. The cover mating element is operable to couple with the base and interchangeably mate with a reciprocal mating element associated with a mount to couple the electronic device to the mount.
US08481188B2	Rechargeable battery A rechargeable battery including an electrode assembly including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator between the positive electrode and the negative electrode; a case housing the electrode assembly; a heat dissipating member including a heat collecting portion inserted in the electrode assembly and a heat dissipating portion protruding outside of the case; and a sealing member between the heat dissipating member and the case, the sealing member including a first polymer layer and a second polymer layer having a melting point that is lower than a melting point of the first polymer layer.
US08481184B2	Solution based enhancements of fuel cell components and other electrochemical systems and devices This invention relates in general to components of electrochemical devices, and to methods of preparing the components. The components and methods include the use of a composition comprising an ionically conductive polymer and at least one solvent, where the polymer and the solvent are selected based on the thermodynamics of the combination. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a component for an electrochemical device which is prepared from a composition comprising a true solution of an ionically conductive polymer and at least one solvent, the polymer and the at least one solvent being selected such that \|δ solvent−δ solute\|<1, where δ solvent is the Hildebrand solubility parameter of the at least one solvent and where δ solute is the Hildebrand solubility parameter of the polymer.
US08481181B2	Exchange coupled magnetic elements Approaches to reduce switching field distribution in energy assisted magnetic storage devices involve first and second exchange coupled magnetic elements. The first magnetic elements have anisotropy, Hk1, volume, V1 and the second magnetic elements are magnetically exchange coupled to the first magnetic elements and have anisotropy Hk2, and volume V2. The thermal stability of the exchange coupled magnetic elements is greater than about 60 kBT at a storage temperature of about 300 K. The magnetic switching field distribution, SFD, of the exchange coupled magnetic elements is less than about 200% at a predetermined magnetic switching field and a predetermined assisting switching energy.
US08481177B2	Material for organic electroluminescence device and organic electroluminescence device An organic electroluminescence device including an indenofluorenedione derivative represented by formula (I): wherein X1 and X2, which may be the same or different, are any of specific divalent groups; R1 to R10, which may be the same or different, are a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, and an aryl group, a heterocycle, a halogen atom, a fluoroalkyl group, an alkoxy group, an aryloxy group or a cyano group; and R3 to R6 or R7 to R10 may be bonded to each other to form a ring.
US08481176B2	Oxadiazole derivative, and light-emitting element, light-emitting device, electronic device, and lighting device using oxadiazole derivative An object is to provide a novel oxadiazole derivative represented by General Formula (G1) as a substance having a high electron-transport property. In the formula, Ar1 represents a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group having 6 to 10 carbon atoms in a ring. When Ar1 has a substituent, the substituent is an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or an aryl group having 6 to 10 carbon atoms in a ring. Ar2 represents a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group having 6 to 10 carbon atoms in a ring or a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl group having 4 to 9 carbon atoms. When Ar2 has a substituent, the substituent is an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or an aryl group having 6 to 10 carbon atoms in a ring. R1 and R2 independently represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.
US08481172B2	Steel sheet product provided with an anticorrosion coating and process for producing it A flat steel product, and a method for its production, which is formed from a steel substrate, such as strip or sheet steel, and a zinc-based corrosion protection coating, applied to at least one side of the steel substrate, which contains (in wt. %) Mg: 0.25 to 2.5%, Al: 0.2 to 3.0%, Fe: ≦4.0%, and optionally in total up to 0.8% of one or more elements of the group Pb, Bi, Cd, Ti, B, Si, Cu, Ni, Co, Cr, Mn, Sn and rare earths, remainder zinc and unavoidable impurities are described. The corrosion protection coating has an Al content of maximum 0.5 wt. % in an intermediate layer extending between a surface layer directly adjacent to the surface of the flat steel product and a border layer adjacent to the steel substrate and with a thickness amounting to at least 20% of the total thickness of the corrosion protection coating.
US08481170B2	Composite manufacture A composite manufacture includes a first steel substrate, a second steel substrate disposed in contact with the first steel substrate to define a faying interface therebetween, and a spot weld joint penetrating the first steel substrate and the second steel substrate at the faying interface to thereby join the second steel substrate to the first steel substrate. The first steel substrate has a heat-affected zone adjacent the spot weld joint having a boundary, wherein the boundary and the faying interface define an angle therebetween of greater than about 75°.
US08481169B2	Leather A leather obtained by a (1) pre-treatment before tanning, (2) tanning process where glutaraldehyde is used as a tanning agent, (3) process where a re-tanning agent is used which is constituted by synthetic tannin, resin and aluminum, of which the synthetic tannin is constituted by (a) condensation product of aromatic sulfonic acid with formaldehyde or mixture of aromatic sulfonic acid and condensation product of aromatic sulfonic acid with formaldehyde, (b) methylene cyclic polymer of aromatic sulfonic acid with hydroxy aromatic compound or mixture of aromatic sulfonic acid and methylene cyclic polymer of aromatic sulfonic acid with hydroxy aromatic compound and (c) glyoxal, while the resin is constituted by (a) acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylic acid ester or methacrylic acid ester polymer(s) and mixture thereof, and copolymer(s) thereof or mixture thereof and (b) polycondensation product of melamine with formaldehyde, wherein the re-tanning agent having the aforementioned composition is used to perform re-tanning, followed by dyeing as well as fatliquoring treatment using a fatliquoring agent constituted by (a) synthetic oil and natural oil and (b) mixture of synthetic oil and natural constituent, and (4) post-treatment after re-tanning; wherein said leather is characterized in that it is flexible and has unique elasticity and softness beyond what is presented by the material hide and has restorability that prevents the leather from stretching more than it should, and also in that its conditions include a BLC stiffness/softness of 4.42 mm or more but 4.90 mm or less and maximum set ratio of 10.7 or more but 13.9 or less.
US08481165B2	Agent for providing substrates based on cellulose and/or starch with water repellent and simultaneously antifungal, antibacterial insect-repellent and antialgal properties The invention relates to an agent for providing substrates based on cellulose and/or starch with water-repellent and simultaneously antifungal, antibacterial, insect-repellent and antialgal properties, which contains water and, as active substance, at least one linear, cyclic, branched or crosslinked co-oligomer or mixtures of co-oligomers from the series consisting of the alkyl-/aminoalkyl-/alkoxy- or hydroxy-siloxanes, the use of such agents and a special treatment process using such agents.
US08481163B2	Carbon nanotube growth method The invention relates to a method of growing carbon nanotubes (5) on a substrate (1) using a hot-wire-assisted chemical vapor deposition method. The inventive method consists in first depositing a bilayer of titanium (12) and cobalt (13) on the substrate such that: the thickness of the titanium layer is between 0.5 and 5 nm, the thickness of the cobalt layer is between 0.25 and 10 nm, and the thickness of the cobalt layer is between half and double that of the titanium layer.
US08481155B2	EPDM foam, producing method thereof, and sealing material An EPDM foam is obtained by foaming a foam composition containing, based on 100 parts by weight of an ethylenepropylenediene rubber, 0.1 to 5 parts by weight of a vulcanizer, 0.1 to 10 parts by weight of a vulcanization accelerator, 1 to 30 parts by weight of a foaming agent, and a foaming auxiliary agent. The vulcanization accelerator contains a thiourea vulcanization accelerator, a thiazole vulcanization accelerator, a dithiocarbamate vulcanization accelerator, and a thiuram vulcanization accelerator such that a thiourea vulcanization accelerator/thiazole vulcanization accelerator/dithiocarbamate vulcanization accelerator/thiuram vulcanization accelerator weight ratio is in a range of 1 to 20/1 to 20/1 to 20/1 to 30.
US08481153B1	Apparatus and method for imparting wide angle low reflection on conductive surfaces An apparatus and method for imparting wide angle low reflection on any high reflective surfaces through resonant excitation of plasmonic leaky mode of a nanocavity.
US08481151B2	Hydrogen storage alloy and hydrogen storage unit using same A hydrogen storage alloy comprises a hydrogen storage base formed of a mixture of magnesium and an alloy, such as a magnesium-nickel alloy, a magnesium-titanium alloy, a magnesium-niobium alloy, a magnesium-manganese alloy, or a magnesium-cobalt alloy, and a catalytic layer covering a surface of the base. A hydrogen storage alloy unit includes the hydrogen storage base and a porous body including an assembly of nanofibers. The alloy may be vapor-deposited onto the assembly of nanofibers. The nanofibers may be tangled to provide spaces between the fibers for the passage of hydrogen molecules. The nanofibers in one example are also porous. A catalytic layer of platinum may cover a surface of the hydrogen storage base.
US08481148B2	Optical device and antireflection film An antireflection film is formed by alternately laminating a low refractive index layer and a high refractive index layer. The antireflection film has a reflectance of 10% or less and an excitation purity range of 10 or less for visible light in a wavelength range from 380 nm to 780 nm incident at an incident angle ranging from 0° to 45° when regarding the direction perpendicular to the surface as 0°. The antireflection film inhibits a specific color tone from occurring in interference color of incident light coming from an oblique direction.
US08481146B2	Inkjettable polymerizable liquid crystalline mixture A polymerizable mixture for ink jetting, having liquid crystalline phases comprising the following components:a) 50-80 wt % mono-functional LCP's,b) 10-50 wt % of a higher functional LCP's,f) 0.01-5 wt % initiators, preferably below 1%g) 0.01-5 wt % inhibitors, preferably below 1%h) 0-20 wt % additives, preferably below 10 wt %,with the provision that the total amount of the components is 100 wt %, characterized in that the polymerizable mixtures has a viscosity smaller than 0.015 Pa s at 100° C. and yet remaining thermally stable.
US08481144B2	Complex sheet structure and cover lens assembly A complex sheet structure includes a base plate, a microstructure layer, and a shielding layer. The microstructure layer is formed on the base plate and has a first side and an opposite second side. The microstructure layer has a plurality of prismatic structures, and the base plate touches the first side of the microstructure layer. The shielding layer covers the second side of the microstructure layer and contains a low light-transmittance material.
US08481143B2	Thick curved honeycomb core with minimal forming A ribbon for manufacturing a honeycomb structure, a honeycomb structure and a method of manufacturing a curved honeycomb structure having a plurality of honeycomb cells, a curved geometry and an inner and outer surface with minimal forming. The ribbon comprises a continuous series of foldable sections arranged in sequence along the length of the ribbon, and top and bottom edges curved along the length of the ribbon when the ribbon is in a flat, unfolded state. Each section may have a top edge and a bottom edge, at least one top edge or bottom edge of at least one section in said continuous series of foldable sections being curved to conform to said curved geometry of said honeycomb structure.
US08481141B2	Flexible VCD having domed center and flat central bottom ring and method of making thereof A Flexible VCD Having Domed Center and Flat Central Bottom Ring and Method of Making Thereof is disclosed. The disc will has a flat data storage section of its substrate that is less than 0.7 millimeters thick, while the central region of the disc is defined by a dome structure adjacent to the spindle aperture that is of standard digital disc thickness. The disc is thin enough such that its substrate is flexible. The dome structure is shaped to provide the widest compatibility with player/recorders, as well as with disc printing systems. Disc versions are available that provide conical dome structures, as well as slivered dome structures of both conical and rectangular cross-section, and a combined design having a plurality of raised protrusions on the top surface of the disc, and a flat central ring protruding from the bottom surface of the disc. The method for manufacturing the discs simply requires the replacement of the conventional stamper holder with a stamper holding having a non-flat face.
US08481138B2	Implantable or insertable medical device resistant to microbial growth and biofilm formation Implantable or insertable medical devices that provide resistance to microbial growth on and in the environment of the device and resistance to microbial adhesion and biofilm formation on the device. In particular, the implantable or insertable medical devices include at least one biocompatible matrix polymer region, an antimicrobial agent for providing resistance to microbial growth and a microbial adhesion/biofilm synthesis inhibitor for inhibiting the attachment of microbes and the synthesis and accumulation of biofilm on the surface of the medical device. Methods of manufacturing such devices under conditions that substantially prevent preferential partitioning of any of said bioactive agents to a surface of the biocompatible matrix polymer and substantially prevent chemical modification of said bioactive agents.
US08481137B2	Multilayered stretched film with barrier property An object of the invention is to provide a multilayer stretched film with barrier property that is free from deterioration of barrier properties attributable to dimensional change caused by moisture absorption, and bending, etc. [Method for Achieving the Object]A multilayer stretched film with barrier property obtained by biaxially stretching a multilayer laminate comprising at least three layers, namely, a polyester-based resin layer (Layer A), a polyamide-based resin layer (Layer B), and a polyester-based resin layer (Layer A), in this order (wherein the two Layers A may be the same or different) to obtain a biaxially stretched multilayer film; and providing a deposition layer (Layer C) on at least one surface of the biaxially stretched multilayer film;both of the Layers A containing a crystalline polyester;Layer B containing 70 to 99 wt % of aliphatic polyamide and 1 to 30 wt % of aromatic polyamide; andLayer C containing an inorganic substance.
US08481131B2	Transparent ink-jet recording films, compositions, and methods Transparent ink-jet recording films, compositions, and methods are disclosed. These compositions and methods can impart excellent adhesion properties between film layers and the transparent support. These films are useful for medical imaging.
US08481130B2	Alignment layer with reactive mesogens for aligning liquid crystal molecules The invention relates to an alignment layer with improved adhesion to liquid crystal (LC) films, to a precursor material used for the preparation of such a layer, to a laminate comprising such a layer and at least one LC polymer film, and to the use of the alignment layer and the laminate for optical, electrooptical, decorative or security uses and devices, wherein the alignment layer and the precursor material comprise at least one reactive mesogen in monomeric, oligomeric or polymeric form.
US08481126B2	Method for fabricating device housing having ceramic coating A method for making a housing of an electronic device includes applying a layer of ceramic powder material to an outer surface of a metal substrate. The layer of ceramic powder material and a top layer of the metal substrate are melted by laser irradiation, forming a ceramic-metal composite coating integrally bonding with the metal substrate when cooled. The substrate with the ceramic-metal composite coating is heated to a peak temperature, maintained at the peak temperature for a desired period of time, and then cooled down to room temperature. The heat treated metal substrate with the ceramic-metal composite coating is then formed into a desired shape.
US08481123B2	Method for high pressure gas annealing Novel methods and apparatuses for annealing semiconductor devices in a high pressure gas environment. According to an embodiment, the annealing vessel has a dual chamber structure, and potentially toxic, flammable, or otherwise reactive gas is confined in an inner chamber which is protected by pressures of inert gas contained in the outer chamber. The incoming gas delivery system and exhaust gas venting system are likewise protected by various methods. Embodiments of the present invention can be used, for example, for high-K gate dielectric anneal, post metallization sintering anneal, and forming gas anneal in the semiconductor manufacturing process.
US08481115B2	Coated, fine metal particles comprising titanium oxide and silicon oxide coating, and their production method A method for producing coated, fine metal particles each having a Ti oxide coating and a silicon oxide coating formed in this order on a metal core particle by mixing powder comprising TiC and TiN with oxide powder of a metal M meeting the relation of ΔGM-O>ΔGTiO2, wherein ΔGM-O represents the standard free energy of forming an oxide of the metal M; heat-treating the resultant mixed powder in a non-oxidizing atmosphere to reduce the oxide of the metal M with the powder comprising TiC and TiN, while coating the resultant metal M particles with Ti oxide; coating the Ti-oxide-coated surface with silicon oxide; and classifying the resultant particles such that they have a median diameter d50 of 0.4-0.7 μm, and a variation coefficient (=standard deviation/average particle size) of 35% or less, which indicates a particle size distribution range. Coated, fine metal particles each having a Ti oxide coating and a silicon oxide coating formed in this order on a metal core particle, which has a median diameter d50 of 0.4-0.7 μm, and a variation coefficient (=standard deviation/average particle size) of 35% or less, which indicates a particle size distribution range.
US08481113B2	Highly luminescent color-selective nanocrystalline materials A nanocrystal capable of light emission includes a nanoparticle having photoluminescence having quantum yields of greater than 30%.
US08481111B2	Bright coloured surface layer A method to produce a pale and/or plain colored wear resistant surface layer by using a dry powder layer comprising a mix of refined fibers binder, pigment and wear resistant particles.
US08481096B2	Microwave foam product with blue or purple inclusions Improved shelf stable microwave dessert packaged food products for individual servings comprise a cup; a shelf-stable ready-to-heat uncooked microwave bakeable foam product disposed within the cup, and a peelably removable, low gas permeability sealing membrane. The improvements reside in important part in selecting shelf stable food products embodiments having a pH of ≦6 and additionally comprising dried or gelled blue or purple inclusions such as natural or artificial blueberries dispersed within the foam. These inclusions can be colored with natural anthocyanin or artificial Lake pigments. Surprisingly, when the foam has a pH of about 6 or lower, the dried or gelled blue or purple inclusions exhibit color stability for extended times even though the foams are stored at room temperatures. The articles provide high quality finished expanded blue or purple inclusion containing baked dessert goods by microwave cooking and expansion of the foam.
US08481094B2	Use of silymarin and silybin in the treatment of neural injury The present invention provides a method of treating neural injury, e.g., spinal cord injury (SCI), or enhancing recovery from the neural injury with silymarin or silybin.
US08481093B2	Compositions comprising Lilium candidum extracts and uses thereof Provided are compositions comprising certain extracts of Lilium Candidum and a carrier. Also provided are methods of lightening the skin comprising the step of applying to skin in need of skin lightening treatment one or more certain extracts of Lilium Candidum.
US08481088B2	Extract of Euodia suaveolens Scheff, repellent compositions and use thereof The invention relates to an extract of Euodia suaveolens Scheff. The invention is characterized in that the extract is obtained from the airborne portions of the plant by means of at least one extraction step using an organic or hydro-alcoholic solvent, and in that it comprises evodone at a concentration of between 0.1 and 35% by weight of the total weight of the extract, and in that it has an insect repellent activity. The invention also relates to a repellent composition, characterized in that it comprises, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, evodone at a concentration of between 0.1 and 25% by weight of the total weight of the composition, and to the use of evodone as an active agent for repelling insects, in particular mosquitoes and more particularly the European/Mediterranean mosquitoes of the Aedes aegypti species.
US08481086B2	Method of treating neurological conditions with cardiac glycoside A method of treating neurological condition in a subject by administration of a cardiac glycoside is provided. Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease or stroke are treated by administering a therapeutically effective amount of cardiac glycoside to a subject. The cardiac glycoside can be present in a dosage form.
US08481085B2	Pharmaceutical compositions comprising cannabigerol The present invention relates to the use of cannabigerol (CBG) type compounds and derivatives thereof in the treatment of mood disorders.
US08481083B2	Granular compositions of magnesium oxide and citric acid and uses thereof Compositions are provided that are useful for the preparation of a medicament. The compositions comprise granules having a layer of sodium picosulphate coated on potassium bicarbonate. Additional granules having a layer of magnesium oxide coated on a core of citric acid are also provided. The two types of granules may be combined to obtain mixtures (preferably homogeneous or substantially homogeneous mixtures) of the two types of granules, which are useful, e.g., as pharmaceutical compositions.
US08481081B2	Pharmaceutical solid dispersions A composition comprises a solid dispersion comprising a low-solubility drug and at least one polymer. At least a major portion of the drug in the dispersion is amorphous. The polymer has a glass transition temperature of at least 100° C. measured at a relative humidity of fifty percent. Another aspect of the invention comprises the same composition except that the dispersion has a glass transition temperature of at least 50° C. at a relative humidity of fifty percent. In another aspect of the invention, a composition comprises a solid dispersion comprising a low-solubility drug and a stabilizing polymer. At least a major portion of the drug in the dispersion is amorphous. The composition also includes a concentration-enhancing polymer that increases the concentration of the drug in a use environment. The stabilizing polymer has a glass transition temperature that is greater than the glass transition temperature of the concentration-enhancing polymer at a relative humidity of 50%.
US08481079B2	Drug delivery system based on polyethylene vinylacetate copolymers Disclosed herein is a drug delivery system consisting of one or more compartments and comprising a progestogenic compound dissolved in a thermoplastic polyethylene vinylacetate copolymer. Also disclosed are a contraceptive kit or hormone-replacement therapy kit comprising the drug delivery system, and a combination preparation that simultaneously provides contraception and treatment of a sexually transmitted disease comprising the drug delivery system.
US08481072B2	Composition and method to alleviate joint pain Beneficial and synergistic effects for alleviating joint pain and symptoms of osteoarthritis and/or rheumatoid arthritis have been found with krill oil and/or marine oil in combination with other active constituents, including astaxanthin and polymeric hyaluronic acid or sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronan) in an oral dosage form.
US08481066B2	Scaffold for tissue regeneration in mammals A three-dimensional scaffold with interconnected pores for repair of tissue comprising a scaffold body for structural support of the tissue scaffold, where the scaffold body comprises scaffold body components bonded to each other and made from component materials comprising about 40 to about 90 wt % B2O3, and two or more other oxides, wherein the scaffold body has a porosity between about 15 and about 90 vol %.
US08481062B2	Mixture and method for controlling the insect Acrobasis nuxvorella on Carya illinoiensis plants The invention consists of a mixture of organic chemicals avoiding the use of insecticides, and a method for pest control based on the mixture consisting in bringing about the premature eclosion of the hibernating larva and its possible death through inanition; experimentation has demonstrated it to be effective in bringing about the premature eclosion of the pecan nut casebearer or Acrobasis nuxvorella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) on pecan trees (Carya illinoiensis). The objective is to provide an ecological method for controlling pests such as the pecan nut casebearer, in this manner reducing or avoiding the use of inorganic chemical insecticides which have a significant impact on the environment.
US08481059B2	Hydrogel compositions Hydrogel compositions are provided (a) that have a continuous hydrophobic phase and a discontinuous hydrophilic phase, (b) that have a discontinuous hydrophilic phase and a continuous hydrophilic phase, or (c) that are entirely composed of a continuous hydrophilic phase. The hydrophobic phase, if present, is composed of a hydrophobic polymer, particularly a hydrophobic pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA), a plasticizing elastomer, a tackifying resin, and an optional antioxidant. The discontinuous hydrophilic phase, if present, is composed of a crosslinked hydrophilic polymer, particularly a crosslinked cellulosic polymer such as crosslinked sodium carboxymethylcellulose. For those hydrogel compositions containing a continuous hydrophilic phase, the components of the phase include a cellulose ester composition or an acrylate polymer or copolymer, and a blend of a hydrophilic polymer and a complementary oligomer capable of hydrogen bonding thereto. Films prepared from hydrogel compositions containing or entirely composed of the aforementioned continuous hydrophilic phase can be made translucent, and may be prepared using either melt extrusion or solution casting. A preferred use of the hydrogel compositions is in wound dressings, although numerous other uses are possible as well.
US08481058B2	Topical composition, topical composition precursor, and methods for manufacturing and using A tropical composition is provided. The topical composition can be prepared by diluting a topical composition precursor with water and adding additional components, if desired. The topical composition precursor can be prepared by melt processing a hydrophobic polymer composition that includes repeating pyrrolidone/alkylene groups wherein the alkylene groups contain at least 10 carbon atoms, and a hydrophilic polymer composition including repeating carboxylic groups and/or repeating hydroxyl groups. A topical composition precursor and methods for manufacturing and using a topical composition are provided by the invention.
US08481057B2	Chlamydial antigens The invention is in the field of immunology and vaccinology. In particular, it relates to antigens derived from Chlamydia trachomatis that are expressed on the cell surface and so are ideal for use in immunization as well as combinations of these antigens.
US08481053B2	Compositions and methods for treating of microbial infections The present invention relates to methods and compositions for treatment of microbial infections and for the enhancement of resistance to infection. The invention comprises administration of an effective amount of bacterial lysate compositions for the treatment of pathological conditions of microbial infections. The present invention can also be used to enhance the immune system to prevent infections by the administration of an effective amount of the compositions.
US08481047B2	Malignant tumor-inhibiting preparation comprising Des A fibrin A malignant tumor-inhibiting preparation is provided which comprises Des A fibrin and therefore can inhibit the spreading and migration of malignant tumor cells and thereby can inhibit the malignant tumors.
US08481042B2	Conjugates of pyrrolo[1,4]benzodiazepine dimers as anticancer agents The present invention relates to pyrrolo[1,4]benzodiazepine (PBD) dimer conjugates, to the compositions comprising them and to their therapeutic application, in particular as anticancer agents. The invention also relates to the process for the preparation of the conjugates, to their application as anticancer agents and to the dimers themselves.
US08481040B2	Carrier for targeting nerve cells The present invention relates to a transport protein which can be obtained by modifying the heavy chain of the neurotoxin formed by Clostridium botulinum wherein (i) the protein binds specifically to nerve cells with a higher or lower affinity as the native neurotoxin; (ii) the protein has an increased or reduced neurotoxicity compared to the native neurotoxin, the neurotoxicity being preferably determined in the hemidiaphragma assay; and/or (iii) the protein comprises a lower affinity against neutralizing antibodies compared to the native neurotoxin. The invention also relates to methods for producing the same and the use thereof in cosmetic and pharmaceutical compositions.
US08481036B2	Treatment of chronic prostatitis The present invention relates to the use of an anti-NGF antibody in the treatment or prevention of pain and/or a lower urinary tract symptom (LUTS) associated with chronic prostatitis and/or chronic pelvic pain syndrome.
US08481035B2	Methods for treating chronic pelvic pain syndrome with antibodies that binds MCP-1 or MIP-1A The present invention provides methods and compositions for treating chronic pelvic pain syndrome. In particular, the present invention provides methods and compositions for treating chronic pelvic pain syndrome with an agent that targets MCP-1, MIP-1α, or the CCR-2 receptor.
US08481034B2	Anti-VEGFR-3 antibody compositions The present invention provides anti-VEGFR-3 monoclonal antibodies, pharmaceutical compositions containing said antibodies and uses of said antibodies in the treatment of disease.
US08481032B2	Lipocalin-2 antibodies for methods of treatment Methods and compositions for identifying and treating obesity and obesity-induced metabolic disorders are provided. One aspect provides a method for the evaluation of risk and progression of glucose tolerance, insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes in mammalian subjects. The method includes measuring the concentration of circulating lipocalin-2 in a subject and comparing the measured level to lipocalin-2 to a reference level. Another aspect provides methods of treating insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and other related complications by administering to a patient a composition that can reduce the circulating levels of lipocalin-2, for example a lipocalin-2 antagonist.
US08481031B2	Methods and compositions using Klotho-FGF fusion polypeptides The present invention is directed to fusion polypeptides comprising Klotho protein or an active fragment thereof and FGF23 or an active fragment thereof.
US08481029B2	Human immune therapies using a CD27 agonist alone or in combination with other immune modulators Methods of inducing T cell proliferation and expansion in vivo for treating conditions wherein antigen-specific T cell immune response are therapeutically desirable such as cancer, infection, inflammation, allergy and autoimmunity and for enhancing the efficacy of vaccines are provided. These methods comprise the administration of at least one CD27 agonist, preferably an agonistic CD27 antibody, alone or in association with another moiety such as immune stimulant or immune modulator such as an anti-CD40, OX-40, 4-IBB, or CTLA-4 antibody or an agent that depletes regulatory cells, or a cytokine. These mono and combination therapies may also optionally include the administration of a desired antigen such as a tumor antigen, an allergen, an autoantigen, or an antigen specific to an infectious agent or pathogen against which a T cell response (often CD8+) is desirably elicited.
US08481025B2	Composition for maintaining healthy kidney function The present invention provides a composition comprising prebiotic and probiotic components and is used to reduce elevated levels of nitrogenous waste products and to promote a healthy bowel microenvironment.
US08481020B2	Pheromone compositions and methods of use Pheromone compositions based on a combination of squalene, linoleic acid and 1-docosanol are described. The compositions are useful for behavior modification in mammals that exhibit undesirable or harmful stress-related behaviors.
US08481013B2	Compounds having sandalwood odors Sandalwood perfuming ingredients that are 2-[perhydro-trialkyl-2-naphthalenylidene]-1-propanol or propanal derivatives of the formula wherein one dotted line represents a carbon-carbon single bond and the other a carbon-carbon single bond or double bond; X represents a CH2OH group or a CHO group; each R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; and the R2, taken separately, represent each a hydrogen atom or the two R2 groups, taken together, represent a CH2 group or a carbon-carbon double bond; and said compound is in the form of any one of its stereoisomers or a mixture thereof, along with the use of such compound(s) in perfuming compositions or articles in the perfumery industry.
US08481008B2	Phototherapy compositions and methods Compositions containing a photoactivable agent and an agent that absorbs or blocks extraneous radiation during phototherapy are useful and used in methods to treat leukocyte mediated autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis, CTCL, and vertiligo.
US08480997B2	Method for preparing manganese sulfate monohydrate Provided is a method for preparing manganese sulfate monohydrate, which comprises the following steps: (1) adding equimolar BaS or SrS solution into manganese sulfate solution to carry out reaction fully, and separating and washing the obtained solid; (2) mixing the solid with deionized water to prepare a slurry, dissolving the slurry with concentrated sulfuric acid, and separating solid from liquid to obtain MnSO4 solution; (3) adding proper amount of hydrogen peroxide to the MnSO4 solution, heating to boiling, adjusting the pH value of the solution within 5-6, evaporation the filtrate after a precise filtration, and crystallizing and drying to obtain MnSO4 H2O product. Manganese sulfate monohydrate can be produced at high yield in a cost-efficient manner by this method.
US08480992B2	Filter and process of use to produce carbon nanotubes from automotive exhausts We disclose a novel filter and process that converts the wastes in automotive exhausts into carbon nanotubes. The filter surface is composed of iron of similar catalyst. The filter is placed along the pathway of exhaust streamlines preferably at an angle of more than 5°. and less than 15°. The filter is heated to temperatures in the range of 200-1000° C. The filter described in this invention can work in its own or supplement existing filtration systems. The end product of this filtration system is a material that is commercially valuable. The synthesized carbon nanotubes are purified using ionic liquid solution that is capable of removing undesirable carbonated material and leaving 95% purified carbon nanotubes. The purified carbon nanotubes have a diameter of 20-50 nm and a length of 1-10 micro meters.
US08480990B2	Silica powder, process for its production, and composition employing it A silica powder containing an ultrafine powder in an amount of from 0.1 to 20 mass % and having an average sphericity of at least 0.85, wherein the ultrafine powder has, as the particle size measured by a dynamic light scattering particle size distribution measuring apparatus, an average particle size of from 150 to 250 nm, less than 10 mass % of the ultrafine powder having a particle size of at most 100 nm being less than 10 mass % (not including 0 mass %) and from 10 to 50 mass % of the ultrafine powder having a particle size exceeding 100 nm and not exceeding 150 nm.
US08480989B2	Hollow fine particles, production process thereof, coating composition and article having coating film formed Hollow fine particles containing SiO2 as the main component and containing another metal. The amount of the other metal (calculated as oxide) is 0.2 to 8 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of SiO2. A coating composition containing the hollow fine particles and a dispersion medium. An article having a coating film including the coating composition formed on a substrate. A process for producing hollow fine particles, which includes (a) precipitating a shell containing SiO2 as the main component and containing another metal on the surface of core fine particles, to obtain core/shell particles, and (b) dissolving or decomposing the core fine particles of the core/shell fine particles.
US08480986B2	Catalytic reduction of NOx A system for NOx reduction in combustion gases, especially from diesel engines, incorporates an oxidation catalyst to convert at least a portion of NO to NO2, tparticulate filter, a source of reductant such as NH3 and an SCR catalyst. Considerable improvements in NOx conversion are observed.
US08480984B2	Biomass boiler SCR NOx and CO reduction system A selective catalytic reduction system and method for reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions comprising a boiler producing flue gas emissions, a particulate control device receiving flue gas emissions from the boiler, a selective catalytic reduction unit (SCR) receiving flue gas emissions from the particulate control device and reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, and a heat exchanger located downstream of the selective catalytic reduction unit (SCR) for removing heat from the flue gas for preheating at least one of boiler feed water and combustion air for the boiler.
US08480983B1	Mercury capture system and method for a wet flue gas desulfurization system A wet flue gas desulfurization (WFGD) system includes an absorber vessel operable to remove pollutants from flue gas supplied thereto. The absorber vessel defines a slurry section for containing a reagent slurry therein and an outlet in fluid communication with the slurry section. The WFGD system includes a mercury removal vessel in fluid communication with outlet. The mercury removal vessel has activated carbon disposed therein.
US08480981B2	Controlled pressure release vessel for microwave assisted chemistry A controlled release and self-resealing pressure-maintaining lid for reaction vessels in microwave assisted chemistry is disclosed. The lid includes a rigid perimeter, a rigid center load-bearing portion, and a flexible portion connecting the rigid perimeter to the center load-bearing portion so that the center portion can move when said flexing portion flexes. The lid can be used in conjunction with a vessel assembly. The vessel assembly can include a microwave-transparent, heat expandable reaction vessel having at least two cylindrical portions axially adjacent one another with one of the portions having a diameter larger than the diameter of the other portion, a transition portion between the two cylindrical portions, a vessel mouth in the larger-diameter portion, and a cylindrical retaining sleeve around the vessel.
US08480978B2	Microfluidic fluid separator and related methods A microfluidic fluid separator for separating target components of a fluid by filtration is described. Methods for separating target components of a fluid by filtration and methods for processing blood on a large scale with the microfluidic fluid separator are provided.
US08480976B2	Instruments and methods for mixing the contents of a detection chamber A receptacle having a plurality of interconnected chambers arranged to permit multiple process steps or processes to be performed independently or simultaneously. The receptacles are manufactured to separate liquid from dried reagents and to maintain the stability of the dried reagents. An immiscible liquid, such as an oil, is included to control loading of process materials, facilitate mixing and reconstitution of dried reagents, limit evaporation, control heating of reaction materials, concentrate solid support materials to prevent clogging of fluid connections, provide minimum volumes for fluid transfers, and to prevent process materials from sticking to chamber surfaces. The receptacles can be adapted for use in systems having a processing instrument that includes an actuator system for selectively moving fluid substances between chambers and a detector. The actuator system can be arranged to concentrate an analyte present in a sample. The detector can be used to detect an optical signal emitted by the contents of the receptacle.
US08480975B2	Structures for controlling light interaction with microfluidic devices Systems and methods for improved measurement of absorbance/transmission through fluidic systems are described. Specifically, in one set of embodiments, optical elements are fabricated on one side of a transparent fluidic device opposite a series of fluidic channels. The optical elements may guide incident light passing through the device such that most of the light is dispersed away from specific areas of the device, such as intervening portions between the fluidic channels. By decreasing the amount of light incident upon these intervening portions, the amount of noise in the detection signal can be decreased when using certain optical detection systems.
US08480974B2	Device for controlling the flow of fluids through microfluidic channels A device for controlling a flow of fluids through n=2m microfluidic channels, m being a natural number>0 includes a substrate having the microfluidic channels therein. Each channel includes m contact points. A respective heating element corresponds to each contact point. Each of a plurality of m pairs of conductor paths corresponds to a respective contact point of each of the microfluidic channels. Each pair includes a first conductor path that is in contact with a respective first half of the heating elements that correspond to the respective contact points of each microfluidic channel and a second conductor path that is in contact with a respective second half of the heating elements that correspond to the respective contact points of each microfluidic channel. A respective control line corresponds to each of the m pairs of conductor paths, where each control line is operable to actuate the corresponding pair of conductor paths with a switching status TRUE or a switching status FALSE. A cooling element is configured to control fluid received in the microfluidic channels.
US08480968B2	Luer valve disinfectant swab-pouch A disinfectant swab is disclosed which comprises a pouch sized for protecting a luer valve. The pouch preferably has shape memory for grasping the luer valve after the pouch as been advanced over the luer valve. The pouch includes a disinfectant along at least one of a inner surface and an outer surface. In one example, the shape memory can be providing by at least one elastic portion. In one embodiment the pouch has at least one disinfectant along the outer surfaces so that the outer surface of the swab can be used to prep skin, drug vials and the like. The pouch can be sized to elastically grasp on a plurality of types of luer valves and/or to elastically grasp on a tube having the approximate outer diameter of a luer lock connector or another portion of a luer lock connector. The pouch can be comprised of elastic foam and/or can have a flattened configuration when stored and/or can be stored in a flat tear able sealed package.
US08480967B2	Dispensing systems with concentrated soap refill cartridges Soap dispensing systems are disclosed that employ concentrated forms of soap in order to permit the soap provider to decrease the costs associated with shipping soap to consumers. These dispensing systems are adapted to deliver both soap and rinse water, with the soap being delivered by dissolving or diluting a portion of the concentrated soap with water, and delivering the less concentrated soap to the user. In particular embodiments, the concentrated soap is provided in a disposable sanitary cartridge unit wherein all parts wetted with soap and carrying concentrated soap are disposable, to be replaced, when empty, with a new sanitary cartridge unit.
US08480962B2	Exhaust gas purification apparatus for engine An engine exhaust gas purification apparatus for engine includes a mixing device for promoting mixing of a liquid reducing agent or a precursor thereof and exhaust gas is disposed at a position at which, when an engine is operating in a predetermined operating state, the liquid reducing agent or the precursor thereof injection-supplied from an injection nozzle impinges on substantially an entire surface of the mixing device. The predetermined operating state may be, for example, an operating state in which a solute tends to deposit from the liquid reducing agent or the precursor thereof. Thus, the liquid reducing agent or the precursor thereof adhering to the mixing device or an exhaust passage is reduced in absolute amount, thereby preventing that only a solvent evaporates from the liquid reducing agent or the precursor thereof adhering to the mixing device or the exhaust passage to deposit the solute.
US08480956B2	Microfluidic-channel embeddable, laterally oscillating gravimetric sensor device fabricated with micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technology Laterally oscillating gravimetric sensing device embeddable under micro-fluidic channels and fabricated with micro-electro mechanical systems (MEMS) technology, which detects biological cells and analytes by measuring the change of mass attached on its surface is composed of four main groups, namely a resonator that can be placed onto the basis of the channel, components of the resonator bio-activation, a micro fluidic channel, and the microfabrication techniques, and its main components are the proof mass (1), comb fingers fixed to proof mass (2), folded spring beams (3), channel floor and mechanical soil (4), stationary electrodes (5), comb fingers attached to the stationary electrodes (6), golden film deposited onto the mass (7), immobilized biologic recognition molecules (8), and micro fluidic channel placed on resonator structure (9).
US08480954B2	Apparatus and methods for dispensing sample holders An apparatus and methods for dispensing sample holders for use in an automated sample analyzer is disclosed herein. The apparatus for dispensing sample holders includes a rotating carousel for housing stack of sample holders. Stacks of sample holders from the rotating carousel are fed into a chute where sample holders contact a set of rotating members having helical threads thereon. The helically threaded rotating members engage the sample containers and separate each sample holder from the remaining sample holders in the stack by rotation of the helically threaded rotating members. The sample holder can then be transferred for use in an automated sample analyzer.
US08480953B2	System and method for vessel alignment A vessel including an identification region may be placed in a holder. Through interaction of a positioning feature on the vessel and an orientation feature on the holder, the vessel can be placed into an alignment orientation, e.g., such that the identification region may be reliably read by a reader. The identification region may provides information related to the sample, such as vessel identity, sample volume, processes to be performed on the sample, and so on.
US08480951B2	Tuyere structure of melting furnace A tuyere structure of a melting furnace includes: a tuyere main body which is covered on an outer periphery thereof with a ring member baked in advance, and is disposed in a hole portion provided in a tuyere brick; and a ramming material which fills a periphery of the ring member so as to fix the ring member.
US08480946B2	Imprint method and template for imprinting An imprint method, in which pattern forming is performed by having a light curable material applied on a sample face of a substrate being a processing target hardened by being exposed to light in a state where the light curable material and a pattern formed surface of a template contact each other, the pattern formed surface having a concave-convex pattern formed thereon; wherein in one exposure performed with respect to a predetermined shot of the light curable material, an exposure amount at a light curable material on a first region which contacts a pattern formed region including the concave-convex pattern of the template is greater than an exposure amount at a light curable material on a second region which at least contacts a part of a pattern periphery region of the template, the pattern periphery region existing in a periphery of the pattern formed region of the template.
US08480944B2	Quaternary chalcogenide wafers Disclosed herein are processes for making quaternary chalcogenide wafers. The process comprises milling quaternary chalcogenide crystals to form milled particles, and then compressing the milled particles to form a quaternary chalcogenide wafer. The quaternary chalcogenide wafers are useful for forming solar cells.
US08480943B2	Apparatus and method for producing structures with multiple undercut stems A method is disclosed for producing structures having a plurality of stems extending away from a fenestrated base to undercut islands projecting over fenestrations in the base. Such structures include slidingly-engaging fastener portions, self-engaging fasteners, uni-directional stepped fasteners, fastening segments integral with larger product components, and other structures with similar aspects. The method includes providing a set of partially bypassing dies to define a fenestrated common cavity contiguous with pluralities of undercut stem chambers and a terminal chamber, filling the cavity with a ductile moldable material, engaging the dies, and releasing the resultant product.
US08480941B2	Method for producing a 3-dimensional molded body comprising polymer-containing material and a method for producing an adhesive bond between a polymer-containing material and a three-dimensional molded body A three-dimensional molded body, a method for producing a three-dimensional molded body and a method for producing an adhesive bond between a polymer-containing material and a molded body having an inorganic porous framework structure in at least partial areas are described. In all cases the porous structure of the molded body comprising inorganic material is brought in contact with a polymer-containing material which is heated until the heated material enters into a joint connection with the molded body based on adhesive interactions, interfacial interactions, electrostatic interactions or any combination thereof, in which the pore-like voids of the porous structure are filled completely with the polymer-containing material, which stabilizes the molded body so that it has dimensional stability after cooling.
US08480937B2	Method of forming a simulated combustible fuel element A method of forming a simulated combustible fuel element including covering at least a part of a surface of a master with a material selected to produce a mold, and then removing the master from the mold. A predetermined amount of a liquefied body material that is less than a volume of the mold is introduced into the mold. A body including the body material is produced with one or more cavities therein and an exterior surface simulating at least the part of the surface of the master. The body material is allowed to solidify, at least to the extent that the body material is self-supporting, and the mold and the body are separated. One or more fuel light sources are positioned to direct light therefrom in the cavity. At least a portion of the exterior surface is coated so that the portion simulates a combustible fuel element.
US08480934B2	Method for manufacturing semiconductor device According to one embodiment, a manufacturing method includes performing lithography processes for manufacturing a semiconductor device that includes a three-dimensional stacked device. The stacked device includes layers stacked above a substrate. Each of the layers includes a device circuit. The lithography processes include a lithography process for forming a lower layer of the layers by using a first original plate that has quality not less than a certain level. The first original plate is selected from original plates. Each of the original plates includes a pattern corresponding to the device circuit. The original plates are ranked according to quality based on defect. The lithography processes further include a lithography process for forming a higher layer of the layers by using a second original plate that has quality lower than the certain level. The second original plate is selected from the original plates.
US08480932B2	Composite of metal sulfide and metal oxide and process for producing the composite The present invention provides a process for producing a composite of metal sulfide and metal oxide obtained by dispersing a metal sulfide, which is nickel sulfide, copper sulfide, iron sulfide or a mixture thereof, in a metal salt-containing aqueous solution, and depositing metal salt on the metal sulfide by drying the aqueous solution; and heat-treating the metal sulfide comprising a metal salt deposited thereon at 400 to 900° C. in a sulfur-containing atmosphere. Also disclosed is a composite obtained by the aforementioned process, comprising a metal sulfide having a surface partially covered with a metal oxide. The composite of the present invention has improved cycle characteristics while maintaining a high charge/discharge capacity and excellent electrical conductivity inherently possessed by metal sulfide, which is usable as a material having a high theoretical capacity and excellent electrical conductivity when used as a positive-electrode material for a lithium secondary battery.
US08480931B2	Composite structure and method of manufacturing the same A composite structure and a method of manufacturing the composite structure. The composite structure includes a graphene sheet; and a nanostructure oriented through the graphene sheet and having a substantially one-dimensional shape.
US08480930B2	Carbon aerogels for supercapacitors and method of manufacturing the same A method for preparing carbon aerogels and carbon aerogels obtained therefrom are disclosed. The method for preparing carbon aerogels comprises: mixing organic starting materials including phloroglucinol and furfural with a solvent capable of dissolving the organic materials in a predetermined ratio to form a sol solution; adjusting pH of the sol solution adequately by using an acidic or basic catalyst, gelling the sol solution at room temperature under atmospheric pressure, and aging the resultant gels; substituting the solvent in thus obtained gels with liquid carbon dioxide, followed by drying in a supercritical state, to form organic aerogels; and pyrolyzing the organic aerogels in an electric furnace under inert atmosphere to obtain carbon aerogels. Particularly, the gels are formed at room temperature in a short period of time by adequately adjusting pH of the sol solution. Therefore, the method provides improved time efficiency and energy efficiency as compared to existing methods for preparing gels. Additionally, the method allows supercritical drying while avoiding a need for an additional solvent substitution, thereby simplifying the overall process. Further, the method enables preparation of carbon aerogels for supercapacitors having a high specific surface area and high capacitance even in the absence of additional activation step.
US08480929B2	Corrosion protection coatings and methods of making the same A corrosion protection composition includes a mixture of three different silanes selected to interact and form a coating on metal substrates that has improved adhesion and durability as well as UV protection properties. Methods of manufacturing the corrosion protection composition include mixing the silanes together and further combining the silane mixture with other mixtures to arrive at the corrosion protection composition. Sonication may be a preferred manner of mixing together the various components of the mixtures.
US08480926B2	Liquid-crystalline compound and organic semiconductor device containing the compound Disclosed is a visible light-transmissive liquid-crystalline compound having good hole and electron-transport characteristics and useful as an organic semiconductor material. The compound is represented by a formula (1): wherein R independently represents hydrogen, or alkyl having from 1 to 24 carbon atoms, and any —CH2— in the alkyl may be replaced by —O—, —S—, —CO— or —SiH2—, any —(CH2)2— may be replaced by —CH═CH— or —C≡C—, and any hydrogen may be replaced by halogen; Ar represents naphthylene, anthrylene, phenanthrylene, or phenylene; and every hydrogen in phenylene is replaced by halogen, and any hydrogen in naphthylene, anthrylene and phenanthrylene may be replaced by halogen.
US08480921B2	Method for decreasing hardness of water The present invention relates to a composition for decreasing the hardness of water, which includes water soluble silica. The composition for decreasing the hardness of water of the present invention can decrease the hardness of hard water to a level capable of drinking on a simple and small scale level in an area without a large scale water-purifying facility.
US08480920B2	Chemical mechanical polishing aqueous dispersion, method of preparing the same, chemical mechanical polishing aqueous dispersion preparation kit, and chemical mechanical polishing method A chemical mechanical polishing aqueous dispersion that is used to polish a polishing target that includes a wiring layer that contains tungsten, the chemical mechanical polishing aqueous dispersion including: (A) a cationic water-soluble polymer; (B) an iron (III) compound; and (C) colloidal silica having an average particle diameter calculated from a specific surface area determined by the BET method of 10 to 60 nm, the content (MA) (mass %) of the cationic water-soluble polymer (A) and the content (MC) (mass %) of the colloidal silica (C) satisfying the relationship “MA/MC=0.0001 to 0.003”, and the chemical mechanical polishing aqueous dispersion having a pH of 1 to 3.
US08480919B2	Lubricating oil composition for refrigerators A lubricating oil composition for refrigerators including (A) a base oil containing as a main component a polyol ester compound obtained from a polyhydric alcohol selected from among pentaerythritol, dipentaerythritol, trimethylolpropane and neopentyl glycol and a C4 to C20 aliphatic monocarboxylic acid, (B) a phosphorus-based additive comprised of a phosphoric acid triester and/or a phosphorous acid triester, and (C) at least one acid scavenger selected from among glycidyl esters, glycidyl ethers and α-olefin oxides.The lubricating oil composition is applicable to such refrigerators that use a refrigerant having a specific structure, such as an unsaturated fluorinated hydrocarbon compound, and being usable in current car air conditioner systems, and has excellent compatibility with the refrigerant, good sealing properties, capability of imparting a low coefficient of friction to sliding members and, yet, excellent stability.
US08480915B2	Method of manufacturing semiconductor device According to one embodiment, the method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes contacting a film formed on a semiconductor substrate with a rotating polishing pad which is supported on a turntable, and feeding polishing foam to a region of the polishing pad with which the film is contacted, thereby polishing the film. The polishing foam is obtained by turning the aqueous dispersion into a foamy body. The aqueous dispersion includes 0.01-20% by mass of abrasive grain and 0.01-1% by mass of foam forming and retaining agent, all based on a total mass of the aqueous dispersion.
US08480914B2	Multiple gas plasma forming method and ICP source Different gases are separately exposed to RF energy in different zones in inlets to a processing chamber. Plasma is activated in the gases in each of the zones separately and the activated gases are then introduced into the plasma processing chamber where they may undergo mutual interaction within a processing zone. Control of the active species distribution within the processing chamber is provided by control of the energizing of the gases in the separate inlet zones before they are combined in the processing zone. An ICP source energizes gas in each zone through an antenna having one or more conductors, each of which is coupled to a plurality of the zones. This allows gases to be brought together in their active states, rather than being combined and then activated, and allows the same or different parameters to be applied in different inlet zones.
US08480911B1	Method and system for providing a read sensor in a magnetic recording transducer using focused ion beam scan polishing A read sensor for a read transducer is fabricated. The read transducer has field and device regions. A read sensor stack is deposited. A mask covering part of the stack corresponding to the read sensor is provided. The read sensor having inboard and outboard junction angles is defined from the stack in a track width direction. A critical junction (CJ) focused ion beam scan (FIBS) polishing that removes part of the read sensor based on the junction angles is performed. A hard bias structure is deposited and the transducer planarized. A remaining portion of the mask is removed. A stripe height mask covering part of the read sensor and hard bias structure in a stripe height direction is provided. The read sensor stripe height is defined. A tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) FIBS polishing that removes part of the stack in the field region is performed. An insulating layer is provided.
US08480909B2	Method for treatment of canals A method of treating an agricultural-water canal to decompose organic debris in the agricultural-water canal provides a controlled delivery of calcium hypochlorite particles to the surface of water by entraining calcium hypochlorite particles in an air stream and then propelling the calcium hypochlorite-laden air stream at high velocity to the surface of the water, whereat the calcium hypochlorite particles are released from the air stream. A device for implementing the method is also disclosed. The device includes a gas blower, a feed hopper and a port which is adapted to direct and propel the biocide-laden gaseous stream to the surface of water in the agricultural-water canal.
US08480900B2	Buoyant water heating device A buoyant water heating device that may be used in a natural setting, such as a pond or lake, or in a man-made water-containing apparatus, such as a pool or water-treatment lagoon. The device comprises a water-filled, generally cylindrical anchor member coupled to a hollow, generally annular base member, and may he used alone or in combination with multiple other devices to create a free-floating blanket on the surface of the water. The device absorbs solar energy to heat water external to the device, and also provides a layer of thermal insulation between the water and the air above the device.
US08480898B2	Membrane module for immersed operation A membrane module for an immersed operation has a fiber bundle of hollow fiber membranes which are cast into a headpiece and in immersed operation are surrounded by a liquid to be filtered. The module has a permeate collection chamber connected to the headpiece with an outlet for permeate draining from the interior of the hollow fiber membranes, and a gas supply having a pipe guided by the headpiece. The pipe terminates in the interior of the fiber bundle and has a gas outlet for a gaseous medium, which after the transfer from the pipe to the liquid to be filtered rises as bubbles between the hollow fiber membranes. The fiber bundle is divided into sections and free spaces remain between the sections which extend from the pipe to the outer circumference of the headpiece and promote an inflow of the liquid into a foot area adjoining the headpiece.
US08480897B2	Impurities removal apparatus for a fluid inclusion Disclosed is an apparatus for exhausting impurities included in a fluid, the apparatus including: a filtering net installation body; an impurity filtering net body; a fluid inflow pipe; a fluid exhaust pipe; a ball valve; and an air chamber housing (80) detachably assembled with a connecting part (70), which is inserted into and fixed to an inner periphery of an upper part of a hollow part (12) of the filtering net installation body (10), wherein the air chamber housing (80) includes an assembling part (82) assembled with the connector (70) and a collector (84) which is formed integrally with the assembling part (82) so as to communicate with the assembling part (82) and allows compressed air to be collected into the collector (82). In the apparatus, when a ball valve disposed at an intersection point between a fluid inflow pipe and a impurity exhaust pipe of a filtering net installation body is moved to a position where impurities is discharged so that supply of fluid is cut off, impurities piled up on the interior of the impurity exhaust pipe and fluid remaining therein are rapidly discharged outside through the impurity exhaust pipe due to pressure of compressed air collected into the interior of an air chamber housing positioned at an upper part of the filtering net installation body so that impurities are easily removed.
US08480894B2	Desalination system and elements thereof According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a desalination system comprising a plurality of elongated pressure vessels (PV). Each PV has a longitudinal axis, oriented such that the longitudinal axis thereof is of a vertical orientation. Each of the PVs is adapted to receive therein a plurality n of desalination membranes. The membranes located above the lowermost membrane within the PV have a total weight allowing them to function as a mechanism limiting axial expansion of the lowermost membrane, whereby the PV is free of any additional limiting mechanism.
US08480893B2	Gravity-flow water purifier A gravity-flow water purifier includes a treatment tank, a water yielding pipe, a filter unit, and a sliding sleeve unit. The treatment tank includes a tank wall, an insertion hole, a receiving chamber, and at least two slide rails provided on the inner surface of the tank wall. The sliding sleeve unit includes a reticulated frame in which the filter unit is disposed. In addition, at least two sliding blocks are provided on the outer periphery of the frame. The filter unit is installed in a bottom portion of the treatment tank so that a gravity flow through the filter unit is generated by the water level in the treatment tank. Cooperation between the sliding blocks and the slide rails allows the sliding sleeve unit and the filter unit to be easily installed in and removed from the treatment tank, thereby facilitating the cleaning and replacement of filter elements.
US08480892B2	Oil filter, oil separator and filter insert thereof The invention concerns a filter insert (1) that is provided as an exchangeable insert in an oil filter of an internal combustion engine, as well as a corresponding oil filter. The oil filter comprises a filter housing (3) separable along a separating plane (2) and the exchangeable filter insert (1). Two housing parts (4, 5) of the filter housing (3) are sealed relative one another along the separating plane (2) by means of a seal (6). The seal (6) is captively secured on the filter insert (1).
US08480891B2	Filter assembly Apparatuses and methods for making and using a filter cloth assembly are described. A filter cloth assembly can have a liquid permeable filtering media attached to a connector ring. The liquid permeable filtering media separates at least one solid from at least one liquid in a slurry. The filtering media has a feed hole formed therein to allows passage of a slurry through the filtering media. The connector ring includes a flange having an upper flange section and a lower flange section. The lower flange section receives an edge of the feed hole to connect the filtering media to the connector ring such that the face of the filtering media is substantially flush with the upper flange section.
US08480890B2	Method and apparatus for preventing scale deposits and removing contaminants from fluid columns A method and apparatus of fluid treatment for a plurality of fluids with a first and a second non-magnetically conductive fluid flow conduit sleeved within at least one segment of magnetically conductive conduit providing a plurality of distinct areas of concentrated magnetic energy. The instant invention prevents the formation and accumulation of contaminants within conduits and on equipment utilized in the transportation, delivery and processing of fluid columns. It may also be utilized to accelerate the separation of oil and water and increase the efficiency of oil/water separation equipment.
US08480883B2	Pipe coupling with integrated filter and flow detector A pipe coupling (10) which comprises a coupling body (12) having an inlet end (22) for connection to a water outlet; an outlet end (24) for connection to a water inlet, and a liquid flow passage (26) which connects the inlet and outlet ends (22, 24) and which defines a water flow path (28) through the coupling body (12); a sealable filter and flow detector access opening (14) which is provided on the coupling body (12); and a filter element (16) and a flow detector device (20) which are removably receivable in the coupling body via the access opening and positionable on the flow path to extend across at least a part of the lateral extent of the liquid flow passage.
US08480881B2	Synthesis of acidic silica to upgrade heavy feeds A method and a product made by treating a sulfur-containing hydrocarbon heavy feed, e.g., heavy crude asphaltene reduction is disclosed herein. The method comprises the steps of: mixing the sulfur-containing hydrocarbon heavy feed with a hydrogen donor solvent and an acidified silica to form a mixture and oxidizing the sulfur in the mixture at a temperature between 50° C. and 210° C., wherein the oxidation lowers the amount sulfur in the sulfur-containing hydrocarbon heavy feed by at least 90%.
US08480875B2	Apparatus, compositions and methods for rapid competitive homogeneous assay Embodiments herein concern systems, methods, compositions and apparatus for detection and/or determination of the presence and/or concentration of target molecules in a sample. In certain embodiments, target molecules can be separated and analyzed using non-gel electrophoresis technologies.
US08480870B2	Sensor element and gas sensor A gas sensor element, wherein an amount of flexure in a first section extending in a longitudinal direction of the sensor element from the position 8/27 of a size of the element apart from one end of the element to the other end, is set to be greater than or equal to 1/1360 and less than or equal to 1/670 with respect to the size in the longitudinal direction of the element. The amount of flexure is a sum of a distance from a regression line to an upper side maximum displacement point and a distance from the regression line to a lower side maximum displacement point when calculating the regression line representing the relation of the position X in the longitudinal direction of the element and the displacement Y in a thickness direction from a plurality of data sets showing the relation of position X and displacement Y.
US08480869B2	Method of measuring hematocrit (Hct), sensor used in the method, and measuring device The present invention provides a method of electrochemically measuring a hematocrit (Hct) value using a sensor, capable of achieving excellent measurement accuracy and reliability and also provides a sensor used in the method. The method of electrochemically measuring a hematocrit (Hct) value of blood include: providing an electrode system having a working electrode (11) and a counter electrode (12), in which a redox substance is provided on the counter electrode (12) but not on the working electrode (11); supplying blood to the electrode system; applying a voltage to the electrode system in this state to cause an oxidation current or a reduction current to flow between the working electrode (11) and the counter electrode (12); detecting the oxidation current or the reduction current; and determining a Hct value based on a value of the detected current.
US08480867B2	Biosensor, thin film electrode forming method, quantification apparatus, and quantification method Apparatus are disclosed for measuring substrate content present in a specimen that is applied to a biosensor, where the apparatus include an input for receiving an electrical signal from the biosensor; and a circuit coupled to the input to detect the electrical signal to determine whether an amount of the specimen needed for specimen detection has been supplied to the biosensor; where the apparatus measures the substrate content included in the specimen when the circuit determines that an amount of the specimen needed for specimen detection has been supplied to the biosensor, and the apparatus is prevented from measuring the substrate content included in the specimen when the circuit determines that the specimen has not been sufficiently supplied to the biosensor.
US08480862B2	Ozone system for multi-chamber tools An improved system and method for controlling ozone concentration in connection with a multi-chamber tool. The system and method involve a first and a second concentration controller in combination with an ozone generator. The first concentration controller detects an EVENT (i.e., one of the chambers in the multi-chamber tool coming on-line or off-line) and in response provides a power instruction to the ozone generator in accordance with a predictive control algorithm. The first concentration controller has a fast (i.e, about 1 second) response time. The second concentration controller is masked from the ozone generator during the EVENT, but otherwise controls the generator after an interval of time has lapsed after the EVENT. The second concentration controller has a slower response time than the first concentration controller, however the second concentration controller provides the system with long-term stability and can be used to provide updated data to the predictive control algorithm.
US08480860B2	Divided wall columns for smaller sized plants A divided exchange column includes a shell column having a first longitudinal axis, a cylindrical wall spaced apart from and surrounding the first longitudinal axis and defining a first interior space, a first divided wall column having a second longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis, and a second divided wall column having a third longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the first and the second longitudinal axes, where the first divided wall column and the second divided wall column are positioned in the first interior space of the shell column.
US08480859B2	Method and apparatus for treatment of crude oil or bitumen under the conditions of auto-oscillations An apparatus to decrease viscosity of crude oil or bitumen and increase the rate of fractional extraction by breaking the high molecular chains in crude oil or bitumen undergoing treatment which includes a flow of crude oil or bitumen inside the treatment unit under simultaneous affection by cavitations and vibrations on different frequencies and between at least two opposite conical jets formed inside the diffusers having the same axis of symmetry and interacting with each other under the conditions of an auto-oscillations of the periodic backward flows of fluid inside each conical jet due to a periodic negative pressure inside each conical jet and the periodic negative pressure is determined in accordance with the following formulae: P a = P 0 - λ ⁢ ρ ⁢ ⁢ V 2 2 , ⁢ wherein ⁢ ⁢ V = f ⁡ ( D 4 - 2 ⁢ R ) Sh , Pa is negative pressure in backward flow between the opposite conical jets.
US08480857B2	Structured fabric for use in a papermaking machine and the fibrous web produced thereon A papermaking machine for the production of a fibrous web. The papermaking machine including a plurality of rollers and a structured fabric moving along the plurality of rollers. The structured fabric includes a plurality of weft yarns and a plurality of warp yarns woven with the plurality of weft yarns to produce a weave pattern. The plurality of warp yarns are a plurality of paired warp yarn sets, each paired warp yarn set including a first warp yarn and a second warp yarn. Within the weave pattern the first warp yarn weaves a plain weave while the second warp yarn floats over a first portion of the plurality of weft yarns. The second warp yarn weaving a plain weave while the first warp yarn floats over a second portion of the plurality of weft yarns in the weave pattern.
US08480855B2	Method and apparatus for pre-treatment of fibre material to be used in the manufacture of paper, board or the like A method and apparatus for pretreating fibre material to be used in manufacturing paper or the like, for example, by precipitating mineral substances to the fibres. During precipitation, fibre material, which is advantageously pretreated in a through-flow mixer operating on the principle of an impact mill, is fed to the precipitation reactor. Gas is led to the precipitation reactor in order to generate a gas space in the reactor. The gas contains a substance, which precipitates the mineral substance such as carbon dioxide (CO2). The fibre material is fed to the gas space of to the precipitation reactor as small liquid and solid substance fractions such as drops and/or particles.
US08480850B2	Plasma treatment system A plasma treatment system for treating a workpiece with a downstream-type plasma. The processing chamber of the plasma treatment system includes a chamber lid having a plasma cavity disposed generally between a powered electrode and a grounded plate, a processing space separated from the plasma cavity by the grounded plate, and a substrate support in the processing space for holding the workpiece. A direct plasma is generated in the plasma cavity. The grounded plate is adapted with openings that remove electrons and ions from the plasma admitted from the plasma cavity into the processing space to provide a downstream-type plasma of free radicals. The openings may also eliminate line-of-sight paths for light between the plasma cavity and processing space. In another aspect, the volume of the processing chamber may be adjusted by removing or inserting at least one removable sidewall section from the chamber lid.
US08480846B2	Silica and also epoxy resins Fumed silicon dioxide powder in the form of aggregated primary particles having a BET surface area of 175±15 m2/g and a thickening effect, based on the BET surface area, of greater than 18 mPas g/m2 is hydrophobicized with polydimethylsiloxane. This hydrophobic fumed silica has a BET surface area of 110±25 m2/g. It can be used in epoxy resins. These epoxy resins in turn can be used as adhesives.
US08480843B2	Protective film A process for protecting a surface of a metal layer or a metal oxide layer including providing a protective film containing a base material and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer formed thereon, wherein the surface of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer has a contact angle with methylene iodide as measured just after contact, θ1, of 70° or smaller and a change in contact angle with methylene iodide through 30-second standing, Δθ, of 8% or less.
US08480842B2	Manufacture of disposable tourniquet cuffs for various non-cylindrical limb shapes A low-cost contour cuff for surgical tourniquet systems comprises: a sheath containing an inflatable bladder, the sheath having an arcuate shape, an outer surface and a centerline equidistant between first and second side edges; a securing strap non-releasably attached to the outer surface and formed of substantially inextensible material having a shape that is predetermined and substantially flat, wherein the strap includes a bending portion near a first strap end and a fastening portion near a second strap end, and wherein the bending portion is adapted to allow twisting of the bending portion out of the substantially flat shape to facilitate positioning of the fastening portion into any of a plurality of positions in the substantially flat shape; and fastening means for releasably attaching the fastening portion of the securing strap to the outer surface whenever the sheath is curved into a position for surrounding a limb.
US08480838B2	Lamination apparatus and methods Components for the manufacture of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells are provided, as well as apparatus and automatable methods for their manufacture by rotary die cutting and by lamination of various layers to form membrane electrode assemblies. A method and apparatus for performing the method are provided comprising die-cutting webs of catalyst decal materials or electrode materials to make first and second workpieces at first and second rotary die stations; holding the die-cut workpieces by action of sub-ambient air pressure to an endless perforated belt of first and second vacuum conveyors, typically before they are fully cut from the first and second webs; transporting first and second workpieces to opposing sides of a membrane in a laminating station; concurrently feeding the first and second workpieces into the laminating nip adjacent to the membrane, and laminating the first and second workpieces to the membrane.
US08480835B2	Apparatus and method to manufacture shaped counter top edges for custom counter tops An apparatus and method to manufacture shaped counter top edges for custom counter tops. Sheet laminate is heated, clamped to a post form mold with clamping screws, and then formed around the post form mold into formed laminate. The formed laminate is then bonded to a substrate using adhesive and a bonding fixture having a plurality of bonding presses. Each bonding press has a pair of mutually opposed bonding press molds, each bonding press mold having a bonding press mold groove sized to admit a formed laminate around an edge of the substrate. Clamps hold the bonding press molds together, thereby urging the formed laminate into intimate contact with the substrate until the adhesive cures. A counter top edge is cut from the resulting substrate/laminate assembly at an edge first cut angle and an edge second cut angle to provide a neat and aesthetically pleasing installation on a counter.
US08480833B2	Intravaginal device with fluid transport plates and methods of making An intravaginal device has a fluid storage element and at least one fluid transport element in fluid communication with the fluid storage element. It is produced by providing an individual sheet of material having properties useful to move bodily fluids, attaching the individual sheet to a substantially cylindrical fluid storage element to form the at least one fluid storage element, folding the fluid storage element, and packaging the resultant device. The at least one fluid transport element is capable of extending radially away from the fluid storage element during use. The invention also includes alternative methods of forming the intravaginal device.
US08480831B2	System and method for manufacturing composite wood products The present disclosure is directed generally towards systems and methods for manufacturing composite wood products. In some embodiments, the method includes performing an initial manufacturing step and performing a subsequent manufacturing step before residual heat from the initial manufacturing step completely dissipates. The initial manufacturing step includes combining veneers with an adhesive and heating and consolidating the veneers to form a core laminate. The one or more subsequent manufacturing steps each include applying one or more layers to the core laminate. The one or more layers each include a veneer component and an adhesive component. The core laminate and the one or more layers are sequentially heated and pressed to form a composite wood product. The disclosure also relates to systems for manufacturing composite wood products.
US08480830B2	Elastic composite, and a system and method for making the elastic composite A method of making an elastic composite is provided. The method entails conveying a first web of material along a web plane path. The method also entails applying a first section of a first elastic strand onto the first web and generally transversely to the web plane path and applying a second section of a second elastic strand onto the first web and generally transversely to the web plane path. These applying steps are repeated while performing the conveying step, thereby arranging a plurality of first and second elastic elements on the first web, in generally parallel relation to one another. The resultant composite is suitable for incorporation into a disposable absorbent garment, textile or fabric structure, and the like.
US08480829B2	Pneumatic tire, and manufacturing method of the same A 300% modulus at 100° C. in the range of 1 mm in an radial direction from a surface of a tread member is set to be between 1.10 times and 2.0 times inclusive, more preferably, between 1.10 times and 1.5 times inclusive, larger than a 300% modulus at 100° C. in the range of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm in the radial direction from a bottom part of the tread member.
US08480826B2	Specular coatings for composite structures Disclosed herein is a method for bonding dissimilar materials using an elastic adhesive to permit the bond to withstand variations in temperature and pressure. The use of elastic adhesive accommodates previous problems associated with large differences in thermal expansion coefficient between dissimilar materials, and provides a thermally and chemically stable materials combination that withstands large thermal shock loads, such as may be experienced in a space environment. Also disclosed herein is a method for attaching a coating to a structure. In particular applications, the coating may be (1) specular (greater than 98% specularity); or (2) RF reflective for use in applications including but not limited to high frequency satellite communications.
US08480824B2	Method and apparatus for micro-treating iron-based alloy, and the material resulting therefrom The invention discloses a process and apparatus for micro-treating an iron-based alloy including heating and immediately quenching to room temperature to produce high tensile iron-based alloy with varying thicknesses. The process may or may not be practiced with or without tension under various controllable tensions in order to create desirable effects The micro-treated iron-based alloy contains desirable bainite to increase its formability and tensile strength. The varying thickness of the iron-based alloys is desirable for different applications, such as forming automobile panels.
US08480822B2	Aluminum alloy The invention relates to an aluminum alloy having good electrical conductivity and good thermal conductivity for producing die-cast components, containing: 8.0 to 9.0 wt % silicon, 0.5 to 0.7 wt % iron, max. 0.010 wt % copper, max. 0.010 wt % magnesium, max. 0.010 wt % manganese, max. 0.001 wt % chromium, max. 0.020 wt % titanium, max. 0.020 wt % vanadium, max. 0.05 wt % zinc, 0.010 to 0.030 wt % strontium, and aluminum as the rest, with further elements and manufacturing-caused impurities individually max. 0.05 wt %, in total max. 0.2 wt %. The alloy is suited in particular for producing components having good electrical conductivity and good thermal conductivity in the die casting process.
US08480820B2	Ferrous abrasion resistant sliding materials and sliding members A ferrous abrasion resistant sliding material and sliding member having improved seizing resistance, abrasion resistance and heat crack resistance are provided. The ferrous abrasion resistant sliding material has a parent phase taking the form of at least either one of a ferrite phase or a martensite phase, wherein the parent phase contains Al of 1.5 to 20 wt %, and at least either carbide, which may be selected from one or more types, of cementite, Cr7C3-type carbide, Fe3M3C-type carbide and MC-type carbide, or graphite is dispersed therein.
US08480819B2	High-strength cold-rolled steel sheet excellent in workability and method for manufacturing the same In a cold-rolled steel sheet in relation with the present invention, metallurgical structure of the steel sheet is made a mixture structure including bainite, residual austenite and tempered martensite, particularly, when the metallurgical structure is observed with a scanning electron microscope, bainite is constituted of composite structure of high temperature range forming bainite with 1 μm or above average distance between neighboring residual austenite and/or carbide and low temperature range forming bainite with below 1 μm average distance between neighboring residual austenite and/or carbide, and when the area ratio of the high temperature range forming bainite with respect to total metallurgical structure is made a and the total area ratio of the low temperature range forming bainite and the tempered martensite with respect to the total metallurgical structure is made b, a: 20-80%, b: 20-80%, and a+b: 70% or above are satisfied. The cold-rolled steel sheet in relation with the present invention is improved in all of the elongation (EL), stretch flange formability (A), and bending properties (R) with a good balance, is excellent in the overall workability, and has 980 MPa or above tensile strength.
US08480815B2	Method of making Nd-Fe-B sintered magnets with Dy or Tb A method of making a permanent magnet is described. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a first alloy powder having a desired composition, the alloy powder containing neodymium, iron, and boron; coating the first alloy powder with dysprosium, dysprosium alloy, terbium, or terbium alloy so that the first alloy powder has a surface concentration of dysprosium, terbium, or both in excess of a bulk concentration of dysprosium, terbium, or both; and forming the permanent magnet from the coated alloy powder using a powder metallurgy process, the permanent magnet having a non-uniform distribution of dysprosium, terbium, or both therein. Permanent magnets are also described.
US08480812B2	Process for removing hydrocarbons and noxious gasses from reactors and media-packed equipment A process for quickly removing hydrocarbon contaminants and noxious gases in a safe and effective manner from catalytic reactors, other media packed process vessels and associated equipment in the vapor phase without using steam. The cleaning agent contains one or more solvents, such as terpenes or other organic solvents. The cleaning agent is injected into contaminated equipment, along with a carrier gas, in the form of a cleaning vapor.
US08480809B2	Methods for application of two-phase contaminant removal medium A method is provided for receiving the wafer on a support, the support being configured for movement along a direction. While moving the wafer, dispensing a cleaning material to clean contaminants from the surface of the wafer, the dispensing applied as a film over a diameter length of the wafer. The cleaning material contains a cleaning liquid, a plurality of solid components, and polymers of a polymeric compound. Each of the plurality of solid components and polymers being greater than zero and less than 3% of the cleaning material, and wherein the polymers become soluble in the cleaning liquid and the solubilized polymers having long polymer chains that capture and entrap solid components and contaminants in the cleaning liquid. Then, rinsing the film off of the wafer with a rinsing meniscus. The rinsing meniscus applied along the diameter length of the wafer and the film is rinsed after the dispensing.
US08480807B2	Method and an apparatus for cleaning and/or sterilization of an object provided in a sealed enclosure The invention relates to a method of cleaning and/or sterilization of an object provided in a hermetically sealed enclosure, providing a pressure difference between an internal volume of the enclosure and surroundings and generating a plasma solely inside the enclosure for said cleaning and/or sterilization of the object. The invention further relates to an apparatus for enabling the same. The apparatus 10 comprises a vacuum chamber 1, which can be evacuated using a vacuum pump 2, and a source 3 arranged to generate plasma of a suitable gas in an enclosure 8, which is substantially hermetically closed with respect to the atmosphere of the vacuum chamber. The enclosure 8 may be of a flexible type or may be manufactured from a rigid material. In case when the enclosure is rigid the pressure inside the enclosure may be lower than an outside pressure.
US08480806B2	Bonding structure and semiconductor device manufacturing apparatus A bonding structure according to the present invention includes: a ceramic member including a hole; a terminal embedded in the ceramic member and including an exposed surface exposed to a bottom portion of the hole; a brazed bond layer formed in contact with the exposed surface of the terminal; and a connecting member inserted in the hole, and bonded to the terminal via the brazed bond layer. An inner diameter of the hole is larger than an outer diameter of the connecting member. A clearance is formed between the hole and the connecting member when the connecting member is inserted in the hole. A braze pool space is formed in a surface of the hole and has a substantially semicircular shape in a cross-sectional plane. The braze pool space is partially filled with a braze material.
US08480792B2	Preparation of functionalized zeolitic frameworks The disclosure provides zeolitic frameworks for gas separation, gas storage, catalysis and sensors. More particularly the disclosure provides zeolitic frameworks (ZIFs). The ZIF of the disclosure comprises any number of transition metals or a homogenous transition metal composition.
US08480791B2	Methods of manufacturing mercury sorbents and removing mercury from a gas stream Sorbents for removal of mercury and other pollutants from gas streams, such as a flue gas stream from coal-fired utility plants, and methods for their manufacture and use are disclosed. The methods include injecting a sorbent consisting essentially of recovered and separated fluid cracking catalyst particles into a flue gas stream.
US08480789B2	Landfill gas purification method and system The present disclosure provides a method for separating and purifying a landfill gas stream. In one embodiment, the method includes a step of collecting a crude landfill gas stream which includes at least methane, carbon dioxide, oxygen, and nitrogen gases. The method also includes a step of separating the crude landfill gas stream into at least an intermediate landfill gas stream and a first waste gas stream using a membrane separation unit, wherein the intermediate landfill gas stream is enriched in methane and depleted in carbon dioxide relative to the crude landfill gas stream. The method further includes a step of separating the intermediate landfill gas stream into at least a final landfill gas stream and a second waste gas stream using a pressure swing adsorption separation unit, wherein the final landfill gas stream is enriched in methane and depleted in carbon dioxide, oxygen, and nitrogen relative to the intermediate landfill gas stream. The first and second waste gas streams are collected to form a fuel composition and the fuel composition is delivered to a generator unit so that the fuel composition may be used to produce electricity.
US08480788B2	Method of bypassing a pipeline in a multiple pipeline system The present invention relates to an apparatus and method of producing gaseous and liquid component streams from at least two multi-phase streams in at least two pipelines, the method comprising at least the steps of: (a) passing a first multi-phase stream along a first pipeline and through a first slugcatcher system; (b) passing a second multi-phase stream through a second pipeline and a second slugcatcher system; (c) passing a first pig down the first pipeline to create a first pig-slug mass in the first pipeline; and (d) passing at least a fraction of the first multi-phase stream upstream of the first pig-slug mass to the second pipeline along a crossover line.
US08480785B2	Method and apparatus for recovering indium from etching waste solution containing indium and ferric chloride It is an object to provide a method and an apparatus for recovering indium, the method and apparatus ensuring that it is unnecessary to recover indium in the form of indium hydroxide, indium can be recovered easily by a filter or the like without handling inferiors and also, the recovery rate of indium is greatly improved. The method includes immersing a precipitation-inducing metal which includes zinc and is made into the form of a solid such that any part coming into view three-dimensionally has a longitudinal length of 2.5 to 10 mm in an etching waste solution containing at least indium and ferric chloride and allowed to stand, thereby allowing indium contained in the etching waste solution to precipitate on the surface of the precipitation-inducing metal based on a difference in ionization tendency between zinc and indium, and detaching the indium precipitated on the surface of the precipitation-inducing metal to recover it.
US08480784B2	Method of producing high purity silver nanoparticles The various embodiments herein provide a method of producing silver nanoparticles using an electromagnetic levitation melting process. The method comprises levitating and melting a silver sample using a suitable levitation coil and stabilizing a droplet of molten silver. The silver droplet is heated and levitated simultaneously by an induction furnace as a generator. Argon gas is used to provide the inert atmosphere and also applied to cool and condense the silver vapor into a silver nano powder to obtain a silver nano particle. The synthesized silver nanoparticles are collected by brushing them off the brass cylinder using inert gas and are kept in pure Hexane. The size of the nanoparticles is controlled by rate of cooling and heating temperature. The electromagnetic levitation melting method is applied to provide the high purity of silver nano particles with no vacuum equipments.
US08480782B2	Coated fertilizer particles A composition has a core of at least one fertilizer substance and at least one layer of a coating material surrounding the core. The core may contain nitrogen and the coating material may include one or more linear, saturated aliphatic monocarboxylic acids.
US08480779B2	Air filter arrangement; assembly; and, methods An air filter media construction or arrangement is disclosed. The air filter media construction or arrangement includes strips of media comprising corrugated sheets secured to facing sheets and forming inlet and outlet flutes secured to one another in a stack. Blocked stacked arrangements and slanted stacked arrangements are shown. Such stacked media is provided with molded end pieces to secure and seal opposite side edges of the media strips. Also described are serviceable filter cartridges and air cleaners including the filter cartridges. Methods of assembly and use are also provided.
US08480773B2	Method of fabricating a polishing pad A polishing pad having a compressibility-aiding stripe buried therein is fabricated by assembling the compressibility-aiding stripe in a mold cavity, filling the mold cavity with a polymer material, and releasing the polishing pad from the mold. Embodiments include assembling a compressibility-aiding stripe comprising a solid pillar of material having a larger compressibility than that of the polishing pad body, and releasing a single layer polishing pad from the mold.
US08480771B2	Gasification process and producer gas A gasification process for making producer gas is disclosed. A consistent quality of raw carbon source material is supplied for gasification. The impurity content of the raw carbon source material is adjusted to within an acceptable consistent range of impurity content. The raw carbon source material is heated in a non-oxidizing environment to adjust the tar content and to remove volatile hydrocarbon constituents and to produce a devolatilized carbon source material. The devolatilized carbon source material is gasified by heating the carbon source material to a gasification temperature in a gasification generator, supplying steam, and supplying enhanced oxygen content air to react with the devolatilized carbon source material and to thereby form consistent, high energy value, low impurity producer gas.
US08480767B2	Fluidized bed gasification system A fluidized bed gasification system is provided in which bed material and raw material are passed throughout a fluidized bed gasification furnace so that raw material is gasified with higher gasification efficiency to improve gasification productivity. A heat-resistant partition 32 for regulation of bed material flow is arranged between positions I and II of a downcomer 12 of a separator 8 and of a supply flow passage 25 in plane of a fluidized bed gasification furnace 2. As a result, the bed material introduced via the downcomer 12 is directed to a supply flow passage 25 through a circuitous flow passage 33 throughout the fluidized bed gasification furnace 2 defined by the heat-resistant partition 32.
US08480765B2	Biomass oil conversion process Biomass pyrolysis oil is converted into precursors for hydrocarbon transportation fuels by contacting the oil with liquid superheated water or supercritical water to depolymerize and deoxygenate the components of the oil and form the transportation fuel precursors. Temperatures above 200° C. and preferably above 300° C. are preferred with supercritical water at temperatures above 374° C. and pressures above 22 MPA providing the capability for fast conversion rates.
US08480764B1	Process for converting cellulose into a liquid biofuel using as an intermediate an acetal of hydroxymethyl furfural Process for converting cellulose and hemicellulose into dimethyl furan, hydrolysing first cellulose in a mixture of N alkyl imidazolium chloride, hydrochloric acid 37% and an alcohol, to produce an acetal of glucose, making the dehydration to an acetal of hydroxymethyl furfural, extracting and making the hydrogenation of this acetal and distilling to produce dimethyl furan.
US08480757B2	Implants and methods for repair, replacement and treatment of disease Implants comprising cartilage and trabecular metal, and methods of making the implants are disclosed. Further disclosed are therapeutic uses of the implants, which include methods of treatment or repair of an chondral or osteochondral defect, such as a chondral or osteochondral injury, lesion or disease. An implant comprises cartilage or chondrocytes and a subchondral base comprising trabecular metal. An implant can comprise a geometric shape such as a cylinder or an anatomical shape such as a condyle, and can be used in conjunction with a positioning structure.
US08480756B2	Femoral hip stem implants Orthopaedic implants, orthopaedic implant sets, and/or methods for making the same. Aspects and embodiments of the present invention may include orthopaedic implants having an elongated insertion region including proximal, distal, and transition portions, wherein at least portions of at least one face each of the proximal and transition portions are defined by spaced apart constant radii of curvature. The same or other aspects and embodiments may include sets of orthopaedic implants in which proximal portions of the implants grow at different rates than distal portions of the implants. The same or other aspects and embodiments may include methods for making implants and/or sets of implants by studying the geometries of differently sized bony anatomies.
US08480755B2	Ankle replacement system A total ankle replacement system, novel surgical method for total ankle replacement, and novel surgical tools for performing the surgical method are described. The total ankle replacement system includes the calcaneus in fixation of a lower prosthesis body, thereby significantly increasing the amount of bone available for fixation of the lower prosthesis body and allowing the lower prosthesis body to be anchored with screws. The total ankle replacement system further includes a long tibial stem which can also be anchored into the tibia with, for example, screws, nails, anchors, or some other means of attachment. The novel surgical arthroscopic method allows introduction of ankle prostheses into the ankle joint through an exposure in the tibial tubercle. Various novel surgical instruments, such as a telescoping articulating reamer and a talo-calcaneal jig, which facilitate the novel surgical method, are also described.
US08480752B2	Tibial bearing having increased axial-rotation An orthopaedic prosthesis includes a tibial bearing and a femoral component configured to articulate with the tibial bearing. The tibial bearing and the femoral component are configured to promote outward axial rotation of the femoral component on the tibial component during knee flexion.
US08480748B2	Lordotic expandable interbody implant and method The present disclosure relates to an intervertebral implant that can be surgically introduced between adjacent vertebral bodies and adjusted or expanded in situ to occupy an optimal or desired space between the vertebral bodies. The implant is preferably inserted into the evacuated disc space obliquely and then oriented so as to extend laterally across the anterior adjacent vertebrae bodies occupying the disc space with the outer ends of the implant being supported by the cortical rims on the opposite sides of the vertebrae bodies. The implant has two body members with a space therebetween so the implant may be then distracted and a spacer of a, predetermined thickness may be inserted within the space between the body members so as to maintain a desired amount of distraction. The upper and lower surfaces of the implant may have a desired lordotic angle. A method of using an implant is also disclosed.
US08480741B2	Selectively expanding spine cage, hydraulically controllable in three dimensions for vertebral body replacement A selectively expanding spine cage has a minimized diameter in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the diameter of the neuroforamen through which it passes in the distracted spine. The cage conformably engages between the endplates of the adjacent vertebrae to effectively distract the anterior disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. The cage enhances spinal arthrodesis by creating a rigid spine segment. Expanding selectively, the cage height increases and holds the vertebrae with fixation forces greater than adjacent bone and soft tissue failure forces in natural lordosis. Stability is thus achieved immediately, enabling patient function by eliminating painful motion. Greater distraction height is achieved without an increase in implant size through the use of interfitted stages.
US08480737B2	Columellar strut for nasal tip support Novel bioabsorbable, columellar strut implants are disclosed. The struts are useful in rhinoplasty and nasal reconstruction surgical procedures. The devices have opposed lateral sides connected to a spine member to form a tissue-receiving channel.
US08480735B2	Inflatable breast implant that induces tissue growth through tensile stress A tissue expansion device implanted in a non-activated state over a region of desired tissue growth. Once implanted and positioned the device is activated creating a supporting structure that creates a convex shaped dome over the underlying tissue. The convex shaped dome formed by the tissue expansion device places a tensile stress against the underlying tissue that promotes tissue growth. Alone or with the introduction of tissue enhancing agents and/or adipose tissue, new tissue within the convex shaped void grows until a balance is achieved eliminating the induced stress. Periodically the tissue expansion devices is again activated and enlarged creating an even larger void. Again, the newly enlarged void places additional tensile stress on the underlying tissue thus repeating the cycle of new tissue growth. Once the desired amount of tissue growth has been achieved the device is deactivated and removed.
US08480732B2	Transvalvular intraannular band for valve repair Mitral valve prolapse and mitral regurgitation can be treating by implanting in the mitral annulus a transvalvular intraannular band having an elongate and arcuate body. The elongate and arcuate body has a first end, a first anchoring portion located proximate the first end, a second end, a second anchoring portion located proximate the second end, and a central portion. The central portion is displaced from the plane containing the first end and the second end. The transvalvular band is positioned so that it extends transversely across a coaptive edge formed by the closure of the mitral valve leaflets and the central portion is displaced towards the left ventricle relative to the first anchoring portion and the second anchoring portion. The ventricular direction displacement moves coaption to an earlier point in the cardiac cycle.
US08480724B2	Assembly and method for treating and preventing moisture related skin dermatitis An assembly for preventing and treating moisture-based skin dermatitis includes an air flow conditioning module positioned in the output air flow in the output air flow chamber for increasing or decreasing the temperature of the generated air flow as received from the fan responsive to a received control signal, a temperature sensor positioned in the output air flow at the nozzle for sensing a current temperature of the output air flow as conditioned by the air flow conditioning module, an air flow conditioning control module is coupled to the air flow conditioning module and the temperature sensor and is configured for generating the control signal, and air flow conditioning control module that has a defined maximum temperature of the output airflow and is adapted for receiving the sensed current temperature from the temperature sensor, comparing the current temperature to the defined maximum temperature, and generating the control signal to provide the generated air flow at the nozzle does not exceed the defined maximum temperature.
US08480723B2	Methods and devices for non-invasive cerebral and systemic cooling A method for cerebral and systemic cooling by providing a nebulized liquid having a boiling point of 38-300° C. The nebulized liquid is delivered as a mist or a spray via the nasal and/or oral cavities of a patient. The mist causes cooling by direct heat transfer through the nasopharynx and hematogenous cooling through the carotids and the Circle of Willis. Compositions and medical devices for cerebral and systemic cooling are also provided. Cooling assemblies, and methods of use, are also provided that include flexible balloon assemblies that are inserted to various locations in a patient's body. The flexible balloons are then infused with a liquid having a temperature between about −20° C. and about 37° C. The flexible balloon assemblies can be inserted into the nasal cavity, oral cavity, throat, stomach, and other locations to effect cerebral cooling.
US08480718B2	Curable orthopedic implant devices configured to be hardened after placement in vivo Orthopedic implants include a device that is non-rigid, i.e., flexible and/or malleable, in a first form for insertion into a desired in vivo site, and then transformable into a rigid, or hardened, form for providing a load-bearing function or providing other structural and/or mechanical function after implant. The device includes a biocompatible sheath and a curable material sealed within the sheath. The curable material is provided in a first form that provides flexibility to the device and is structured to rigidize in a second form after application of a quantity of an initiating energy to the material. Related methods and kits are also provided.
US08480717B2	Orthopedic implant with locking element An orthopedic implant with a locking element for locking a bone screw in a bone screw receiving hole of the implant.
US08480716B2	Bone plate system A bone plate system is provided that includes bone plates and bone anchor assemblies for being inserted into bone plate bores to secure the bone plates to one or more bones. In one aspect, the bone plate system includes a bone anchor assembly having a locking cap and a locking fastener connected to a head portion of a bone anchor. The bone anchor assembly is driven into a bone plate bore before the locking fastener is shifted to expand the locking cap and fix the bone anchor assembly within the bore. In another aspect, the bone plate system includes a bone anchor assembly having a locking cap that deflects radially inward due to contact with the bone plate at large bone anchor assembly insertion angles. In addition, a bone anchor assembly having a preassembled condition with a locking cap resisting back out of a locking fastener.
US08480713B2	Adjustable spinal connector assembly A spinal connector assembly including a connector body defining first and second passages arranged transverse to one another and configured to receive respective portions of an implant and an elongate rod. A collet receives a portion of the implant therein and extends through the first passage with an upper portion extending axially beyond an upper side of the connector body and a lower portion extending axially beyond a lower side of the connector body. A washer is positioned annularly about the lower portion of the collet and beneath the connector body with a top side of the washer facing a lower side of the connector body and with one of the top and lower sides defining a convex surface and the other defining a concave surface. A lock member is engaged with the upper portion of the collet and exerts an upward force thereon to pull the collet and the washer in an upward direction to draw the convex and concave surfaces into compressed engagement with one another, and the upward force also drawing an outer surface of the collet against an inner engagement surface to inwardly displace a portion of the collet into clamped engagement with the implant member.
US08480710B2	Wound closure device including suction step sleeve An access apparatus is adapted and configured to access an underlying body cavity. The access apparatus includes a sleeve including a plurality of tubules. The tubules are configured and adapted to suction fascia of opposing tissue tracts to facilitate wound closure. A method of using the access apparatus is also provided.
US08480709B2	Catching mechanisms for tubular septal occluder A septal occluder, such as one made from a polymer tube, can have portions on either side of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) or other septal defect. The portions on either side can be held in place with a catching mechanism that can take one of many forms. The tube can be made of bioresorbable materials.
US08480701B2	Device for implanting electrically isolated occlusion helixes The invention relates to a device for the implantation of occlusion helixes (3) that can be separated by electrolysis in blood vessels and body cavities, especially aneurysms (12), said device comprising an insertion aid (4), at least one occlusion helix (3) that is distally arranged in relation to the insertion aid (4) and at least one electrolytically corrodible severance element (2), with at least one stabilization helix (5) being arranged between severance element (2) and occlusion helix (3) and said stabilization helix (5) being connected with the occlusion helix (3) by an electrically isolating adhesion layer (7) such that the occlusion helix (3) becomes isolated from the voltage when an electrical voltage is applied to the severance element (2). In this way, the current density in severance element (2) is further increased so that, on the one hand, shorter severance times are achieved and, on the other, the connection between the occlusion helix (3) and one of the stabilization helixes (5) used to stabilize the implant is significantly simplified compared to the known laser welding method according to prior art.
US08480700B2	Full thickness resection device A system for treating a target tissue includes (a) an instrument head sized and shaped for insertion into a hollow organ of a living body, the instrument head including a working chamber movable between an open position in which the working chamber is exposed to an exterior of the head and a closed position in which the working chamber is substantially sealed with respect to an exterior of the instrument head, the instrument head including a first imaging device having a field of view extending distally of a distal end thereof and a second imaging device having a field of view within the working chamber; (b) a handle which, during use, remains outside the living body, the handle including an actuator; (c) a steering mechanism coupled to the actuator for steering the instrument head within the hollow organ based on actuation of the actuator; and (d) a controller coupled to the first and second imaging devices for processing the image data received from the first and second imaging devices and providing images to an operator.
US08480686B2	Methods and devices for delivering and applying suture anchors Methods and devices are provided for deploying and applying a suture anchor. In one embodiment, a surgical device is provided having a shaft configured to be introduced into a body and to deliver a suture anchor with a coil of suture attached thereto to tissue. The shaft can be configured to deploy the suture anchor through tissue and to deliver the coil of suture into a body cavity such that the suture extending from the coil extends through the tissue to allow the anchor to engage the tissue. The coil can remain in the body cavity for subsequent use.
US08480681B2	Pressured syringe for the injection of a viscous liquid through a cannulated surgical screw bone filler adapter A pressurized syringe used to inject a viscous liquid through an adapter attached to a bone filler adapter into a cannulated surgical screw utilizing the cannulated surgical screw as a port to inject bone void filler into a bone void within a bone cavity during the course of a surgical repair to attach, repair and secure broken or separated bone fragments and providing a more secure bone anchor matrix within which the surgical screw is set.
US08480680B2	Spinal decompression system and method A device useful for spinous process decompression includes a pair of prongs which can be moved apart from each other by rotation of a gear which mates with a threaded rod.
US08480679B2	Generation of a computerized bone model representative of a pre-degenerated state and useable in the design and manufacture of arthroplasty devices Disclosed herein is a method of generating a computerized bone model representative of at least a portion of a patient bone in a pre-degenerated state. The method includes: generating at least one image of the patient bone in a degenerated state; identifying a reference portion associated with a generally non-degenerated portion of the patient bone; identifying a degenerated portion associated with a generally degenerated portion of the patient bone; and using information from at least one image associated with the reference portion to modify at least one aspect associated with at least one image associated the generally degenerated portion. The method may further include employing the computerized bone model representative of the at least a portion of the patient bone in the pre-degenerated state in defining manufacturing instructions for the manufacture of a customized arthroplasty jig. Also disclosed herein is a customized arthroplasty jig manufactured according to the above-described method. The customized arthroplasty jig is configured to facilitate a prosthetic implant restoring a patient joint to a natural alignment. The prosthetic implant may be for a total joint replacement or partial joint replacement. The patient joint may be a variety of joints, including, but not limited to, a knee joint.
US08480677B2	System for treating proximal humeral fractures and method of using the same Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for treating a proximal humeral fracture. A system according to one embodiment includes a longitudinal member configured to be received within the humeral shaft. The system includes a jig assembly configured to be coupled to the longitudinal member, wherein the jig assembly includes at least one hole defined therethrough that is configured to guide placement of at least one hole in the humeral shaft, and wherein the hole formed in the humeral shaft is configured to align with at least one hole in the humeral implant such that the jig assembly is configured to locate the position of the humeral implant in the humeral shaft.
US08480676B2	Bone tamp apparatus and method A tamping apparatus is described that includes a cannula that has a tubular wall that includes a distal end portion that defines a tamping face. The cannula defines a longitudinally aligned aperture or lumen that provides access for an insert and the injection of treatment materials such as a bone graft. The distal end portion of the cannula can also include a plurality of movable elements that can be a part of or connected to the tubular wall. The tamp apparatus can also include a cannula or stylet that can be moved within aperture of cannula and is employed to move elements between the first position and second position of tamp apparatus.
US08480669B2	Ablation catheter with flexible tip A flexible tip electrode for an ablation catheter is disclosed. The catheter includes a catheter body and a hollow elongate tip electrode disposed at a distal end of the catheter body. The electrode includes a sidewall provided with one or more elongate gaps extending therethrough. The one or more elongate gaps providing flexibility in the sidewall for bending movement of the tip electrode relative to a longitudinal axis of the catheter body.
US08480656B2	Two part fluid dispenser A dispensing device for dispensing medicaments to a patient that is made up of first and second stand-alone, interconnectable assemblies. The first of these assemblies comprises a fluid reservoir assembly that houses a fluid reservoir defining component while the second assembly comprises a fluid delivery and control assembly that includes a novel flow control means that functions to control the flow of medicinal fluid from the fluid reservoir of the first assembly toward the patient via a plurality of fluid flow control passageways. Because the stand-alone fluid delivery and control assembly is initially totally separate from the fluid reservoir assembly of the apparatus, the fluid flow passageways of the fluid delivery and control assembly can be effectively sterilized using conventional gamma ray sterilization techniques without adversely affecting the medicament contained within the fluid reservoir of the apparatus.
US08480654B2	Catheter with expandable flow area In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a catheter for insertion into a patient's body is provided. The catheter comprises an elongated member having a proximal portion extending to a distal portion. A lumen is formed through the proximal and distal portions. The elongated member is formed of a polymeric material including shape memory polymers having a first phase transition temperature and a second phase transition temperature that is less than the first phase transition temperature but is greater than about room temperature. The elongated member has a first configuration at about room temperature for insertion into the patient's body and self-configures to a second configuration at a first temperature of at least the second phase transition temperature for fluid communication with the patient's body. At least a portion of the lumen has a larger flow area in the second configuration than in the first configuration.
US08480651B2	Cannula system The present disclosure provides a cannula useful for introducing a thermally responsive polymer in situ. In embodiments, the cannula possesses more than one cannula, with the thermally responsive polymer introduced in one cannula, and a material such as a coolant in a second cannula which prevents premature gelling of the thermally responsive polymer.
US08480648B2	Automated therapy system and method An automated therapy system having an infusion catheter; a sensor adapted to sense a patient parameter; and a controller communicating with the sensor and programmed to control flow output from the infusion catheter into a patient based on the patient parameter without removing fluid from the patient. The invention also includes a method of controlling infusion of a fluid to a patient. The method includes the following steps: monitoring a patient parameter with a sensor to generate a sensor signal; providing the sensor signal to a controller; and adjusting fluid flow to the patient based on the sensor signal without removing fluid from the patient.
US08480647B2	Delivery device for delivering bioactive agents to internal tissue in a body A device and method for administering a bioactive agent to internal tissue in a body, by introducing a balloon in a deflated condition into the body, inflating the balloon, introducing the bioactive agent into the balloon at the time of, after, or before the inflation of the balloon, and delivering the bioactive agent from the balloon to the tissue.
US08480644B2	Connector One end of a tubular portion (16) is sealed with a stopcock (5) that is fitted in the tubular portion (16). A first flow channel (33) and a second flow channel (36) are formed in the stopcock (5). A first hole (37), a second hole (43), a third hole (38), and a fourth hole (44) are formed in a connector main body (2). Switching between a setting that brings an inner space (16a) of the tubular portion (16) into communication with the first hole (37) via the first flow channel (33) and a setting that brings the inner space (16a) of the tubular portion (16) into communication with the second hole (43) via the first flow channel (33) and brings the third hole (38) into communication with the fourth hole (44) via the second flow channel (36) can be achieved by rotating the stopcock (5).
US08480641B2	Negative pressure wound treatment apparatus and method A wound treatment apparatus includes a negative pressure source, a bandage configured to cover a wound and provide a sealed region around the wound, a drainage tube coupled to the bandage and the negative pressure source to drain fluid from the wound. The apparatus also includes a controller coupled to the negative pressure source.
US08480636B2	Catheter with aspiration passageway The invention encompasses a catheter having an outer surface, a distal end, and at least one interior lumen, wherein the outer surface includes multiple aspiration passageways in fluid communication with an interior lumen. A preferred embodiment comprises multiple aspiration passageways formed into a helical pattern.
US08480634B2	Pressure compensating device A pressure compensating device includes a compensating disc located within an internal chamber of a housing. The compensating disc has a diaphragm over which fluid passes after entering the internal chamber. The diaphragm deflects in response to a pressure differential between fluid entering the internal chamber and fluid exiting the internal chamber to maintain the set flow rate of the fluid.
US08480632B2	Cartridge apparatus for injecting fluids into bone Apparatus for delivering a quantity of fluid to bone marrow of a bone or providing access to remove fluids from a target site is provided. The apparatus may include a driver, a plunger operating and cartridge assembly mechanism, a cartridge assembly having a fluid reservoir and a bone penetrating needle.
US08480631B2	Hazardous agent injection system A hazardous agent injection system including from about 0.02 ml to about 4.0 ml of methotrexate at a concentration of from about 7.5 mg/ml to about 150 mg/ml; a needle-assisted jet injector including a container configured to contain the methotrexate; a injection outlet member associated with the container; an injection-assisting needle coupled to the injection outlet member; a firing mechanism associated with the container; an energy source associated with the firing mechanism; and a trigger mechanism associated with the firing mechanism, wherein the needle-assisted jet injector is configured to eject the methotrexate from the injection outlet member such that the Cmax, Tmax and bioavailability of the needle-assisted jet injected methotrexate falls between about 80% and about 125% of the Cmax, Tmax and bioavailability of methotrexate delivered by a hand-powered syringe.
US08480626B2	Infusion catheter assembly with reduced backflow Catheters assemblies having structural configurations operable to reduce backflow along the catheter assembly track, and methods of making and using such catheter assemblies. Catheters assemblies in accordance with embodiments of the present invention find use in various applications including the treatment of acute and chronic medical conditions. An exemplary catheter assembly includes, in one illustrative embodiment, a flexible proximal catheter body portion, and a distal portion of a smaller diameter than the body portion. The distal portion includes a sealed distal tip or end and one or more side flow openings to permit flow of therapeutic substance from the catheter along an axis that is different than, e.g., skewed relative to, a longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the catheter assembly.
US08480624B2	Self-contained power-assisted syringe A self-contained and hand-held power-assisted syringe is provided which is suitable for the controlled injection of fluid material during medical procedures such as coronary angiography procedures which utilize small-bore and small sized guide catheter systems. The present invention provides a greater degree of injection power on-demand than was previously possible in a portable and hand-held syringe; and it can deliver larger volumes of radiopaque contrast medium at greater pressures than was previously possible using a conventional manual syringe. The power assisted syringe, along with all components necessary for its effective use and operation, may be pre-packaged and steriled within a single container and then disposed of after use.
US08480620B2	Coatings with tunable solubility profile for drug-coated balloon A drug delivery balloon is provided, the a balloon having an outer surface, and a tunable coating disposed on at least a length of the balloon surface. The tunable coating includes a first therapeutic agent and a first excipient, and a second therapeutic agent and a second excipient. The first and second therapeutic agents have different dissolution rates during balloon inflation and therefore provide a coating that is tunable.
US08480612B2	Wireless shunts with storage Devices and methods useful for storing and retrieving information related to a medical device such as an implantable valve or an implantable sensor are disclosed. An implantable valve can include a valve housing adapted to receive fluid flow therethrough between a valve inlet and a valve outlet. A valve assembly can be disposed within the valve housing and adapted to control a rate of fluid flowing through the valve housing. The implantable valve can also include a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag associated with the valve housing, adapted to store data, and including an antenna for communicating stored data to an external reading device. The RFID tag can store data related to, for example, a patient, a pressure setting of the valve assembly, and/or pressure sensor disposed within the valve. The RFID tag can also store an identifier that identifies the implantable valve, a pressure sensor disposed in the valve housing, a patient associated with the implantable valve, and/or patient clinical history.
US08480609B2	Apparatus for extracorporeal blood treatment An apparatus (1) for extracorporeal blood treatment comprising a blood treatment device (2) having a semipermeable membrane (5) which separates a blood chamber (3) from a fluid chamber (4). A used fluid line (7) connects the fluid chamber to a used fluid discharge. A first pump (8) controls the ultrafiltration through the semipermeable membrane. A second pump (9) arranged in the used fluid line downstream of the first pump keeps pressure between the first and the second pump at a constant predetermined value. The invention provides a protection system against any possible pressure change in the used fluid discharge in a hemodialysis or hemo(dia)filtration apparatus.
US08480608B2	Methods and apparatus for leak detection in blood processing systems A blood processing system includes a flow reversing device with at least an air sensor in the venous line located near the patient. During treatment, blood flow is reversed to cause air to infiltrate the blood lines if any disconnections or breaks in the blood line are present. One means for placing the sensor close to the patient is to provide the flow switching device aid sensors in a small lightweight module that can be located close to the treatment machine. Another is to provide a module with just the sensors near the access.
US08480604B2	Carbon fiber orthosis and associated method A method of making an orthoses, comprising the steps of preparing a plaster mold, upon which the layers of the orthosis will be placed and formed; and placing layers of material on the mold, then forming and removing the layers. An orthosis, comprising a footplate that is capable of receiving a human foot thereabove, a heel portion at the rear side of the footplate; a strut extending upwardly from the heel portion; a calf portion extending forwardly from the strut, the calf portion including a tibial shell; the tibial shell extends around the front of the user's tibia; a rear portion extends around the back of the user's calf a rear portion disposed rearwardly with respect to the calf portion; and sides such that the calf portion is completely circumferential without seams. Two foam layers line the orthoses for comfort and ease of use.
US08480602B1	Rehabilitation apparatus for correcting ambulation Rehabilitation apparatus for use with unweighting apparatus including a vest having shoulder straps connected to the unweighting apparatus. Also included are a pair of thigh cuffs having resistance straps connected to the unweighting apparatus and a pair of foot straps having gait straps connected to the unweighting apparatus. An elongate roll is suspended from the vest and extends across the patient adjacent the pelvis area of the patient. The resistance straps and gait straps are threaded through loops provided on the front fact of the elongate roll.
US08480601B2	Therapeutic micro-vibration device A therapeutic device for relieving pain and providing a curative healing effect includes a motor for rotating at least one magnet to generate a magnetic field, micro-vibrations and audible acoustic tones. A shaft couples the at least one magnet to the motor. In one embodiment, the at least one magnet is coupled to the shaft in an offset configuration with respect to a centerline of the shaft thereby generating micro-vibrations in the form of oscillating inertial loads. The therapeutic device includes a light source for generating a photonic light field in an optical light spectrum.
US08480599B2	Composite radiopaque intracorporeal product The invention is directed to a guidewire having a distal flexible member, such as a helical coil, which is formed with at least one highly radiopaque component and at least one high strength component. In a presently preferred embodiment, the highly radiopaque component is at least 10% and less than about 60% of the transverse cross-section of the flexible member, preferably at least 20% but less than 40%. The highly radiopaque component may be formed of radiopaque material such as platinum, gold, iridium and the like and the high strength component may be formed of a material such as tantalum, stainless steel, NiTi alloys, Co—Cr—Mo alloys and the like.
US08480597B2	Color coded guide wire and methods of making same A color coding is applied to medical guide wires by coloring portions of the guide wire to distinguish similar guide wires and guide wire portions from a particular manufacturer. The metallic elongate core can be colored using various methods such as electrochemical processes, sputtering, electroplating, and laser inducing microstructures to alter the surface characteristics of the elongate metallic core. Alternatively, the outer layer of the guide wire can be color coded by using non-standard colors or by introducing a colored band on the guide wire.
US08480596B2	Vacuum assisted lancing system and method for blood extraction with minimal pain A lancing system can include a device body having a sealing device coupled to a lancing end, a lancing shaft slideably coupled to the lancing end, a lancing spring coupled to the lancing shaft, a release mechanism, a main shaft slideably coupled with a free end of the device body in communication with the release mechanism, a piston coupled to the main shaft, a vacuum spring coupled to the piston, and a shaft coupler having at least two separable portions for removably coupling the lancing shaft to the main shaft. The system can include a lance tool having an insertion portion and a removal portion. A method can include creating a first portion of a vacuum, lancing a surface, and creating a second portion of a vacuum.
US08480589B2	Ultrasound imaging method and apparatus to suppress multiple echoes inside the cranium An ultrasound imaging method comprises the steps of: transmitting a prescanning ultrasonic beam toward a subject and measuring an ultrasonic echo from a bone structure inside a cranium in advance; determining a transfer function of an ultrasonic wave in the cranium based on the measured said ultrasonic echo; transmitting an imaging ultrasonic beam toward the subject; generating a cancelling ultrasonic beam having an opposite phase as an ultrasonic echo reflected by the inner surface of the cranium due to said imaging ultrasonic beam, based on said transfer function; receiving an ultrasonic echo from the subject while cancelling said ultrasonic echo from the bone structure inside the cranium by transmitting the cancelling ultrasonic beam in accordance with the ultrasonic echo from the bone structure inside the cranium due to said imaging ultrasonic beam; and generating an ultrasound image of the subject.
US08480587B2	User interface in an ultrasound system Embodiments of a user interface in an ultrasound system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the ultrasound system comprises a display unit for prompting a user to touch a desired one of hierarchically arranged soft buttons for triggering an execution of the function of the ultrasound system associated with the touched button. The display unit includes a display having a display with touch panel mounted. The display unit is configured to display a touch screen menu together with the ultrasound image on the display.
US08480586B2	Ultrasound diagnosis apparatus An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus having a transmission circuit which generates a transmission signal is provided. The transmission signal corresponds to a combined waveform of a trapezoidal waveform and an impulse-shaped waveform (impulse portion). In an example transmission signal, a front slope portion, a flat portion, and a rear slope portion exist in a positive polarity side. The impulse portion has a shape which protrudes from an offset level over a base line into an opposite polarity side. Because the center frequency of the trapezoidal wave form is near the DC component, the trapezoidal wave form can substantially be ignored. The impulse portion has a large amplitude, but because the impulse portion exists over both polarities, there is no need to apply a special high voltage countermeasure for each polarity in designing the transmission circuit. A trapezoidal wave form of an opposite polarity may be added in front of the trapezoidal waveform.
US08480582B2	Image processing apparatus and ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus An ultrasonic imaging apparatus and an ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus including the ultrasonic imaging apparatus comprise an image acquiring unit, extracting unit, tracking unit and physical parameter calculating unit. The image acquiring unit acquires image data of a subject, the extracting unit extracts a plurality of trackable characterizing points based on the acquired image data, the tracking unit tracks the movement of the characterizing points, and the physical parameter calculating unit acquires specific physical parameters, such as displacement, distortion and distortion velocity, based on the information derived from tracked results, of the characterizing points contained in each region of interest (ROI). Both of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus and an ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus make it possible to easily and accurately perform extraction of characterizing points and low-cost analysis of contraction/expansion functions of the heart or the like.
US08480581B2	Systems and methods for anemia detection, monitoring, and treatment Methods and systems for implantably determining a patient's anemia status and treating anemia are described. Blood viscosity is compared one or more thresholds to determine a patient's anemia status. Therapy, in the form of electrical stimulation therapy or administration of a pharmaceutical delivered to the patient's kidneys or hypothalamus is controlled based on the anemia status.
US08480576B2	Access system for minimally invasive spinal surgery A retractor assembly for defining a working channel to a surgical site for conducting minimally invasive spinal surgery includes a plurality of relatively articulable components. Temporary interconnections are formed between adjacent sidewalls of the components to hold the components in a desired configuration, such as in a closed triangular form. The components are articulable relative to each other for adjusting the working channel or for performing surgical functions.
US08480570B2	Endoscope cap A cap including an outer shell configured to be coupled to an access port of an endoscope, and a resilient member positioned interior of the inner peripheral surface of the outer shell. The resilient member includes an upper surface, a lower surface, an outer peripheral surface and a central opening sized to accommodate an endoscopic instrument therethrough. The resilient member further includes a slit extending outward from the circumferential surface of the central opening toward the outer peripheral surface of the resilient member.
US08480569B2	Flexible endoscope system and functionality An enhanced flexibility auxiliary endoscope assembly for use with an endoscope, the assembly including at least one flexible elongate element and a flexible sleeve having a first lumen for accommodating a distal portion of an endoscope capable of assuming at least a first curvature and a second lumen for accommodating the at least one flexible elongate element, the second lumen being configured to allow the at least one flexible elongate element to assume the at least first curvature as well as at least a second curvature about the first curvature, thereby to enhance flexibility of the auxiliary endoscope assembly.
US08480568B2	Endoscope apparatus with automatic selection between automated insertion direction search methods An endoscope apparatus includes an endoscope which has an insertion portion which is provided with a distal end portion and a bendable bending portion at a distal end side and is inserted into a body cavity of a subject, a relative position calculation section which calculates a relative position of the distal end portion in the body cavity to the subject, a selection section which selects a search method corresponding to the position detected from a plurality of search methods for searching for a bending direction of the bending portion, based on the calculated relative position, a bending direction determination section which determines the bending direction of the bending portion according to the selected search method, and a bending drive section which bends and drives the bending portion based on the determined bending direction.
US08480560B2	Implantable medical port with fluid conduit retention sleeve A surgically implantable medical port has a housing with a fluid reservoir therein, a tubular stem extending away from the housing, a fluid conduit mounted on the stem, and a plurality of cantilevered fingers having free ends that are pressed against the fluid conduit in order to prevent conduit detachment from the port. The cantilevered fingers may be provided in a retention sleeve positioned about the fluid conduit. The retention sleeve may be unitarily formed with the housing of the port. The retention sleeve may be formed by at least two separate pieces, such as sections that pivot open and closed relative to the housing and that snap together in a closed position.
US08480557B2	Nonaugmentive mastopexy Disclosed are methods and devices for minimally invasive mastopexy, or other soft tissue suspension, which may be accomplished with our without augmentation.
US08480555B2	Method and apparatus for pumping blood A pump system is disclosed for pumping blood from a patient's right atrium or right ventricle to a patient's pulmonary artery, the pump system including a distal section having at least one outlet; a pumping section in fluid communication with the distal section to provide blood to the outlet of the distal section, the pumping section having at least one inlet valve to receive blood; and a pump constructed and arranged to be positioned within the pumping section to draw blood into the pumping section in a first phase of operation and to pump blood out of the outlet of the distal section in a second phase of operation.
US08480553B2	Apparatus for longitudinally folding a moving material web twice In order to form two longitudinal folds in a material web, there are two plow folding units which extend in the vertical direction and are arranged behind one another in the movement direction of the material web. Each of the plow folding units has two guide elements for the material web, which guide elements are arranged in the manner of a gable or saddle roof. The guide elements are arranged behind one another in the movement direction of the material web and enclose a folding angle between them. The folding angle between the guide elements of the second plow folding unit which is arranged downstream of the first plow folding unit has a magnitude of at least 100°, preferably of at least 140°.
US08480547B2	Portable sliding exercise device The exercise device includes a base plate and a handle disposed on the top surface of the base plate. The bottom surface of the base plate has a surface roughness Ra of less than 3 microinches, and preferably 1 to 2 microinches such that the device slides along a floor allowing the user to perform a plurality of exercises. The base plate includes a hole extending through a center thereof, whereby the base plate has a ring-like shape.
US08480543B1	Supporting device for waist or neck portion A supporting device includes a planar member having two end portions and an outer peripheral portion, and a fastening device attached to the end portions of the planar member for adjusting and maintaining the planar member at a curved structure and for engaging with and supporting or massaging various portions of the user. The fastening device includes a flexible member for being coupled between the end portions of the planar member, a buckle attached to one end portion of the flexible member, and a locking member attached to the other end portion of the flexible member for attaching the flexible member to the end portions of the planar member.
US08480540B2	Method for controlling a friction clutch and device therefor A method and device for controlling a friction clutch arranged between an internal combustion engine and a transmission by means of a clutch actuator that axially actuates an actuating element of the friction clutch along an actuation path associated, by means of a clutch characteristic, with a target torque that can be transmitted by means of the friction clutch. To improve the quality of controlling of the friction clutch and to avoid the application of undesirable torque, it is proposed to compensate a hysteresis that arises between the target torque and the friction torque actually transmitted by the friction clutch along the actuation path by correcting a setpoint for controlling the clutch actuator with a corrective quantity.
US08480538B2	Electric vehicle A utility vehicle is disclosed having an electric drive. The drivetrain is comprised of batteries, a motor, a transaxle driven by the motor, a rear differential driven by the transaxle, and a prop shaft which is driven by the transaxle and drives a front differential. The batteries are provided in two groups and are supported on the frame of the vehicle.
US08480537B2	Hybrid vehicle and control method therefor The second clutch is caused to transition to an engaged state after setting the second clutch in a slip state when the vehicle starts in the hybrid start mode, the temperature of a magnet of the electric motor is estimated based on the temperature of the hydraulic oil and an operating condition of the electric motor when the second clutch is controlled to be in the slip state; and an output torque and a lower limit rotation speed of the electric motor is restricted and reduced when the estimated temperature of the magnet exceeds a restrictive temperature.
US08480536B2	Hybrid drive having a separating clutch which assists a direct start A method for operating a hybrid drive of a vehicle, having an internal combustion engine and having at least one electric drive, to which at least one traction battery is assigned, as well as to a hybrid drive, especially a parallel hybrid drive. The internal combustion engine is able to be started from the operating mode “purely electrical driving” of the hybrid drive using a direct start without a starter.
US08480533B2	Multi-speed transmission A multi-speed transmission may include an input member and an output member disposed in a housing. A first planetary gear set, a second planetary gear set, a third planetary gear set, and a fourth planetary gear set may also be disposed in the housing, each planetary gear set including a sun gear, a planet carrier, and a ring gear. Six control elements may be operably coupled to the planetary gear sets and selectively engageable to create a set of different gear ratios between the input member and the output member, the set of different gear ratios including at least nine forward gear ratios and at least two reverse gear ratios.
US08480531B2	Differential assembly with inverted bearing A differential includes first and second case members that are attached to each other to define an inner cavity that receives a differential gear assembly. A first tapered roller bearing is associated with the first case member and a second tapered roller bearing is associated with the second case member. One of the first and second tapered roller bearings is inverted such that a defining taper diverges towards the differential gear assembly. The other of the first and second tapered roller bearings is non-inverted with a defining taper diverging in a direction that faces away from the differential gear assembly.
US08480529B2	Continuously variable transmission Embodiments are directed to a front end accessory drive (FEAD), subassemblies, and components therefor. Embodiments disclosed cover power modulating devices (PMD) which can be used in a FEAD. In one embodiment, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is coupled directly to a crankshaft of a prime mover, and the CVT is used to regulate the speed and/or torque delivered to an accessory. A compound drive device includes a motor/generator subassembly cooperating with a CVT subassembly to provide a motor functionality with torque multiplication or division, or alternatively, a generator functionality with torque multiplication or division. In some embodiments, a FEAD includes a PMD having a sun shaft configured to couple to a sun of the PMD and to an electric motor component, such as an electrical armature or an electrical field. In one embodiment, the electrical armature the electrical field are placed concentrically and coaxially and configured to rotate relative to one another in opposite directions.
US08480528B2	Coaxial transmission A coaxial transmission, especially a hollow shaft drive, comprising a driving element (7) and a driven element (3), a plurality of radially mobile toothed quadrants (5) providing a gear ratio and transmitting a driving torque between the driving element (7) and the driven element (3). An internal gear (1) or especially the housing for receiving the inner gearing of the internal gear (13) are configured as a multipart structure.
US08480527B2	Gearing arrangement A gearing arrangement is disclosed herein. The gearing arrangement includes a shaft operable to rotate about an axis of rotation. The gearing arrangement also includes a first gear fixed for rotation with the shaft and encircling the axis of rotation. The gearing arrangement also includes a plate member positioned radially adjacent to the shaft. The gearing arrangement also includes a second gear operable to mesh with the first gear. The gearing arrangement also includes a layshaft supporting the second gear. The layshaft extends along a central axis between first and second ends. The layshaft is engageable with the plate member in a plurality of different positions to adjustably position the second gear relative to the first gear.
US08480522B2	Power plant A power plant which is capable of enhancing the driving efficiency and the power-generating efficiency thereof. A rotating machine includes a first rotor having a magnetic pole row that has each two adjacent magnetic poles, a stator having an armature row that is disposed in a manner opposed to the magnetic pole row, for generating a rotating magnetic field between the armature row and the magnetic pole row by a predetermined plurality of armature magnetic poles, and a second rotor having a soft magnetic material element row that is formed by a plurality of soft magnetic material elements arranged in a manner spaced from each other. The ratio between the number of the armature magnetic poles, the number of the magnetic poles, and the number of the soft magnetic material elements is set to 1:m:(1+m)/2 (m≠1.0).
US08480521B2	Flat belt A flat belt includes a tension-resistant layer, in which a core cord is spirally wound, an upper holding rubber layer, a lower holding rubber layer, an upper rubber layer, and a lower rubber layer. The holding rubber layers and are laid on the upper and lower sides of the tension-resistant layer respectively, retaining the layer. The upper and lower rubber layers and are laid on the upper side of the upper holding rubber layer and the lower side of the lower holding rubber layer respectively. 150-300 parts by weight of ferrite for 100 parts by weight of rubber matrix are mixed in the upper rubber layer, which is on the outer peripheral side of the flat belt when the belt is wound on a guide wheel.
US08480518B2	Climate variable lacrosse heads and related methods of use A first lacrosse head constructed from a first material having first properties or a second lacrosse head constructed from a second material having second properties is selectively used in lacrosse activities, based on environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity and/or solar activity, to provide generally consistent head performance as perceived by a lacrosse player across a range of environmental conditions. The first and second heads can be identical in structure, but constructed from different materials. For example, the first head can include a polyamide, optionally, Nylon 6,6 polyamide, and the second head can include a high performance polyamide resin, optionally a polypthalamide. An environmental indicator that provides visual and/or audible output with regard to environmental conditions can be included with at least one of the first head, the second head and a shaft to which the heads can be joined. Related methods of use are also provided.
US08480515B2	Golf club head with undercut A golf club head having a translucent insert disclosed. The club head includes a body defining a striking face, a top line, a sole, a back, a heel, and a toe. The back contains a cavity that extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the face. A recess is provided within the cavity, with the recess extending away from the cavity and toward the sole. A translucent insert, such as a vibration dampening member, may be provided within the recess. The insert may contain secondary inserts, such as weight members, therein in strategic locations. The insert may completely fill the recess, or may fill only a portion thereof.
US08480513B2	Putter-type golf club head A golf club head according to one or more aspects of the present invention may include a body comprising a front surface, having an opening therein for receiving a primary insert. One or more secondary inserts may be disposed in the primary insert and may include a leading surface and a trailing surface. The trailing surface may be physically exposed to the elements and the leading surface may be physically exposed and/or visually exposed.
US08480512B2	Golf club head or other ball striking device having face insert material A ball striking device, such as a golf club, includes a head with a face having a ball striking surface configured for striking a ball, a body connected to the face, and a filling material, which may be in the form of an insert, connected to a rear surface of the face. The filling material may fill in a thinned portion of the face, which may form a recess on the rear surface of the face that receives the filling material. The filling material has a density that is lower than the density of the face material. Depending on the size, shape, and location of the filling material, the weight distribution, the moment of inertia, and/or the center of gravity of the face may change.
US08480510B2	Sleeve member for use in golf club grips and the like Disclosed are grips and methods of making grips for use with the handle of an article, and in particular for use with golf clubs, fishing poles, bicycle handles, hand tools, etc. Embodiments preferably include a first portion made of a first material and a second portion made of a second material. The first portion is preferably less dense and/or lighter than the second portion to allow for the manufacture of a light grip with different characteristics.
US08480509B1	Golf swing enhancement device The golf swing enhancement device provides advantages to a golfer in order to improve a golf swing. First and foremost, a proper golf swing is almost impossible without a proper grip. Ideally, the leading thumb is positioned by the device directly atop the handle, but all physical makeups and traits and talents of individuals differ, so the handle device is adjustably fitted to a club handle. Due to the flexibility of the handle device, it can be positioned as chosen on the handle, including the option of rotating the handle device from directly atop the handle to a more effective position of the clock, depending upon the golfer. Additionally, the handle device may be used to overcompensate a position, for example, and thereby employed as a learning or a swing adjustment device.
US08480508B2	Golf club grip and method of making the same A golf club grip comprises a resilient inner sleeve, a single sheet, an axial seam strip, and a combination of adhesives. The single sheet is wrapped around and adhered on to the resilient inner sleeve's body and has its top and bottom circumferential margins respectively over the resilient inner sleeve's cap underside edge and retaining sidewall edge, and two axial margins forming an axial gap along the length of the resilient inner sleeve's body. The combination of adhesives includes a pressure sensitive adhesive and a structural adhesive. The pressure sensitive adhesive is used to adhere the single sheet onto the resilient inner sleeve's body. The structural adhesive is applied in the axial gap covered with the axial seam strip to form an axial seam structure. The single sheet can be a leather/foam single sheet to provide the golf club grip with a soft and cushion feel for the user.
US08480501B2	Round ride with vehicle suspended from support arm A round ride with suspended vehicles from ends of actuated support arms. The ride includes a drive assembly rotating a centrally located hub. The ride also includes a passenger vehicles including at least one input device such as a support arm actuator controller. For each of the passenger vehicles, a vehicle support assembly is provided that supports the passenger vehicle such that the vehicle rotates with the hub. The vehicle support assembly includes a rigid support arm pivotally coupled at a first end to the hub. The support assembly has an actuator that operates in response to signals from the input device to move the support arm through a range of vertical support angles. The support assembly includes a suspension arm connected at a first end for free pivoting about a second or the free end of the support aim and attached at its second end to the passenger vehicle.
US08480499B2	System and method for game brokering A method for brokering a game using a computer system is provided. The method includes act of configuring, by the computer system, at least one of a plurality of games to match a set of preferences gathered from a plurality of players, specifying at least one qualification criterion for entry into the at least one of the plurality of games, entering, by the computer system, at least one player having the at least one qualification criterion into the at least one of the plurality of games, receiving, by the computer system, at least one winner of the at least one of the plurality of games, storing information regarding the at least one winner on the data storage, receiving, by the computer system, authorization to reward the at least one winner and providing, to the at least one winner, access to at least one reward.
US08480497B2	Publisher/subscriber architecture for multi-device activities A publisher-subscriber architecture with standardized and/or dynamic event/message look up can be implemented on wagering game establishment networks to establish a robust and flexible reporting and reacting mechanism. Processes that operate in accordance with the publisher-subscriber architecture can coordinate operations across multiple devices in a wagering game establishment, and even across multiple wagering game establishments, in response to an event occurring. Processes can operate as publishers and/or subscribers, and can reside on a WGM (e.g., standalone, portable, etc.) or a server. Processes operating as publishers on a WGM can publish information about events that occur on the WGM. Processes operating as subscribers can interpret published event information from different vendors and use published event information in a number of different ways.
US08480496B2	Online game server, online game program product and game apparatus An online game server delivers an online game to a player terminal via a communication network. The online game is played in the player terminal operated by a player. The online game server receives object selection information indicating that an object selectably displayed on a game display screen of the online game is selected at the player terminal. The online game server then transmits related site specification information to the player terminal on the basis of the received object selection information. The related site specification information is used for the player terminal to access a related site related to the object. Game progress information necessary for progress of the online game is included in the related site. The related site specification information is a URL indicating an address of the related site or a search formula for searching for the related site using a search engine.
US08480493B2	Arcade-style game controller for a tablet computing device A game controller for a tablet computing device is disclosed. The controller includes a control console. A groove on a top portion of the control console configured and arranged to capture an edge of a tablet computing device in an upright orientation. A number of controls are included on the control console for transmitting game control inputs to the tablet computing device.
US08480488B2	Dynamic player tracking card Electronic paper (e-paper) can be incorporated onto player tracking cards (101) to allow logos, themes, and/or other content (e.g., text, images, etc.) displayed on player tracking cards to be updated. An identifier is determined based on data read from a magnetic strip on a rewritable display card (503). The rewriteable display card comprises electronic paper (103). Account information associated with the identifier is received (505). Content to be displayed on the electronic paper is determined based, at least in part, on the account information (507). The content is written to the electronic paper (513).
US08480484B2	Secure identification devices and methods for detecting and monitoring access thereof A detectable identification device (DID) comprising a communication device, a power converter device, memory, and a processor and/or read-write logic and counter logic is disclosed. The counter logic of the DID may selectively increment a counter value stored in the memory ever time the DID has been accessed by a reader. Furthermore, a method for detecting and monitoring the number of times the DID has been accessed is disclosed. This may comprise comparing a reader access count to the DID counter values to determine if unauthorized access is occurring.
US08480481B2	Systems, methods, and devices for playing wagering games with randomly selected mathematical operation applied to game factors A gaming system for playing a wagering game includes a controller configured to randomly generate an outcome of the wagering game and activate, for a winning outcome, a game feature responsive to an occurrence of a predetermined symbol along an activated payline. The controller randomly determines and displays a first operand and a second operand in an award modifier calculation and randomly determines and displays a mathematical operator to apply to the first and second operands. The controller applies the randomly determined mathematical operator to the first operand and the second operand to yield a modifier, modifies an award associated with the winning outcome using the modifier to yield a modified award, and awards the modified award.
US08480474B2	Gaming machines and methods of displaying animated symbols on mechanical reels A gaming machine includes a reel assembly and a processor operatively coupled to the reel assembly. The reel assembly includes at least one slot reel including a reel strip having a plurality of symbols positioned thereon. At least a portion of the plurality of symbols includes a plurality of frames. The at least one slot reel is configured to rotate about an axis. The reel assembly also includes at least one light device positioned with respect to the slot reel to selectively illuminate the plurality of symbols. The processor is configured to control the light device to progressively illuminate at least a portion of the plurality of frames to facilitate an appearance of animation within the plurality of frames during rotation of said at least one slot reel about the axis.
US08480473B2	Gaming machine having an accumulation/matching bonus A feature game in a gaming machine includes a first portion during which a set of bonus slots is accumulated. A second portion includes selecting at least one set of a predetermined number of target symbols, associated with a bonus award, from among a pool of bonus symbols during which selected bonus symbols are not removed from the pool, and selecting a set of match symbols, equal in number to the accumulated number of bonus slots, from among the pool of bonus symbol during which selected bonus symbols are removed from the pool. The match symbols are compared to the at least one set of target symbols. If all the symbols in the at least one set of target symbols correspond to match symbols, the bonus award associated with the at least one set of target symbols is awarded to the player.
US08480467B2	Electronic amusement device offering secondary game of chance and method for operating same An electronic amusement device and a method for operating the device are disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, a slot machine server controls a secondary game of chance played at a client slot machine. The server receives a player identifier corresponding to a player and a client identifier corresponding to a client slot machine. The server retrieves registration data relating to a secondary game of chance corresponding to the player identifier and the client identifier. The server further receives an outcome from the client slot machine and analyzes the outcome based on game requirements associated with the secondary game of chance, thereby determining whether the outcome satisfies at least one of the game requirements. Once all of the game requirements have been satisfied, the server updates a session status indicating the completion of the game requirements.
US08480463B2	Flat element for thermally adjusting indoor air The invention relates to a flat element (1) for thermally adjusting indoor air, especially for cooling indoor air. Said flat element (1) comprises an air guiding chamber (2) and an active cover surface (3) having microholes (4). The air guiding chamber (2) has an upper side (5), a plurality of sidewalls (6a, 6b), at least one opening (7) for letting air in and at least one opening (8) for discharging air. The active cover surface (3) closes the air guiding chamber (2) towards its open bottom side. The upper side (5) of the air guiding chamber (2) is shaped so as to have at least one baffle (10) having at least one air guiding edge (11).
US08480461B2	Vehicle register air flow straightener An HVAC duct system of a vehicle includes an air duct for providing a passageway for forced conditioned air. The air duct having a first imaginary axis extending substantially parallel with the passageway. An air duct register having plurality of vane-like members for directing the flow of air as it exits the register is coupled to the air duct. An opening of the air duct register defines an imaginary plane. The register has a second imaginary axis extending perpendicular to the imaginary plane of the register. An air flow straightener disposed within the air duct juxtaposed to the register and includes an air guide member. The air guide member receives the forced air flowing through the air duct in a direction substantially parallel with the first imaginary axis and redirects the forced air in a direction substantially parallel with the second imaginary axis for reducing noise as air passes the vanes.
US08480460B2	Cabin air supercharged aircraft internal combustion engine An aircraft having a user region therein within which pressurized air at selected pressures can be maintained using an environmental control system provided in the aircraft, and a utility region outside a utility boundary wall of the user region within which selected equipment for the aircraft is located. An internal combustion engine, provided as an intermittent combustion engine, is provided in the utility region having an air intake coupled to combustion chambers therein and a rotatable output shaft also coupled to those combustion chambers for generating force with an air transfer duct extends between the user region and the air intake so as to be capable of conveying pressurized air to that air intake.
US08480454B2	Glass substrate for information recording medium and method for manufacturing the same The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a glass substrate for an information recording medium having a high level of cleanness and superior smoothness. The manufacturing method includes a step for washing a disk-shaped glass plate with an acid washing liquid, a step for removing at least part of a surface layer, which is formed on the surface of the glass plate, by performing grinding with diamond abrasion grains, and a step for washing the surface with a neutral or alkaline washing liquid.
US08480453B2	Die grinder with rotatable head A die grinder including a body having a longitudinal axis, and a grinding head portion with an output shaft capable of powered rotation. A motor is disposed in the body for rotating the output member. A locking interconnect portion attaches the grinding head portion to the body and is adapted to permit selective rotation of the grinding head portion relative to the body about the longitudinal axis of the body. Thus, the grinding head can be positioned at different selected angles relative to the body.
US08480451B2	Adhesively supporting a breastshield A breastshield is provided that may be adhesively secured to a mother's breast for use in a breastpumping system. The adhesive is sufficiently strong so as to independently support the breastshield in position throughout a breast pumping session, including supporting the milk container, thereby enabling the mother to participate in other activities during the pumping session. The adhesive is advantageously of a type that is readily removed from the breast with the breastshield, and most preferably without leaving any significant residue.
US08480443B2	All season air propelled watercraft An all season air propelled watercraft has an elongated cabin structure adapted to accommodate at least one person therein. An elongated central pontoon member adjustably mounted to a bottom portion of the cabin structure and extending in a parallel direction thereto for at least the length thereof. Two stabilizer connector assemblies adjustably attached to a bottom portion of the cabin structure and extending horizontally in opposite directions therefrom. Two lateral stabilizer pontoons respectively and adjustably attached to a distal end portion of each the stabilizer connector assembly.
US08480439B1	Keystone jack A keystone jack includes a main body, a printed circuit board, a terminal base, and a plurality of terminals. Both sides of the main body have two first troughs and two second troughs. The printed circuit board is inserted into the main body and has two first hooks engaged with the two first troughs on its both sides. The terminal base is disposed on the printed circuit board and assembled with the main body. Both sides of the terminal base are formed with two second hooks engaged with the two second troughs. Both ends of each terminal are fixedly inserted into the printed circuit board and the terminal base respectively. By these two engaging means, the engagement strength of the components of the keystone jack is increased to thereby prevent the keystone jack from suffering damage.
US08480431B2	Continuity maintaining biasing member A post having a first end, a second end, and a flange proximate the second end, wherein the post is configured to receive a center conductor surrounded by a dielectric of a coaxial cable, a connector body attached to the post, a coupling element attached to the post, the coupling element having a first end a second end, and a biasing member disposed within a cavity formed between the first end of the coupling element and the connector body to bias the coupling element against the post is provided. Moreover, a connector body having a biasing element, wherein the biasing element biases the coupling element against the post, is further provided. Furthermore, associated methods are also provided.
US08480429B2	Power data housing A power data housing includes a channel which receives electrical receptacle housings. The housings have side latch tabs which releasably lock receptacles to the receptacle housings. The receptacle housings are received within a continuum of the channel.
US08480427B2	Cable connector A cable connector for detachably connecting a lead having at least one contact to a system analyzer comprising a nonconductive base, a first conductive clip assembly connected to the base, and a second conductive clip assembly connected to the base. Each of the first and second conductive clip assemblies defining a lead contact receiving space which is in axial alignment with the other lead contact receiving space. The base further comprises a first base section and a second base section wherein the first conductive clip assembly is connected to the first base section and the second conductive clip assembly is connected to the second base section and wherein the first base section is selectively detachable from the second base section.
US08480425B2	Lighting connector devices and uses thereof A lighting connector which includes first and second upper housings, each upper housing having plural connector pins, and one or more interlocking grooves; first and second lower housings, each the lower housing having a plurality of connector pin guide holes, and one or more interlocking tongue portions; and a flexible connector electrically connecting an inner side of the first lower housing with an inner side of the second lower housing, the first lower housing being connectable with the first upper housing, and the second lower housing being connectable with the second upper housing, to form the lighting connector by coupling at least one of the one or more interlocking grooves with at least one of the one or more interlocking tongue portions, and by coupling at least one of the plural connector pins with at least one of the connector pin guide holes.
US08480424B2	Electrical connecting terminal having a lever with a shaft with a clearance for accommodating a lug of a tension spring An electrical connecting terminal has an insulating material housing and at least one spring clamping connection in the housing. The spring clamping connection has a cage tension spring having a bearing limb which rests on a busbar section, a rear spring bow which adjoins the latter, and an operating limb. The operating limb has, on a clamping section which is bent around in the direction of the busbar section, a window cutout through which the busbar section is led and a lower crosspiece which forms a clamping point for clamping an electrical conductor between the crosspiece and the busbar section. A lug projects forward and outward from the operating limb opposite to the rear spring bow. Each spring clamping connection has an operating lever pivotably mounted in front of the clamping section of the operating limb of the cage tension spring and has a support oriented to rest on the lug.
US08480420B2	Outlet and light assembly with internal wiring connection In an example embodiment a plug-light assembly includes an outlet assembly and a light assembly releasably engageable with the outlet assembly. One or more outlet may be installed in a housing of the outlet assembly and wired to external wires extending through a rear aperture in the outlet housing. The light assembly may include one or more lights and may be wired to external wiring through a rear aperture or through an end aperture in the outlet housing. End caps may be provided at ends of the outlet assembly housing and apertures may be provided to allowing wiring to extend through the ends of adjacent plug-light assemblies. The outlets and lights may be powered by separate circuits.
US08480419B2	Low inductance connector assembly A busbar connector assembly for coupling first and second terminals on a two-terminal device to first and second contacts on a power module is provided. The first terminal resides proximate the first contact and the second terminal resides proximate the second contact. The assembly comprises a first bridge having a first end configured to be electrically coupled to the first terminal, and a second end configured to be electrically coupled to the second contact, and a second bridge substantially overlapping the first bridge and having a first end electrically coupled to the first contact, and a second end electrically coupled to the second terminal.
US08480418B2	Electrical charger locking assembly There is provided an electrical charger including a charger assembly and a locking assembly. The charger assembly includes a base unit configured for being electrically coupled to an electronic device, and an adaptor unit configured for being electrically coupled to a power supply. The external surfaces of the base unit and the adaptor unit include co-operating external geometries that provide a visual indication whether the charger assembly is disposed in the locked state or the unlocked state.
US08480417B2	Wire cover and electrical connector A wire cover has a cover body, a wire routing passageway and a hood. The cover body includes a plurality of wire receiving passageways positioned in one direction. The wire routing passageway is directed into an inside of the cover body. The hood protrudes from a circumference of the wire routing passageway and controls a leading direction out of the wire routing passageway wherein the hood has a different thicknesses between a base on a side of the cover body and a tip on another side of the cover body.
US08480414B2	Universal ground bar system A ground bar assembly includes a ground bar for attaching to grounding conductors and a conductive mounting bracket directly attached to the ground bar. The conductive mounting bracket is configured to space the ground bar apart from a mounting surface. An isolative mounting bracket and varying ground bar assemblies, for differing functions, are also provided.
US08480412B2	Terminal and connector assembly A connector assembly is provided with a body that extends along a lateral length with a longitudinal height defined by a first body surface and an opposing second body surface. A locking terminal extends through the body and includes an elongate blade having a distal end for electrically connecting to a mating connector and a proximal end adapted to electrically connect to an electronic component with an aperture. At least one tab extends lengthwise from an intermediate portion of the blade and extends through the electronic component aperture. A projection extends outward from the tab such that the projection interferes with the aperture during insertion of the tab therethrough for deforming the tab. After insertion, the tab returns from the deformation and engages the projection to the electronic component for retaining the tab within the aperture.
US08480411B1	Electrical connector and electrical assembly An electrical assembly including a circuit board having a front surface, a rear surface, pin holes, an accommodating opening and a positioning opening and an electrical connector having a body and pins is provided. The body accommodated in the accommodating opening has a plug hole and a positioning block. The pins extend from the body and pass the pin holes separately. When the pins pass the pin holes from the front surface, the positioning block is accommodated in the positioning opening and a distance between the plug hole and the front surface is a predetermined distance. When the pins pass the pin holes from the rear surface, the positioning block props against the rear surface and a distance between the plug hole and the front surface is the predetermined distance. An electrical assembly including a combined circuit board to unify the assembling process of components is also provided.
US08480410B2	Cold headed electric plug arm A power adapter plug arm manufactured from a single piece of material is provided. The plug arm can include a plug operative to extend into a wall socket, an elongated plate coupled to an end of the plug such that the plug extends from a first surface of one end of the plate, and a pin coupled to the opposite end of the plate and extending from the opposite surface of the plate. The pin can be operative to engage a circuit board of the power adapter to provide power received from the wall socket to an electronic device coupled to the power adapter. To enhance the strength of the plug arm, the plate can be manufactured by creating a co-axial plug and a stem from a single piece of material, bending the stem, and cold heading the bent portion of the stem to form a plate.
US08480409B2	Method for RF connector grounding The present invention relates to radio frequency and microwave connectors, and more particularly to grounding methods for printed wiring board edge-launch connectors. The grounding method comprises conducting tabs secured to a PWB and to an attached connector frame holding coaxial connectors. The conducting tabs thus provide a ground connection between the connector frame and one or more ground conductors on the PWB.
US08480401B2	Multi-user headset teaching apparatus Acoustical voice-feedback systems include headsets connected through a connector or central hub for vocalizing and sound formation assistance. A user's voice is conveyed directly into his or her own ear as well as the ears of each connected user. A central hub allows selective connection of one or more headsets to each other, or allows an instructor to selectively connect an instructor headset to one or more instructee headsets.
US08480400B1	Device for teaching reading skills A device for teaching reading skills employs a frame of rectangular configuration having an open interior region bounded in part by spaced apart parallel struts having paired grooves which function as upper and lower tracks. A window panel having an elongated aperture with a height that embraces one to three lines of printed text removably slides into the interior region upon one set of tracks. An obscuring panel slidably enters the other set of tracks and enables controllable visualization of a few words per line of exposed text.
US08480394B2	Flat-flame vault burner with low polluting emissions The invention relates to a flat-flame vault burner (10) suitable for being installed in a vault (21) which delimits the combustion chamber (20) of a steel heating furnace, the burner (10) comprising a main metallic hollow cylindrical body (12), a single duct (13) for the conveyance of fuel gas concentric to the main body (12), and a central internal nozzle (14) for the injection of a fuel gas. Said burner also comprises at least two nozzles (17) outside said main body (12) for the injection of fuel into the combustion chamber (20).
US08480393B2	Vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding process with reusable resin distribution line A method and apparatus for a reusable resin distribution line for use in conjunction with a resin transfer molding apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a soft tool and a hard tool (i.e., mold). In the illustrative embodiment, two inflatable bladders are disposed on a side of the soft tool, wherein a bridge spans the bladders. The soft tool is coupled to the bridge. When the bladders are inflated, the bridge moves away from the hard tool, drawing the soft tool away from the hard tool in the region between the bladders. This creates a temporary passage or reusable resin distribution line for distributing resin to a reinforcement constituent disposed between the soft tool and the hard tool.
US08480391B2	Quick-change molding system for injection molding A molding system is disclosed that includes a plurality of cavity portions or core block assemblies attached to a mold plate and a plurality of core portion or core block assemblies attached to a second mold plate, and a plurality of stripper rings or thread split-slide assemblies attached to a stripper plate assembly. The stripper plate assembly includes a main stripper plate with one or more stripper plate panels coupled thereto that are translatable away from the main stripper plate during installation of at least the core portions or core block assemblies. The one or more stripper plate panels may be translatable to fold, outwardly swing, and/or slide relative to the main stripper plate to clear any core portions or core block assemblies that may have been previously installed.
US08480388B2	Injection moulding tool for the manufacture of a hybrid component Injection molding tool for the manufacture of a plastic element sheathed with a sheet-metal shell (8), where the gate (12) which is designed as an integral part of the lower mold half (9) for correct positioning and supply of the plastic melt projects beyond the inner surface of the mold half (9) into the sheet-metal shell having a positioning opening (14), such that the plastic melt is discharged inside the sheet-metal shell and does not flow past it. A sealing groove (18) adjoining the gate and integral with the mold half, said groove receiving a sealing ring (17) elastically deformable under the effect of the internal pressure on the sheet-metal shell, forming a rigid sealing edge (19) to the sheet-metal shell and at the same time performing the function of a labyrinth seal together with a gap (16) remaining between the positioning opening and the gate, also ensures that the plastic melt does not flow past the sheet-metal shell and that the sheet-metal shell is sealed to the outside such that the high internal pressure required to shape the sheet-metal shell can be generated by the continued flow of the plastic melt.
US08480386B2	Vane for a single-vane vacuum pump The invention relates to a vane for a vane pump, in particular a vane vacuum pump, having a crucible-shaped housing and provided with a rotor mounted eccentrically and rotatably in the housing, wherein the vane is displaceably mounted perpendicular to the axis of rotation in the rotor and the free ends thereof are in contact with the interior circumferential surface of the housing, wherein the vane has a closed surface, at least in the sections protruding beyond the rotor, in the direction of the interior circumferential surface, and the surface is formed by an exterior wall, which is provided with a coating, wherein the coating is provided with perforations in the area located inside the rotor.
US08480383B2	Solenoid pump A solenoid pump is equipped with a housing formed therein with a fluid passage through which a fluid flows from an inlet port to an outlet port, and a movable member, which is displaced based on an excitation state of a solenoid section, for thereby opening and closing the fluid passage. The fluid passage includes an inlet side passage that communicates with the inlet port, an outlet side passage that communicates with the outlet port, and a pump chamber made up of a space in communication with the inlet side passage and the outlet side passage, and surrounded by the housing and an end portion of the movable member. Accompanying displacement thereof, the movable member opens and closes communication between the pump chamber and the outlet side passage.
US08480382B2	Electromagnetic pump with frequency converter circuit An electromagnetic pump has a frequency converter circuit for driving the electromagnetic pump, wherein the frequency converter circuit comprises an oscillator circuit, a bistable circuit and a push-pull circuit. The oscillator circuit oscillates to transform DC into a single-phase oscillating signal. The bistable circuit splits the single-phase oscillating signal into a N-phase stimulus signal and a S-phase stimulus signal. The push-pull circuit amplifies and transports the N-phase stimulus signal and the S-phase stimulus signal to the electromagnetic pump to make the swing arms of the electromagnetic pump swinging effectively, wherein the swing speed, the swing frequency and the swing amplitude of the swing arms vary with the change of the oscillation frequency of the oscillator circuit. Thereby, the suction pressure and the discharge pressure of the electromagnetic pump could further be adjusted higher or lower, wherein said frequency converter circuit comprises a modulation circuit, which could change the swing speed of the swing arms swinging outwardly or inwardly to further increase or decrease the suction pressure or the discharge pressure.
US08480376B2	Device, computer program product and computer-implemented method for backspin detection in an electrical submersible pump assembly A system for determining whether a motor in an electrical submersible pump is backspinning is described herein. The system comprises a sensor mounted in a well bore proximate to a ground surface, the sensor outputting a backspin signal; a communication link connected to the sensor, the communications link communicating the backspin signal; and a controller receiving the backspin signal from the communications link and processing the backspin signal to determine whether the motor is backspinning. Computer readable instructions associated with the system perform the steps of: monitoring the signal to determine whether the signal is above a threshold, the threshold for determining whether the signal is a noise signal or a backspin signal, and outputting the backspin signal; impeding operable AC power to the motor, responsive to the backspin signal; monitoring the backspin signal to determine whether the backspin signal is below the threshold; and returning AC power to the motor responsive to the determination that the backspin signal is below the threshold.
US08480373B2	Filter loading A pumping system for moving water of a swimming pool includes a water pump, a variable speed motor, and a filter arrangement in fluid communication with the pump. The pumping system can also include means for determining a load value indicative of an unclogged filter that permits movement of water through the filter arrangement, means for determining a load value indicative of a clogged filter that inhibits movement of water through the filter arrangement, and means for determining a performance value of the pumping system. The pumping system also includes means for determining a relative loading value of the filter arrangement, means for displaying the relative loading value, and means for controlling the motor in response to the relative loading value. In one example, the load values and performance value can include flow pressure values. A method of moving water of a swimming pool is also disclosed.
US08480371B2	Wind turbine rotor blade and wind-generating wind turbine A wind turbine rotor blade having an outer skin material made of fiber-reinforced plastic, a sheer web, and a trailing edge reinforcing material made of fiber-reinforced plastic which forms a trailing edge, wherein the trailing edge reinforcing material includes a first recess in which a trailing edge side end of the outer skin material is accommodated, and a second recess in which a trailing edge side of an overlay is accommodated, a third recess in which a leading edge side of the overlay is accommodated is formed in a trailing edge side tip end of the outer skin material, and the tip end of the outer skin material is fixed to the first recess through an adhesive.
US08480368B2	Welding process and component produced therefrom A process of fabricating a rotating component and components formed thereby. The process includes fabricating preforms corresponding to portions of the component. Each preform has an interface surface at which the preforms can be joined to locate a first of the portions in a radially outward direction from a second of the portions. The preforms are then inertia welded together to form a profile having a solid-state weld joint containing a finer-grained material than other portions of the profile. The profile is then forged with dies to produce a forging. At least one of the dies has a recess into which the finer-grained material from the weld joint is expelled during forging to purge a joint region of the forging between the forging portions of the finer-grained material. The joint region contains grains distorted in an axial direction of the forging.
US08480367B2	Yawing system for a wind turbine A yawing system for a wind turbine with a tower construction and a nacelle includes a stationary part associated with the tower construction, and a rotating part being associated with the nacelle. The rotating part is allowed to rotate relative to the stationary part via a gear connection. The rotating part includes a plurality of modules, each having a sub-module, the sub-modules substantially identical in size and shape. Each module is configurable to perform various functions by positioning one or more function defining elements in the corresponding sub-module. Thereby a configured module belongs to a category of modules reflecting the function of the configured module. A module belonging to a category may be replaced or reconfigured to belong to a different category of modules without altering the main design of the rotating part.
US08480363B2	Self-starting turbine with dual position vanes A turbine with vanes and tethers that adjust to the wind includes: an axle, adapted to be positioned perpendicular to the airflow; a radial spar attached to the axle; a vane rotatably attached to the spar; and a positioning element to limit the vane from rotating substantially more than a perpendicular angle away from the spar. The device retains the vane in a position that utilizes the airflow to rotate the axle. The positioning element is a tether attached to the distal point of the vane.
US08480361B1	Enhanced system and method to increase the total-to-static pressure ratio across a RAM air turbine using surface contoured flow agitators The total-to-static pressure ratio is increased across a Ram Air Turbine (RAT) by developing a localized accelerated flow of free-stream air near the discharge of the turbine rotor exhaust. This localized accelerated flow decreases the static pressure at the exit of the turbine and allows for additional power generation for a given free-stream flight condition. Lobe mixers in various locations improves mixing between the accelerated flow and the turbine exhaust flow, and the combined exhaust flow and the free-stream air surrounding the aerodynamic body.
US08480360B2	Turbocharger turbine A turbocharger turbine having a double-layer flow passage and a variable cross-section, including a turbine housing, a volute diffuser channel, a power turbine, a volute gas feeding passage, and a partition wall. The volute gas feeding passage is arranged in the turbine housing. The partition wall is arranged in the volute gas feeding passage and divides the volute gas feeding passage into an external volute gas feeding passage and an internal volute gas feeding passage. The external volute gas feeding passage is located outside the internal volute gas feeding passage. The combination of the external and internal volute gas feeding passages forms different flow areas, sufficiently utilizing the waste gas energy of engines in a segmented mode. The variable cross-section turbine has a simple structure, is easy to upgrade at low cost, and can be easily mass-manufactured.
US08480359B2	Blower A blower comprising: a snail-shaped base, a snail-shaped cover, blades and a motor, wherein the snail-shaped base and the snail-shaped cover form a exhaust channel, the blades are horizontally provided in the exhaust channel, the snail-shaped cover above the blades is provided with an air intake channel formed by a motor mounting chamber and a motor cover, and the motor is vertically disposed in the air intake channel and connected to the blades therebelow. The blower is structurally scientific and concise. When the blower operates, air is taken in and provides effective heat dissipation for the motor, and there is a sufficient distance between the motor and the ground surface, and waterproof designs of the sealed capacitor junction box and both ends of the motor can perform an excellent waterproof function.
US08480353B2	Cooling system of ring segment and gas turbine A cooling system of a ring segment for a gas turbine, which includes first cooling passages disposed in an axial direction of the rotating shaft of a main body of the segment body, second cooling passages disposed at one end portion in a direction approximately perpendicular to the first cooling passages, and blowing a cooling air toward the end portion of a neighboring segment body, and third cooling passages connecting a first cavity, which is disposed approximately perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating shaft at the upstream-end portion, with a cooling space, which is surrounded by the segment body and a collision plate having a plurality of small holes. The first cooling passages include cooling passages of a first region and a second region having a smaller passage cross-sectional area than the first-region cooling passages or a greater arrangement pitch than the first-region cooling passages.
US08480350B2	Turbofan engine with variable bypass nozzle exit area and method of operation A turbofan engine includes core and fan nacelles that provide a bypass flow path having a nozzle exit area. The bypass flow path carries a bypass flow to be expelled from the nozzle exit area. A turbofan is arranged within the fan nacelle and upstream from the core nacelle for generating the bypass flow. A flow control device includes a surface in the bypass flow path including an aperture. The flow device is adapted to introduce a fluid into the bypass flow path for altering a boundary layer of the bypass flow that effectively changes the nozzle exit area. In one example, bleed air is introduced through the aperture. In another example, pulses of fluid from a Helmholz resonator flow through the aperture. By decreasing the boundary layer, the nozzle exit area is effectively increased. By increasing the boundary layer, the nozzle exit area is effectively decreased.
US08480349B2	Device for longitudinal adjustment of a spreader A device for longitudinal adjustment of a spreader relative to the yoke beam with a sled for lateral adjustment of the spreader between the supports of a straddle carrier for picking up and transporting containers includes a base frame and mountings for support bolts firmly connected with it, a traverse with openings for support bolts and an attachment for a displacement cylinder, support bolts between the mountings and the traverse, and displacement cylinders between the base frame and the traverse.
US08480343B2	Fastener, installation tool and related method of use A fastener including a chisel point that pre-bores a hole in a work piece to prevent damage to the work piece as the fastener advances. The fastener can include a head, a shaft and a chisel brake point formed at an end of the shaft. The chisel brake point can include first and second opposing inclined surfaces disposed at an angle of about 80° to about 150° relative to one another. A thread can begin adjacent the chisel brake point and form an extension of an inclined surface and/or a chisel edge. The chisel brake point can scrape material from a work piece while pre-boring a hole. The material can be transferred to the thread, and subsequently fed up the thread, out of the pre-bored hole. The chisel brake point can also selectively retard advancement of the fastener into the work piece. Methods of installing the fastener also are provided.
US08480339B1	Trim coping apparatus A trim coping apparatus includes a support frame having an upper support and a plurality of legs attached thereto. A cutting assembly includes a saw blade and motor for rotating the saw blade. A panel is mounted to the support frame. The panel has a planar upper surface and the saw blade extends above and below the upper surface. The panel and the cutting assembly are movable with respect to each other to allow a portion of wall trim extending over an edge of the panel to be cut by the saw blade. A control guide is in communication with the panel and is configured to follow contouring on a face of a piece of guide trim to restrict movement of the panel and the cutting assembly with respect to each other to allow the cutting assembly to cope an ending of the piece of wall trim.
US08480334B2	Hybrid riser systems and methods There is disclosed a floating system positioned in a body of water having a water bottom, the system comprising a host member floating on a surface of the water; a flotation module floating under the surface of the water; a flexible hose connecting the host member to the flotation module; and an elongated underwater line structure, comprising a top portion connected to the flotation module; a bottom portion extending to the water bottom and adapted to connect to a flowline lying on the water bottom; and at least one of the top portion and the bottom portion comprising a catenary configuration.
US08480333B2	Frame rail assemblies and interlocking frame rail systems A frame rail assembly for a boat dock structure includes a frame rail member and a removable resilient rub-rail member. The frame rail member includes a first side configured for securing the frame rail member to a side of the boat dock structure; a second side opposing the first side; a first channel extending along a length of the frame rail member; and a second channel below the first channel, the second channel extending along the length of the frame rail member. An interlocking frame rail system for boat dock structures includes a first frame rail member, a second frame rail member, and an upper connector member extending along at least a portion of a length of the first frame rail member and at least a portion of the length of a second frame rail member.

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