Document Document Title
US08487027B2 Golf ball material and method of preparing the same
The invention provides a golf ball material which is a resin mixture composed of (a) an olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymer and/or an olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid-unsaturated carboxylic acid ester copolymer having a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of from 40,000 to 80,000 and a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) to number-average molecular weight (Mn) ratio of from 5.0 to 8.0, or a metal neutralization product thereof, (b) an olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymer and/or an olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid-unsaturated carboxylic acid ester copolymer having a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of from 120,000 to 200,000 and a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) to number-average molecular weight (Mn) ratio of from 6.0 to 9.5, or a metal neutralization product thereof, (c) an organic acid or a metal salt thereof, and (d) a basic inorganic metal compound for neutralizing at least 70 mol % of acid groups in components (a) to (c), which resin mixture has a Shore D hardness of from 30 to 50. The golf ball material of the invention is a low-hardness material. Golf balls in which an injection molding of the golf ball material is used as a cover material have an excellent rebound and durability.
US08487026B2 Hot-melt adhesive substance
The invention relates to a hot-melt adhesive substance for sticking together fibrous materials such as matted nonwovens or woven textiles with smooth substrate surfaces, such as plastic or metal films, and for laminating said materials. Said substance is characterized in that it contains at least one polyolefin which has been produced by polymerization in the presence of metallocene as a catalyst and has a ring/ball softening point of between 50 and 165° C. and a melting viscosity, measured at a temperature of 170° C., of between 20 and 40,000 mPa-s. The hot-melt adhesive substance can also contain at least one adhesive component and is used in a quantity of between 3 and 6 g/m2, preferably between 4 and 5.5 g/m2, for sticking a film to a nonwoven material during the production of hygiene items such as disposable nappies, baby nappies, incontinence products, panty liners and/or sanitary towels.
US08487022B2 Composition for surface colouration of paper
The invention relates to a composition for surface coloration of paper web comprising a) from 0.1 to 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of a coloring pigment, b) from 0.1 to 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition of a starch/latex copolymer, characterized in that, in addition to starch, the monomeric components that are copolymerized comprise i) styrene or a substituted styrene, ii) an acrylate and/or methacrylate and, optionally, iii) one or more further ethylenically unsaturated monomers, c) from 0 to 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of starch or a starch derivative, d) from 0 to 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition of one or more auxiliaries and e) water to complete to 100% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.
US08487020B2 Microcapsules containing curable siloxanes
Aqueous suspensions of silicate shell microcapsules are disclosed wherein a first portion of the silicate shell micro-capsules contain an organopolysiloxane having at least two alkenyl groups and a hydrosilylation catalyst as Part A of a curable siloxane composition, and a second portion of the silicate shell microcapsules contain an organohydrogensiloxane as Part B of the curable siloxane composition.
US08487017B2 Biodegradable materials for orthopedic devices based on polymer stereocomplexes
An implantable orthopedic medical device is disclosed. The medical devices is formed from a biodegradable polymer stereocomplex comprising a biodegradable polymer including a first enantiomer and a second enantiomer, wherein the implantable medical device initially degrades at a first degradation rate and subsequently degrades at a second degradation rate that is faster than the first degradation rate.
US08487011B2 Sulfided fischer-tropsch catalyst
Methods and compositions relate to a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst utilized to convert syngas into paraffins. The catalyst includes a given amount of sulfur content from contact of a catalytic supported metal with sulfur. Subsequent activation of the catalyst prepares the catalyst to be used for conversion of the syngas. The sulfur content maintained in the catalyst after being activated influences selectivity to paraffins over olefins and oxygenates.
US08487008B2 Treatment of muscular dystrophies and associated conditions by administration of monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Administration of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor is useful in the prevention and treatment of muscle dystrophy. Methods and compositions for inhibiting the production of reactive oxygen species in a muscle cell overproducing reactive oxygen species are provided herein.
US08487007B2 Pharmaceutical formulation containing palmitoyl ethanolamide and stearoyl ethanolamide
The invention concerns new pharmaceutical formulations containing a blend of palmitoyl ethanolamide or PEA and stearoyl ethanolamide or SEA compounds as active principles. The formulation is suitable for oral, parenteral, topical, transdermic, rectal, sublingual, nasal, topical, transdermic, rectal, nasal or sublingual administration, whereby the dosage form of said formulations can be in patches, suppositories, ovules, pessaries, aerosol or spray, emulsions, suspensions, solutions. Said pharmaceutical formulations are useful for the treatment or prevention of skin pathologies, for the treatment or prevention of gynaecological pathologies, for the treatment of disorders or pathologies characterized by improper metabolism of fatty acids as well as for the treatment of disorders or pathologies characterized by inflammatory states
US08487006B2 Method of enhancing TGF-β signalling
The present invention is directed to a method of enhancing TGF-β signaling in a subject comprising administering to said subject a clathrin-dependent endocytosis inhibitor in an amount sufficient to enhance TGF-β signaling. In another aspect, the invention is directed to a method of treating a condition associated with decreased TGF-β signaling in a patient in need thereof comprising administering to said patient a clathrin-dependent endocytosis inhibitor in a therapeutically effective amount.
US08487003B2 Treatment of cancer by administration of perfluorooctanoic acid
The molecules of formula (I) are useful in treating diabetes, obesity, hypercholesterolaemia, hyperlipidaemia, cancer, inflammation or other conditions in which modulation of lipid or eicosanoid status or functions may be desirable. Formula (I): Z1—X—Z2 wherein a) Z1 represents CO2H or a derivative thereof; b) Z2 represents F, H, —CO2H or a derivative thereof; and c) X represents fluorinated alkylene; or a solvate thereof, for example a perfluorinated fatty acid or derivative thereof.
US08486994B2 Prodrugs of substituted 1,3-dioxanes and their uses
The present invention relates to prodrugs of compounds containing 1,3-dioxane moiety, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and the use of the compounds and compositions for the modulation of thromboxane A2 or a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor. The prodrugs of the compounds, analogs, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions can be used in the treatment and prevention of cancer.
US08486986B2 Microbiocides
Compounds of the formula (I), in which the substituents are as defined in claim 1 are suitable for use as microbiocides.
US08486985B2 Selective subtype alpha 2 adrenergic agents and methods for use thereof
The invention provides methods for treating disorders associated with selective subtype modulation of alpha 2 adrenergic receptors. In particular, the invention provides methods employing well-defined N-[1-(2 and/or 3-substituted-phenyl)-alkyl]-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-amines and pharmaceutical compositions thereof to treat disorders associated with selective subtype alpha 2 adrenergic receptor modulation, such as ocular disorders, pain and central nervous system (CNS) motor disorders.
US08486984B2 Aminomethyl substituted bicyclic aromatic compounds suitable for treating disorders that respond to modulation of the dopamine D3 receptor
The present invention relates to an aminomethyl substituted bicyclic aromatic compound of the formula I The invention also relates to the use of a compound of the formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for preparing a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of a medical disorder susceptible to treatment with a dopamine D3 receptor ligand.
US08486982B2 1,2,4-oxadiazole benzoic acids
Novel 1,2,4-oxadiazole benzoic acid compounds, methods of using and pharmaceutical compositions comprising an 1,2,4-oxadiazole benzoic acid derivative are disclosed. The methods include methods of treating or preventing a disease ameliorated by modulation of premature translation termination or nonsense-mediated mRNA decay, or ameliorating one or more symptoms associated therewith.
US08486975B2 Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors
Heteroaromatic compounds of Formula I: are HIV reverse transcriptase inhibitors, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are defined herein. The compounds of Formula I and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts are useful in the inhibition of HIV reverse transcriptase, the prophylaxis and treatment of infection by HIV and in the prophylaxis, delay in the onset or progression, and treatment of AIDS. The compounds and their salts can be employed as ingredients in pharmaceutical compositions, optionally in combination with other antivirals, immunomodulators, antibiotics or vaccines.
US08486971B2 Derivatives of 3-alkoxy-4,5-diarylthiophene-2-carboxamide, preparation thereof, and therapeutic use thereof
The invention relates to compounds of the formula (I), where: R1 is: a —NR5R6 group; an unsubstituted or substituted phenyl; R2 is: a (C1-C4)alkyl; an —X—R7 group; R3 and R4 each are independently a substituted phenyl; R5 is a hydrogen atom or a (C1-C4)alkyl; R6 is an unsubstituted or substituted (C1-C4)alkyl; or R5 and R6 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bonded constitute an unsubstituted or substituted heterocyclic compound; X is a (C1-C5)alkylene; R7 is an —OR8 group, a —NR9R10 group, an —SO2—(C1-C4)alkyl group; R8 is a hydrogen atom or a (C1-C4)alkyl; R9 is a hydrogen atom or a (C1-C4)alkyl; R10 is a hydrogen atom, a —COR11 group, an —SO2R11 group or a —CO(CH2)mOH group; R11 is an unsubstituted or substituted (C1-C4)alkyl; m is 1, 2 or 3. The invention also relates to methods for preparing same and to the therapeutic use thereof.
US08486970B2 Tetrahydroisoquinolin-1-one derivative or salt thereof
[Problems] To provide a pharmaceutical, in particular a compound which can be used as a therapeutic agent for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).[Means for Solving Problems] It was found that a tetrahydroisoquinolin-1-one derivative having an amide group at the 4-position or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof has an excellent bombesin 2 (BB2) receptor antagonistic action. It is also found that the tetrahydroisoquinolin-1-one derivative is highly effective on bowel movement disorders. From the above, the tetrahydroisoquinolin-1-one derivative of the present invention is useful as a therapeutic agent for diseases associated with a BB2 receptor, in particular IBS.
US08486959B2 Dibenzo[f,h]isoquinoline derivatives
A group of novel dibenzo[f,h]isoquinoline derivatives as shown in the specification. Also disclosed are methods of using the compounds for treating a disease associated with NO overproduction, cancer, or viral infection.
US08486958B2 Crystalline forms of a 3-carboxypropyl-aminotetralin compound
The invention provides crystalline solid forms of (S)-4-((2S,3S)-7-carbamoyl-1,1-diethyl-3-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-ylamino)-2-cyclohexylmethyl-butyric acid. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising such crystalline solid forms, methods of using such crystalline solid forms to treat diseases associated with mu opioid receptor activity, and processes useful for preparing such crystalline solid forms.
US08486957B2 Chemotherapeutic for inducing an MSH2-dependent apoptotic pathway
A method of treating cancer in a subject in need thereof comprises administering said subject reserpine, yohimbine, an analog thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof, in an amount effective to treat the cancer. Compounds and compositions useful for carrying out the method are also described.
US08486956B2 Forms of rifaximin and uses thereof
The present invention relates to Rifaximin polymorphic forms, to their use in medicinal preparations and to therapeutic methods using them.
US08486955B2 Anti-cancer cyclopenta [g] quinazoline compounds
Cyclopenta[g]quinazolines of the formula (I):—wherein: A is a group OR or NR0R1 wherein R0 and R1 are each independently hydrogen C1-4 alkyl, C3-4 alkenyl, C3-4 alkynyl, C2-4 hydroxyalkyl, C2-4 halogenoalkyl or C1-4 cyanoalkyl, or R0 and R1 together with the intermediate N form a five- or six-membered heterocyclic ring; p is an integer in the range 1 to 4; R2 is hydrogen, C1-4 alkyl, C3-4 alkenyl, C3-4 alkynyl, C2-4 hydroxyalkyl, C2-4 halogenoalkyl or C1-4 cyanoalkyl; Ar1 is phenylene, thiophenediyl, thiazolediyl, pyridinediyl or pyrimidinediyl which may optionally bear one or two substituents selected from halogeno, hydroxy, amino, nitro, cyano, trifluoromethyl, C1-4 alkyl and C1-4 alkoxy; and R3 is a group of one of the following formulae: -A1—Ar2-A2-Y1-A5-CON(R)CH(Y4)Y5-A8-X—Ar4 and pharmaceutically acceptable salts or esters thereof are of therapeutic value particularly in the treatment of cancer.
US08486948B2 Piperazinodihydrothienopyrimidine derivatives
The invention relates to the novel dihydrothienopyrimidine sulfoxides of formula (I) and to the pharmacologically acceptable salts thereof, wherein X represents SO or SO2, preferably however SO, and wherein R3, R4, R4′, R5, R6 and R7 are defined as in claim 1. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing said compounds. The novel dihydrothienopyrimidine sulfoxides are suitable for use in the treatment of respiratory or gastrointestinal disorders or diseases, inflammatory diseases of the joints, the skin or the eyes, diseases of the peripheral or central nervous system or cancers.
US08486945B2 Heterocyclic inhibitors of an Hh-signal cascade, medicinal compositions based thereon and methods for treating diseases caused by the aberrant activity of an Hh-signal system
The invention relates to novel heterocyclic compounds and to the use thereof, to pharmaceutical compositions containing said chemical compounds as an active ingredient and to the use thereof for producing medicinal preparations for the human being and warm-blood animals for treating diseases caused by the aberrant activity of an Hedgehog (Hh)-signal system, in particular oncological diseases. The invention also relates to the use of the above-mentioned compounds in the form of ‘molecular pharmacological tools’ for examining (in vitro and in vivo) the biochemical features of the Hh-signal system, in particular, the interaction of Hh protein and transmembrane proteins, namely, suppressor Patched (Ptc) and protooncogenic proteins. The eight groups of the claimed compounds comprise the derivatives of 2,6-dihydro-7H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyridazine-7-one and 1,4-dihydropyrazolo[3,4-b][1,4]thiazine-5-one; N-acidylated 4-imidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidine-2-il-anilines; ([4H-thino[3,2-b]pyrrol-5-il) carbonyl]piperidine-4-carbonic acid amides; 2-(4carbomoilpyperidine-1-il)-isonicotinic acid amides; N-sylphonyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline-6-carbonic acid amides; and pyridine 2-amino-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrothieno[2,3-c]N-acidylated 3-azole derivatives.
US08486944B2 Product to boost photosynthesis
A composition to enhance efficiency of Photosynthesis and thereby increase agriculture/horticulture yield, containing approximately 5% to 90% Melamine, approximately 10% to 80% Ortho Phosphoric acid, approximately 8% POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, approximately 8% Sodium Hydroxide, and up to approximately 30% POTASSIUM SULPHATE, with approximately 5% of 0.5% DIETHYL AMINOETHYL HEXANOTE, approximately 10% ZINC SULPHATE MONOHYDRATE, approximately 8% to 15% Octoborate with IGSURF 6000, and approximately 5% to 10% wetting agent to get a product for boosting Photosynthesis in liquid, soluble powder, and/or granule form.
US08486939B2 Pyrimidinyl and 1,3,5-triazinyl benzimidazoles and their use in cancer therapy
Provided herein are pyrimidinyl and 1,3,5-triazinyl benzimidazoles of Formula I, and their pharmaceutical compositions, preparation, and use as agents or drugs for cancer therapy, either alone or in combination with radiation and/or other anticancer drugs.
US08486938B2 Pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines for antiviral treatment
The invention provides compounds of Formula I or Formula II: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester, thereof, as described herein. The compounds and compositions thereof are useful for treating Pneumovirinae virus infections. The compounds, compositions, and methods provided are particularly useful for the treatment of Human respiratory syncytial virus infections.
US08486934B2 Oxadiazine-substituted arylamides
Novel dioxazine- and oxdiazine-substituted arylamides of the formula (I) in which A1, A2, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are as defined in the description, a plurality of processes for preparing these compounds and their use for controlling pests, and also novel intermediates and processes for their preparation.
US08486932B2 Triazole compounds that modulate Hsp90 activity
The present invention relates to substituted triazole compounds and compositions comprising substituted triazole compounds. The invention further relates to methods of inhibiting the activity of Hsp90 in a subject in need thereof and methods for treating hyperproliferative disorders, such as cancer, in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject a substituted triazole compound of the invention, or a pharmaceutical composition comprising such a compound.
US08486929B2 Combination medicaments for treating bacterial infections
Use of a monobactam antibiotic of formula (I) wherein the oxyimino group i.e. >C═N—O— has Z-orientation, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a bacterial infection in combination with a carbapenem antibiotic or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US08486926B2 Steroid tetrol solid state forms
The invention relates to solid state forms of androst-5-ene-3β,7β,16α,17β-triol, formulations containing or prepared from such solid state forms and use of such materials for modulating acute and chronic non-productive inflammation. The formulations can be used to prevent, treat or slow the progression of conditions related to autoimmunity such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, ulcerative colitis or Type 1 diabetes. The formulations can also be used to prevent, treat or slow the progression of conditions related to metabolic disorders such as Type 2 diabetes.
US08486925B2 Testosterone gel and method of use
The present invention relates to an improved transdermal hydroalcoholic testosterone gel formulation that provides, among other things, a desirable pharmacokinetic hormone profile, and methods of use.
US08486924B2 Taxane delivery system
Nanoparticulate formulations for delivery of taxane conjugate prodrug formed from a taxane coupled to a hydrophobic moiety through a glycolate linker are described.
US08486916B2 Medicine, food and drink or feed containing sphingomyelin
It is intended to find novel pharmaceutical use of sphingomyelin and to provide preventive or therapeutic agents for various diseases as well as a food and drink product and feed comprising any of these agents. The present invention provides a pharmaceutical agent which contains sphingomyelin as an active ingredient and is any of the following agents: 1) a sialomucin secretion promoter, 2) an agent for preventing drunken sickness (hangover), 3) an antiallergic agent, 4) an antioxidant, 5) an agent for defending against infection, 6) a hair growth agent, 7) a therapeutic agent for demyelinating disease, 8) an anti-pigmentation agent, 9) an anti-inflammatory agent, and 10) an agent for improving learning ability. The present invention also provides a food and drink product or feed, characterized by comprising the agent. It is preferred that the sphingomyelin should be derived from milk.
US08486915B2 Compositions of water-insoluble active organic compounds
A concentrate suitable for forming a stable aqueous composition upon dilution with water includes a water-insoluble active organic compound and a water-insoluble oil-modified alpha-beta unsaturated carboxylic acid.
US08486913B2 MicroRNA fingerprints during human megakaryocytopoiesis
Described herein is a method of decreasing expression of HOXA1 in a subject having a cancer and/or myeloproliferative disorder associated with overexpression of a HOXA1 gene product where an effective amount of at least one miR-10a gene product or an isolated variant or biologically-active fragment thereof is administered to the subject sufficient to decrease expression of the HOXA1 gene product in the subject.
US08486910B2 SnoRNAi-small nucleolar RNA degradation by RNA interference in trypanosomatids
Polynucleotides and a method suitable for downregulation of small nuclear RNA which can be used to treat diseases associated with activity of small nuclear RNA are provided. Specifically, the present invention can be used to downregulate snoRNA molecules or box H/ACA-containing RNA molecules which are involved in diseases such as cancer.
US08486904B2 Antisense modulation of fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 expression
Antisense compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4). The compositions comprise antisense compounds, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acids encoding fibroblast growth factor receptor 4. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 expression and for treatment of diseases associated with expression of fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 are provided.
US08486902B2 Hydroxyl, keto, and glucuronide derivatives of 3-(4-(7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d] pyrimidin-4-yl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-3-cyclopentylpropanenitrile
The present invention provides hydroxyl, keto, and glucuronide derivatives of 3-(4-(7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-yl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-3-cyclopentylpropanenitrile.
US08486901B2 Sodium channel blocking compounds tetrodotoxin galactopyranosides
Novel sodium channel blocking compounds tetrodotoxm galactopyranosides of formula I were isolated and purified by HPLC and identified further through IR, NMR, GC, and MS. The compounds have a galactopyranosyl moiety attached to C11 of tetrodotoxin and retain the analgesic activity of the latter. Pharmaceutical compositions and medical uses thereof are further disclosed.
US08486898B2 Compounds and method for inhibiting the activity of gelatinase and collagenase
Compounds extracted from Rhodiola rosea have ability to inhibit gelatinases and collagenases activity. The compounds have the chemical structure as shown below.
US08486896B2 Lipid tripeptide-based hydrogelator and hydrogel
There is provided a hydrogelator that is capable of forming a hydrogel with an extremely small amount thereof over a liquid property range from acidic to alkaline, and a hydrogel having high environmental suitability, biocompatibility and biodegradability. A hydrogelator comprising a lipid peptide represented by Formula (1): (where R1 represents an aliphatic group having 9 to 21 carbon atoms; R2, R3 and R4 independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atom(s) which may have a branched chain having 1 or 2 carbon atom(s), a phenylmethyl group or a —(CH2)n—X group, and at least one of R2, R3 and R4 represents a —(CH2)n—X group; n represents the number of 1 to 4; X represents an amino group, a guanidino group, a —CONH2 group or a 5-membered ring, a 6-membered ring or a fused heterocyclic ring composed of a 5-membered ring and a 6-membered ring which may have 1 to 3 nitrogen atom(s)) or a salt thereof, and a hydrogel comprising the hydrogelator.
US08486893B2 Treatment of conditions involving demyelination
The invention provides methods of treating diseases, disorsers or injuries involving demyelination and dysmyelination, including multiple sclerosis, by the administration of an Sp35 antagonist.
US08486892B2 Blood coagulation factor inhibitors
The invention relates to novel compounds with formula (I) X1-X2-X3-X4-X5-(X6)n-(X7)m-Y useful as blood coagulation factor inhibitors. The compounds (I) may be used for treatment of thrombotic conditions or as stabilizers of liquid formulations of blood coagulation factors, in particular liquid formulations of FVIIa, Factor VII variants, or Factor VII derivatives.
US08486891B2 Nasal calcitonin formulations containing chlorobutanol
An aqueous solution of calcitonin suitable for intranasal administration comprised of calcitonin, chlorobutanol at a concentration of less than 0.4% weight/weight, and water and having a pH of less than 4 with the proviso that benzalkonium chloride is not present in the solution. The aqueous solution of calcitonin can be used to treat osteoporosis, Paget's bone disease and hypercalcemia.
US08486889B1 Composition and method for the treatment and prevention of endothelial dysfunction
This invention involves compositions and method of using of therapeutic agents for pain relief for the treatment and prevention of disorders associated with endothelial dysfunction, the cause of inflammation, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, asthma and stroke in mammals comprising anti-inflammatory agents, epinephrine, insulin, anti-viral agents and dietary supplements.
US08486885B2 β-arrestin effectors and compositions and methods of use thereof
This application describes a family of compounds acting as β-arrestin effectors. Such compounds may provide significant therapeutic benefit in the treatment of chronic and acute cardiovascular diseases.
US08486884B2 Method for producing granular or powdery detergent compositions
The present invention relates to a method for producing granular or pulverulent detergent compositions, comprising the production of a detergent base powder by drying an aqueous detergent slurry, which comprises adding to the slurry a copolymer which is obtained by free-radical copolymerization of (A) from 20 to 80% by weight of at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of monoethylenically unsaturated monocarboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids and dicarboxylic anhydrides, and (B) from 20 to 80% by weight of at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of aliphatic or aromatic monoolefins.
US08486883B2 Liquid washing or cleaning agent having a polymer preventing graying
The invention relates to the use of an anionic polymer in a liquid washing or cleaning agent for inhibiting graying when washing and/or cleaning textile web materials, and acrylic acid homopolymers comprising liquid washing and cleaning agents.
US08486881B2 Bleach granules comprising an active coating
The invention relates to co-granules containing a granule core and a sheath or coating layer surrounding the granule core. Said co-granules are characterized in that the granule core contains a) at least one bleach activator, a2) between 0 and 20 wt. % of the total quantity of at least one bleach catalyst contained in the co-granule, and c) at least one binding agent, and the sheath or coating layer contains d) between 80 and 100 wt. % of the total quantity of the at least one bleach catalyst contained in the co-granule, and e) at least one coating agent. The co-granules are advantageously suitable for producing cleaning products and detergents and especially products for washing crockery in a machine.
US08486878B2 Viscosity index improver for lubricant compositions
A lubricant composition comprises a base oil and a viscosity modifier including an ethylene/α-olefin interpolymer. The ethylene/α-olefin interpolymer has at least a hard segment and at least a soft segment. The soft segment contains a higher amount of comonomers than the hard segment. The hard segment has low crystallinity. The copolymer has a number of unique characteristics disclosed herein. Such copolymers offer the possibility of improved low temperature performance and flexibility in formulating motor oil, gear lubricants and greases, etc.
US08486869B2 Methods of plugging and abandoning a well using compositions comprising cement kiln dust and pumicite
The present invention is directed to plug-and-abandon operations that use plugging compositions comprising cement kiln dust, pumicite, and/or lime. An embodiment includes a method of plugging a well bore for abandonment comprising: placing a plugging composition in the well bore, the plugging composition comprising: cement kiln dust in an amount of about 5% to about 100% by weight of cementitious components, pumicite in an amount of about 5% to about 100% by weight of cementitious components, 0% to about 24% of Portland cement by weight of cementitious components, and water; and allowing the plugging composition to set and form a plug.
US08486864B2 Method for producing microstructured templates and their use in providing pinning enhancements in superconducting films deposited thereon
The present invention relates to a method for producing a phase-separated layer useful as a flux pinning substrate for a superconducting film, wherein the method includes subjecting at least a first and a second target material to a sputtering deposition technique in order that a phase-separated layer is deposited epitaxially on a primary substrate containing an ordered surface layer. The invention is also directed to a method for producing a superconducting tape containing pinning defects therein by depositing a superconducting film on a phase-separated layer produced by the method described above.
US08486863B2 Activators of lateral root formation
The present invention relates to small chemical compounds that act as activators of lateral root formation in plants. More specifically, it relates to small chemical compounds that are structurally not related to auxin but do have a similar effect on root density development in plants. Preferably, these compounds act more specifically on root development than auxin, and may have a different working mechanism.
US08486861B2 Use of adjuvants to improve abscisic acid performance
This invention relates to the use of selected adjuvants to improve the performance of S-(+)-abscisic acid (S-ABA, ABA) or ABA salts on plants.
US08486860B2 Methods of protecting crops from post harvest microbial decay
Methods for protecting fruit, vegetables and ornamentals against post harvest microbial decay by applying systemic acquired resistance inducers in combination with sorbic acid, and/or one or more of its alkali metal salts, and/or phosphorous acid, and/or one or more of its alkali metal salts.
US08486857B2 Donor substrate for laser induced thermal imaging and method of fabricating organic light emitting diode using the same
Provided are a donor substrate for laser induced thermal imaging (LITI) and a method of fabricating an organic light emitting diode (OLED) using the same, which can prevent a transferred emission layer from being damaged by heat and thus prevent wrinkles from forming on the surface thereof. The donor substrate includes a base layer, a light-to-heat conversion layer disposed on the base layer, a first transfer layer disposed on the light-to-heat conversion layer and including an organic layer, an inorganic layer, or a double layer thereof, and a second transfer layer disposed on the first transfer layer and including an emission layer. The first transfer layer has an absolute value of lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy level of 2.6 to 3.0 eV and a band gap energy of 2.8 to 3.4 eV.
US08486854B2 Polysaccharide phyllosilicate absorbent or superabsorbent nanocomposite materials
The present invention relates to an absorbent or a superabsorbent nanocomposite material comprising a polysaccharide and a phyllosilicate. The polysaccharide component can be a biodegradable polysaccharide that is a self-entangled glass-like polysaccharide or a crosslinked polysaccharide. The phyllosilicate component can be an exfoliation or a semi-exfoliation clay.
US08486850B2 Aluminophosphate glass composition
The invention relates to aluminophosphate-based glasses suitable for use as a solid laser medium, which further contains SiO2 and B2O3. The laser glasses possess desirable figure of merit values for FOMTM and FOMlaser, as described herein.
US08486849B2 Refastenable absorbent article and a method of applying thereof
Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders, training pants and the like, having elastomeric ear panels and a fastening system that provides the user with different options as to how the absorbent article may be fitted to and removed from the wearer. The absorbent articles allow the wearer to choose between conventional and pull-on diaper configurations, or combinations thereof, and properly and comfortably fit a large range of wearer sizes. Further, the absorbent articles can be pulled on and/or off as a pant. This feature is provided by the ear panels which maintain sufficient tension to hold the diaper on the wearer throughout the period of use without harming the wearer's skin, while providing enough stretch to allow the diaper to be pulled up or down over the wearer's hips. The fastening system is refastenable for convenience yet strong enough to maintain the diaper in a fastened configuration without becoming detached if the diaper is pulled on or off the wearer.
US08486847B2 Fabric simulating the plant structure for moisture management
A fabric having moisture management function, which has a structure simulating plant structure and comprises at least two layers as follows: a bottom layer, which is of a leno or matt structure simulating main stem of plant, in which a number of yarns are grouped together to form a plurality of fabric units; said bottom layer can be adapted to be in contact with human skin; a top layer, which is of a plain weave structure, in which the yarns of said fabric unit further split in the top layer to form such a plain weave structure, simulating the branching in plant structure; wherein, in said fabric, water can be transported from the bottom layer to the middle layer and further to the top layer where it evaporates due to the improved capillarity of the yarns so as to provide better moisture management function.
US08486846B2 Cabriolet soft top
A soft top is provided for a cabriolet. The soft top includes, but is not limited to, a monofilament warp thread and a monofilament weft thread. The soft top also includes, but is not limited to, a filling material substantially filling the interstices between the monofilament warp thread and the monofilament weft thread to form a substantially translucent fabric.
US08486845B2 Plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition system and method
A method for depositing a film on a substrate using a plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) process includes disposing the substrate in a process chamber configured to facilitate the PEALD process, introducing a first process material within the process chamber and introducing a second process material within the process chamber. Also included is coupling electromagnetic power to the process chamber during introduction of the second process material in order to generate a plasma that facilitates a reduction reaction between the first and second process materials at a surface of the substrate. A reactive gas is introduced within the process chamber, the reactive gas chemically reacting with contaminants in the process chamber to release the contaminants from at least one of a process chamber component or the substrate.
US08486838B2 Method for forming a fine pattern using isotropic etching
A method for forming a fine pattern using isotropic etching, includes the steps of forming an etching layer on a semiconductor substrate, and coating a photoresist layer on the etching layer, performing a lithography process with respect to the etching layer coated with the photoresist layer, and performing a first isotropic etching process with respect to the etching layer including a photoresist pattern formed through the lithography process, depositing a passivation layer on the etching layer including the photoresist pattern, and performing a second isotropic etching process with respect to the passivation layer. The second isotropic etching process is directly performed without removing the predetermined portion of the passivation layer.
US08486833B2 Fabrication of conductive pathways, microcircuits and microstructures in microfluidic networks
Disclosed herein are a variety of microfluidic devices and solid, typically electrically conductive devices that can be formed using such devices as molds. In certain embodiments, the devices that are formed comprise conductive pathways formed by solidifying a liquid metal present in one or more microfluidic channels (such devices hereinafter referred to as “microsolidic” devices). In certain such devices, in which electrical connections can be formed and/or reformed between regions in a microfluidic structure; in some cases, the devices/circuits formed may be flexible and/or involve flexible electrical components. In certain embodiments, the solid metal wires/conductive pathways formed in microfluidic channel(s) may remain contained within the microfluidic structure. In certain such embodiments, the conductive pathways formed may be located in proximity to other microfluidic channel(s) of the structure that carry flowing fluid, such that the conductive pathway can create energy (e.g. electromagnetic and/or thermal energy) that interacts withy and/or affects the flowing fluid and/or a component contained therein or carried thereby. In other embodiments, a microsolidic structure may be removed from a microfluidic mold to form a stand-alone structure. In certain embodiments, the solid metal structures formed may interact with light energy incident upon a structure or may be used to fabricate a light-weight electrode. Another aspect of the invention relates to the formation of self-assembled structures that may comprise these electrically conductive pathways/connections.
US08486829B2 Semiconductor element having a conductive via and method for making the same and package having a semiconductor element with a conductive via
The present invention relates to a semiconductor element having a conductive via and a method for making the same and a package having a semiconductor element with a conductive via. The semiconductor element includes a silicon chip and at least one conductive via. The silicon chip includes a silicon substrate and an active circuit layer. The active circuit layer is disposed on a second surface of the silicon substrate, and has at least one metal layer. The conductive via penetrates the silicon substrate, and includes a conductive metal, The conductive metal electrically connects to the metal layer of the active circuit layer, and a surface of the conductive metal is exposed to the outside of a first surface of the silicon substrate. Therefore, a chip is able to be directly stacked on the semiconductor element without forming a passivation layer and a redistribution layer on the first surface of the silicon substrate, and the process is simplified and the manufacturing cost is decreased.
US08486828B2 Semiconductor device manufacturing method
A semiconductor device manufacturing method has forming a metal film containing platinum by depositing a metal on a source/drain diffusion layer primarily made of silicon formed on a semiconductor substrate and on a device isolation insulating film; forming a silicide film by silicidation of an upper part of the source/drain diffusion layer by causing a reaction between silicon in the source/drain diffusion layer and the metal on the source/drain diffusion layer by a first heating processing; forming a metal oxide film by a oxidation processing to oxidize selectively at least a surface of the metal film on the device isolation insulating film; increasing the concentration of silicon in the silicide film by a second heating processing; and selectively removing the metal oxide film and an unreacted part of the metal film on the device isolation insulating film.
US08486825B2 Methods of forming semiconductor device packages including a semiconductor device and a redistribution element, methods of forming redistribution elements and methods for packaging semiconductor devices
A method for fabricating a chip-scale board-on-chip substrate, or redistribution element, includes forming conductive planes on opposite sides of a substrate. A first of the conductive planes includes two sets of bond fingers, conductive traces that extend from a first set of the bond fingers, and two sets of redistributed bond pads, including a first set to which the conductive traces lead. The second conductive plane includes conductive traces that extend from locations that are opposite from the second set of bond fingers toward locations that are opposite from the locations of the second set of redistributed bond pads. Conductive vias are formed through the second set of bond fingers to the conductive traces of the second conductive plane. In addition, conductive vias are also formed to electrically connect the conductive vias of the second conductive plane to their corresponding redistributed bond pads in the first conductive plane.
US08486824B2 Enhancing metal/low-K interconnect reliability using a protection layer
A protection layer is coated or otherwise formed over the interconnect structure. The interconnect structure includes a metal line (such as top and bottom metal layers connected by a metal via) and a low-K material. The protection layer includes a vertically aligned dielectric or other material dispersed with carbon nanotubes. The protection layer could include one or multiple layers of carbon nanotubes, and the carbon nanotubes could have any suitable dispersion, alignment, and pattern in each layer of the protection layer. Among other things, the carbon nanotubes help to reduce or prevent damage to the interconnect structure, such as by reducing or preventing the collapse of the low-K material or delamination between the metal line and the low-K material.
US08486818B2 Semiconductor devices including buried gate electrodes and isolation layers and methods of forming semiconductor devices including buried gate electrodes and isolation layers using self aligned double patterning
A semiconductor device, including a semiconductor substrate including isolations defining active regions of the semiconductor substrate, and a plurality of buried gate electrodes between a pair of the isolations, wherein each of the buried gate electrodes and the isolations includes a conductive layer and a capping layer.
US08486815B2 Back-side illumination image sensor and method for fabricating back-side illumination image sensor
A method for fabricating a back-side illumination image sensor includes: implanting a first type of dopant into an epitaxial layer disposed over a first side of a substrate layer to form a first dopant layer in a first side of the epitaxial layer; adhering a carry layer over the first dopant layer for carrying the substrate layer; grinding a second side of the substrate layer for exposing a second side of the epitaxial layer; implanting the first type of dopant into the epitaxial layer from the second side of the epitaxial layer to form a second dopant layer in the second side of the epitaxial layer; forming at least one metal layer over the second dopant layer after forming the second dopant layer in the second side of the epitaxial layer; removing the carry layer; and forming a color filtering module over the first dopant layer.
US08486805B2 Through-silicon via and method for forming the same
A through-silicon via and a method for forming the same are provided. The method includes: providing a semiconductor substrate, the semiconductor substrate including an upper surface and an opposite lower surface; etching the upper surface of the semiconductor substrate to form an opening; filling the opening with a conductive material to form a first nail; etching the lower surface of the semiconductor substrate to form a recess, such that the first nail is exposed at a bottom of the recess; filling the recess with a conductive material that can be etched, and etching the conductive material that can be etched to form a second nail, such that the second nail is vertically connected with the first nail; and filling a gap between the second nail and the semiconductor substrate and a gap between the second nail and an adjacent second nail with a dielectric layer. Then invention can improve the reliability of through-silicon vias and avoid voids.
US08486800B2 Trench capacitor and method for producing the same
A method of fabricating a trench capacitor, and a trench capacitor fabricated thereby, are disclosed. The method involves the use of a vacuum impregnation process for a sol-gel film, to facilitate effective deposition of high-permittivity materials within a trench in a semiconductor substrate, to provide a trench capacitor having a high capacitance while being efficient in utilization of semiconductor real estate.
US08486799B2 Method for manufacturing solid electrolytic capacitor
A dielectric layer is formed in the surface of an anode body which is composed of a sintered body, a semiconductor layer composed of an electrically-conductive polymer is formed on the dielectric layer, and then an electric conductor layer is formed on the semiconductor layer with an electrically-conductive paste which contains a dispersant to obtain a solid electrolytic capacitor element: The electric conductor layer of the solid electrolytic capacitor element is electrically connected to a cathode terminal using the electrically-conductive paste which contains a dispersant, and the anode body is electrically connected to an anode terminal through a lead wire by welding. The solid electrolytic capacitor element connected to the terminals is immersed in a solvent, and then the solid electrolytic capacitor element is encapsulated with a resin to obtain a solid electrolytic capacitor.
US08486798B1 Variable capacitance chamber component incorporating a semiconductor junction and methods of manufacturing and using thereof
A replaceable chamber element for use in a plasma processing system, such as a plasma etching system, is described. The replaceable chamber element includes a chamber component configured to be exposed to plasma in a plasma processing system, wherein the chamber component is fabricated to include a semiconductor junction, and wherein a capacitance of the chamber component is varied when a voltage is applied across the semiconductor junction.
US08486796B2 Thin film resistors and methods of manufacture
A method of forming a semiconductor structure includes: forming a resistor over a substrate; forming at least one first contact in contact with the resistor; and forming at least one second contact in contact with the resistor. The resistor is structured and arranged such that current flows from the at least one first contact to the at least one second contact through a central portion of the resistor. The resistor includes at least one extension extending laterally outward from the central portion in a direction parallel to the current flow. The method includes sizing the at least one extension based on a thermal diffusion length of the resistor.
US08486795B2 Method of fabricating transistors
A method of fabricating transistors includes: providing a substrate including an N-type well and P-type well; forming a first gate on the N-type well and a second gate on the P-type well, respectively; forming a third spacer on the first gate; forming an epitaxial layer in the substrate at two sides of the first gate; forming a fourth spacer on the second gate; forming a silicon cap layer covering the surface of the epitaxial layer and the surface of the substrate at two sides of the fourth spacer; and forming a first source/drain doping region and a second source/drain doping region at two sides of the first gate and the second gate respectively.
US08486789B2 Method for manufacturing insulated gate field effect transistor
Disclosed herein is a method for manufacturing an insulated gate field effect transistor, the method including the steps of: (a) preparing a base that includes source/drain regions, a channel forming region, a gate insulating film formed on the channel forming region, an insulating layer covering the source/drain regions, and a gate electrode formation opening provided in a partial portion of the insulating layer above the channel forming region; (b) forming a gate electrode by burying a conductive material layer in the gate electrode formation opening; (c) removing the insulating layer; and (d) depositing a first interlayer insulating layer and a second interlayer insulating layer sequentially across an entire surface, wherein in the step (d), the first interlayer insulating layer is deposited in a deposition atmosphere containing no oxygen atom.
US08486788B2 Semiconductor device and method for fabricating the same
A semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor substrate in which a trench is formed; a source region and a drain region each of which is buried in the trench and contains an impurity of the same conductive type; a semiconductor FIN buried in the trench and provided between the source and drain regions; a gate insulating film provided on a side surface of the semiconductor FIN as well as the upper surface of the semiconductor FIN; and a gate electrode formed on the gate insulating film.
US08486787B2 Method of fabricating semiconductor device
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device includes forming a first contact opening having a relatively larger depth than a second contact opening to expose first and second contacts through an insulation layer, where the first and second contacts are located at different depths with respect to an upper surface of the insulation layer. Therefore, it is possible to prevent excessive over-etch of the second contact opening and minimize etching damage to the contact region exposed by the second contact opening.
US08486782B2 Flash memory devices and methods for fabricating the same
Flash memory devices and methods for fabricating the same are provided. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method for fabricating a memory device comprises the steps of fabricating a first gate stack and a second gate stack overlying a substrate. A trench is etched into the substrate between the first gate stack and the second gate stack and a first impurity doped region is formed within the substrate underlying the trench. The trench is filled at least partially with a conductive material.
US08486780B2 Doped electrode for dram applications
A metal oxide first electrode layer for a MIM DRAM capacitor is formed wherein the first and/or second electrode layers contain one or more dopants up to a total doping concentration that will not prevent the electrode layers from crystallizing during a subsequent anneal step. One or more of the dopants has a work function greater than about 5.0 eV. One or more of the dopants has a resistivity less than about 1000 μΩ cm. Advantageously, the electrode layers are conductive molybdenum oxide.
US08486778B2 Low resistance source and drain extensions for ETSOI
A gate dielectric is patterned after formation of a first gate spacer by anisotropic etch of a conformal dielectric layer to minimize overetching into a semiconductor layer. In one embodiment, selective epitaxy is performed to sequentially form raised epitaxial semiconductor portions, a disposable gate spacer, and raised source and drain regions. The disposable gate spacer is removed and ion implantation is performed into exposed portions of the raised epitaxial semiconductor portions to form source and drain extension regions. In another embodiment, ion implantation for source and drain extension formation is performed through the conformal dielectric layer prior to an anisotropic etch that forms the first gate spacer. The presence of the raised epitaxial semiconductor portions or the conformation dielectric layer prevents complete amorphization of the semiconductor material in the source and drain extension regions, thereby enabling regrowth of crystalline source and drain extension regions.
US08486776B2 Strained devices, methods of manufacture and design structures
Strained Si and strained SiGe on insulator devices, methods of manufacture and design structures is provided. The method includes growing an SiGe layer on a silicon on insulator wafer. The method further includes patterning the SiGe layer into PFET and NFET regions such that a strain in the SiGe layer in the PFET and NFET regions is relaxed. The method further includes amorphizing by ion implantation at least a portion of an Si layer directly underneath the SiGe layer. The method further includes performing a thermal anneal to recrystallize the Si layer such that a lattice constant is matched to that of the relaxed SiGe, thereby creating a tensile strain on the NFET region. The method further includes removing the SiGe layer from the NFET region. The method further includes performing a Ge process to convert the Si layer in the PFET region into compressively strained SiGe.
US08486769B2 Method for forming metrology structures from fins in integrated circuitry
A method for forming a plurality of fins on a semiconductor substrate includes depositing a spacer layer to fill in gaps between the plurality of fins, the fins comprising a first material and the spacer layer comprising a second material. A first area is defined where the fins need to be broadened and a second area is defined where the fins do not need to be broadened. The method also includes patterning the spacer layer to remove spacers in the first area where the fins need to be broadened and applying an epitaxy process at a predetermined rate to grow a layer of the first material on fins in the first area. The spacer layer is removed in the second area where the fins do not need broadening.
US08486767B2 Interconnects with improved electromigration reliability
An interconnect structure in a semiconductor device may be formed to include a number of segments. Each segment may include a first metal. A barrier structure may be located between the plurality of segments to enable the interconnect structure to avoid electromigration problems.
US08486766B2 Method for thermally contacting opposing electrical connections of a semiconductor component arrangement
The invention relates to thermally contacting a semiconductor component arrangement, wherein at least one of two heat conducting bodies disposed on opposite sides of the semiconductor component arrangement is brought into contact with a contact surface of the semiconductor component arrangement by means of a metal layer under the application of a force, wherein the metal layer melts during solidification of a locking agent, forming an adhesive bond between the two heat transfer bodies over the entire region thereof.
US08486762B2 Leadless array plastic package with various IC packaging configurations
A leadless integrated circuit (IC) package comprising an IC chip mounted to a die-attach area and a plurality of electrical contacts electrically connected to the IC chip. The IC chip, the electrical contacts, and the die-attach area are all covered with a molding material, with portions of the electrical contacts and die-attach area protruding from a bottom surface of the molding material.
US08486758B2 Simultaneous wafer bonding and interconnect joining
Disclosed are a microelectronic assembly of two elements and a method of forming same. A microelectronic element includes a major surface, and a dielectric layer and at least one bond pad exposed at the major surface. The microelectronic element may contain a plurality of active circuit elements. A first metal layer is deposited overlying the at least one bond pad and the dielectric layer. A second element having a second metal layer deposited thereon is provided, and the first metal layer is joined with the second metal layer. The assembly may be severed along dicing lanes into individual units each including a chip.
US08486755B2 Magnetic field sensors and methods for fabricating the magnetic field sensors
Magnetic field sensors and associated methods of manufacturing the magnetic field sensors include molded structures to encapsulate a magnetic field sensing element and an associated die attach pad of a lead frame and to also encapsulate or form a magnet or a flux concentrator.
US08486754B1 Method for manufacturing a gate-control diode semiconductor device
This invention belongs to semiconductor device manufacturing field and discloses a method for manufacturing a gate-control diode semiconductor device. When the gate voltage is relatively high, the channel under the gate has an n type and the device has a simple gate-control pn junction structure; by way of controlling the effective n-type concentration of the ZnO film through back-gate control, inverting the n-type ZnO into p-type through the gate and using NiO as a p-type semiconductor, an n-p-n-p doping structure is formed. The present invention features capacity of manufacturing gate-control diode devices able to reduce the chip power consumption through the advantages of a high driving current and small sub-threshold swing, is especially applicable to the manufacturing of reading & writing devices having flat panel displays & phase change memory, and semiconductor devices based on flexible substrates.
US08486752B2 Phase change memory device having dielectric layer for isolating contact structure formed by growth, semiconductor device having the same, and methods for manufacturing the devices
A phase change memory device includes a semiconductor substrate having an impurity region and an interlayer dielectric applying a tensile stress formed on the semiconductor substrate and having contact holes exposing the impurity region. Switching elements are formed in the contact holes; and sidewall spacers interposed between the switching elements and the interlayer dielectric and formed as a dielectric layer applying a compressive stress.
US08486751B2 Method of manufacturing a photovoltaic cell
A method of manufacturing a photovoltaic cell using a semiconductor wafer having a front side and a rear side, wherein the photovoltaic cell produces electricity when the front side of the semiconductor wafer is illuminated.
US08486737B2 Thin film deposition apparatus and method of manufacturing organic light-emitting display device by using the same
A thin film deposition apparatus and a method of manufacturing an organic light-emitting display device by using the same, and more particularly, to a thin film deposition apparatus that can remove a deposition material deposited on a patterning slit sheet without performing an additional cleaning process, and a method of manufacturing an organic light-emitting display device by using the thin film deposition apparatus.
US08486736B2 Method for manufacturing light-emitting device
A method for manufacturing a light-emitting device is provided, which includes a step of forming a light-absorbing layer including an unevenness portion over a first substrate, a step of forming a first organic compound layer over the light-absorbing layer, a step of providing a second substrate over the first substrate with the light-absorbing layer and the first organic compound layer interposed therebetween, and a step of irradiating the light-absorbing layer with light to deposit a second organic compound layer including a material contained in the first organic compound layer onto the second substrate.
US08486733B2 Package having light-emitting element and fabrication method thereof
A package having a light-emitting element includes a substrate having a light-emitting element disposed thereon, an insulating layer formed on the substrate and having an opening for exposing the light-emitting element, a florescent layer formed in the opening of the insulating layer for encapsulating the light-emitting element, and a transparent material formed on the florescent layer and the insulating layer. As such, a specific space can be defined by the insulating layer for exposing the light-emitting element and forming the fluorescent layer, thereby overcoming the problem of non-uniform coating of phosphor powder as encountered in prior techniques.
US08486729B2 Light-emitting device having a thinned structure and the manufacturing method thereof
A semiconductor light-emitting device having a thinned structure comprises a thinned structure formed between a semiconductor light-emitting structure and a carrier. The manufacturing method comprises the steps of forming a semiconductor light-emitting structure above a substrate; attaching the semiconductor light-emitting structure to a support; thinning the substrate to form a thinned structure; forming or attaching a carrier to the thinned substrate; and removing the support.
US08486728B2 Semiconductor device including semiconductor elements mounted on base plate
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device and a semiconductor device including a first semiconductor element mounted on a first surface of a base plate, wherein solder balls are formed on a second opposite surface of the base plate—such that the second opposite surface includes an area without solder balls. At least one second semiconductor element is mounted to the base plate at the area of the second surface without solder balls. The at least one semiconductor element may be mounted to the base plate using low molecular adhesive, or in the alternative, high temperature solder.
US08486725B2 Color control by alteration of wavelenght converting element
A light emitting device is produced by depositing a layer of wavelength converting material over the light emitting device, testing the device to determine the wavelength spectrum produced and correcting the wavelength converting member to produce the desired wavelength spectrum. The wavelength converting member may be corrected by reducing or increasing the amount of wavelength converting material. In one embodiment, the amount of wavelength converting material in the wavelength converting member is reduced, e.g., through laser ablation or etching, to produce the desired wavelength spectrum.
US08486722B1 Sensing method for biopolymers and sensing device therefor
A sensing method for biopolymers by detecting the magnetic signal generated from a labeled biopolymer under AC magnetic field with thermo-responsive magnetic nano particles as label having a critical solution temperature across which the particles have the ability to aggregate or disperse with cooling or heating.
US08486716B2 Method for detection of basic peptide and reagent for detection of basic peptide
The present invention provides a method for detection of a basic peptide by mixing a sample suspected to contain the basic peptide and a reagent containing denatured albumin and detecting turbidness due to a complex of the basic peptide and denatured albumin.
US08486713B2 Mass spectrometric immunoassay
Rapid mass spectrometric immunoassay methods for detecting and/or quantifying antibody and antigen analytes utilizing affinity capture to isolate the analytes and internal reference species (for quantification) followed by mass spectrometric analysis of the isolated analyte/internal reference species. Quantification is obtained by normalizing and calibrating obtained mass spectrum against the mass spectrum obtained for an antibody/antigen of known concentration.
US08486711B2 Highly fluorescent markers for fluids or articles
The present invention provides highly fluorescent markers, made from a reactive polymer and an isocyanate, that fluoresce in the ultraviolet or near infrared region without being visible to the human eye at low concentrations in the fluid or article being marked. The molecular weight and fluorescence emission wavelength of these highly fluorescent marker compounds can be adjusted to provide a multitude of markers with unique fluorescence signatures.
US08486708B2 Perylene nanofiber fluorescent sensor for highly sensitive and selective sensing of amines
A fluorescence sensory material with high sensitivity, selectivity, and photostability has been developed for vapor probing of organic amines. The sensory material is a perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxyl compound having amine binding groups and the following formula where A and A′ are independently chosen from N—R1, N—R2, and O such that both A and A′ are not O, and R1 through R10 are amine binding moieties, solubility enhancing groups, or hydrogen such that at least one of R1 through R10 is an amine binding moiety. This perylene compound can optionally be formed into well-defined nanofibers. Upon deposition onto a substrate, the entangled nanofibers form a meshlike, highly porous film, which enables expedient diffusion of gaseous analyte molecules within the film matrix, leading to a milliseconds response for vapor sensing.
US08486706B2 L-FABP, natriuretic peptides, and cardiac troponins in subjects in need of cardiac therapy
Disclosed is a method for identifying a subject being susceptible to a cardiac therapy, comprising (a) determining the amounts of liver fatty acid binding protein, and at least one further polypeptide from the group of a cardiac troponin and a natriuretic peptide in at least one sample of a subject suffering from heart failure, (b) comparing the thus determined amounts to suitable reference amounts, and (c) identifying a subject being susceptible to a cardiac therapy. Also described is a device and a kit adapted to carry out the method of the present invention. Also described is the use of liver fatty acid binding protein and at least one further polypeptide from the group of a cardiac troponin and a natriuretic peptide for identifying a subject being susceptible to a cardiac therapy.
US08486698B2 Differentiation of bone marrow cells into neuronal cells and uses therefor
The present invention relates to methods of inducing differentiation of mammalian bone marrow stromal cells into neuronal cells by contacting marrow stromal cells with a neuronal differentiation-inducing compounds. Neuronal differentiation-inducing compounds of the invention include anti-oxidants such as, but not limited to, beta-mercaptoethanol, dimethylsulfoxide, butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene, ascorbic acid, dimethylfumarate, and n-acetylcysteine. Once induced to differentiate into neuronal cells, the cells can be used for cell therapy, gene therapy, or both, for treatment of diseases, disorders, or conditions of the central nervous system.
US08486697B2 Inducing cell death by inhibiting adaptive heat shock response
Provided herein is a method for inducing cell death by inducing heat shock response in a cell in combination with inhibiting adaptive heat shock response. Also provided are methods for preventing cancer, treating intracellular parasite infections, and inflammation-associated conditions.
US08486696B2 Cell populations which co-express CD49c and CD90
Substantially homogenous cells populations which co-express CD49c, CD90 and telomerase are made. In one embodiment, humans suffering from a degenerative, traumatic, acute injury, cardiac or neurological condition are treated with the substantially homogenous cells populations which co-express CD49c, CD90 and telomerase. In another embodiment, committed progenitor cells are made are made by selecting from a cultured source of a cell population which co-express CD49c and CD90 and modifying the cell population. The committed progenitor cells can be employed to treat a human suffering from a degenerative, traumatic, acute injury, cardiac or neurological condition and formulate pharmaceutical compositions.
US08486691B2 Apparatus for assessing the effectiveness of a sterilization process
A device useful in determining the efficacy of a chemical sterilization process includes a dead end cavity closed by an access cap having a port coupled to a challenge tube defining the only path by which a substantial quantity of sterilant can reach the cavity. A biological indicator is located within the cavity and a chemical indicator is also provided. These indicators, and particularly the biological indicator, provide an indication of whether chemical sterilant would reach all interior exposed surfaces of a load in sufficient concentrations to adequately sterilize the load.
US08486689B2 Microelectronic sensor device for the detection of target particles
The invention relates to a microelectronic sensor device for the examination of target particles (1) that are bound to binding sites (3) at the binding surface (12) of a carrier (11). In a preferred embodiment, an input light beam (L1) is transmitted into the carrier (11), where a frustrated total internal reflection (FTIR) takes place at the binding surface (12). The amount of light in a resulting output light beam (L2) is detected by a light detector (31) and provides information about the presence of target particles at the binding surface. Moreover, an actuation unit (50) induces movements of the bound target particles (1) by an interaction with a magnetic field (B) or an electric field, particularly with a given modulation frequency (COIn), such that by a demodulation of the detector signal (S) effects of the target particles can be distinguished from background.
US08486687B2 Sporulation-deficient thermophilic microorganisms for the production of ethanol
A thermophilic microorganism comprising a modification that prevents sporulation, wherein the modification inactivates the native spo0A gene.
US08486686B2 Large scale microbial culture method
A new culture method for producing high levels of a metabolite, such as succinic acid uses oxygen rich culture without pH adjustment to increase the biomass, acclimation in under oxygen lean conditions having <5% partial pressure of oxygen, and the production of high levels of succinate under oxygen deprived conditions. The method can be performed in a single reactor, and is amenable to efficient scale up.
US08486684B2 Method for increasing asparaginase activity in a solution
A stable asparaginase solution is disclosed. In one aspect, drinking water is treated to reduce the level of chlorine to enhance the residual enzyme activity of asparaginase. The treatment can occur by removing chlorine constituents or by supplying additives that reduces the level of chlorine. Additives can include reducing agents and chlorine scavengers. Removal technologies can include use of activated carbon, ion exchange, and air stripping.
US08486677B2 Enzyme preparations
The invention is directed to enzyme preparations which are obtainable by providing enzyme immobilizates which comprise enzymes or microorganisms comprising enzymes immobilized on an inert support with a polyethersilicone coating obtained by hydrosilylation, to a process for preparing such enzyme preparations and to the use of enzyme preparations as an industrial biocatalyst.
US08486675B2 Protein concentrates and isolates, and processes for the production thereof from macroalgae and/or microalgae
Protein concentrates and protein isolates, in addition to processes for the production of protein concentrates and protein isolates, are disclosed. In particular, the disclosure relates to the removal of fiber from macroalgae and/or microalgae using low g-force centrifugation.
US08486674B2 Method for producing ethanol from a sustainable renewable biomass feedstock
Disclosed is a method of producing ethanol from a sustainable renewable biomass feedstock. The ethanol is produced in a processing plant contiguous to the acreage providing the biomass. The process is a closed loop operation having a dedicated crop grown year round producing multiple crops per acre. The biomass feedstock is a sugar containing feedstock such as sweet sorghum and is grown year round for producing ethanol.
US08486670B2 Method of producing L-threonine using Escherichia coli strain with phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase promoter replaced with cysteine synthase promoter
An L-threonine-producing Escherichia coli in which a promoter of a phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (ppc) gene on the chromosome is substituted with a promoter of a cysteine synthase (cysK) gene and a method of producing L-threonine by using the same are disclosed. The recombinant Escherichia coli may produce L-threonine in a high yield, and thus may be widely used in medical, pharmaceutical, and feed industries, particularly for an animal feed.
US08486669B2 Enzymatic hydrolysis of a cellulose material treated with an ionic liquid
A process for preparing glucose from a cellulose material, in which a cellulose-comprising starting material is provided and treated with a liquid treatment medium comprising an ionic liquid whose anions are selected from among polyatomic anions and the cellulose-comprising material which has been treated with the ionic liquid is subjected to an enzymatic hydrolysis, is described.
US08486668B2 Prebiotic formulations and methods of use
The invention provides methods and pharmaceutical compositions for treating symptoms associated with lactose intolerance and for overall improvement in gastrointestinal health. Described herein are methods and pharmaceutical compositions for improving overall gastrointestinal health or for decreasing symptoms of lactose intolerance by administering to subject in need thereof a pharmaceutical composition comprising a prebiotic, optionally in combination with effective amount of a probiotic microbe or microbes.
US08486665B2 Recombinant Colwellia psychrerythraea alkaline phosphatase and uses thereof
A heat labile alkaline phosphatase enzyme and methods of using the same and kits including the same are disclosed. Specifically, a nucleotide sequence of, peptide sequence of, methods of using, and kits comprising, a heat labile alkaline phosphatase isolated from Colwellia psychrerythraea are provided. Methods of over-expression and purification of the recombinant alkaline phosphatase and mutants thereof are also disclosed. Methods of over-expressing and purifying commercially useful quantities of active recombinant heat labile alkaline phosphatase fusion enzymes from C. psychrerythraea, wherein the fusion enzymes comprise one or more heterologous leader sequences are disclosed. The disclosed C. psychrerythraea heat labile alkaline phosphatase has properties similar to shrimp alkaline phosphatase and can be substituted for shrimp alkaline phosphatase in assays involving the same.
US08486662B2 DNA encoding antibody molecules having specificity for human IL-6
The invention relates to antibody molecules having specificity for antigenic determinants of IL-6, therapeutic uses of the antibody molecules and methods for producing said antibody molecules.
US08486659B2 Isoprenoid compounds
The present invention is directed to variant squalene synthase enzymes, including Saccharomyces cerevisiae squalene synthase enzymes, and to nucleic acid molecules encoding these variant enzymes. These variant enzymes produce squalene at a lower rate than the wild-type enzyme, allowing more farnesyl pyrophosphate to be utilized for production of isoprenoid compounds, while still producing sufficient squalene to allow the S. cerevisiae cells to grow without the requirement for supplementation by sterols such as ergosterol. These variant enzymes, therefore, are highly suitable for the efficient production of isoprenoids.
US08486650B2 Method of detecting serum gamma-glutamyl transferase isoforms in a biological fluid
A method is described for detecting the gamma-glutamyl transferase enzyme isoforms (GGT, EC 2.3.2.2) in a sample of biological fluid, such as for example plasma or serum. The method comprises an HPLC separation step of the sample proteins based on the molecular size and a second step for detecting the GGT isoforms by post-column reaction with a GGT enzyme substrate capable of generating a detectable final product, preferably by spectrophotometric or fluorimetric means. The GGT isoforms can be separated by ultra-centrifugation, thereby obtaining three enzymatic isoforms characterized by molecular weights of approximately 2000, 940, and 140 KDa, respectively.
US08486647B2 Neuropeptide release assay for sodium channels
Methods and compositions for using genetically modified non-human animals are provided, wherein the genetic modification comprises a humanization of the one or more extracellular pore loops of a NaV1.7 channel protein or a complete humanization of an endogenous NaV1.7 gene. Methods for using isolated DRG cultures from genetically modified non-human animals are also provided, wherein the isolated DRG express a human or chimeric NaV1.7 protein on the surface, in particular measuring primary nociceptive activation through the release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in isolated DRG in vitro, and wherein the isolated DRG cultures are capable of generating action potentials and communicating through an excitable signal via the expressed human or chimeric NaV1.7 protein the cell surface. In vivo and in vitro methods for characterizing NaV1.7-specific antagonists and evaluation of corresponding therapeutic potential for NaV1.7-mediated disease are also provided.
US08486646B2 Methods of using a G protein-coupled receptor to identify peptide YY (PYY) secretagogues
The present invention relates to methods of using GPR119 receptor to identify peptide YY (PYY) secretagogues and compounds useful in the treatment of conditions modulated by PYY, such as conditions modulated by stimulation of NPY Y2 receptor (Y2R). Agonists of GPR119 receptor are useful as therapeutic agents for treating or preventing a condition modulated by PYY, such as a condition modulated by stimulation of Y2R. Conditions modulated by PYY such as may be a condition modulated by stimulation of Y2R include bone-related conditions, metabolic disorders, angiogenesis-related conditions, ischemia-related conditions, convulsive disorders, malabsorptive disorders, cancers, and inflammatory disorders.
US08486644B2 Chemiluminescence compact imaging scanner
Systems, devices, and methods for accurately imaging chemiluminescence and other luminescence are disclosed. A compact, flat-bed scanner having a light-tight enclosure, one or more detector bars of linear charge-coupled device (CCD) or complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) imaging chips, and high working numerical aperture (NA) optics scans closely over a sample in one direction and then the opposite direction. Averages or other combinations of intensity readings for each pixel location (x, y) between the two or more passes are averaged together in order to compensate for luminescence that varies over time. On-chip pixel binning and multiple clock frequencies can be used to maximize the signal to noise ratio in a CCD-based scanner.
US08486643B2 Methods relating to mammalian raptor polypeptide
The present invention relates to isolated raptor nucleic acid molecules of mammalian origin (e.g., human) and complements, portions and variants thereof. Another aspect of the invention are isolated raptor polypeptides of mammalian origin and portions thereof, and antibodies or antigen binding fragments thereof that specifically bind a raptor polypeptide. The present invention also relates to constructs and host cells comprising the nucleic acid molecules described herein. In addition, the present invention relates to uses of the nucleic acid and polypeptide molecules provided herein.
US08486641B2 Compositions and methods for diagnosing and treating prostate cancer
A method of diagnosing and determining a predisposition to prostate cancer is provided. The method comprising determining levels of MCP-1 antibodies and PSA in a sample of a subject and comparing to the level in healthy male controls, thereby diagnosing and determining a predisposition to the prostate cancer in the subject.
US08486636B2 Nucleic acid amplification using microfluidic devices
The present invention provides microfluidic devices and methods using the same in various types of thermal cycling reactions. Certain devices include a rotary microfluidic channel and a plurality of temperature regions at different locations along the rotary microfluidic channel at which temperature is regulated. Solution can be repeatedly passed through the temperature regions such that the solution is exposed to different temperatures. Other microfluidic devices include an array of reaction chambers formed by intersecting vertical and horizontal flow channels, with the ability to regulate temperature at the reaction chambers. The microfluidic devices can be used to conduct a number of different analyses, including various primer extension reactions and nucleic acid amplification reactions.
US08486627B2 Methods, compositions, and kits for amplifying and sequencing polynucleotides
In one aspect, there are provided methods of amplifying and sequencing a polynucleotide. In some embodiments, the method includes (a) amplifying the polynucleotide with at least one amplification primer, a processive amplification polymerase, a sequencing primer, a sequencing polymerase, deoxynucleoside triphosphates suitable for template-dependent primer extension, and one or more terminating nucleotides, the incubation being carried out at a first temperature suitable for amplifying the polynucleotide with the processive amplification polymerase; (b) incubating the product of step (a) at a second temperature suitable for forming a plurality of differently-sized extended sequencing primers with the sequencing polymerase; (c) evaluating the extended sequencing primers in order to determine the sequence of the polynucleotide. The reactions at the first and second temperatures can be carried out in a single reaction vessel. In other aspects, compositions and kits for carrying out the methods are also provided.
US08486624B2 Lafora's disease gene
A novel gene (EPM2A) that is deleted or mutated in people with Lafora's disease is described. The EPM2A gene encodes a protein having an active catalytic site of a protein tyrosine phosphatase. Many different sequence mutations as well as several microdeletions in EPM2A have been found that co-segregate with Lafora's disease.
US08486621B2 Nucleic acid-based matrixes
Various nucleic acid-based matrixes are provided, comprising nucleic acid monomers as building blocks, as well as nucleic acids encoding proteins, so as to produce novel biomaterials. Methods of utilizing such biomaterials include cell-free protein synthesis.
US08486620B2 Polymeric carriers for immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization
Certain disclosed embodiments of the present invention concern the synthesis, derivatization, conjugation to immunoglobulins and signal amplification based on discrete, relatively short polymers having plural reactive functional groups that react with plural molecules of interest. Reactive functional groups, such as hydrazides, may be derivatized with a variety of detectable labels, particularly haptens. The remaining reactive functional groups may be conjugated directly to a specific binding molecule, such as to the oxidized carbohydrate of the Fc region of the antibody. Disclosed conjugates display large signal amplification as compared to those based on molecules derivatized with single haptens, and are useful for assay methods, particularly multiplexed assays.
US08486618B2 Heterogeneous inseminate system
A heterogeneous inseminate including a first amount of sperm of a first animal and a second amount of sperm of a second animal of the same species, the first amount of sperm and the second amount of sperm sex-selected sperm of the same sex, useful in the in-vivo or in-vitro fertilization of an egg of a female animal of the same species for the production of sex-selected embryos and sex-selected offspring.
US08486616B2 Passive methods for anti-microbial biologic meshes
Tissue matrices having anti-microbial properties are provided. In certain embodiments, the tissue matrices include cationic anti-microbial agents that form a stable bond with the tissue matrices without adversely affecting the biologic properties of the tissue matrices.
US08486615B2 Photopolymerizable silicone materials forming semipermeable membranes for sensor applications
A method for preparing sensing devices (biosensors) includes the steps of: (1) applying a photopatternable silicone composition to a surface in a sensing device to form a film, (2) photopatterning the film by a process comprising exposing the film to radiation through a photomask without the use of a photoresist to produce an exposed film; (3) removing regions of the non-exposed film with a developing solvent to form a patterned film, which forms a permselective layer or an analyte attenuation layer covering preselected areas of the sensing device.
US08486613B2 Method of manufacturing nano-structure and method of manufacturing a pattern using the method
According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a photoresist pattern is formed on a base substrate including a neutral layer. A sacrifice structure including a first sacrifice block and a second sacrifice block is formed on the base substrate having the photoresist pattern, and the sacrifice structure is formed from a first thin film including a first block copolymer. Thus, a chemical pattern is formed to form a nano-structure. Therefore, the nano-structure may be easily formed on a substrate having a large size by using a block copolymer, and productivity and manufacturing reliability may be improved.
US08486600B2 Carrier for developing electrostatic charge image, developer for electrostatic charge image, process cartridge and image forming apparatus
A carrier for developing an electrostatic charge image, including a core, and a coating layer including a resin and inorganic oxide particles that exhibit electroconductivity, by which the core is coated, wherein the inorganic oxide particles have, when they are aggregated, an aggregation size of, or when they are not aggregated, a primary particle size of, from 230 nm to 970 nm.
US08486593B2 Roll-to-roll digital photolithography
Methods of making flexible circuit films include providing a polymer film or other flexible substrate having a plurality of alignment marks and a photosensitive material thereon. The substrate passes around a suitable roller, belt, or other inelastic conveyor such that the substrate and the conveyor move together at least from a first location to a second location. Positions of a first set of the alignment marks on a first portion of the substrate are measured when such portion is at the first location, and the measured positions can be used to calculate a distortion of the substrate. The photosensitive material is then patternwise exposed when the first portion of the substrate has moved to the second location. The patternwise exposing is based on the measured positions of the first set of alignment marks, and may include exposing the web with a distortion-adjusted pattern. Related systems and articles are also disclosed.
US08486590B2 Reflective mask for EUV lithography
To improve the mask of an EUV lithography apparatus in view of its high reflectivity, a reflective mask is suggested for EUV lithography having a reflective multilayer system on a substrate configured for a working wavelength in the EUV range and having stacks with layers of at least two materials with different real parts of the refractive index at the working wavelength, wherein the multilayer system (V) is configured such that, as it is irradiated with EUV radiation at a fixed wavelength and an angle interval between the smallest and the largest angle of incidence of up to 21°, the apodization is less than 30%.
US08486587B2 Method for correcting layout pattern and method for manufacturing photomask
A method for correcting a layout pattern includes the following steps. A first layout pattern, a second layout pattern, and a mis-alignment value are provided. The first layout pattern includes a first conducting line pattern, and the second layout pattern includes at least one contact via pattern. The contact via pattern at least partially overlaps the first conducting line pattern. The layout pattern is verified whether spacing between the contact via pattern and the first conducting line pattern is smaller than the mis-alignment value by a computing system. A first modified contact via pattern is then obtained by expanding the contact via pattern along a direction away from the spacing smaller than the mis-alignment value.
US08486584B2 Method of fabricating carbon material, carbon material prepared by the method, cell material and apparatus using the same
Disclosed is a method for fabricating a carbon material, by which carbon fibers or carbon tubes, particularly branched carbon fibers or carbon tubes, are obtained via a so-called self-growing process without using external carbon sources. The carbon material obtained by the method has a large specific surface area and further includes a metal catalyst, and thus may be used in cell materials for a fuel cell or secondary battery, hydrogen storage devices, capacitors, solar cells, display panel or the like.
US08486583B2 Fuel cell with electrode having an electrically conductive nano-column and production method thereof
In a fuel cell including an electrolyte membrane and a pair of electrodes disposed on both sides of the electrolyte membrane, at least one of the electrodes has an electrically conductive nanocolumn that is oriented with an inclination of 60° or less with respect to a planar direction of the electrolyte membrane, a catalyst supported on the electrically conductive nanocolumn, and an electrolyte resin coating the electrically conductive nanocolumn.
US08486582B1 Surface modification to prevent oxide scale spallation
A surface modification to prevent oxide scale spallation is disclosed. The surface modification includes a ferritic stainless steel substrate having a modified surface. A cross-section of the modified surface exhibits a periodic morphology. The periodic morphology does not exceed a critical buckling length, which is equivalent to the length of a wave attribute observed in the cross section periodic morphology. The modified surface can be created using at least one of the following processes: shot peening, surface blasting and surface grinding. A coating can be applied to the modified surface.
US08486579B2 Polymer blend proton exchange membrane and method for manufacturing the same
The present invention relates to a polymer blend proton exchange membrane comprising a soluble polymer and a sulfonated polymer, wherein the soluble polymer is at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of polysulfone, polyethersulfone and polyvinylidene fluoride, the sulfonated polymer is at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of sulfonated poly(ether-ether-ketone), sulfonated poly(ether-ketone-ether-ketone-ketone), sulfonated poly(phthalazinone ether ketone), sulfonated phenolphthalein poly (ether sulfone), sulfonated polyimides, sulfonated polyphosphazene and sulfonated polybenzimidazole, and wherein the degree of sulfonation of the sulfonated polymer is in the range of 96% to 118%. The present invention further relates to a method for manufacturing the polymer blend proton exchange membrane.
US08486574B2 Method and system for power control in an automotive vehicle
A method for controlling a vehicle including a fuel cell system and an energy storage unit includes, if the fuel cell system is charging the energy storage unit, determining an average ratio of (i) a change in energy stored in the energy storage unit and (ii) a mass of hydrogen consumed by the fuel cell system to generate the change in energy stored in the energy storage unit. The method also includes, if the fuel cell system is not charging the energy storage unit, selecting a target operating power for the fuel cell system based on vehicle power demand and the determined ratio that sufficiently minimizes drive cycle hydrogen consumption by the fuel cell system.
US08486573B2 Freeing a frozen fuel cell component
An example fuel cell component includes an energizeable coating on at least a portion of a surface of the fuel cell component. A controller is configured to energize the energizeable coating to break a bond between any ice and the surface of the fuel cell component.
US08486567B2 Batteries, fuel cells, and other electrochemical devices
An electrochemical device having an anode electrode, a cathode electrode, and an electrolyte. At least one of the anode electrode and the cathode electrode is provided with a substantially uniform superficial relief pattern formed by a plurality of substantially uniform projections and has an electrical conductivity gradient between peaks of the projections and valleys between the projections.
US08486566B2 Positive electrode for lithium-ion secondary battery, manufacturing method thereof, and lithium-ion secondary battery
A positive electrode for a lithium-ion secondary battery includes a positive-electrode mixture layer, which includes a positive-electrode active material containing lithium composite oxide, a conductive material, and a binder, and a current collector. The positive-electrode mixture layer contains a compound including sulfur and/or phosphorous, a first polymer serving as a main binder, and a second polymer different from the first polymer.
US08486564B2 Method of producing active material particles with lithium transition metal oxide secondary particles
Active material particles are provided that exhibit performance suitable for increasing the output of a lithium secondary battery and little deterioration due to charge-discharge cycling. The active material particles provided by the present invention have a hollow structure having secondary particles including an aggregate of a plurality of primary particles of a lithium transition metal oxide, and a hollow portion formed inside the secondary particles, and through holes that penetrates to the hollow portion from the outside are formed in the secondary particles. BET specific surface area of the active material particles is 0.5 to 1.9 m2/g.
US08486563B2 Composite material for negative electrode, method for fabricating the same and electrochemical device using the same
The present invention relates to a composite material for a negative electrode, including: a plurality of iron oxide particles; and a conductivity improver, which is selected form the group consisting of copper, cobalt, nickel, tin, antimony, bismuth, indium, silver, gold, lead, cadmium, carbon black, graphite, copper salt, cobalt salt, nickel salt, tin salt, antimony salt, bismuth salt, indium salt, silver salt, gold salt, lead salt, cadmium salt, copper hydroxide, cobalt hydroxide, nickel hydroxide, stannic hydroxide, antimony hydroxide, bismuth hydroxide, indium hydroxide, silver hydroxide, gold hydroxide, lead hydroxide, cadmium hydroxide and the combination thereof. In the case of applying the composite material for a negative electrode according to the present invention in an electrochemical device, the improved charge/discharge characteristics and high capacity can be achieved. In addition, the present invention further provides a method for fabricating the above-mentioned composite material for a negative electrode and an electrochemical device using the same.
US08486558B2 Cable-type secondary battery
Provided is a cable-type secondary battery including an electrode assembly and a cover member surrounding the electrode assembly, the electrode assembly including first and second electrodes of an elongated shape and a separator or an electrolyte interposed between the first and second electrodes, each electrode including a current collector having a cross section of a circular, asymmetrical oval or polygonal shape perpendicular to the lengthwise direction thereof and an electrode active material applied onto the surface of the current collector, wherein the cover member has at least partially a predetermined concavo-convex pattern in the direction of the electrode assembly.The cover member of a concavo-convex pattern may improve the flexibility of the cable-type secondary battery. When the cover member is applied to an electrode active material pattern layer, the flexibility of the cable-type secondary battery may be further improved.
US08486556B2 Multilayer separator exhibiting improved strength and stability
A multi-layer microporous battery separator which comprises: a high molecular weight polypropylene layer having a melt flow index of ≦1.2 measured at layer; a polyethylene layer; and a high molecular weight polypropylene layer having a melt flow index of ≦1.2 measured at layer. The resulting microporous battery separator which is formed by a dry stretch process produces the microporous battery separator which has a porosity of ≦37% while maintaining a gurley from 13-25 seconds and a thickness of ≦25 microns.
US08486550B2 Battery pack
In the present invention, there is provided a battery support mechanism including: a terminal board provided with connection terminals to be connected to terminal portions provided on the battery side; a battery containing portion to which the terminal board is fitted while keeping open at least two mutually opposite side surfaces and one surface adjacent to the two side surfaces, of the terminal board, so as thereby to cause the connection terminals to front on the inside of the battery containing portion; and a support plate fixed to the battery containing portion so as thereby to support the one surface of the terminal board which is fitted in the battery containing portion, wherein the terminal board is swingable in the opening directions of the battery containing portion.
US08486549B2 Lithium ion secondary battery
A lithium ion secondary battery including: a positive electrode current collector; a positive electrode active material layer that is provided in contact with the positive electrode current collector; a separator layer that is provided on a side of the positive electrode active material layer on which the positive electrode current collector is not provided; a negative electrode active material layer that is provided on a side of the separator layer on which the positive electrode active material layer is not provided, that primarily contains silicon or tin, and that includes a opposing portion opposing the positive electrode active material layer and a non-opposing portion not opposing the positive electrode active material layer, the opposing portion and the non-opposing portion containing lithium produced by a thin film-forming method; and a negative electrode current collector that is provided on a side of the negative electrode active material layer on which the separator layer is not provided. Thereby, deformation of the negative electrode and deterioration in cycle characteristics accompanied by such deformation can be prevented.
US08486547B2 Electronic device and battery pack
An electronic device includes a storing unit which is provided on a battery pack and which retains power information of the battery pack, an acquiring unit which is provided in the main unit and which acquires the power information of the battery pack from the storing unit, and a control unit which is provided in the main unit and which controls the operation of the main unit based on the power information of the battery pack.
US08486546B2 Cap assembly and secondary battery using the same with notched vent member
A cap assembly for a battery and a battery incorporating the cap assembly. The cap assembly includes a plate that connects the electrodes of the bare cell of the battery. The cap assembly includes a vent member that includes a protrusion that is physically connected to the plate. Excess pressure within the bare cell results in the protrusion disconnecting from the plate thereby interrupting current. The vent further includes two circular notches, an inner notch and an outer notch. The vent further includes a cross notch that extends radially outward so as to intersect and extend beyond both the first and second notches. The notches are configured to release when the pressure within the bare cell exceeds a burst pressure.
US08486545B2 Systems and methods for flaw detection and monitoring at elevated temperatures with wireless communication using surface embedded, monolithically integrated, thin-film, magnetically actuated sensors, and methods for fabricating the sensors
Systems and methods for flaw detection and monitoring at elevated temperatures with wireless communication using surface embedded, monolithically integrated, thin-film, magnetically actuated sensors, and methods for fabricating the sensors. The sensor is a monolithically integrated, multi-layered (nano-composite), thin-film sensor structure that incorporates a thin-film, multi-layer magnetostrictive element, a thin-film electrically insulating or dielectric layer, and a thin-film activating layer such as a planar coil. The method for manufacturing the multi-layered, thin-film sensor structure as described above, utilizes a variety of factors that allow for optimization of sensor characteristics for application to specific structures and in specific environments. The system and method integrating the multi-layered, thin-film sensor structure as described above, further utilizes wireless connectivity to the sensor to allow the sensor to be mounted on moving components within the monitored assembly.
US08486544B2 Quinoxaline derivatives and organic light-emitting diodes comprising the same
A quinoxaline derivative represented by Formula (I) of or Formula (II) of is provided. In Formula (I) or (II), R1, R2, R3 and R4 are, independently, hydrogen, halogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, aryl or heteroaryl, for example phenyl, furyl, thienyl, pyridyl, pyrimidyl, benzothiazolyl or benzoimidazolyl. The disclosure also provides an organic light-emitting diode including the quinoxaline derivative.
US08486541B2 Co-sintered multi-system tungsten alloy composite
A composite is produced by the steps of (a) blending a first mixture of metallic powders; (b) compacting the blended first mixture of metallic powders to a plurality of discretely shaped articles; (c) blending a second mixture of metallic powders; (d) mixing the plurality of discretely shaped articles with the blended second mixture of metallic powders to form a precursor blend; (e) compacting the precursor blend; and (f) sintering the precursor blend. The composite has a metallic matrix with embedded shapes dispersed throughout the matrix where the embedded shapes have an incipient liquid phase sintering temperature less than an incipient liquid phase sintering temperature of the matrix.
US08486540B2 Lead frame sheet
A lead frame sheet made of an electrically conductive material has lead frames integrally formed on it. Spacing members also are formed from the sheet. A first one of the spacing members is proximal to a first longitudinal edge of the sheet and a second one of the spacing members is proximal to a second longitudinal edge of the sheet. The spacing members extend from an underside surface of the sheet and, in use, space the underside surface from a planar support such as a surface of a heating block.
US08486537B2 Transparent conductive films, articles, and methods
Transparent conductive films, articles made from them, and methods of making them are disclosed. Some transparent conductive films include flexible glass substrates and conductive layers containing metal nanoparticles. Others include at least one layer with cell walls that contain metal nanorods or conductive nanowires. Still others include a substrate with a coating disposed on it, with the coating including conductive components and photopolymers. Such films are useful in such articles as electronic displays, touch screens, and the like.
US08486532B2 Non-fouling surfaces for reflective spheres
The present invention relates to treating of reflective surfaces to prevent fouling. The present invention also relates to reflective materials treated to prevent fouling, as well as methods of using such reflective materials.
US08486528B2 Temperature-sensitive nano-carriers
The present invention relates to a process of preparing a biocompatible temperature-sensitive nano-carrier, which comprises the steps of (a) preparing a polymer dispersion comprising a water-soluble biocompatible polymer with photo-crosslinkable functional group(s), (b) preparing a polymer-initiator solution by adding an initiator to the polymer dispersion, and (c) preparing the nano-carrier by irradiating light onto the polymer-initiator solution, wherein the average diameter of the nano-carrier changes depending on temperature, and also relates to a temperature-sensitive nano-carrier. Nano-carriers of the present invention are temperature-sensitive, and their average diameter and pore size reversibly change in response to temperature change. In an embodiment of the present invention, nano-carriers can be prepared via a one-pot single-phase synthesis. A process of the present invention overcomes the conventional problems such as the use of organic solvent, complicated preparation steps, a relatively high manufacture cost and a low loading efficiency. Moreover, a process of the present invention can ensure the stability of drugs without necessitating high-speed homogenization or ultrasonification generally carried out in the conventional process.
US08486523B2 Lignocellulosic products and methods of forming the same
A lignocellulosic product comprises a plurality of lignocellulosic pieces, and an isocyanate component and a processing aid disposed on the pieces. The processing aid is reactive with the isocyanate component, comprises a graft polyol having a continuous and discontinuous phase, and can be used to form a lignocellulosic composite article. The processing aid is useful for imparting the composite article with moisture resistance, swelling resistance, and toughness, as well as providing cold-tack during manufacture of the composite article from the product. The continuous phase comprises an isocyanate-reactive component. The discontinuous phase comprises polymeric particles. The isocyanate component and the processing aid are present in the product a combined amount of from about (1) to about (25) parts by weight based on (100) parts by weight of the product. The composite article can be various engineered lignocellulosic composites, such as oriented strand board (OSB), particleboard (PB), scrimber, or fiberboard.
US08486521B2 Microporous polyethylene film with good property of strength and permeability at high temperature
The present invention relates to a microporous polyethylene film for use as battery separator. The microporous polyethylene film according to the present invention is characterized by having a film thickness of 5-40 μm, a porosity of 35-55%, a permeability from 2.5×10−5 to 10.0 10−5 Darcy, a puncture strength of at least 0.10 N/μm at 90° C., a puncture angle of at least 30° at 90° C., and a permeability from 2.0 10−5 to 8.0 10−5 Darcy after shrinking freely at 120° C. for 1 hour. The microporous polyethylene film in accordance with the present invention has very superior puncture strength and thermal stability at high temperature and takes place of less decrease of permeability due to low thermal shrinkage at high temperature, as well as superior permeability. Therefore, it can be usefully applied in a high-capacity, high-power battery to improve thermal stability and long-term stability of the battery.
US08486519B2 White film for surface light source reflecting members
A white film for a reflecting structure for surface light sources, which contains voids inside it and has a light stabilizer-containing coating film formed on at least one surface of it, is aged little with time and its brightness lowers little even when used for a long time. The white film ensures good image quality of display screens for a long time, and it is favorable to reflecting sheets and reflectors in edge light-type and direct back light-type surface light sources for liquid crystal display screens.
US08486517B2 Helical textile with uniform thickness
A helical textile having a substantially uniform thickness from ID to OD having circumferential warp fibers; non-interlaced radially aligned weft fibers having fiber lengths that may vary with the textile diameter to maintain constant textile thickness, the warp fibers and weft fibers not interlaced together; and non-reinforcing binding yarns securing the warp fibers to the weft fibers, thereby forming a helical textile.
US08486515B2 Coating agent for plastic label, and plastic label
Disclosed is a coating composition for a plastic label, which contains an oxetane compound, an epoxy compound, and a cyclic acetal and/or a poly(vinyl butyral). The coating composition excels in suitability for printing such as gravure printing or flexographic printing, cures rapidly to give excellent productivity, and after curing, gives a coating layer that excels in adhesion to a plastic base film and in toughness. A plastic label formed using the coating composition excels in surface scratch resistance and crumpling resistance, and therefore is particularly useful as a label for use in plastic containers, and metal containers such as bottle cans.
US08486514B2 Method to fabricate a mould for lithography by nano-imprinting
A nano-imprint device including at least: a substrate, having a surface, on the substrate, a plurality of nano-trenches parallel two by two, each nano-trench extending in a longitudinal direction and being delimited laterally by side walls, the nano-trenches and the side walls being directed substantially perpendicular to the surface of the substrate, each nano-trench comprising a bottom surface with at least one first and one second level in a direction perpendicular to the substrate, respectively of depth h1 and h2>h1, measured relative to the top of the side walls, and the bottom surfaces of the nano-trenches, of the least deep level (h1) being in a first type of material, the side walls being in a second type of material.
US08486513B2 Object structure having patterns of refractive veins thereon
An object structure having patterns of refractive veins thereon is provided, in which a heat insulated base plate capable of combining with object major body is provided, then a first base layer, a soft material layer, an aluminum film layer, and a second base layer being respectively build-up in this order thereon. Further, embossing process is conducted on the second base layer and then a pattern layer is printed thereon. In turn, a protection layer is overlaid on the pattern layer for protecting the colors thereof. Configuring like this, the heat insulated base plate having pattern design thereon can be combined integrally with the object major body by injection molding process, and pattern integrity can be ensured during injection molding by means of the heat-blocking effect obtained from the heat insulated base plate.
US08486512B2 Pattern formation employing self-assembled material
In one embodiment, Hexagonal tiles encompassing a large are divided into three groups, each containing ⅓ of all hexagonal tiles that are disjoined among one another. Openings for the hexagonal tiles in each group are formed in a template layer, and a set of self-assembling block copolymers is applied and patterned within each opening. This process is repeated three times to encompass all three groups, resulting in a self-aligned pattern extending over a wide area. In another embodiment, the large area is divided into rectangular tiles of two non-overlapping and complementary groups. Each rectangular area has a width less than the range of order of self-assembling block copolymers. Self-assembled self-aligned line and space structures are formed in each group in a sequential manner so that a line and space pattern is formed over a large area extending beyond the range of order.
US08486509B2 Patterns having variable colors
A pattern having variable colors can be attached on a soft material of wearing apparels or household cloths. The pattern is constituted of decorative blocks provided on the surface of the cloth or the soft material and a plurality of color-shielding pieces embedded on the surface of the decorative blocks. At least two opposite outer sides of the color-shielding piece are respectively provided with a colored block, so that the decorative blocks represent a visual effect of variable colors when viewed from different angles since the color-shielding pieces shield the colored blocks.
US08486508B2 Method for producing a friction-welded connection and design of the friction-welded connection
The invention relates to a method for producing a friction-welded connection between a plurality of superimposed flat components held together by a connecting member, wherein a collar of said connecting member rests on an upper component and the front end of said connecting member forms a friction-welding zone with a lower component, said friction-welding zone being produced by rotation and pressure of the connecting member. After formation of the friction-welding zone, the rotation of the connecting member ceases at the end of a first step and, in a second step, upon cessation of the rotation of the connecting member prior to contact of the collar with the upper component, a pressure is exerted on the connecting member by a pressure-applying tool, said pressure pressing the collar against the upper component because of a deformation.
US08486507B2 Expandable foam sheet that locks in expanded configuration
A mechanically expandable foam sheet has comprising a plurality of discrete slits therein that allow the foam sheet to be expanded from an unexpanded foam sheet configuration to an expanded foam sheet configuration. The expandable foam sheet has a density of from 14 g/liter to 48 g/liter in the unexpanded configuration and a thickness of from 6 mm to 50 mm. The slits are of a kind and of a size and arrangement that the expanded foam sheet locks into the expanded configuration by exhibiting a pressure-to-close of at least 5 gm/cm2. Each of the slits provides only a single free volume in the expanded foam sheet. An expandable foam sheet having serpentine-shaped expansion and locking arms is also disclosed, as are various cushioning articles comprising expanded foam sheet.
US08486506B2 Protective film
A protective film including at least one surface which serves as a protective barrier that releaseably covers at least a portion of an object.
US08486505B2 Pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet with release liner
A release liner formed of a polypropylene resin sheet that can be highly recyclable and that can provide an excellent performance in a wide range of operating temperature is provided. A release-lined pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) sheet constituted with the release liner is also provided. A release-lined PSA sheet 1 according to the present invention comprises a PSA sheet 20 having a support 22 and a PSA layer 24; and a release liner 10 placed on the PSA layer 24. The release liner 10 has a layered configuration formed of a layer A 12 formed of a polypropylene resin composition containing a nucleating agent; and a layer B 14 formed of a polypropylene resin composition containing no nucleating agent; wherein the two layers stacked to form the thickness of the liner.
US08486504B2 Multilayer masking tape
A masking tape for use in applications where a coating material is applied to a surface for defining a sharp edge of the portion of the surface that is coated. A masking tape may include a reinforcing strip releasably attached to the non-adhesive side of conventional masking tape comprising a substrate with an adhesive layer on one side. The reinforcing strip extends longitudinally along the length of the substrate with one edge substantially aligned with, and preferably flush with, one longitudinal edge of the substrate and acts as a separate means to cut through a coating or film more efficiently than the masking tape alone, while subsequently leaving the masking tape in place until the preferred time of removal.
US08486502B2 PVDF/PVC alloys for plenum cable applications
A cable jacket includes an extruded polymer made from PVDF, PVC and a compatibilizing agent, where a ratio of PVDF, PVC and a compatibilizing agent is substantially 7:3:1.
US08486501B2 Plastic ampule and colored plastic container
An object of the present invention is to provide a plastic ampule capable of suppressing volatilization and scattering of a drug solution and elution of plastic compounding ingredients into the drug solution, as well as suppressing whisker formation and deformation and damage of an opening when the plastic ampule is opened. A plastic ampule 10 according to the present invention includes a drug solution storage part 11 for storing a drug solution, a drug solution discharge tube 12 in communication with the drug solution storage part 11 and extending toward one side, and a top part 13 closing an end at the one side of the drug solution discharge tube 12, and the drug solution discharge tube 12 includes a fragile part 14 formed to have a thin thickness along a circumferential direction. The drug solution storage part 11, the drug solution discharge tube 12, and the top part 13 are formed of a multilayer plastic material that includes an intermediate layer containing a cyclic olefin-based (co)polymer with a glass transition temperature of 60 to 80° C., an inner layer laminated to an inner side of the intermediate layer, an outer layer laminated to an outer side of the intermediate layer, and adhesive layers respectively disposed between the intermediate layer and the inner layer and between the outer layer and the intermediate layer.
US08486496B2 Method of preparing wear-resistant coating layer comprising metal matrix composite and coating layer prepared thereby
The invention provides a method of preparing a wear-resistant coating layer comprising metal matrix composite and a coating layer prepared by using the same and more particularly, it provides a method of preparing a wear-resistant coating layer comprising metal matrix composite, which comprises the steps of providing a base material, preparing a mixture powder comprising a metal, alloy or mixture particle thereof having an average diameter of 50 to 100 um and a ceramic or mixture particle thereof having an average diameter of 25 to 50 um in a ratio of 1:1 to 3:1 by volume, injecting the mixture powder into a spray nozzle for coating, and coating the mixture powder on the surface of the base material by accelerating the mixture powder in the state of non-fusion at a rate of 300 to 1,200 m/s by the flow of transportation gas flowing in the nozzle and a coating layer prepared by using the same whereby the coating layer with high wear resistance and excellent resistance against fatigue crack on the surface of the base material without causing damages such as heat strain to the base material during the formation of the coating layer can be provided.
US08486493B2 Complex oxide film and method for producing same, composite body and method for producing same, dielectric material, piezoelectric material, capacitor and electronic device
A complex oxide film is provided having a high relative dielectric constant and capacitance having low temperature-dependency. The film thickness can be arbitrarily controlled. A manufacturing method thereof, a composite body comprising the complex oxide film and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The complex oxide film containing titanium element and calcium element can be obtained by forming a metal oxide film containing titanium element on a substrate surface and then allowing a solution containing calcium ion to react with the metal oxide layer. A capacitor including the complex oxide film as dielectric material and a piezoelectric element including it as piezoelectric material can be produced.
US08486488B2 Method and device for coating a polymer film with an oxide layer
A web of a polymer film (1) is coated with an oxide layer, in particular with an SiOx barrier layer, by transporting the web with the aid of a rotatable drum (12) through a plurality of flame bands, which are directed in a radial direction from above against the circumferential surface of the drum, which extend at a distance from each other across the width of the web being supported and transported on this circumferential surface, and which are fed with a gas mixture including a combustible gas, an oxidant, and a silicon containing compound. Therein the circumferential surface of the rotatable drum is cooled to a predetermined temperature and the web is transported through the area of the tip of the inner flame region. Polymer films with barrier layers produced in the named way have at small layer thicknesses of less than 10 nm very good barrier properties.
US08486486B2 Method of manufacturing magnetic recording medium and magnetic recording and reproducing device
A method of manufacturing a magnetic recording medium having a magnetically separated magnetic recording pattern is provided, in which the surface of a magnetic layer is not oxidized or halogenated, the surface is not contaminated with dust, and the manufacturing process is not complex. The method of manufacturing a magnetic recording medium having a magnetically separated magnetic recording pattern includes forming a magnetic layer on a nonmagnetic substrate, forming a mask layer made of carbon to form the magnetic recording pattern on the magnetic layer, forming cobalt carbide as a nonmagnetic material in the magnetic layer by irradiating a region of the magnetic layer not covered by the mask layer with ion beams including carbon hydride ions, and removing the mask layer in this order.
US08486481B2 Glycoalkaloid removal
The invention relates to a process for the removal of glycoalkaloids, in particular from process streams such as those encountered during isolation of proteins from potatoes.
US08486477B2 Gas-effusing compositions and methods of making and using same
Gas-effusing compositions, particularly, particulate compositions having pressurized gas held within open internal voids thereof, are provided as well as methods of making and using such compositions.
US08486473B2 Compositions and processes for improving phosphatation clarification of sugar liquors and syrups
A process for improving phosphatation clarification of sugars can include adding to a sugar liquor a composition having at least one particulate sulfur reagent and at least one or more other particulate solids selected from, a particulate phosphorous reagent, a particulate carbonaceous reagent, a particulate aluminum reagent, a particulate filter aid, and a particulate ammonium reagent. The composition can be added to the phosphatation chemical reaction tank or prior to the phosphatation chemical reaction tank. Phosphatation chemicals, for example polymer decolorant, phosphoric acid, lime and a flocculent, can be added into the process at least five minutes after adding the composition. In using the process, the amount of phosphatation chemicals added is less than the amount of phosphatation chemicals required in the absence of addition of the composition or the purity of the sugar is improved as measured by one or more of color, turbidity and ash.
US08486469B2 Low-calorie food bar
A low-calorie nutrition energy food bar with high fiber and reduced sugar alcohol contents, which have excellent flavor and multi-texture properties, is provided. The food bar has less than 110 Cal/28 g serving, and includes a core component comprising, as a unitary matrix, protein crisps, caramel, water-soluble dietary fiber, and a binder system; a caramel component; and the core component and caramel components are enrobed with a compound coating layer. The low-calorie food bar has a high protein core component and a caramel component formulated with high water-soluble dietary fiber content which is cohesive, crunchy yet soft/moist enough to be chewable, and flavorful throughout the product's shelf life.
US08486468B2 Porphyrin containing lactic acid bacterial cells and use thereof
Culturally modified lactic acid bacterial cells containing a porphyrin compound and their use in a novel method of reducing the oxygen content in a food and feed product or starting material is provided and means of improving the shelf life and/or quality of such products by using the culturally modified bacterial cells. Such culturally modified cells are useful in the manufacturing of a food and a feed product and for the manufacturing of metabolites produced by modified cells.
US08486466B2 Compositions comprising Lilium siberia extracts and uses thereof
Provided are compositions comprising an extract of Lilium siberia and a carrier. Also provided are methods of lightening the skin comprising the step of applying to skin in need of skin lightening treatment an extract of Lilium siberia.
US08486464B2 Herbal composition for angina pectoris, method to prepare same and uses thereof
This invention provides compositions comprising extracts of Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae, Radix Notoginseng and Borneol. Said compositions comprise notoginsenoside R1 and ginsenoside Rg1 which are active components for therapeutic applications. This invention also provides a method of preparation of the said compositions and a method of identification and determination of the amount of individual effective components of said compositions. Finally, this invention provides various uses of the compositions.
US08486457B2 Compositions that treat or inhibit pathological conditions associated with inflammatory response
A natural formulation of compounds that would to modulate inflammation is disclosed. The formulation would also inhibit expression of COX-2, inhibit synthesis of prostaglandins selectively in target cells, and inhibit inflammatory response selectively in target cells. The compositions containing at least one fraction isolated or derived from hops. Other embodiments relate to combinations of components, including at least one fraction isolated or derived from hops, tryptanthrin and conjugates thereof, rosemary, an extract or compound derived from rosemary, a triterpene species, or a diterpene lactone or derivatives or conjugates thereof.
US08486455B2 Polymeric delivery formulations of leuprolide with improved efficacy
The present invention is directed to a flowable composition that is suitable for use as a controlled release implant. The flowable composition includes a biodegradable thermoplastic polyester that is at least substantially insoluble in aqueous medium or body fluid. The flowable composition also includes a biocompatible polar aprotic solvent. The biocompatible polar aprotic solvent is miscible to dispersible in aqueous medium or body fluid. The flowable composition also includes leuprolide acetate.
US08486453B2 Controlled release compositions with reduced food effect
The present invention provides a controlled release pharmaceutical composition which exhibits reduced food effect.
US08486446B2 Oral antimicrobial pharmaceutical compositions
The present invention relates to oral pharmaceutical compositions with controlled and/or programmed release containing at least one active ingredient having antimicrobial and/or anti-infectious activity for the treatment of infections of the large intestine, in particular the colon.
US08486444B2 Nanobubbles useful as an ultrasonic contrast agent for the lymphatic system
A composition is provided accompanying nanoparticles having diameters in the range of about 100 to 800 nanometers with hollow cores and outer shells with mechanical properties such that they rupture on exposure to predetermined ultrasound energy. The composition is useful for identifying sentinel lymph nodes.
US08486443B2 UV stable transdermal therapeutic plaster with a UV absorbing adhesive layer separated from the drug matrix
The invention relates to a UV stable transdermal therapeutic system (TTS) consisting of a back layer, at least one matrix containing an active substance and, optionally, a withdrawal film and an UV-radiation absorber. An adhesive layer containing said UV-radiation absorber is arranged between the back layer and the matrix containing an active substance which is distant as much as possible from a surface, a separation layer is arranged between the adhesive layer containing said UV-radiation absorber and the matrix containing an active substance, which is as remote as possible from the surface which is impermeable to the active substance and UV radiation absorber. The inventive transdermal therapeutic system exhibits a high stability and is devoid of inconveniences of existing TTS containing a light-sensitive substance.
US08486437B2 Multifunctional compounds for forming crosslinked biomaterials and methods of preparation and use
Multifunctional compounds are provided that readily crosslink in situ to provide crosslinked biomaterials. The multifunctional compounds contain a single component having at least three reactive functional groups thereon, with the functional groups selected so as to be non-reactive in an initial environment and inter-reactive in a modified environment. Reaction of a plurality of the multifunctional compounds results in a three-dimensional crosslinked matrix. In one embodiment, a first functional group is nucleophilic, a second functional group is electrophilic, and at least one additional functional group is nucleophilic or electrophilic. Methods for preparing and using the multifunctional compounds, and kits including the multifunctional compounds are also provided. Exemplary uses for the multifunctional compounds include tissue augmentation, biologically active agent delivery, bioadhesion, and prevention of adhesions following surgery or injury.
US08486432B2 Method of treating animal's exterior for cleaning and/or insect repellency
A method of treating animals to reduce the presence of annoying insects around the animal, help clean the animal's exterior, add luster and sheen to the animal's coat or hide, and provide stain repellency includes the application of a gelled composition to the exterior of an animal. The composition includes a nonionic primary surfactant comprising an ethoxylated sorbitol oleate, a nonionic secondary surfactant, and water. The nonionic secondary surfactant is selected from the group consisting of linear ethoxylated secondary alcohols, polyoxyethylene ethers, ethoxylated sorbitan monolaurates, ethoxylated fatty acid amides and ethoxylated fatty acids that contain about 7 moles to about 26 moles of ethylene oxide and comprise from about 20 to about 36 weight percent of said composition. The water is in a sufficient amount so that the nonionic primary and secondary surfactants together with the water form a gel.
US08486430B2 Adjustable density, partially water-dispersible carrier for active agents
A vegetation culture active agent delivery medium is provided that includes dense mineral granules, comparatively less dense cellulosic granules, and an active agent in simultaneous contact with the mineral granules and the cellulosic granules, the active agent present from 1×10−5 to 10 total weight percent of the medium. A formulation of an active agent is applied to one type of granule as a mixture thereof. Through control of the relative amounts of mineral and cellulosic granules, a controlled medium density is readily adjusted between 35 and 60 pounds per cubic foot.
US08486425B1 Two-phase sunscreen composition
The present invention is directed to two-phase sunscreen compositions containing (1) a water phase including an alcohol having five or fewer carbons and a polyol; and (2) an oil phase including at least one sunscreen active, a first emollient, and a second emollient, the first emollient having a first polarity, the second emollient having a second polarity, the first polarity differing from the second polarity. The present invention is also directed to a two-phase sunscreen product formed from the two-phase sunscreen composition and a method of protecting a keratinous substrate from UV radiation by applying onto a surface of the keratinous substrate the two-phase sunscreen product.
US08486423B2 Thermo-kinetic mixing for pharmaceutical applications
Compositions and methods for making a pharmaceutical dosage form include making a pharmaceutical composition that includes one or more active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients by thermokinetic compounding into a composite. Compositions and methods of preprocessing a composite comprising one or more APIs with one or more excipients include thermokinetic compounding, comprising thermokinetic processing the APIs with the excipients into a composite, wherein the composite can be further processed by conventional methods known in the art, such as hot melt extrusion, melt granulation, compression molding, tablet compression, capsule filling, film-coating, or injection molding.
US08486416B2 Use of SDF-1 to improve ischemic myocardial function
A method is provided for increasing trafficking of endothelial progenitor cells to an ischemic myocardium in a subject's heart comprising administering to the subject's heart an amount of Stromal-Derived Factor-1 (SDF-1).
US08486415B2 Use of L. undulata extract as therapeutics for allergic diseases
The present invention relates to a method of preventing or treating allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, anaphylaxis, and asthma, which comprises administering an extract of Laurencie undulata in a therapeutically effective amount to a patient in need thereof.
US08486414B2 Immunogenic compositions comprising Mycobacterium tuberculosis polypeptides and fusions thereof
The present invention relates to compositions and fusion proteins containing at least two Mycobacterium sp. antigens, and polynucleotides encoding such compositions and fusion proteins. The invention also relates to methods for their use in the treatment, prevention and/or diagnosis of tuberculosis infection.
US08486412B2 Immunity to folate receptors
This document provides methods and materials related to assessing immunity to folate receptors. For example, methods and materials for assessing FRα immunity in a mammal are provided. This document also provides methods and materials related to stimulating immunity to folate receptors.
US08486410B2 RLIP76 liposomes for protection against irradiation
Methods of preparing a proteoliposome comprise the step of contacting a liposome with an effective portion of RalBP1 to create a proteoliposome. RalBP1 is effective for the protection and treatment of mammals and the environment against the accumulation of toxic compounds and prevents accumulation of one or more toxic compounds, reduces the concentration of toxic compounds, and protects against further contamination with one or more toxic compounds.
US08486409B2 Alpha-emitting constructs and uses thereof
The present invention discloses alpha particle emitting, radioactive constructs capable of killing large tumors (>1 mm in diameter), or other cells involved in human or animal diseases such as virus infected cells, autoimmune cells, or other pathological cells, including normal cells, that are targets for destruction, to achieve a therapeutic result. The alpha-emitting constructs have high specific activity.
US08486408B2 Methods for the treatment of graft-versus-host disease
Methods are disclosed for treating or preventing graft versus host disease in a subject. The methods include selecting a subject in need of treatment for graft versus host disease; and administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a TLR5 agonist such as a flagellin polypeptide, or a polynucleotide encoding the flagellin, thereby treating or preventing graft versus host disease in the subject. Methods are also disclosed for reducing susceptibility to an opportunistic infection in a subject who is a bone marrow transplant recipient. The methods include selecting a subject who has had a bone marrow or hematopoietic stem cell transplant; and administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a TLR5 agonist such as a flagellin polypeptide or a polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide, and administering to the subject an effective amount antigen of the opportunistic infection, thereby reducing the susceptibility to the opportunistic infection in the subject.
US08486401B2 Monoclonal antibodies binding to TrkA and acting as NGF-antagonist molecules and their use for treating pain induced by NGF
Monoclonal antibodies, synthetic and biotechnological derivatives thereof (ScFv or others) are able to recognise the NGF high affinity receptor, TrkA, and act as NGF-antagonist molecules. Pharmacological compositions for therapy, gene therapy, diagnostics of neurological pathologies are also described. Transgenic animal models to study such pathologies are also described.
US08486397B2 Anti-VEGF-C antibodies and methods using same
The invention provides VEGF-C antagonists, such as anti-VEGF-C antibodies, and their use in the prevention and treatment of tumor progression.
US08486390B2 Pharmaceutical preparation for the treatment of the symptoms of addiction and method of diagnosing same
A therapeutic agent for the treatment of the symptoms of addiction and the method for preparing the therapeutic agent is disclosed. The therapeutic agent is a stable pharmaceutical preparation containing, but not limited to, digestive/pancreatic enzymes. The therapeutic agent may be manufactured by a variety of encapsulation technologies. Delivery of the therapeutic agent may be made orally, through injection, by adherence of a medicated patch or other method. Further, a method of using of a biomarker, the presence of chymotrypsin in the gastrointestinal tract to determine the presence of symptoms of addiction, and the likelihood of relapsing into addiction is disclosed.
US08486388B2 Protein formulation
An aqueous composition which comprises a protein or other biological molecule and also (i) optionally comprises one or more metal ions at a concentration of 0.01 to 20 mM; (ii) comprises excipients which are weak ligands; and (iii) is substantially free of excipients which are medium-strength ligands, and is substantially free of excipients which are strong ligands in free form.
US08486387B2 Modified two-component gelation systems, methods of use and methods of manufacture
Compositions, methods of manufacture and methods of treatment for post-myocardial infarction are herein disclosed. In some embodiments, the composition includes at least two components. In one embodiment, a first component can include a first functionalized polymer and a substance having at least one cell adhesion site combined in a first buffer at a pH of approximately 6.5. A second component can include a second buffer in a pH of between about 7.5 and 9.0. A second functionalized polymer can be included in the first or second component. In some embodiments, the composition can include at least one cell type and/or at least one growth factor. In some embodiments, the composition(s) of the present invention can be delivered by a dual bore injection device to a treatment area, such as a post-myocardial infarct region.
US08486385B2 Methods for therapy of neurodegenerative disease of the brain
A specific clinical protocol for use toward therapy of defective, diseased and damaged cholinergic neurons in the mammalian brain, of particular usefulness for treatment of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. The protocol is practiced by delivering a definite concentration of recombinant neurotrophin into, or within close proximity of, identified defective, diseased or damaged brain cells. Using a viral vector, the concentration of neurotrophin delivered as part of a neurotrophic composition varies from 1010 to 1015 neurotrophin encoding viral particles/ml of composition fluid. Each delivery site receives form 2.5 μl to 25 μl of neurotrophic composition delivered slowly, as in over a period of time ranging upward of 10 minutes/delivery site. Each delivery site is at, or within 500 μm of, a targeted cell, and no more than about 10 mm from another delivery site. Stable in situ neurotrophin expression can be achieved for 12 months, or longer.
US08486382B2 Method for treating cervical cancer
Use of Interleukin-20 for treating cervical cancer or cells infected with human papilloma virus. IL-20 can be administered alone or in conjunction with radiation or chemotherapeutic agents or surgical excision of the involved cells or lesions.
US08486376B2 Moisturizing foam containing lanolin
The present invention provides a highly tolerable, hydrating lanolin containing foamable composition for administration to the skin, body surface, body cavity or mucosal surface, e.g., the mucosa of the nose, mouth, eye, ear, respiratory system, vagina or rectum. The foamable composition includes lanolin, a surface-active agent, about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of at least one polymeric additive selected from the group consisting of a bioadhesive agent, a gelling agent, a film forming agent and a phase change agent, water, and a liquefied or compressed gas propellant at a concentration of about 3% to about 25% by weight of the total composition.
US08486366B2 Activation of reactive compound with catalyst
Concentrated aqueous hydrogen peroxide or another reactive compound in a liquid carrier is activated by atomization and contact with a suitable catalyst that is concurrently atomized in a carrier liquid. Concentrated hydrogen peroxide and a hydrogen peroxide activation catalyst are atomized into a droplet spray for catalytic activation of the hydrogen peroxide in this invention, useful for treatment of a combustion flue gas containing contaminants such as NOχ and/or Hg.
US08486358B2 Carbon dioxide capture method, with optimized acid wash section
The carbon dioxide contained in combustion fumes is absorbed by an aqueous amine solution in section B1. The decarbonated fumes are then washed with water in wash section B3. In order to prevent the discharge of amine degradation products with the decarbonated fumes, operation of the method is monitored and a fumes acid wash section U is used when required by the operating conditions of the carbon dioxide capture method.
US08486357B1 Desulfurization apparatus and method of using condensed water produced therein
A method of using condensed water produced in a desulfurization apparatus includes the steps of: bringing a gas to be treated, containing a sulfur dioxide and a desulfurization absorption liquid, into contact with each other to absorb and eliminate the sulfur dioxide from the gas to be treated; cooling a desulfurized gas obtained by the elimination of the sulfur dioxide to produce condensed water from the desulfurized gas; and washing the desulfurization apparatus with the condensed water. In the step of washing the desulfurization apparatus, an inlet for introducing the gas to be treated into the desulfurization apparatus may be washed with the condensed water, and a mist eliminator for eliminating the desulfurization absorption liquid accompanying the desulfurized gas from the gas may be washed with the condensed water.
US08486354B2 Method for extracting rare earth material from monazite
A method for extracting rare earth elements from monazite is disclosed. The method includes milling a mixture of monazite including phosphates and rare earth elements and sodium hydroxides inside a mill containing a plurality of balls to form powder by colliding the mixture into balls with each other, converting the mixture into rare earth hydroxides and sodium phosphates through the reaction occurring in the process of repeated collision, and extracting rare earth elements from the powder.
US08486353B2 Sample collection cup with integrated activatable sample analysis system
Medical and environmental diagnostic devices are described and claimed. Preferred embodiments feature cup (1) within cup configurations wherein one cup is dedicated, for the most part, to sample collection and another cup (2) is dedicated, for the most part, to assay performance. Communication between the cups is afforded by what is believed to be a unique valve assembly (3) and lid (7) tandem.
US08486352B2 Micro-valve structure including polymer actuator and lab-on-a-chip module
Provided are a micro-valve structure and a lab-on-a-chip module that include a polymer actuator. The micro-valve structure may include a flexible structure disposed on a substrate, and the polymer actuator inserted into the flexible structure. At this time, the flexible structure has a valve portion defining a microchannel and the polymer actuator is separated from the microchannel by the flexible structure. In addition, the polymer actuator is formed to change a width of the microchannel by controlling a displacement of the valve portion.
US08486350B2 Microchip, microchip liquid supply system, and microchip liquid supply method
Provided is a microchip which is capable of determining the quantity of the liquid in the chip and dividing the liquid, and has a relatively simple flow passage structure. In the microchip liquid supply system, a portion of the liquid in an upstream passage among the liquid injected into a first flow passage is supplied from a liquid discharge passage by operating a suction pump connected to a liquid supply passage in such a state that an air vent hole is closed. Thereafter, the suction pump is operated with the air vent hole closed, whereby a portion of the liquid in a quantity determination passage among the liquid injected into the first flow passage is supplied from a liquid supply passage.
US08486348B2 Channel and method of forming channels
A device is made by forming sacrificial fibers on a substrate mold. The fibers and mold are covered with a first material. The substrate mold is removed, and the covered fibers are then removed to form channels in the first material.
US08486344B2 Apparatus and methods for treating allograft products
There are disclosed systems and methods of delivering sterile fluids aseptically to a sealed canister. In an embodiment, a includes a canister having an inlet, a vent, and a drain outlet, a reagent manifold in communication with the inlet, a bubbler in communication with the vent, and a fluid communicator from the drain outlet. In another embodiment, a method includes providing a canister having an inlet, a vent, and a drain outlet; selectively providing reagents to the canister from a reagent manifold in communication with the inlet, allowing excess gasses to leave the canister with a bubbler in communication with the vent, and selectively purging the reagents from the canister through the drain outlet. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
US08486340B2 Apparatus and method for continuously producing and pelletizing gas hydrates using dual cylinder
Disclosed herein is an apparatus for continuously producing and pelletizing gas hydrates. The apparatus includes a gas supply unit, a water supply unit and a reactor. Gas and water are respectively supplied from the gas supply unit and the water supply unit into the reactor. The gas and water react with each other in the reactor. The reactor includes a dual cylinder unit which forms a gas hydrate in such a way as to squeeze a slurry of reaction water formed by the reaction between the gas and water. The dual cylinder unit includes an upper cylinder, a lower cylinder and a connection pipe which connects the upper cylinder to the lower cylinder. The connection pipe has passing holes through which the reaction water in the reactor flows into and out of the connection pipe.
US08486339B2 Hydrogen chloride gas ejecting nozzle, reaction apparatus for producing trichlorosilane and method for producing trichlorosilane
There is provided a hydrogen chrolide gas ejecting nozzle 1 used in a reaction apparatus for producing trichlorosilane in which metal silicon powder is reacted with hydrogen chloride gas to generate trichlorosilane. The member is provided with a shaft portion extending in the longitudinal direction and a head portion that is provided on an end of the shaft portion and extends in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the shaft portion. A supply hole extending in the longitudinal direction is formed in the shaft portion, a plurality of ejection holes are formed in the head portion, and each of the ejection holes is communicatively connected to the supply hole and opened on the outer surface of the head portion toward a direction intersecting the direction to which the supply hole extends.
US08486336B2 Microchip
A microchip including a fluid circuit formed by a groove of a first substrate and a surface of a second substrate is provided. The fluid circuit includes a fluid retaining reservoir for containing a fluid. The fluid retaining reservoir includes a fluid outlet or outflow channel for allowing the fluid to flow out, and a partition dividing the fluid retaining reservoir into a first region including a fluid inlet for injecting a fluid into the fluid retaining reservoir and a second region including the fluid outlet or outflow channel. The partition includes at least one communication gate for allowing communication between the first region and the second region.
US08486328B2 Bonding agent comprising spherical sintered metal oxide powder
Powders of respective metal elements (Mn,Co) constituting a transition metal oxide (MnCo2O4) having a spinel type crystal structure are used as a starting material. A paste containing the mixture of the powders is interposed between an air electrode and an interconnector, and with this state, a sintering is performed, whereby a bonding agent according to the present invention can be obtained. This bonding agent has a “co-continuous structure”. In the “co-continuous structure”, a thickness of an arm portion that links many base portions to one another is 0.3 to 2.5 μm. The bonding agent includes a spherical particle in which plural crystal faces are exposed to the surface, the particle having a side with a length of 1 μm or more, among the plural sides constituting the outline of the crystal face. The diameter of the particle is 5 to 80 μm.
US08486322B2 Golf ball manufacturing method
The invention provides a method of manufacturing golf balls having a core and least one cover layer which involves injecting a molten cover resin material around a core so as to form a cover layer. The cover resin material is a single resin composition made up of (A) a thermoplastic polyurethane, (B) a polyisocyanate compound and (C) a thermoplastic elastomer other than the thermoplastic polyurethane in a weight ratio (A):(B):(C)=100: {2-50}: {0-50}, and is injected with from 10 to 99% of the total number of isocyanate groups in component B remaining in an unreacted state within the cover resin material. The method of the invention provides a high manufacturability and a good amenability to mass production, and the manufactured gold balls thus obtained have a high rebound and excellent scuff resistance.
US08486320B2 Spindle motor tray adhesive dispensing method and supplementary apparatus
A spindle motor tray adhesive dispensing method and supplementary apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a base block and a pressure block. The base block supports the tray to be processed, having a blind hole for receiving one end of the center axle of the tray and three adhesive troughs around the blind hole. The pressure block pressed on the tray above the base block and axially movable relative to the base block, having a guide hole for receiving the other end of the center axle of the tray. An open space is defined above the base block around the pressure block within which an adhesive dispenser is movable to dispense a polymer adhesive to the through holes on the tray and the adhesive troughs of the base block to form rubber pads at the tray when cured.
US08486317B2 Apparatus and method for forming laminated and molded garments
A method for forming a molded garment is provided. The method includes positioning an assembly of material between a first heated mold element and a second heated mold element, moving the first and second heated mold elements in relation to one another to laminate the assembly of material into a laminated assembly; moving a third heated mold element through the first heated mold element into contact with the laminated assembly so that the third heated mold element shapes a portion of the laminated assembly; and causing the first and second heated mold elements to trim fabric from the laminated to define the molded garment.
US08486315B2 Injection molding method and injection molding device
An injection molding device comprises a mold-clamping device that operates in both of a mold-closing state in which a mold is closed under predetermined pressure and a micro mold-open state in which the mold is held in a state in which the mold is open from the mold-closing state by a predetermined amount, an injection device that molds a molded product by injecting a molding material into the mold set to the mold-closing state or the micro mold-open state and a controller that changes a stop position of the mold in the micro mold-open state in accordance with a change of a mold-closing position when the mold-closing position of the mold in the mold-closing state is changed.
US08486312B2 Photochromic naphthopyrans having a double-bridged terphenyl sub-unit
The present invention relates to photochromic naphthopyrancs having a double-bridged terphenyl sub-unit, and to the use thereof in plastics of all types, particularly for ophthalmic purposes.
US08486309B2 Negative electrode material for Li-ion batteries
An active material for a lithium battery electrode comprises a phase having the formula Li2+v−4cCcTi3−wFexMyM′zO7−α, in which M and M′ are metal ions of groups of 2 to 15 having an ionic radius between 0.5 and 0.8 Å in an octahedral environment, v, w, x, y, z and α being associated by the relationships: 2α=−v+4w−3x−ny−n′z, with n and n′ being the respective formal degrees of oxidation of M and M′; −0.5≦v≦0.5; y+z>0; x+y+z=w; and 0
US08486308B2 Conductive paste composition containing lithium, and articles made therefrom
A lead-free paste composition contains an electrically conductive silver powder, one or more glass frits or fluxes, and a lithium compound dispersed in an organic medium. The paste is useful in forming an electrical contact on the front side of a solar cell device having an insulating layer. The lithium compound aids in establishing a low-resistance electrical contact between the front-side metallization and underlying semiconductor substrate during firing.
US08486305B2 Nanoparticle composition and methods of making the same
A method of fabricating copper nanoparticles includes heating a copper salt solution that includes a copper salt, an N,N-dialkylethylenediamine, and a C6-C18 alkylamine in an organic solvent to a temperature between about 30° C. to about 50° C.; heating a reducing agent solution that includes a reducing agent, an N,N-dialkylethylenediamine, and a C6-C18 alkylamine in an organic solvent to a temperature between about 30° C. to about 50° C.; and adding the heated copper salt solution to the heated reducing agent solution, thereby producing copper nanoparticles. A composition includes copper nanoparticles, a C6-C18 alkylamine and an N,N′-dialkylethylenediamine ligand. Such copper nanoparticles in this composition have a fusion temperature between about 100° C. to about 200° C. A surfactant system for the stabilizing copper nanoparticles includes an N,N′-dialkylethylenediamine and a C6-C18 alkylamine.
US08486303B2 Granule mass
An object of the present invention is to provide a granule mass containing an antioxidant as a main component, which is excellent in flowability, produces little dust from an additive, and can be prepared by a simple facility when an additive such as an antioxidant is added to a plastic such as polyolefin, and affords a plastic having thermal stability which is hardly ununiformized, and a process for producing the same. There is provided a granule mass comprising a granule containing a phenol-based antioxidant represented by the following formula (1) and a sulfur-based antioxidant represented by the following formula (2), wherein a content of the sulfur-based antioxidant (2) relative to a total of 100 parts by weight of phenol-based antioxidant (1) and the sulfur-based antioxidant (2) is 3 to 70 parts by weight.
US08486302B2 Process for manufacture of graphite oxide with purge of chlorine dioxide
The present invention relates to a process for preparing a graphite oxide while purging chlorine dioxide. The invention process employs starting materials comprising a sulfuric acid, a nitric acid, a chlorate salt, and a graphite and further employs an inert purge gas.
US08486300B2 Lanthanide doped strontium barium mixed halide scintillators
The present invention provides for a composition comprising an inorganic scintillator comprising a lanthanide-doped strontium barium mixed halide useful for detecting nuclear material.
US08486298B2 Liquid-crystalline medium
The invention relates to a liquid-crystalline medium comprising one or more compounds of the formula I in which R0 and X0 have the meanings indicated in Claim 1, and to the use thereof in electro-optical liquid-crystal displays.
US08486294B2 Hydrofluoroolefin compositions
The present invention relates to compositions containing hydrofluoroolefins and to the uses thereof as heat transfer fluids, blowing agents, solvents and aerosols. More particularly, the invention relates to compositions having: 10 to 90% by weight, of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, 5 to 85% by weight of HFC-134a and 2 to 20% by weight of HFC-152a.
US08486288B2 Pattern forming method
A pattern forming method including: (a) forming a porous layer above an etching target layer; (b) forming an organic material with a transferred pattern on the porous layer; (c) forming, by use of the transferred pattern, a processed pattern in a transfer oxide film that is more resistant to etching than the porous layer; and (d) transferring the processed pattern to the etching target layer by use of the transfer oxide film as a mask.
US08486287B2 Methods for fabrication of positional and compositionally controlled nanostructures on substrate
Fabrication methods disclosed herein provide for a nanoscale structure or a pattern comprising a plurality of nanostructures of specific predetermined position, shape and composition, including nanostructure arrays having large area at high throughput necessary for industrial production. The resultant nanostracture patterns are useful for nanostructure arrays, specifically sensor and catalytic arrays.
US08486286B1 Method and system for providing an energy assisted magnetic recording writer having an integrated NFT, heat sink, and pole
A method and system for providing an energy assisted magnetic recording (EAMR) transducer coupled with a laser are described. The laser provides energy. The EAMR transducer has an air-bearing surface (ABS) configured to reside in proximity to a media during use. The EAMR transducer includes a near field transducer (NFT) proximate to the ABS for focusing the energy onto the region of the media. The method and system include providing a heat sink having a bottom thermally coupled with the NFT and a top surface at an angle with respect to the ABS. The angle is greater than zero and less than ninety degrees. The method and system also include providing a write pole and at least one coil. The write pole is configured to write to a region of the media. The write pole has a bottom surface thermally coupled with the top surface of the heat sink. The at least one coil is for energizing 24.
US08486285B2 Damascene write poles produced via full film plating
A method for forming a write pole comprises forming a stop layer over a substrate layer of a wafer, the stop layer having an opening above a damascene trench in the substrate layer, and forming a buffer layer over the stop layer, the buffer layer having an opening above the opening of the stop layer. The method further comprises plating a layer of magnetic material over the wafer, disposing a first sacrificial material over a region of the magnetic material above the damascene trench, performing a milling or etching operation over the wafer to remove the magnetic material not covered by the first sacrificial material and to remove the first sacrificial material, disposing a second sacrificial material over the wafer, and performing a polishing operation over the wafer to remove the region of the magnetic material above the damascene trench, the second sacrificial material, and the buffer layer.
US08486283B2 Method of making fusible links
Methods of fabricating the fusible link are directed to processing a multi-layer clad foil having a first layer suitable for forming a fusible link and a second layer suitable for forming one or more welding pads. In some embodiments, the first layer is an aluminum layer and the second layer is a nickel layer. A two-step etching process or a single step etching process is performed on the clad foil to form an etched clad foil having multiple tabs made of the second layer used as current collector conductor pads and battery cell conductor pads, and one or more tabs made of the first layer that form aluminum conductors. The aluminum conductors are shaped and sized to form aluminum fusible conductors during either the etching process or a subsequent stamping process. A single fusible link or an array of fusible links can be formed.
US08486282B2 Acid chemistries and methodologies for texturing transparent conductive oxide materials
Surface texturing of the transparent conductive oxide (TCO) front contact of a thin film photovoltaic (TFPV) solar cell is needed to enhance the light-trapping capability of the TFPV solar cells and thus improving the solar cell efficiency. Embodiments of the current invention describe chemical formulations and methods for the wet etching of the TCO. The formulations and methods may be optimized to tune the surface texturing of the TCO as desired.
US08486280B2 Method of forming nanostructured surface on polymer electrolyte membrane of membrane electrode assembly for fuel cell
The present invention provides a method of forming a nanostructured surface (NSS) on a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) of a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) for a fuel cell, in which a nanostructured surface is suitably formed on a polymer electrolyte membrane by plasma treatment during plasma assisted etching in a plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition (PACVD) chamber, where catalyst particles or a catalyst layer are directly deposited on the surface of the polymer electrolyte membrane having the nanostructured surface.
US08486278B2 Drug-delivery pumps and methods of manufacture
Embodiments of method of manufacturing an implantable pump, including providing an upper layer comprising a dome structure for housing a drug chamber and a cannula in fluid communication with the drug chamber, providing a middle deflection layer adjacent the drug chamber, providing a bottom layer comprising electrolysis electrodes, and bonding the upper layer, middle deflection layer, and bottom layer to form the pump.
US08486273B2 Water deflection silt collection system
A device for removing silt from flowing water by temporarily slowing the water enough to permit silt to settle naturally to the bottom is disclosed. The water may be slowed by a combination of increased depth and obstructions in the form of rough rocks and chain link fencing.
US08486271B2 Environmentally-friendly cementitious articles, formulations, methods of making and uses
Described herein is a cementitious article and a method of making using a water-based manufacturing system that incorporates a closed-loop or partially closed loop water recycling system and an alkali removal process. The system, as such is environmentally friendly, saves resources, such as water and other raw materials, and reduces waste disposal. The system further provides for a cementitious article having a low alkali content. Articles prepared by one or more processes described herein have characteristics that include a low apparent density, high strength and high freeze-thaw performance as compared with an article of the same general formulation but made from a comparative manufacturing system that does not include an alkali removal process. Articles described herein are suitable for use as building products, such as siding, the underlayment panel, board, trim, fascia, roofing, decking, and fence.
US08486269B2 Method for generating softened injection water
A method for generating softened injection water (A) (i) introducing source water having a dissolved solids content of up to 15,000 mg/liter and a multivalent cation content of greater than 40 mg/liter to a bed of cation exchange resin in monovalent cation form, (ii) passing the water through the bed so that at least a portion of the multivalent cations in the water are replaced by monovalent cations from the resin, and (iii) withdrawing the softened injection water having a multivalent cation content of up to 40 mg/liter; (B) regenerating the cation exchange resin by (i) introducing a regenerating brine to the vessel, (ii) passing the brine through the bed and (iii) withdrawing a brine containing displaced multivalent cations, wherein the brine is a naturally occurring high salinity water having a concentration of cations such that the Softening Limit for the source water is up to 40 mg/liter of multivalent cations.
US08486265B2 Stackable modular ultra pure water machine
A stackable modular ultra pure water machine has at least one water tank module, at least one terminal processing module, at least one purification module, at least one water outlet module and a control module that connected together in a stack. The control module has an LED display and a faceplate. Therefore, it is convenient to add or remove modules with different functions to form a customizable ultra pure water machine.
US08486258B2 Gasoline hydrodesulfurization and membrane unit to reduce mercaptan type sulfur
A process for the hydrodesulfurization of gasoline is disclosed, the process including: feeding (1) a cracked naphtha containing mercaptans and other organic sulfur compounds and (2) hydrogen to a first hydrodesulfurization reactor containing one or more beds of a hydrodesulfurization catalyst; contacting sulfur compounds comprising the other organic sulfur compounds in the cracked naphtha with hydrogen in the presence of a hydrodesulfurization catalyst to convert a portion of the other organic sulfur compounds to hydrogen sulfide; withdrawing from the hydrodesulfurization reactor an effluent comprising hydrocarbons and hydrogen sulfide. The effluent from the hydrodesulfurization reactor is fed to a membrane separation system containing a membrane for partitioning the hydrocarbons from the hydrogen sulfide. For example, the membrane may be selective to hydrogen sulfide, to separate a permeate fraction comprising hydrogen sulfide from a residue fraction comprising the hydrocarbons.
US08486256B2 Electrochemical technique to measure concentration of multivalent cations simultaneously
Methods and systems for simultaneously measuring concentration of two or more different cations in solution. The methods include the steps of applying a steady state polarization technique to a solution comprising two or more different cations; measuring the limiting currents of the solution; and correlating the limiting currents with the concentration of the different cations. The system includes a working electrode; a potentiostat; a counter electrode; a reference electrode; a solution comprising different cations to be analyzed; and a model for correlating the limiting currents with the concentration of the pair cations. The working electrode may be any electrode compatible with the media, including noble metals, carbon, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the working electrode is a rotating disk electrode (RDE).
US08486255B2 System, apparatus, and method for measuring an ion concentration of a measured fluid
A primary pump current is directed through a primary electrochemical cell system between first and second constant primary pump currents to direct a first ion flow into and out from a shared measuring chamber. A first output signal generated by the primary electrochemical cell system in accordance with a first ion concentration within the shared measuring chamber is detected. A second output signal generated by a secondary electrochemical cell system in accordance with a second ion concentration within the shared measuring chamber is also detected. Based on a relationship between the first and second output signals, a secondary pump current is directed through the secondary electrochemical cell system between first and second constant secondary pump currents to direct a second ion flow into and out from the shared measuring chamber.
US08486249B2 Cold spray and anodization repair process for restoring worn aluminum parts
A method for repairing an aluminum part having a worn portion is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of: (i) producing a first substantially non-porous coating over the worn portion utilizing a cold spray process wherein a powder mixture is propelled against the worn portion of the aluminum part, and (ii) anodizing the aluminum part to grow an aluminum oxide layer overlaying the first substantially non-porous coating. The powder mixture includes aluminum and an alloy media.
US08486247B2 Use of microfluidic systems in the electrochemical detection of target analytes
The invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for conducting analyses, particularly microfluidic devices for the detection of target analytes.
US08486240B2 Ceramic electrode material and manufacturing method thereof
A corrosion-resistant ceramic electrode material includes ceramic particles and, present between them, a three-dimensional network electroconducting path composed of a reductively fired product of a carbon-containing polymeric compound. This material is manufactured by a method in which a polymerization reaction of a polymerizable monomer previously contained in a ceramic slurry is performed to gel the ceramic slurry to thereby give a green body; and after drying and degreasing, the green body is fired in a reducing atmosphere.
US08486234B2 Plating apparatus and plating method
A plating apparatus can form a bump having a flat top or can form a metal film having a good in-plane uniformity even when the plating of a plating object (substrate) is carried out under high-current density conditions. The plating apparatus includes a plating tank for holding a plating solution; an anode to be immersed in the plating solution in the plating tank; a holder for holding a plating object and disposing the plating object at a position opposite the anode; a paddle, disposed between the anode and the plating object held by the holder, which reciprocates parallel to the plating object to stir the plating solution; and a control section for controlling a paddle drive section which drives the paddle. The control section controls the paddle drive section so that the paddle moves at a velocity whose average absolute value is 70 cm/sec to 100 cm/sec.
US08486231B2 Pryolytic energy recovery system
Provided is a pyrolytic energy recovery system for pyrolyzing wastes to obtain oil, the system including: a recovery furnace; a heat plate for dividing an inner space of the recovery furnace; a heating chamber disposed under the heat plate; a pyrolysis chamber disposed over the heat plate; a heating pipe line installed inside the front and rear surfaces of the recovery furnace; a rotary means constituted by a plurality of rotaries installed in the pyrolysis chamber to evenly distribute recyclable materials introduced through the recyclable material inlet port; a residual discharge means having primary residual conveyance screws longitudinally installed along the valley of the heat plate, a residual hopper installed at a separate space in the heating chamber such that the residual conveyed to a center part of the heat plate through the primary conveyance screws is lowered to be gathered, and a secondary residual conveyance screw installed from the residual hopper to the exterior of the recovery furnace and discharging the residual accumulated in the residual hopper to the exterior of the recovery furnace; and a condensing means separately installed at the exterior of the recovery furnace and receiving vaporized extracts generated through pyrolysis of the recyclable material in the pyrolysis chamber to exchange heat with the extracts to extract liquefied recovery oil.
US08486226B1 Low hygroexpansivity paper sheet
A paper sheet is providing having a basis weight of 50 to 80 g/m2, and having a top surface and a bottom surface, said paper sheet comprising 10%-80% by weight of hardwood kraft pulp; and 10%-70% by weight of sulfite pulp; wherein the paper sheet has an MD/CD TSI ratio of 1.25 to 2.15, and a fiber hygroexpansion stress transfer parameter (ω) of less than 0.1.
US08486221B2 Focus ring heating method, plasma etching apparatus, and plasma etching method
There are provided a method of heating a focus ring and a plasma etching apparatus, capable of simplifying a structure of a heating mechanism without a dummy substrate. The plasma etching apparatus includes a vacuum processing chamber; a lower electrode serving as a mounting table for mounting a substrate thereon; an upper electrode provided to face the lower electrode; a gas supply unit for supplying a processing gas; a high frequency power supply for supplying a high frequency power to the lower electrode to generate a plasma of the processing gas; and a focus ring provided on the lower electrode to surround a periphery of the substrate. In the plasma etching apparatus, the focus ring is heated by irradiating a heating light thereto from a light source provided outside the vacuum processing chamber.
US08486218B2 Method of manufacturing a part of a MEMS system
A method of manufacturing a bonded body of a semiconductor substrate and a semiconductor device to be mounted on the semiconductor substrate are provided. The method includes: preparing a first base member and a second base member; imparting liquid repellency for a liquid material to at least a part of a bonding film non-formation region of the first base member to form a liquid repellent region thereon; supplying the liquid material onto the first base member to selectively form a liquid coating on a bonding film formation region of the first base member; drying the liquid coating to obtain a bonding film on the bonding film formation region; and bonding the first base member and the second base member together through the bonding film due to a bonding property developed in a vicinity of a surface of the bonding film to thereby obtain the bonded body.
US08486215B2 Two-piece washing tank for a dishwasher and a method for manufacturing a two-piece washing tank for dishwashers
A two-piece washing tank for a dishwasher and a method for manufacturing the two-piece washing tank for a dishwasher. The dishwasher includes a washing container and an assembly base made from plastic. The washing container has a base formed from a substantial portion of the top side of the plastic assembly base and side and rear walls formed substantially of stainless steel.
US08486213B2 Method of making composite laminated product
A method of making a composite light diffusing panel including at least spaced apart lites with a fabric layer applied to an inner surface of at least one of said lites, involves applying a transparent adhesive to the layer of fabric or the lite(s), firmly applying the layer of fabric onto the lite(s) to avoid wrinkling fabric, curing the adhesive to bond the fabric to the lite(s), and assembling the lites to form the light diffusing panel. In this way, a functionally useful product can be obtained that does not suffer from wrinkling and other distracting effects.
US08486212B2 Method and apparatus for mounting electric component
An electronic component mounting apparatus is capable of significantly reducing a warpage amount of an electronic component warped in a case of thermocompression bonding using a conductive adhesive agent having conductive particles and a low minimum melt viscosity where a thin electronic component having a thickness smaller than or equal to 200 μm is mounted on a wiring board. In the mounting apparatus, an anisotropic conductive adhesive film having the minimum melt viscosity lower than or equal to 1.0×103 Pa·s is placed on a wiring board placed on a base, and an IC chip having a thickness smaller than or equal to 200 μm is placed on the anisotropic conductive adhesive film. In the mounting apparatus, the IC chip is pressurized by a thermocompression bonding head having a compression bonding portion made of elastomer having a rubber hardness lower than or equal to 60, so that the IC chip is bonded onto the wiring board by thermocompression.
US08486211B2 Methods for manufacturing a paint roller and component parts thereof having a composite cover formed of compounded material
Described are methods of making a paint roller using a composite cover material made from a compound of polypropylene and calcium carbonate having between 5% and 50% calcium carbonate by weight. One or various compounds may be used to form portions of one or multiple components that make up the paint roller, including, for example, the thermoplastic strips, adhesives and/or the backing of a composite cover material. The materials can be assembled in a continuous manufacturing process. Also described are methods of making a paint roller using an adhesive made from a compound of polypropylene and calcium carbonate having between 5% and 66% calcium carbonate by weight, and methods of making a paint roller using preformed strips or core material made from a compound of polypropylene and calcium carbonate having between 5% and 66% calcium carbonate by weight.
US08486210B2 Apparatus for producing elastomeric nonwoven laminates
An apparatus for producing an elastomeric nonwoven laminate including a plurality of elastomeric strands joined to a nonwoven web in a controlled distribution is provided. The apparatus includes an extruder for extruding a plurality of elastomeric strands onto a cooled surface of a rotating drum, which transports the strands in parallel alignment to a nip formed between two rollers rotating about parallel axis. The drum transfers the plurality of strands to the nip in a controlled distribution where it is bonded with the nonwoven. The apparatus also includes elements which automate the apparatus for creating the elastomeric nonwoven laminate.
US08486209B2 Method for the production of a breathable multilayer synthetic leather, and breathable multilayer synthetic leather
A method for the production of a breathable multilayer synthetic leather with a backing layer of a textile sheet, at least one intermediate layer applied to the backing layer and based on an at least to some extent open-cell whipped polyurethane foam and, applied full-surface to the at least one intermediate layer, an outer layer based on a polyurethane.
US08486208B2 Cold crack additive on paving advertising and related methods
A paving advertisement has an elongated flexible tape body with a base substrate layer. The base substrate layer has front and rear faces, the front face having at least one text message that conveys information. The base substrate layer is treated with a cold crack additive, thereby increasing strength and flexibility.
US08486207B2 Low-smoke pyrotechnic composition for producing colored flames
The present invention provides a chlorine-containing pyrotechnic composition which is substantially free of per-chlorate which composition comprises a nitrocellulose which is derived from a fibrous nitrocellulose starting material that has at least partially been dissolved during the process of preparing the pyrotechnic composition, and a colorant. The invention further provides a firework article comprising said pyrotechnic composition, and a method for preparing the same.
US08486206B2 Method for warm swaging Al-Mg alloy parts
A method for the production of swaged aluminum alloy parts, by production of a 0.5 mm-5 mm thick alloy strip made of 1-6 wt. % Mg, <1.2 wt. % Mn, <1 wt. % Cu, <1 wt. % Zn, <3 wt. % Si, <2 wt. % Fe, <0.4 wt. % Cr, Zr<0.3, other elements <0.1 each, total of <0.5, the remainder being Al, cutting a blank from the strip, locally or totally heating the blank at a temperature of 150-350° C. for <30 secs, and swaging the heated blank with the aid of heated tools, at least partially, at a temperature of 150-350° C. in the presence of a lubricant which is compatible with later operations. The swaged parts are automotive body work parts.
US08486205B2 High strength hot rolled steel sheet excellent in bore expanding workability and method for production thereof
A high-strength hot-rolled steel sheet containing C: 0.05 to 0.15%, Si: no more than 1.50% (excluding 0%), Mn: 0.5 to 2.5%, P: no more than 0.035% (excluding 0%), S: no more than 0.01% (including 0%), Al: 0.02 to 0.15%, and Ti: 0.05 to 0.2%, which is characterized in that its metallographic structure is composed of 60 to 95 vol % of bainite and solid solution-hardened or precipitation-hardened ferrite (or ferrite and martensite) and its fracture appearance transition temperature (vTrs) is no higher than 0° C. as obtained by impact tests (% in terms of % by weight).
US08486203B2 Conversion coating and anodizing sealer with no chromium
Aqueous acidic coating solutions containing a water soluble divalent zinc compound, a complex fluoride compound, and an organic inhibitor for improving the corrosion resistance and adhesive bonding characteristics of aluminum, aluminum alloys, anodic coatings and sacrificial coatings, are disclosed. Suitable organic inhibitors include oximes, such as salicylaldoxime, and/or quinolines, particularly 8-hydroxyquinoline, and mixtures thereof.
US08486199B2 Ultrasonic cleaning method and apparatus
A device and method for treating the surface of a semiconductor wafer provides a treatment fluid in the form of a dispersion of gas bubbles in a treatment liquid generated at acoustic pressures less than those required to induce cavitation in the treatment liquid. A resonator supplies ultrasonic or megasonic energy to the treatment fluid and is configured to create an interference pattern in the treatment fluid comprising regions of pressure amplitude minima and maxima at an interface of the treatment fluid and the semiconductor wafer.
US08486198B2 Method of processing substrates
This invention relates to a method of processing substrates including: (a) etching, in a chamber, a generally vertical structure in a substrate using a cyclic process including an etch step using a reactive etch gas and a deposition step for depositing a protective polymer on to the side walls of that part of the structure which has already been etched by a preceding etch step or steps; and (b) cleaning, in the absence of any substrate, the chamber of material deposited thereon by the performance of the deposition step in step (a) characterized in that following the cleaning of the deposition derived material, the chamber is cleaned of material derived from the etchant gas by exposing the chamber to a plasma containing a mixture of O2 and at least the active element of elements of the etchant gas.
US08486197B2 Method of saccharification and separation for plant fiber materials
A method of saccharification and separation for plant fiber materials is provided. The method includes hydrolyzing cellulose contained in the plant fiber materials using a cluster acid catalyst in a pseudo-molten state to produce saccharide. The method further includes a first separation step of separating a mixture containing an aqueous saccharide solution in which at least a portion of the saccharide produced is dissolved, a cluster acid organic solvent solution, and residues into a solid content containing the residues and a liquid content containing the aqueous saccharide solution and the cluster acid catalyst solvent solution. The method further includes a second separation step of dehydrating the liquid content by a dehydration means capable of absorbing water through chemical absorption to deposit the saccharide in the aqueous saccharide solution, and separating a solid content containing the saccharide from a liquid content containing the cluster acid catalyst and the organic solvent.
US08486196B2 Vaporizing apparatus and film forming apparatus provided with vaporizing apparatus
Because an evaporating apparatus for use in an MOCVD film deposition system has a structure in which a plurality of gas passages brings in a gas from the upper direction, the apparatus has a difficulty to position a jet nozzle, and the apparatus is incapable of accurately controlling the pressure and flow rate of a carrier gas mixed with a raw material solution to be issued into an evaporating unit, and it is thus difficult to highly accurately control the composition of MOCVD films. A plurality of gas passages is arranged on a flat, disk-shaped plate. With this configuration, the accurate positioning of the jet nozzle can be made easier, and the composition of MOCVD films can be controlled highly accurately.
US08486193B2 Systems for forming semiconductor materials by atomic layer deposition
Methods of depositing a III-V semiconductor material on a substrate include sequentially introducing a gaseous precursor of a group III element and a gaseous precursor of a group V element to the substrate by altering spatial positioning of the substrate with respect to a plurality of gas columns. For example, the substrate may be moved relative to a plurality of substantially aligned gas columns, each disposing a different precursor. Thermalizing gas injectors for generating the precursors may include an inlet, a thermalizing conduit, a liquid container configured to hold a liquid reagent therein, and an outlet. Deposition systems for forming one or more III-V semiconductor materials on a surface of the substrate may include one or more such thermalizing gas injectors configured to direct the precursor to the substrate via the plurality of gas columns.
US08486189B2 Cosmetic comprising multi-colored lustrous pearlescent pigments
A cosmetic containing a pearlescent pigment comprising a substrate and a first layer, wherein the first layer comprises iron oxide, wherein the iron has from about 1% to about 30% Fe(II) and from about 70% to about 99% Fe(III).
US08486178B2 Cross-pleated membrane cartridges, and method and apparatus for making cross-pleated membrane cartridges
A membrane cartridge is manufactured by repeatedly folding and joining two strips of membrane to form a cross-pleated cartridge with a stack of openings or fluid passageways configured in an alternating cross-flow arrangement. The cartridge can be modified for other flow configurations including co-flow and counter-flow arrangements. Methods for manufacturing such cross-pleated membrane cartridges, as well as apparatus used in the manufacturing process are described. Cross-pleated membrane cartridges comprising water-permeable membranes can be used in a variety of applications, including in heat and water vapor exchangers. In particular they can be incorporated into energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) for exchanging heat and water vapor between air streams being directed into and out of buildings.
US08486173B2 Collapsible underhood container
A collapsible underhood container for mounting under a vehicle hood with a portion of the collapsible underhood container extending into an area between the hood and an underhood safety plane when in an extended position, the container comprising: a lower housing, an upper container portion and a locking feature. The lower housing is fixed relative to the vehicle and has a bottom and side walls. The upper container portion has walls adjacent to and telescopically slidable on the side walls of the lower housing and a top, with the top located in the area between the hood and the safety plane. The locking feature maintains the upper container relative to the lower housing when in the extended position and releases the upper container portion to slide downward relative to the lower housing to a collapsed position when the hood contacts the upper container.
US08486163B2 Micro reforming reactor for fuel cell and method of preparing the same
A micro reforming reactor includes a first substrate with a micro channel having a width of less than 1,000 μm bonded to a second substrate to form a micro tunnel. An adhesive layer is formed on the internal walls of the micro tunnel using a flow coating method. A catalyst may then be optionally formed on the adhesive coated internal walls of the micro tunnel, also using a flow coating method.
US08486162B2 Reformer for fuel cell system and fuel cell system having the same
A reformer of a fuel cell system and a fuel cell system including a reformer are disclosed. The reformer includes a reformation unit comprising a pipe through which fuel passes. The pipe is formed from a material adapted to induce a catalytic reformation reaction in the pipe. The reformer includes a heat source unit for heating and evaporating the fuel by heating the pipe. The fuel cell system includes such a reformer, a stack for generating electricity through an electrochemical reaction between oxygen and hydrogen, a fuel supply unit, and an air supply unit.
US08486160B2 Rechargeable battery
A rechargeable battery comprises: an electrode assembly comprising a plurality of positive electrode plates, a plurality of negative electrode plates, and a plurality of separators; and a case enclosing the electrode assembly; wherein each separator in the plurality of separators comprises a central portion facing at least one of the positive and negative electrode plates, and an extended portion that extends past the positive and negative electrode plates, and wherein each of the extended portion comprises an adhered portion that is adhered to adjacent extended portions.
US08486159B2 Method for producing positive electrode active material and positive electrode active material
The object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing simply a positive electrode active material which can further increase charge-discharge capacity of secondary batteries when the positive electrode active material is used for positive electrode of secondary batteries, particularly non-aqueous electrolyte secondary batteries. A method for producing a positive electrode active material includes the step of heat-treating a lithium mixed metal oxide represented by the formula Li2MO3 in the presence of a hydride wherein M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ti, V, Mn, Fe, Co and Ni.
US08486156B2 Prosthetic foot with a curved split
Prosthetic feet having a split feature are described. The prosthetic feet can include a plate-like upper element and a plate-like lower element connected to the upper element. The plate-like upper element can include a split that separates the upper element into a medial blade and a lateral blade. A portion of the split can curve in a medial or lateral direction. Portions of the split can also be straight, but askew, from a longitudinal axis of the upper element. The plate-like lower element can also include a similar curved split that separates the lower element into a medial blade and a lateral blade. These features, among others, are designed to provide multi-axial movement capabilities of a natural human foot and enhance roll-over properties while in use.
US08486153B2 Anti-obesity devices
Method and apparatus for limiting absorption of food products in specific parts of the digestive system is presented. A gastrointestinal implant device is anchored in the pyloric portion of the gastrointestinal system and extends beyond the ligament of Treitz. All food exiting the stomach is funneled through the device. The gastrointestinal device includes an anchor for anchoring the device in the pyloric portion and a flexible sleeve that extents into the duodenum. The anchor is collapsible for endoscopic delivery and removal.
US08486150B2 Patient-modified implant
An orthopedic implant includes a first portion including at least one feature modified to be patient-specific and match the anatomy of a specific patient from a three-dimensional digital image of a patient's joint using computer modeling. The orthopedic implant includes a non-custom inner bone-engaging surface including a plurality of planar surfaces configured for engagement with non-custom bone cuts.
US08486148B2 Hinged spinal fusion cages
A spinal interbody fusion cage has a body whose anterior/posterior profile may be varied through angular positioning of one or more articulating segments of the body without changing the superior/inferior height of the body. The present spinal interbody fusion cage has N segments or sections wherein at least one segment is articulated relative to another segment via a connection point, pivot or pivot structure such that the anterior/posterior profile is variable through angular positioning of one or more of the segments. The pivot structure may be configured so as to allow unidirectional movement between the connecting segments thereby allowing articulation in one plane or to allow omni-directional movement between the connecting segments thereby allowing articulation in multiple planes. The various forms of the present interbody fusion cage include superior and inferior sides or bone abutment surfaces that have serrations, teeth or similar functioning structures (teeth). The teeth extend between the anterior end and the posterior end. The teeth may take different shapes but are configured to allow insertion of the spinal interbody fusion cage in an anterior-first manner while preventing and/or inhibiting the spinal interbody fusion cage from backing out posteriorly.
US08486146B2 Orthopedic device assembly with elements coupled by a retaining structure
The present invention provides an orthopedic device assembly comprising a first assembly element, a second assembly element, and a retaining mechanism. The first assembly element has a recess that receives the second assembly element, and the retaining mechanism holds the second element in an assembled state with the first assembly element. The retaining mechanism includes a retaining member with an angular cross-section defined by a base portion and a lateral flange portion projecting from the base portion. The retaining member is inserted through an aperture of the first assembly element into a groove in a wall of the recess of the first assembly element, with the flange portion projecting laterally of the groove and overhanging a shoulder portion of the second assembly element so as to retain the second assembly element in the assembled state with the first assembly element.
US08486142B2 Accommodating intraocular lenses
An intraocular lens is disclosed, with an optic that changes shape in response to a deforming force exerted by the zonules of the eye. A haptic supports the optic around its equator and couples the optic to the capsular bag of the eye. Certain haptic features improve the accommodative performance of the haptic, such that compressive/tensile forces may be more efficiently transferred from the haptic to optic. Furthermore, certain aspects also provide enhanced bag-sizing capability so that the IOL better fits within the capsular bag.
US08486140B2 Refractive intraocular implant lens and method
A refractive intraocular lens (104) and method of locating the lens within the eye and attaching the lens to the iris. The refractive intraocular lens (104) may be attached via a staple (230), a fastener (312), anchor (412) or by the tip of the haptic (118). The intraocular lens (104) works in combination with the human crystalline lens to treat conditions selected from the group consisting of myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism.
US08486138B2 Method and apparatus for prosthetic valve removal
A method and apparatus for facilitating transapical removal of a prosthetic heart valve, i.e., percutaneously implantable valve (PIV), without open-heart surgery. The apparatus includes a holding tool for holding the PIV, a cutting tool for separating the PrV from fibrotic tissue accumulating around the PIV, and a removal tool for extracting the PIV from the heart.
US08486128B2 Delivery system for a medical device
The invention is directed to a delivery system for delivering a medical device. The delivery system includes an inner member having a proximal end and a distal end. The inner member defines a longitudinal axis between the proximal end and the distal end. A tip is formed at the distal end of the inner member. A bumper is freely disposed on the inner member. The bumper has a proximal end and a distal end. A seat is defined between the tip and the distal end of the bumper. Additionally, a sheath is disposed about the inner member, the sheath having a proximal end and a distal end. The sheath is movable from a first sheath position substantially covering the seat, and a second sheath position axially offset to expose the seat. The invention also includes a handle in contact with the proximal end of the inner member.
US08486127B2 High temperature thermal therapy of breast cancer
A method is described for preventing breast cancer recurrence after surgical removal of a breast cancer mass. Specifically, the method is thermal treatment of breast tissue surrounding a cavity after lumpectomy for breast cancer. Delivery of a heated fluid is through a balloon catheter to the cavity generated after lumpectomy with the goal of ablating the surrounding tissue, including transformed cells that were not removed through surgery. A balloon and controller were designed for this application.
US08486125B2 Diabetes symptom relief through a laser based medical device
Disclosed are several methods, apparatus, and a system for providing diabetic symptom relief through a laser based medical instrument. In one embodiment, a method includes generating a radiation of a laser-light created by a laser diode of a first medical instrument. In addition, the method includes applying a treatment of the radiation to a portion of a body. The method also includes reducing elevated blood glucose and/or glycosylated hemoglobin levels caused by one or more metabolic diseases such as diabetes. The method further includes providing a relief from the secondary complications of elevated blood glucose levels such as blurred vision, etc., when the treatment is complete.
US08486124B2 Controlled protocol timer
A phototherapy treatment dispensing device provides therapeutic light emissions treatments. The device provides additional means for controlling a patient's exposure to those treatments through a controlled protocol timer. The controlled protocol timer can provide for incremental exposure increases; monitors patient compliance with a treatment regimen; and reminds the patient when a treatment will soon be overdue.
US08486122B2 Device for removal of intermaxillary fixation
There is provided an intermaxillary fixation releasing device in which intermaxillary fixation can be released without a special tool, and the labor of the practitioner and the burden on the patient are reduced. The intermaxillary fixation releasing device comprises a maxillary joint composed of a first synthetic resin; a mandibular joint composed of a second synthetic resin; and a connector composed of an elastomer, wherein the maxillary joint is provided with an upper-side interlocking part and an upper-side support part; the mandibular joint is provided with a lower-side interlocking part and a lower-side support part; the elastomer forming the connector is incompatible or substantially incompatible with the first synthetic resin and the second synthetic resin; and the maxillary joint and the mandibular joint are joined with the connector in a state in which the upper-side support part and the lower-side support part are embedded in the connector.
US08486119B2 Implant comprising one or more electrodes and corresponding insertion instrument
An implant for placement in an anatomical structure includes at least two electrodes separated by an insulator, the electrodes being flush with the surface of the implant to allow the implant to be followed up and guided during insertion in the anatomical structure.
US08486118B2 Device for osteosynthesis
A bone plate system includes (a) Bone Plate having a bottom surface for contacting bone, an upper surface and at least one through hole extending from the bottom surface to the upper surface, the through hole having a central axis and a cross-section that extends orthogonally to the central axis and is one of at least partially polygonal, at least partially prismatic, and at least partially elliptical; (b) Bushing within the through hole, Bushing including a central bore designed to receive a bone fixation element, a cross-section of Bushing orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of Bushing is shaped substantially the same as the cross-section of the through hole so that Bushing is secured against rotation about its longitudinal axis; and (c) at least one Bone Fixation Element having a portion for anchoring within bone, Bone Fixation Element configured and dimensioned for insertion into the central bore of Bushing.
US08486115B2 Spinal plate assemblies with backout protection cap and methods
A bone plate assembly includes a plate, at least one bone screw, and at least one cap member. The screw extends into a through hole of the plate and a head of the screw seats in the through hole. The plate includes an undercut slot adjacent to the through hole. The cap includes at least one tab member that extends radially outward. The cap is mounted in the through hole with the tab member positioned in the undercut slot to inhibit the screw from backing out of the plate. In some arrangements, the tab member is rotatable within the undercut slot from an unlocked position to a locked position.
US08486113B2 Spinal stabilization systems
Spinal stabilizing elements and spinal stabilization systems composed of spinal stabilizing elements in combination with disc prostheses or disc nucleus replacements are provided. The stabilizing elements and stabilization systems are designed to preserve the natural mobility of vertebral discs and facet joints in patients with facet joint disease or patients who has undergone a prior destabilizing procedure, such as a facetectomy. The stabilizing elements may be pivoting elements or dynamic elements.
US08486112B2 Modular multi-level spine stabilization system and method
A multi-level spine stabilization system comprises a plurality of securing members configured for attachment to a plurality of vertebrae. A plurality of adjustable rods segments extend between the plurality of securing members. The adjustable rod comprises a first rod segment that engages a second rod segment in an adjustable relationship. The length of the rod may be adjusted by moving the first rod segment relative to the second rod segment. For example, the first rod segment may be in a slideable relationship with the second rod segment such that sliding the first rod segment relative to the second rod segment results in a change in the length of the rod. In one embodiment, portions of both the first rod segment and the second rod segment are positioned within and secured to the securing member. Advantageously, the multi-level spine stabilization system described herein may be used to center dynamic portions of the rod between securing members.
US08486109B2 Devices for introduction into a body via a substantially straight conduit to form a predefined curved configuration, and methods employing such devices
A device for introduction into a body in a straight configuration and assuming within the body a predefined curved configuration, includes an elongated element formed from a number of segments interconnected so as to form effective hinges therebetween. When the elongated element is confined to a straight state, the effective hinges transfer compressive forces from each segment to the next so that the elongated element can be pushed to advance it through a conduit. When the elongated element is not confined to a straight state, the effective hinges allow deflection of each segment relative to adjacent segments until abutment surfaces of the segments come into abutment, thereby defining a fully flexed state of the elongated element with a predefined curved configuration. The device can be produced with a wide range of two-dimensional and three-dimensional curved forms, and has both medical and non-medical applications.
US08486108B2 Closure device and methods for making and using them
A clip for engaging tissue includes a generally annular-shaped body defining a plane and disposed about a central axis extending normal to the plane. The body includes alternating inner and outer curved regions, defining a zigzag pattern about a periphery of the clip. The body is biased towards a planar configuration lying in the plane and deflectable towards a transverse configuration extending out of the plane. Tines extend from the inner curved regions, the tines being oriented towards the central axis in the planar configuration, and parallel to the central axis in the transverse configuration. The tines may include primary tines and secondary tines that are shorter than the primary tines. The primary tines may be disposed on opposing inner curved regions and oriented towards one another such that they overlap in the planar configuration.
US08486104B2 Mechanical clot treatment device with distal filter
This is a surgical device usually delivered through an intravascular catheter. It may be used in several ways. It may, for instance, be used to open a clear passageway adjacent thrombus to allow both blood and medication to bypass the clot. It may be used to pierce and to remove thrombus. These thrombus are often found in tortuous vasculature. The device includes several sections. The device has a core element, typically a core wire. Placed around the distal end of the core element is a collapsible but preferably self expanding proximal cage assembly and a distal filter, preferably a self-expanding cage assembly or other filter component. The various portions of those components are preferably radio-opaque. The proximal end of the proximal cage is typically is affixed to an actuator in such a way as to allow expansion of the cage after deployment. The proximal cage assembly may be used for collecting emboli or for displacing them to allow blood flow to resume, either with or without concurrent clot-dissolving drug treatment. The distal sector, whether a self-expanding cage or fan, is placed distally of the thrombus to collect portions of the thrombus which may loosen during the treatment or removal procedure.
US08486093B2 Systems and methods for securing a graft member to tissue using one or more tacking devices
The present embodiments provide systems and methods for repairing tissue using one or more tacking devices. In one embodiment, the system comprises a graft member and at least one protective member configured to enclose at least a portion of a tacking device. The protective member may include, without limitation, a pocket having an enclosure forming an interior space, a plug of material or a barrier layer. When at least one tacking device is deployed to couple the graft member to the tissue, at least a portion of the tacking device is enclosed by the protective member to reduce the exposure of the tacking device.
US08486092B2 Closure device and methods for making and using them
A clip for engaging tissue includes a generally annular-shaped body defining a plane and disposed about a central axis extending normal to the plane. The body includes alternating inner and outer curved regions, defining a zigzag pattern about a periphery of the clip. The body is biased towards a planar configuration lying in the plane and deflectable towards a transverse configuration extending out of the plane. Tines extend from the inner curved regions, the tines being oriented towards the central axis in the planar configuration, and parallel to the central axis in the transverse configuration. The tines may include primary tines and secondary tines that are shorter than the primary tines. The primary tines may be disposed on opposing inner curved regions and oriented towards one another such that they overlap in the planar configuration.
US08486091B2 Endoscopic surgical clip applier
An apparatus for application of surgical clips to body tissue is provided and includes a handle assembly; a shaft assembly including a housing extending distally from the handle assembly and defining a longitudinal axis; a plurality of surgical clips disposed within the shaft assembly; a jaw mounted adjacent a distal end portion of the shaft assembly, the jaw being movable between an open spaced-apart condition and a closed approximated condition; and a pusher bar reciprocally disposed within the housing of the shaft assembly and being detachably connectable to the housing of the shaft assembly, the pusher bar being configured to load a distal-most surgical clip into the jaws during distal movement and remain connected to the housing of the shaft assembly and in a distally advanced position during an approximation of the jaws.
US08486087B2 System and method for removing excised tissue
A method and system for removing tissue from a body cavity is provided. The system includes a retrieval bag that is insertable through a first incision in tissue and includes open and closed ends. A surgical instrument is insertable into the body cavity and configured to grasp and excise a sample/specimen from within the body cavity and selectively substantially seal the retrieval bag. A fluid circulator in fluid communication with the surgical instrument and the open end of the retrieval bag is configured to evacuate gaseous matter from within the body cavity and into the open end of the retrieval bag such that the retrieval bag substantially encircles the excised tissue specimen.
US08486085B2 Surgical microscopy system and method for performing eye surgery
A surgical microscopy system comprises microscopy optics for generating an image of an eye under surgery. A pattern generator generates a pattern to be superimposed with the image. An eye-tracker is provided for tracking a position of the superimposed pattern with respect to the image in case of a movement of the eye. The superimposed pattern comprises pattern elements that are equally distributed on first and second circles of different sizes, in order to give assistance when placing a suture during a corneal transplant. The superimposed pattern may also provide an assistance for orientating a toric intra-ocular lens.
US08486078B2 Systems, devices and apparatuses for bony fixation and disk repair and replacement methods related thereto
The present invention features new methods, apparatuses and devices for fixing adjacent bone segments, segments of a bony structure and adjacent vertebrate of a spine. The methods, apparatuses and devices utilize an apparatus for forming a channel in a surface of the bone or bony structure segments or adjacent vertebra or a channel submerged within the bone or bony structure segments or adjacent vertebra. In more particular embodiments such apparatuses and methods including forming an arcuate channel and which channel can receive therein a curved rod or implant member. Also featured are systems, apparatuses and methods for removably suspending a spacer in the intervertebral space while forming such a channel as well as systems, apparatuses and methods for use of dynamized implant members.
US08486077B1 Percutaneous posterolateral spine fusion
A method, tools, and system for performing a percutaneous or minimally invasive spine fusion procedure are provided. A trocar and then dilator are used to create a channel for a hollow and longitudinally slit delivery tube. The method includes inserting a decorticator, such as a rasp, via a delivery tube, decorticating a first region of a first bone associated with a spine, and pushing a bone fusion substance via the delivery tube to the region to fuse the first region with a second region of a second bone associated with the spine. The spine fusion may be a posterolateral fusion and the first region may be a transverse process region of a lumber spine. The bone fusion substance may be pushed using a pusher instrument inserted into the delivery tube, and the delivery tube may be removed while the pusher instrument is held in place to direct the bone fusion substance.
US08486070B2 Telemetric orthopaedic implant
An instrumented orthopaedic implant, such as an intramedullary (IM) nail, is disclosed. The implant has the capacity to provide an accurate measurement of the applied mechanical load across the implant. The implant includes sensors and associated electronic components located in recesses on the outer surface of the implant. The implant houses the sensing apparatus, the interface circuitry, the data transmitter, and the power receiver. The hermetically sealed housing is adapted for implantation in the body of a patient. The implant is used with a controller which communicates with it by telemetry, and there is an acting unit connected to the electronic components which is adapted to carry out a function based upon a condition detected by the sensors.
US08486068B2 System, kit and apparatus for attachment of external fixators for bone realignment
The present invention includes a system, kit and apparatus to aid in the realignment of one or more bones of a patient. The present invention provides a substantially rigid orthopedic stabilization scaffold for attachment of one or more external fixators for the realignment of one or more bones of a patient. The orthopedic stabilization scaffold includes a first anchorable frame and a second anchorable frame that are removably attachable to an operating table and connected adjustably by one or more crossbars.
US08486066B2 Spacer
The relationship between first and second portions of a bone in a patient's body is changed by moving a wedge member into a slot formed in the bone. Force is applied against hard cortical bone by the wedge member. This force pivots the first portion of the bone relative to the second portion of the bone about an axis extending through bone interconnecting the first and second portions of the bone. As the wedge member moves into the bone, a side surface of the wedge member is moved into alignment with an outer side surface of the bone. The wedge member is fixedly connected with the bone. The wedge member is rigid so that the bone can immediately be load bearing. One or more openings may be provided in the wedge member to enable bone to grow through the wedge member. The wedge member may contain a material which promotes growth of bone through the wedge member.
US08486062B2 Curved ablation catheter
A curved ablation catheter imparts ablative energy to target tissue, for example, along a trabecular slope, e.g., in the right atrium along the isthmus between the ostium of the inferior vena cava and the tricuspid valve. The catheter is formed with a preset curvature that, when deployed, both translates linearly and increases in radius to aid in the formation of spot or continuous linear lesions. A method of treating atrial flutter employs the curved ablation catheter.
US08486061B2 Imaginary impedance process monitoring and intelligent shut-off
An electrosurgical generator for supplying electrosurgical energy to tissue is disclosed. The generator includes sensor circuitry configured to measure an imaginary impedance and/or a rate of change of the imaginary impedance of tissue. The generator also includes a controller configured to regulate output of the electrosurgical generator based on the measured imaginary impedance and/or the rate of change of the imaginary impedance.
US08486055B2 Method for modifying the refractive index of ocular tissues
A method for modifying the refractive index of ocular tissues. The method comprises irradiating select regions of ocular tissue with a visible or near-IR laser. The irradiation results in the formation of structures in the ocular tissue, characterized by a change in refractive index, and which exhibit little or no scattering loss.
US08486053B2 Friction compensation in a minimally invasive surgical apparatus
Devices, systems, and methods for compensate for friction within powered automatic systems, particularly for telesurgery and other telepresence applications. Dynamic friction compensation may comprise applying a continuous load in the direction of movement of a joint, and static friction compensation may comprise applying alternating loads in positive and negative joint actuation directions whenever the joint velocity reading falls within a low velocity range.
US08486045B2 Surgical access device with adjustable cannula
A surgical access device is provided having a cannula and obturator. The cannula has a housing and tube section with an anchor located about the tube section. The obturator has a mechanism to deploy the anchor and adjust the cannula length. The anchor is moveable between a deployed and undeployed state where the undeployed state facilitates insertion and removal of the access device and the deployed state assists in fixation of the cannula in an anatomic structure. Anchor deployment is independent of cannula length adjustment.
US08486044B2 Port assembly for use with needleless connector
A port assembly includes a housing with an opening and a bore therethrough, a slit septum disposed in the opening to control access through the opening, a base joined to the housing and having a membrane attached thereto, a perforator having a first end abutting the slit septum and a second end aligned with the membrane, and a resilient member disposed between the perforator and the base. The perforator has first and second lumens, the first lumen extending between the first and second ends of the perforator and the second lumen extending between a point between the first and second ends and the second end. The perforator also has a seal disposed about the first lumen at the first end of the perforator, and a valve associated with the second lumen to limit flow of fluid through the second lumen in the direction of the second end.
US08486043B2 Inhalation drug delivery
Described here are unit dose containers, methods, and kits for treating asthma and other pulmonary conditions by nebulization. The unit doses of active agents are provided in a low volume formulation, which results in faster nebulization of the unit doses. The containers are also formed to minimize internal surface area so that effective re-dispersion of the active agents can be achieved while reducing adsorption to the walls of the containers.
US08486041B2 Refastenable absorbent article and a method of applying thereof
Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders, training pants and the like, having elastomeric flaps and a fastening system that provides the user with options as to how the absorbent article may be fitted to and removed from the wearer. The absorbent articles can be pulled on and/or off as a pant. This feature is provided by the ear panels which maintain sufficient tension to hold the diaper on the wearer throughout the period of use without harming the wearer's skin, while providing enough stretch to allow the diaper to be pulled up or down over the wearer's hips. The fastening system is refastenable for convenience yet strong enough to maintain the diaper in a fastened configuration without becoming detached if the diaper is pulled on or off the wearer.
US08486040B2 Wearing article
A wearing article includes front and rear waist regions joined together. A joint strength of joint arrays along the front and rear waist regions is generally uniformed. A chassis is formed along front waist region's side edges and rear waist region's side edges with the joint arrays. A liquid-absorbent structure includes front and rear ends opposed to each other in a longitudinal direction and extending in a transverse direction. The front end is covered with a front waist sheet and the rear end is covered with a rear waist sheet. Along the respective joint arrays, the front and rear waist sheets are spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction.
US08486039B2 Disposable diaper
The present invention provides a disposable diaper which prevents body waste from leaking sideways without sacrificing a bodily fluid absorbing capacity of a liquid-absorbent structure and to assure a high retention for urine and discharged feces. The waist elastic members includes first and second waist elastic members wherein elastic members extend in the transverse direction across opposite lateral regions so as not to present in central zones of front and rear waist regions. The second waist elastic members in the front waist region extend from transverse opposite side edges of the front waist region in the transverse direction beyond transverse opposite side edges of a liquid-absorbent core while the second elastic members in the rear waist region extend from transverse opposite side edges in the transverse direction and terminate short of the side edges of the core.
US08486038B2 Disposable pull-on garment
A disposable pull-on garment to be contained in a package is disclosed. The pull-on garment has a waist opening and leg openings, and has a longitudinal centerline and a transverse centerline. The pull-on garment comprises a main portion and side portions extending transversely outwardly from the main portion. The pull-on garment has longitudinal side contour lines to define a transverse width of the pull-on garment. The pull-on garment has a first transverse width between the longitudinal side contour lines at the waist opening and a second transverse width between the longitudinal side contour lines at the side portions. The second transverse width is greater than the first transverse width and is the greatest transverse width at the side portions in a flat contracted and unfolded condition of the pull-on garment. The side portions are folded along a folding line toward the longitudinal centerline when the pull-on garment is contained in a package such that the second transverse width decreases and the difference between the first transverse width and the second transverse width decreases when the side portions are folded compared with when the side portions are unfolded.
US08486036B2 Absorbent article
The present invention aims to provide an absorbent article incorporated with a functional sheet without any anxiety that the wearer's skin might be contaminated even though the article is partially colored.In an absorbent article 1a comprising a sheet assembly 10, a functional sheet 51 having a size smaller than that of the sheet assembly 10, and a bodily fluid-absorbent structure 30 wherein the functional sheet 51 and the bodily fluid-absorbent structure 30 are attached to the sheet assembly 10, the functional sheet 51 is put flat with and bonded to the sheet assembly 10 so as to be kept in contact with the wearer's skin and an externally visible colored zone 4 is provided between the functional sheet 51 and the sheet assembly 10.
US08486034B2 Method and device for extracting and/or collecting blood from placenta and/or umbilical cord
A device for extracting and collecting blood from a delivered placenta comprising a compartment to contain and support a delivered placenta and umbilical cord. The compartment includes a flexible membrane which can be displaced (preferably under the influence of a fluid (preferably gas) pressure differential between the compartment side and non compartment side of the membrane) to impart onto the placenta a pressure to encourage the displacement of fluid carried by the placenta towards the umbilical cord. The compartment includes at least one outlet opening via which the umbilical cord can extend (preferably in a sealed manner) to allow the flexible membrane pressure induced flow of fluid carried by the placenta to displace from the compartment for external to the compartment collection of the fluid.
US08486029B2 Pot for sinus cavity rinse
A vessel for use in rinsing a user's nasal cavities includes a main body, a spout extending from the main body, a nozzle attached to the spout, and a handle forming an aperture in communication with the main body. The aperture is sealable by a user to control a flow of a fluid held in the main body out of the nozzle. The nozzle defines an outer skirt deflectable upon engagement with the walls of the user's nasal cavity. A lid is removably engageable with the main body, provides fluid ingress when removed, and creates a watertight seal between the lid and the main body when engaged with the main body. An annular raised periphery may surround the aperture for facilitating sealing of the aperture with the user's finger.
US08486027B2 Bone-penetrating member for intraosseous infusion and aspiration devices
Apparatus are disclosed for intraosseous fluid infusion or aspiration of bone marrow of a subject. Particular apparatus include a bone portal (bone-penetrating member) comprising axially-aligned distal and proximal sections. The proximal section extends in a distal direction from a proximate end of the bone portal and the distal section extends in the distal direction from the proximate section to the distal end of the bone portal. The bone portal also comprises a fluid-transport bore extending between a proximal opening in the proximal section and a distal opening in the distal section. At least a portion of the distal section has a cross-sectional area, perimeter, diameter and/or dimension greater than that of the proximal section.
US08486021B2 Syringe drive unit
Provided is a syringe drive unit (1) which is capable of imparting a fine moving amount to a plunger pressing member (6) when a plunger is pushed into a syringe body using a feed screw mechanism, to thereby eject liquid medicine from the syringe body with high accuracy. The syringe drive unit (1) includes: a syringe holder (3) which is fixed to a front surface side of a base plate (2) and holds the syringe body; a guide rail (4) which is provided on a rear surface side of the base plate (2) along an axial-line direction of the syringe body; a slider (5) which is assembled to the guide rail (4) through intermediation of rolling elements; a plunger pressing member (6) which is fixed to the slider (5) and includes an arm portion (61) projecting from the rear surface side of the base plate (2) to the front surface side of the base plate (2), the arm portion (61) holding the plunger housed in the syringe body; a screw shaft (7) which is provided parallel to the guide rail (4) and has predetermined rotation imparted by a motor (9); and a nut member (8) for imparting a moving amount corresponding to a rotation amount of the screw shaft (7) to the plunger pressing member (6).
US08486020B2 Pressure sensor and method of use
A sensor and method of use provides for detection of an occlusion (or sudden pressure increase) in tubing during the administration of solutions to a patient. The occlusion sensor may be attached to an infusion pump using a biasing mechanism. The tubing may be positioned in contact with the occlusion sensor using a cassette. Detection of an occlusion in the tubing is accomplished by measuring the compression and expansion of the tubing. When the tubing becomes occluded pressure within the tube will increase, resulting in expansion of the tubing. Expansion of the tubing exerts a force on the sensor to trigger an alarm to alert medical personnel of the occluded tube.
US08486019B2 Patient medication IV delivery pump with wireless communication to a hospital information management system
A wireless communication system from an IV medication infusion pump to a hospital information management system (HIMS) is disclosed. The system includes an IV pump having pump operation circuitry for monitoring pre-selected characteristics of pump operation indicative of IV administration of medication to a patient. A transmitter or transceiver is connected to the pump operation circuitry for receiving a wireless pump signal representing instructional data to the IV pump and for transmitting a wireless pump signal representing the pre-selected pump operation characteristics. The wireless pump transmitter or transceiver communicates with a hospital information management system (HIMS). The HIMS includes a receiver or transceiver capable of transmitting and receiving the pump signal representing the pump operation characteristics and also includes a computer processor capable of storing and displaying the pump operation characteristics that are represented by the received wireless pump signal. In one embodiment, is a medication order transmitter capable of receiving doctor order input and transmitting a signal representing a pumping operation to the HIMS for comparison to pump operation characteristics represented by the pump signal.
US08486017B2 Liquid injector for injecting contrast medium at variable rate into a subject who is to be imaged by imaging diagnostic apparatus
A liquid injector registers the data of a variable pattern in which an injection rate of a contrast medium varies with time. The injection rate of the contrast medium varies with time according to the variable pattern for maintaining a state in which the image contrast achieved by the contrast medium approximates an optimum level.
US08486016B2 Apparatus and method for shielding a hypodermic needle after use
An apparatus for shielding a hypodermic needle after use may include a device adapted to accommodate a needle extending from an end thereof, a guard element coupled to the device, a lock element, and an indicator element. The guard element may slide axially with respect to the device and may include a slider portion and a shield portion. The shield portion may include an open slot to accommodate the needle. Upon sliding the guard element to a designated position, the lock element may automatically secure a position of the guard element relative to the device, such that the shield portion obstructs access to the needle tip. The indicator element may provide visual, audible, and/or tactile feedback to indicate that the lock element has been actuated to shield the needle tip.
US08486015B2 Safety needle shield apparatus
A safety shield apparatus is provided that includes a housing that defines a cavity. A distal end of the housing includes a cover having a movable tab. A hub is disposed for movement within the housing and includes a needle having a distal end and a movable projection. The hub is biased between an extended position, such that the distal end of the needle is exposed and the movable projection is releasably disposed with the cavity, and a retracted position whereby the distal end of the needle is disposed within the housing. The movable tab is engageable with the movable projection to release the movable projection from the cavity to facilitate movement of the hub. The distal end of the housing may define a lip that is configured to capture the distal end of the needle. The hub can define an angled distal surface to orient the needle out of axial alignment with the housing and into capture with the lip.
US08486008B2 Medical fluid injector having a thermo-mechanical drive
A medical fluid injector and methods for operation thereof. In certain embodiments, the medical fluid injector includes a medium that is expandable and contractible in response to a thermal gradient, a thermal device coupled to the medium, and a syringe interface coupled to the medium. The thermal device may include a heater, a cooler, or a combination thereof.
US08485999B2 Blood treatment apparatus and method
A blood treatment apparatus includes: a blood treatment unit, a pair of fluid pumps and a pair of blood pumps. The blood treatment unit is configured to receive untreated blood and fresh blood treatment fluid, and emit treated blood and used blood treatment fluid. The fluid pumps are configured to pass blood treatment fluid through the blood treatment unit. The blood pumps are configured to extract untreated blood from a blood source, pass extracted blood through the blood treatment unit and deliver treated blood to a target vessel. Flow measurement device which determines at least one blood flow parameter reflecting an average flow in relation to the blood treatment unit during a well-defined period of operation of the apparatus, for example while completing one operation cycle. The at least one blood flow parameter is determined based on a difference between (i) a first amount of fresh blood treatment fluid received into the blood treatment unit, and (ii) a second amount of used blood treatment fluid emitted from the blood treatment unit during another well-defined period.
US08485997B2 Vibrating massager
An improved vibrating massager is disclosed. The massager includes an inner shell, at least one vibrating unit, at least one power-supply unit, a control circuit board, at least two conductive strips having a first conductive strip and a second conductive strip, a switch, a first outer shell, a waterproof o-ring, and a second outer shell. Particularly the switch and the control circuit board are integrated and a program for memorizing previously-used vibrating frequency is installed in the control circuit board. As a result, the previously-used vibrating frequency can be re-applied in next use without extensive control (e.g., number of times for pushing button is decreased).
US08485987B2 Tissue handling system with reduced operator exposure
A tissue handling system includes a biopsy device having an invasive unit with tissue-receiving and tissue-severing components being capable of harvesting and bringing at least one tissue sample to a point outside the body of a patient. The tissue handling system further includes a tissue collecting device adapted to be brought in detachable operative engagement with the tissue-receiving components of the biopsy device to remove the at least one tissue sample. Additionally, the tissue handling device comprises a tissue storage container configured to receive the at least one tissue sample, the entire tissue collecting device, or the part of the collecting device that contains the at least one tissue sample. The tissue storage container further is configured to receive a volume of preserving agent. The tissue handling system also comprises a vessel including the preserving agent adapted to be gas-tightly mated or coupled to the tissue storage container.
US08485986B2 Biopsy collection device and related methods
A biopsy collection device may include a filter located distally of an aspiration device to collect a biological sample aspirated from a patient. The biological sample may be accessible to a clinician without the need to expel the sample from the aspiration device. The filter may be disposed in a filter housing that is in fluid communication with the aspiration device and the vasculature of a patient.
US08485983B2 Selective nanoprobe for olfactory medicine
An apparatus is for detecting the presence of selected gaseous compounds indicative of a medical condition includes a probe having one or more sensor elements having a conductivity which is responsive to the presence of selected gaseous compounds, at least one sensor element containing a transition metal oxide selected from the group consisting of WO3, beta-MoO3 and UO2; and means for measuring the conductivity of each said sensor element.
US08485981B2 Medical therapy device
A system and a method for synchronizing operation between a patient monitoring device and a patient treatment device are disclosed. The patient monitoring device and the patient treatment device are operatively connected via a network, for example, a patient area network (PAN) or a local area network (LAN). A controller with a display is configured to accept user input via a graphic user interface (GUI) and display a patient's physiological data and operating parameters of both the patient monitoring device and the patient treatment device. The operation is synchronized by starting to operate the patient monitoring device at a predetermined operating state of the patient treatment device, and delaying changes in the operating state of the patient treatment device, until the operation of the monitoring device is concluded or the operating state of the patient treatment device indicates an abort condition.
US08485980B2 Electrode positioning
In a method and device for positioning a linear array of electrodes mounted on a distal end section of an elongated flexible member in a patient's respiratory airways at the level of the patient's diaphragm, a length of the elongated flexible member pre-determined to position the linear array of electrodes at the level of the patient's diaphragm is inserted through the patient's respiratory airways. Signals representative of an electrical activity of the patient's diaphragm (EAdi) are detected through the electrodes of the linear array, a presence or absence of ECG signal components is detected in the EAdi signals, and the position of the linear array of electrodes in the patient's respiratory airways is detected in response to the presence or absence of the ECG signal components in the EAdi signals. Also, lower esophageal sphincter activity may be detected in the EAdi signals, and the position of the linear array of electrodes in the patient's respiratory airways determined in response to the detected lower esophageal sphincter. Finally, an end-expiratory occlusion of the patient's respiratory airways may be performed to verify that the electrical activity of the diaphragm coincides with a negative deflection of the patient's respiratory airways pressure again in view of determining adequate positioning of the linear array of electrodes.
US08485977B2 Ultrasound diagnosis apparatus
An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus that can acquire ultrasound image data having excellent spatial resolution and contrast resolution by electrically controlling focusing points of transmission/reception waves so as to form transmitting beams and receiving beams having substantially uniform thin beam width along an elevation direction. Ultrasounds emitted from a prescribed number of transducers are focused at a hypothetical point sound source. Wave-fronts reflect at a plurality of observing points. Ultrasounds reflected at the observing points are received through a prescribed number of transducers generating a plurality of channels of receiving signals, which are focused by performing phase compensation and summation so that the observing point becomes a reception focusing point. The receiving signals are focused to correct transmitting delays due to propagation distances between the transmitting focusing point and the observing points.
US08485972B2 Structured illumination probe and method
A structured illumination probe is disclosed, one embodiment comprising: an optical fiber, to receive and transmit a light beam; a handpiece, coupled to the optical fiber; an optical element, comprising a distal optical fiber and a distal light guide, wherein the proximal ends of the distal optical fiber and the distal light guide can be selectably optically coupled to the optical fiber, for receiving the light beam and scattering the light beam to illuminate an area, and wherein the surface area of the proximal end of the distal light guide is greater than the surface area of the distal end of the optical fiber; an actuator, coupled to the handpiece, for selectably coupling the optical fiber to the distal optical fiber and the distal light guide; and a cannula, coupled to the handpiece, for housing and directing the optical fiber and the optical element.
US08485966B2 Endoscope with distal tip having encased optical components and display orientation capabilities
An apparatus according to one embodiment includes an endoscope tip including a housing that is monolithically formed of a transparent material. At least one optical component is at least partially encased within the housing. The optical component can be, for example, a light source, a fiber optic, an imaging sensor, a lens, a reflector or a light shield. In another embodiment, an apparatus includes an endoscope having a distal end portion that includes a housing. The housing is monolithically formed with a transparent material and a light source is at least partially encased within the housing. The housing also includes a micro-defects portion within the transparent material of the housing. The micro-defects portion is configured to provide a selected output shape of a beam of light produced by the light source.
US08485958B2 Systems and methods for separating constituents of biologic liquid mixtures
Centrifuges are useful to, among other things, remove red blood cells from whole blood and retain platelets and other factors in a reduced volume of plasma. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) can be obtained rapidly and is ready for immediate injection into the host. Embodiments may include valves, operated manually or automatically, to open ports that discharge the excess red blood cells and the excess plasma while retaining the platelets and other factors. High speeds used allow simple and small embodiments to be used at the patient's side during surgical procedures. The embodiments can also be used for the separation of liquids or slurries in other fields such as, for example, the separation of pigments or lubricants.
US08485957B2 Securing mechanism, particularly for blood separation centrifuges and the like
A chuck for rotating around a rotation axis XA a centrifugal separation bowl secured thereto includes a vat-shaped body for receiving a lower end portion of the separation bowl secured therein with a peripheral rim of the chuck surrounding an outer flank of the separation bowl. The chuck includes a plurality of clutching systems to cooperate with the flank of the separation bowl in securing it to the chuck. The clutching systems include a channel formed in the chuck body with an arcuate path in the peripheral rim of the chuck body. A chain of translatory bodies arranged within the channel includes a proximal translatory body and a distal translatory body in the chain.
US08485954B2 Box folding apparatus
A box folding apparatus operable to close the top of a box having four flaps is provided. The boxing folding apparatus includes a worktable, a feeding assembly for transporting the box from an upstream position of the worktable to a downstream position of the worktable. A first folding assembly includes a rotatable folding arm, a second folding assembly includes a stationary resisting bar inclined toward the feeding assembly in the direction in which the box is transported, and a third folding assembly includes a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface intersecting with the first inclined surface. The first and second inclined surfaces extend toward and gradually close to the feeding assembly in the direction in which the box is transported.
US08485953B2 Exerciser
An exerciser includes a board, a frame, a swing rod, an upper foot rest, a lower foot rest and a resilient rope. An upper end of the swing rod is articulated to an upper end of the vertical support and a lower end of the swing rod is fixed to a central portion of the lower foot rest. The resilient rope is connected between the swing rod and the vertical support. The board is fixed on the lengthwise beam of the frame. The lengthwise beam and the vertical support of the present invention form a triangular support. The board installed on the lengthwise beam is arranged obliquely.
US08485952B2 Leg elevator system
A leg elevator is disclosed. The leg elevator includes a base having a lower leg end and an upper leg end, a portion of the base having at least one support retaining device. A lower leg support is provided. A height adjustment mechanism is also provided having a support leg pivotally attached at a first end to the lower leg support. The support leg has a second end attached to a support bar extending perpendicular to the support leg. The support bar is removably engaged with the at least one support retaining device such that a height of the lower leg support above the base may be adjusted. An upper leg adjustment mechanism is operably connected to the upper leg end of the base for adjusting a distance between the upper leg end of the base and the lower leg support. An upper leg support is operably attached to the upper leg adjustment mechanism. An angle adjustment mechanism is provided between the upper leg adjustment mechanism and the lower leg support for adjusting a relative angular orientation of the upper leg support relative to the lower leg support. Additional leg elevator systems are also disclosed.
US08485949B2 Elastic exercising bar assembly that is operated in a swinging manner
An exercising bar assembly includes a holding unit and two opposite swinging units each removably mounted on the holding unit. Thus, each of the two swinging units can be removed from the holding unit when not in use to reduce the whole volume of the exercising bar assembly and to facilitate storage, packaging, carrying and transportation of the exercising bar assembly.
US08485943B2 Vehicle fluid pressure control
A vehicle includes a pump configured to output fluid at a commanded pressure when driven by a motor. A first hydraulic device is operably connected to the pump and configured to operate in response to receiving fluid at a first pressure. A second hydraulic device is operably connected to the pump and configured to execute a shift command in response to receiving fluid at a second pressure. A control processor is configured to control the commanded pressure in accordance with a priority scheme. That is, the control processor is configured to direct at least a portion of the commanded pressure from the first hydraulic device to the second hydraulic device for a duration of a shift command based on the priority scheme and redirect at least a portion of the commanded pressure to the first hydraulic device upon completion of the shift action.
US08485935B2 Switchable gear in a handheld power tool
A switchable gear in a handheld power tool has at least two gear stages which are to be engaged via an adjustable switching member, the switching member being in a latched position via a retaining element fixedly held against a housing in a first gear stage. Furthermore, a spindle for receiving a tool may be driven via an axially spring-loaded gear wheel, the gear wheel being axially supported on the retaining element on the side opposite the switching member.
US08485933B2 Infinitely variable motion control (IVMC) for river turbines
Infinitely variable motion control (IVMC) provides motion control without any requirement for changing gears or use of a clutch. A spur gear transgear, defined as a system having an input, an output and a control, a variable pitch cam having an eccentric inner and outer cam assembly and a driver may be used to form a speed converter. The speed converter is used in various forms to provide an infinitely variable transmission, a differential, embodiments of wind and river turbines and pumps/compressors. In one embodiment, the speed converter drives first and second directional control assemblies to provide a vehicle with zero turn radius. A variable torque converter may be used in various embodiments to control torque from a minimum to a maximum by controlling movement of a rotor along a shaft in relation to a stator.
US08485932B2 Axle system
An axle system is provided that included an axle assembly having an axle member, a gear coupled with the axle member, and a housing encasing a lubrication fluid and at least a portion of the axle member and the gear therein. A device may selectively heat and/or cool the lubrication fluid at one or more regions of the axle system.
US08485931B1 Multiplexed fluid control circuit
A vehicle includes one or more electric traction motors, an engine, a damper bypass clutch (DBC) assembly, a transmission, a fluid pump, a multiplexed fluid control circuit, and a controller. Two clutches and the DBC assembly are selectively engaged to select between eight transmission operating states. The DBC assembly selectively connects the engine to the transmission. The pump circulates fluid for cooling the motor(s) and actuating the clutches. The circuit has a variable force solenoid (VFS) and only three on/off solenoid valves. The solenoids are multiplexed together to control flow to the DBC assembly and to the clutches. The VFS valve controls line pressure to the on/off solenoids. The controller transmits signals to the VFS and to the on/off solenoid valves to select between the eight different transmission operating states. The multiplexed fluid control circuit is also disclosed herein.
US08485928B2 Silent chain
In a chain transmission incorporating a silent chain engaged with a sprocket, the plates of the chain are connected by sets of rocker pins extending through pin holes in the plates. The pin holes are elongated toward the center of each plate, and the elongation of each pin hole is greater than the maximum amount by which the distance between points on the respective rocker pins of each set increases when said chain is inflected to the maximum extent permitted by the sprocket in a portion of the chain in seating engagement with said sprocket.
US08485923B2 Apparatus and method for attaching vane to shaft
A method for attaching a vane with respect to a shaft of an arrow or a crossbow bolt. The vane is attached to a tube or sleeve that is positionable over an outer surface of the shaft. The sleeve has an inner surface and the shaft has an outer surface. In an attached position of the vane with respect to the shaft, an adhesive is sprayed onto the inner surface or is otherwise positioned between and contacts at least a portion of the inner surface of the sleeve and at least a portion of the outer surface of the shaft.
US08485922B2 Ball holder and base plate fixing structure of batting practice apparatus
A ball holder and base plate fixing structure for batting practice apparatus is provided, including a sheath tube and a base plate. The sheath tube includes a first segment and a second segment, connected to each other. The first segment has a round tube shape for providing placing said ball holder. The second segment has a trumpet shape, said sheath tube having compressible resilience. The base plate has an installation hole. When assembled, the second segment of the sheath tube is compressed into the installation hole for tight engagement so as to fix the sheath tube to the base plate. In this manner, the ball holder is sheathed into the sheath tube and fixed to base plate. During batting practice, the resilience of sheath tube allows the ball holder to swing and twist on impact to absorb and annihilate some of the impact. After batting, the resilience of sheath tube can restore the ball holder to original position.
US08485917B2 Golf club assembly and golf club with aerodynamic features
A golf club head includes a body member having a ball striking face, a crown, a toe, a heel, a sole, and a skirt extending between the crown and the sole and between the toe and the heel. The club head includes a drag-reducing structure that may include one or both of a continuous groove extending from a front portion to a rear edge of the toe, and along an entire length of the skirt, and a substantially V-shaped recess formed in the sole and having a vertex positioned proximate the ball striking face and the heel and away from the skirt and the toe, and a pair of legs extending to a point proximate the toe and away from the ball striking face, and curving toward the skirt and away from the ball striking face.
US08485913B2 Enhanced wearable swing training apparatus
A swing training apparatus includes a rotation mechanism and a wearable shoe attachment device. The rotation mechanism includes a first plate connected to a second plate so that the first plate rotates with respect to the second plate about a shared plate axis of rotation. The wearable shoe attachment device is connected to the first plate. The wearable shoe attachment device positions a shoe of an athlete so that as the athlete rotates a foot and the shoe enclosing the foot with respect to a part of the foot and about a foot axis of rotation, the foot axis of rotation and the plate axis of rotation coincide. The wearable shoe attachment device connects to the first plate so that the swing training apparatus moves with the foot while walking or running. The wearable shoe attachment device includes three straps that secure a shoe snuggly to the rotation mechanism.
US08485912B2 Powerless automatic tee up machine
The present invention relates to a powerless automatic tee up machine, which repeats the transporting of the golf balls onto a golf tee through potential energy, a cam curve, a principle of balancer and a link system without using power, and which has a maximally simplified structure to significantly reduce manufacturing costs as compared to conventional machines. For this purpose, the powerless automatic tee up machine of the present invention comprises a main body unit which receives a golf ball and feeds the gold ball through an outlet, an outlet block unit for opening/shutting the outlet, a rotating unit which determines the opening/shutting operation of the outlet block unit, and which rotates in accordance with the presence or absence of the golf ball, and a rotation control unit which controls the motion of the rotating unit in accordance with whether or not the golf ball has been transferred to a golf tee by the rotating unit, thereby enabling the repeated tee up of golf balls without using power and also increasing effectiveness in terms of manufacturing costs due to the simplified structure.
US08485902B2 Storage medium storing object controlling program, object controlling apparatus and object controlling method
A game apparatus includes a first LCD and a second LCD, and on the second LCD, a touch panel is provided. On the first LCD, an enemy object is displayed. On the second LCD, a drawn object generated according to a touch operation is displayed. When the drawn object is generated, the drawn object is moved according to a moving course based on a locus of the touch operation. When the drawn object hits the enemy object, the enemy object is damaged.
US08485901B2 Gaming system and method for providing a multi-dimensional symbol wagering game with rotating symbols
A gaming system and method providing a multi-dimensional symbol wagering game is provided. A player selects a payline, places a wager on the selected payline, and selects a plurality of a plurality of different symbols in a selection order. Symbols are generated and displayed at each of a plurality of symbol display positions. If at least a designated quantity of the symbol display positions associated with the selected payline displays any one of the selected symbols, the gaming system determines a display order of the generated and displayed symbols associated with the selected payline, and determines any awards associated with the selected payline based on a quantity of the symbol display positions associated with the selected payline that display the player selected symbols and a comparison of the selection order with the display order. Any awards are provided to the player. Cascading and rotating symbol features are provided.
US08485898B2 Game device, method for controlling game device, program, and information storage medium
To provide a game device capable of allowing a user, when selecting any selected image candidate, to experience a real feeling of the relationship with another selected image candidate. A determination unit (70a) determines whether or not the designated area designated by a user is included in the determination area for a selected image candidate. When the designated area is included in the determination area, the designation unit (72a) designates the selected image candidate corresponding to the determination area as a selected image. A determination area control unit (68) changes the size of a determination area for another selection candidate image, based on a parameter stored so as to be correlated to a combination of the selected image candidate designated as a selected image and the other selected image candidate. A designated area control unit (82) changes the size of the designated area, based on a parameter stored so as to be correlated to a combination of the selected image candidate designated as the selected image and a selected image candidate located closest to the designated area.
US08485896B2 Configurable and stand-alone verification module
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for verifying a player's eligibility for participation in on-line gaming. A method for verifying a player's eligibility to participate in on-line gaming includes performing one or more verification checks for the player. The method includes, for each verification check, requesting data about the player from one or more data source providers. The method includes receiving the data from the one or more data source providers. The method includes, for each verification check, calculating a check score based on received data from the one or more data source providers. The method includes calculating a verification score that is based on the check scores.
US08485895B2 Game server, game machine under control of the server, and game control method executing return on judgment that cumulative credit consumption reaches upper limit
A game server controls plural game machine groups including a collection of game machines, each of which is brought into a status enabling to start a game based on a thrown coin or a given credit number and is given a payout according to a result of the game. The game server includes a processing unit that judges whether a cumulative credit consumption of a predetermined game machine group reaches a predetermined upper limit, based on information about credit consumptions of the plural game machine groups. The game server also includes a communication interface that sends, when the processing unit judges that the cumulative credit consumption of the predetermined game machine group reaches the predetermined upper limit, a return signal for executing a return based on a predetermined return rate, to one game machine of the predetermined game machine group. The return is executed regardless of a game result.
US08485894B2 Second player bonus game
In one embodiment, a method includes determining an event at a gaming device during game play for a first player. One or more bonus event symbols are determined in response to the event. The method sends the one or more bonus event symbols for a bonus game to a second player. When one or more of the bonus event symbols match a predetermined outcome, the second player is awarded a bonus award. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a bonus event symbol from a second gaming device during game play on a first gaming device for a first player. It is determined if the bonus event symbol provides a match to a predetermined outcome. The second player is awarded a bonus award if the match is determined.
US08485892B2 Tournament game system and tournament method
In an embodiment of a gaming method, an identifier may be received from a first gaming unit, wherein the identifier is associated with a tournament game card, wherein the tournament game card is provided to a player in response to paying a fee. Whether the identifier received from the first gaming unit is authentic may be determined. A duration the player may play in a tournament may be determined based on the identifier, and the first gaming unit may be enabled for play in the tournament for the duration if the identifier is authentic. A tournament score of the player may be received, and a winning player of the tournament, if any, may be determined. Data indicative of a value payout to be awarded to the winning player may be generated if the winning player of the tournament is determined.
US08485887B2 Gaming machine executing free game and control method thereof
According to a gaming machine of the present invention, a specific number of free games are generated when three or more trigger symbols have been stop-displayed in a normal game. Further, when one or two trigger symbols have been stop-displayed in a free game, numeric values in number equivalent to the number of stop-displayed trigger symbols are selected, and then the number of times obtained by summing up the selected numeric values is added to the number of free games.
US08485886B2 Gaming device having dynamic paylines
A gaming device including a plurality of symbol generators with a plurality of symbols associated with each symbol generator. In operation, after providing the player any award based on the symbols generated on any wagered on paylines, the gaming device determines if at least one designated symbol is generated on at least one of the wagered on paylines. If at least one designated symbol is generated on at least one of the wagered on paylines, the gaming device forms a supplemental payline in association with the generated designated symbol. The gaming device determines if an award is associated with any of the symbols or symbol combinations generated on the supplemental payline and provides any determined award to the player.
US08485885B2 Video slot gaming machine
A gaming machine and method are provided which provide a video slot game to a player. The video slot game includes a plurality of cells arranged in a grid. The grid has a plurality of rows and columns. The machine and method display a first instance of the video slot game and in response to occurrence of a triggering event, video slot game is split and second and third instances of the video slot game are displayed and played.
US08485884B2 Reverse gaming systems and methods
Generally, the systems and methods presented herein (the “utility”) provide for reverse gaming. This utility allows players to vote for the next number to be chosen, in essence, shifting the odds of winning to the card that the players are holding. To illustrate, each player in a game may be given a card with a random selection of numbers. Instead of the House drawing certain numbers or balls, the players of the game vote on numbers to be selected. The number with the most votes, for example, may be selected and the players with that number may accordingly mark their cards. Players may also conspire together to hopefully increase the chances of their winning. For example, two players may compare cards to ascertain any common numbers between the two cards such that the two players may vote as one for a particular number.
US08485882B2 Method and apparatus for conducting a game of chance
A system and method are provided for playing a game of chance. The game of chance may include, for example, a lottery-type game. A result of the game of chance is revealed to a player in another medium. In one example, the result is revealed during multiple game instances of one or more online games. In one example, the online game includes a game similar to the well-known game of BEJEWELED.
US08485878B2 Geocaching games having virtual prizes awarded in an associated video game and related methods and computer program products
Methods of implementing geocaching games are provided in which information is provided regarding a location of a waypoint. Thereafter, it is confirmed that a player of the game physically arrived at the waypoint. After such confirmation has been obtained, the player may be awarded a virtual prize. Related geocaching games and computer program products are also disclosed.
US08485876B2 Monitoring a sports draft based on a need of a sports team and the best available player to meet that need
A capability for monitoring the progress of a sports draft is provided that automatically determines, during the sports draft, the best available player(s) for the personnel needs of a sports team having a current selection in the draft. The capability may automatically update the draft order to take into account any trades that occur during the sports draft.
US08485875B1 Novelty hand-held fan and object holder
A hand-held fan and object holder generally comprises a housing; a fan that rotates with respect to the housing; and a coupling member for securing an object, such as a candy item. The housing encloses the internal components that operate the fan, including a motor and a battery. At the lower end of the housing, the coupling member secures the object, such as a candy item, to the housing.
US08485873B2 Steel anchored reinforced mine seal
A reinforced mine ventilation seal anchored with steel dowels into the strata of a mine passageway. The seal has a pair of metal mats formed of vertical and horizontal elongated reinforcing members which are sandwiched between a row of dowels set into the floor and ceiling of the passageway and extending into the passageway. The metal mats and the dowels are encased in a structural material such as concrete to form a seal which is capable of bidirectionally withstanding an overpressure due to an explosion. The dowels provide shear reinforcement and the metal mats provide flexural strength.
US08485870B2 Method and device for processing a carcass part of slaughtered poultry
A method for processing a carcass part of slaughtered poultry, the carcass part including bone parts with at least a part of the rib cage and a part of the spine, at least a part of the back meat that is naturally present on the rib cage and the spine, and at least a part of the abdominal muscle tissue, the method includes making a first incision through the back meat near the abdominal muscle tissue at least up to the underlying bone parts of the carcass part, and detaching the back meat from the bone parts of the carcass part. A device is provided to perform the method.
US08485869B2 Polishing material having polishing particles and method for making the same
The present invention relates to a polishing material having polishing particles and a method for making the same. The polishing material having polishing particles includes a base material, a plurality of polishing particles and a polymer elastic body. The base material has a plurality of fibers for defining a plurality of grid-spaces. The polishing particles are distributed in the grid-spaces. The polymer elastic body covers the base material and the polishing particles. Whereby, the polishing particles are uniformly distributed on a surface of a polishing workpiece during the polishing process. Furthermore, the base material prevents the polishing particles from contacting the polishing workpiece so as to avoid the scratch of the polishing workpiece. Also, the base material provides effects for sweeping the small grinded pieces.
US08485868B2 Floor treatment apparatus with solitary drive pulley
A floor treatment apparatus includes a frame, a housing which is rotatable with respect to the frame according to a main axis, at least three head pulleys which are rotatable with respect to the housing according to respective head axes which are regularly spaced around, and which are parallel to, the main axis, a motor supported by the frame and a main belt drivable by the motor and being slung around the drive pulley and the driven head pulleys. Furthermore, the main belt is slung around a first auxiliary pulley and a second auxiliary pulley. The second auxiliary pulley is driven by the first auxiliary pulley. An auxiliary belt is slung around a fixed pulley connected to the frame and around the second auxiliary pulley for rotating the housing with respect to the frame.
US08485865B2 Grinding wheel and method
A grinding wheel for grinding features into a work-piece and a corresponding method for grinding the features into the work-piece are disclosed herein. The grinding wheel includes an outer periphery with a first axial end having a first diameter. The grinding wheel also includes a second axial end spaced from the first axial end along a centerline axis. The grinding wheel also includes a plurality of discrete grinding projections for removing material from the work-piece. Each of the plurality of discrete grinding projections extends radially outward from the outer periphery and is positioned along the centerline axis in spaced relation to one another. The plurality of grinding projections have working heights that vary relative to one another. In the inventive method, a grinding wheel is rotated about an axis of rotation. The axis of rotation is arranged transverse to and spaced from a centerline axis of an arcuate surface of a work-piece. The grinding wheel and the arcuate surface are moved relative to one another and a plurality of grooves having variable depth are concurrently formed along at least a portion of a perimeter of the arcuate surface with the grinding wheel during at least part of the moving step.
US08485860B2 Abrasive products with splice marks and automated splice detection
A coated abrasive product, comprising a first section and a second section, the first and the second sections being continuously joined together by a splice. The first section includes at least one first splice mark adjacent to the splice, wherein the first splice mark is a marking or a cluster of markings. A method of processing an article with such a coated abrasive product, and a method of acquiring information of such a coated abrasive product, respectively, includes detecting at least one characteristic of at least one first splice mark of the first section of the abrasive product, and comparing the detected characteristic to a database, wherein the detected characteristic of the first splice mark conveys approach of the splice and the end of the first section. The method of processing an article further includes providing a signal to skip the splice to thereby prevent the article being processed with splice area of the abrasive product. A method of preparing such a coated abrasive product includes forming the first and the second sections of the abrasive product.
US08485853B2 Electrical contact having knurl pattern with recessed rhombic elements that each have an axial minor distance
An electrical contact includes a knurl pattern disposed along at least a portion of an interior surface of the electrical contact. The portion receives a lead of a wire cable along a longitudinal axis and is attached thereto to form a crimp connection. The knurl pattern includes a plurality of recessed elements and each recessed element has a rhombus shape that includes inner corners. An orientation of a first pair of opposing, generally axial inner corners define an axial minor distance therebetween and an orientation of a second pair of opposing, inner corners define a major distance therebetween. The axial minor distance is less than the major distance. The recessed elements of the knurl pattern are especially suitable for engagement with an aluminum wire cable to form the crimp connection. A wire assembly that includes the crimp connection is associated with a cable harness disposed in a motorized vehicle.
US08485852B2 Wire locking structure
A wire locking structure includes a base, at least one conductive terminal lug and at least one screw. The base has at least one hole and at least one through-hole which communicate with each other and communicate with the outside of the base. The at least one conductive terminal lug is disposed at the at least one hole, includes a locking portion and a terminal portion, and has an aperture. The locking portion has an internal thread. The terminal portion extends from the at least one hole to the outside of the base. The aperture communicates with the at least one through-hole and opens to the internal thread. The at least one screw penetrates the at least one hole so as to be engaged with the internal thread and screwed into the aperture. The wire locking structure saves materials, cuts costs, and enhances the wire locking conforming rate.
US08485849B2 USB connector
A Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector with a connector housing is provided with at least one soldering part and at least one reinforcement part around its circumference. The USB connector includes: a connector housing; one or more soldering parts formed by cutting and unfolding predetermined areas around the circumference of the connector housing; and one or more reinforcement parts, each of which is formed by bending an end of the connector housing. The reinforcement parts being engaged with the soldering parts to support and reinforce the soldering parts, respectively.
US08485848B2 Electrical connector and method of manufacture
An apparatus and method are disclosed for manufacturing an electrical connector. A mold is presented having a pair of opposing dies that each define a mold pocket. The mold pockets of each die can be joined to form a mold cavity. Plastic can be injection molded into the mold cavity to form an electrical connector housing.
US08485846B2 Integral moveable sealing member for feed-through coaxial cable connectors
A coaxial cable connector, comprising a post having a first end and a second end, the post configured to receive a coaxial cable having a protruding center conductor, a connector body attached to the post, a coupling member operably attached to the post, and a moveable sealing member disposed within the post, the moveable sealing member configured to move through the post to create a seal proximate the first end of the post is provided. Furthermore, associated methods are also provided.
US08485845B2 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.
US08485843B2 Assembling type terminal device with RJ45 female terminal
An assembling type terminal device with RJ45 female terminal is disclosed for controlling the power or data connection status of a connector terminal unit by controlling the switch of a relay unit via detecting if a RJ45 female terminal unit receives the power or data.
US08485834B2 Mitigating electromagnetic interference using dummy plugs
A system and method for mitigating EMI in an electronic device rely on a set of foam dummy plugs specially configured for insertion into socket connectors according to connector type. The foam plugs have no electrical terminals or wiring, but are made from a foam composite material that attenuates electromagnetic radiation by absorption. The foam composite material includes a foam matrix and electrically conductive particles impregnated within the foam matrix. A handle may be unitarily formed with the foam plug. The handle may include a stamped through-hole, forming a ring, to facilitate insertion and removal of the dummy plugs by hand.
US08485833B2 Connector and terminal arrangement member
A substrate connection part (4) of each of a plurality of press-fit terminals (3) pulled out of a housing (1) is inserted into a positioning hole (12) of a terminal arrangement member (11) to adjust alignment of the press-fit terminals (3) with respect to through-holes (7) of a substrate (6). The terminal arrangement member (11) is made of a thin resin sheet material. Each positioning hole (12) is sized so that the press-fit terminal (3) is placed in position by inserting a guide portion (9) of the press-fit terminal (3) therein. Slits (13) extend radially out from an opening edge of the positioning hole (12). When a press-fit portion (8) passes through the positioning hole (12), both slits (13) and the positioning hole (12) expand so that the press-fit portion (8) passes smoothly through the positioning hole (12).
US08485832B2 Electrical connector
Upon plug and receptacle connectors of an electrical connector being fitted with each other, positioning recesses of a block of the plug connector engage positioning protrusions of a housing of the receptacle connector to achieve positioning of the two connectors in their width directions. Inclined portions of receptacle contacts of the receptacle connector are commensurate with inclined portions of inserting holes of the housing so that a backup function of the housing for the receptacle contacts is adjusted to obtain a stable connection between the plug and receptacle connectors. First chamfered portions of the receptacle contacts engage recesses of the plug contacts to generate tactile clicks and to achieve the positioning and contacting between the plug and receptacle contacts. The plug contacts are embraced between contact portions and elastic portions of the receptacle contacts to obtain a stable connection between the both contacts.
US08485829B2 System and a method for simulating a manual interventional operation by a user in a medical procedure
The present invention deals with a system (1) for simulating a manual interventional operation by a user (2) on a simulated body with at least two real instruments (3, 4, 5), comprising a longitudinal track (8), a plurality of carriages (9, 10, 11) moveable along said track, each carriage having clamping means (25), and means for rotating and moving longitudinally said real instrument. It also comprises feed back means (18) for receiving and transmitting to the user hand (19) a feed back force from said real instrument with respect t simulation characteristic, means (17) for recognizing a real instrument to be fit within said clamping means, said clamping means (25) comprising first electromagnetic means (26) with an hollow part for receiving the real instrument to be secured therein, second electro-magnetic means (27) with a protruding part for pressing at least a part of said real instrument within said hollow part while said electromagnetic means are actuated and electric means for supplying or not electric current to the first and second magnetic means to be actuated accordingly, whereby said real instrument can be secured within said clamping means to be moved longitudinally and rotated by the user.
US08485828B2 Methods and systems for blood collection operator training
Certain examples provide systems/apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture for blood collection/processing instrument operator training and troubleshooting. Certain examples provide a system for platelet resuspension training. The system includes an interactive training application, provided via a mobile device, to train a user to resuspend platelets in a liquid medium prior to its storage and/or transfusion to a patient. The training application is to instruct the user regarding an appropriate motion and vigor for resuspension of platelets in a blood container associated with a blood processing instrument. The system includes a sensor to detect the user's motion of the mobile device. The system includes a processor to compare the user's motion of the mobile device to the appropriate motion and vigor for resuspension of platelets in a blood container and provide feedback to the user regarding the comparison.
US08485827B1 Surgical error prevention system
A system for preventing surgical site errors includes a ferromagnetic, dry-erase whiteboard having a pair of anatomical figures imprinted thereon. Adjacent to the anatomical figures is a text space for writing a description of a planned surgical procedure. The system further includes a plurality of color-coded magnets for securing to representative locations on the anatomical figures. Each magnet has a specific color according to the area of the body requiring surgery. A medical worker places a color-coded magnet on one of the whiteboard anatomical figures at a location corresponding to the planned surgical site. The worker writes a description of the surgical procedure on the text space using a colored marker(s) that matches the magnet color(s) and then covers the patient with an identically-colored surgical drape. A surgeon first examines the whiteboard to identify the magnet location and color, then examines the written description and color and finally examines the drape color. If all colors agree and correlate with the written description, surgery may safely begin; otherwise, the surgeon is alerted to investigate the discrepancy.
US08485822B2 Simulation system implementing historical machine data
A simulation system for a machine is disclosed. The simulation system has a user interface configured to display a simulated environment, and a controller in communication with the user interface. The controller is configured to receive historical information related to performance of a machine, and recreate a past operation of the machine from the received historical information. The controller is also configured to provide to the user interface the recreated past operation for display in the simulated environment.
US08485817B2 Orthodontic device
An orthodontic device includes a generally U-shaped metal wire whose two ends are at different vertical heights and which therefore has a 3-dimensional recumbent S shape in front view. The U-shaped metal wire is secured, by an elastic band or a cover, to each of a plurality of orthodontic brackets cemented respectively to a patient's teeth, and due to the difference of height between the two ends of the U-shaped metal wire, a resilient restoring force is generated to individually adjust the row of teeth on the upper or lower jaw to the normal heights and thereby correct the occlusal cant and craniofacial anomalies.
US08485816B2 Orthodontic bracket having an archwire channel and archwire retaining mechanism
An orthodontic bracket is disclosed having three archwire retention channels in the mesial-distal directions, a central channel and two side channels. The two side channels each include a pair of spaced apart inverted archwire retaining regions having a recess that opens generally towards the bracket base. Each such recess is for grasping or holding an archwire therein. Each of the side channels has an archwire retaining ridge extending gingivally-occlusally along the adjacent side of the bracket base between the two retaining regions of the channel. For each channel, its retaining ridge exerts a force on a portion of an archwire facing away from the archwire portion residing in the recesses of the retaining regions of the channel. The force on the archwire is directed toward the interiors of the recesses of the retaining regions for assisting in seating the archwire in the recesses.
US08485813B2 Three stage low NOx burner system with controlled stage air separation
A low NOx burner system is disclosed that reduces the emission of CO and HC during cold furnace startups, minimizes NOx formation with preheated air, and provides a flat stable flame due to burner design improvements including three stage combustion. The burner system is designed to operate in either a low or high temperature mode by controlling the amount of combustion air provided to stage 1 and stage 2 combustion. The burner system is designed to heat the interior of a furnace for high-temperature combustion/furnace processes, such as aluminum melting and steel processes. The burner system can also be used for low temperature processes at temperatures below the auto-ignition temperature of the fuel and still produce very low CO, HC and NOx emissions.
US08485810B2 Blow molding apparatus
The invention is directed a rotary molding machine having a wheel mounted for rotation on a pair of shafts positioned along the rotational axis of the wheel. A first shaft cooperates with a first turntable of the wheel and a second shaft cooperates with a second turntable. The first and second turntables extend transversely to the rotational axis. A plurality of modular mold clamp assemblies are positioned on the wheel, with each modular mold clamp assembly being moveable between an open and a closed position. Each modular mold clamp assembly has mounting areas which are mounted with respective mounting locations each turntable. The modular mold clamp assemblies provide the structure and rigidity between the turntables to help maintain the turntables in position relative to each other.
US08485809B2 Device for attaching a mould base on a medium
A removable device (3) for attaching with fluidic connection a mold base (1) on a support (4), said device (3) comprising a male part (6) and a female part (7), said male part (6) having a truncated-cone-shaped surface (10), said female part (7) comprising a locking mechanism (26) including balls (33) suitable for engaging with said surface (10), a device wherein the female part (7) comprises a peripheral cage (27) provided with holes (2) where the balls (33) are seated, and a lock (34) provided with an annular ramp (41), mounted around said cage (27), that can be manually accessed and moved between a locking position wherein the ramp (41) is arranged in line with the balls (33), and a release position wherein the ramp (41) is separated from the balls (33).
US08485806B2 Tire vulcanizing device
A tire vulcanizing device includes a plurality of opening/closing cylinders for respectively independently moving a plurality of mold holding members, which respectively hold a plurality of segmented molds arranged in a circumference direction, forward and backward in radial directions, a plurality of positioning blocks arranged in respective spaces in the circumferential direction between the plurality of segmented molds, respective pairs of engaging members respectively provided at opposite sides of the respective mold holding members, and respective pairs of stopper members each pair of which are provided on the adjoining positioning blocks, for restricting the advanced end positions of the segmented molds in engagements with the respective pairs of engaging members.
US08485805B2 Rotary compressor
A rotary compressor is provided. A suction hole is formed through a middle plate of the compressor to distribute refrigerant into both upper and lower cylinders. Coupling bolts having an appropriate length couple the cylinders to the middle plate. The length of the coupling bolts may be defined such that deformation of vane slots of the cylinders due to coupling of the cylinders may be minimized or eliminated, and friction loss and leakage loss between the vane and the vane slot may be reduced, thus improving compressor function.
US08485795B2 Diesel pump with cylinder and outlet joint arrangement
A diesel pump having enhanced durability in a high pressure environment, capable of being produced at high productivity, and at low cost. The diesel pump is provided with a cylinder formed in a pump housing, a plunger reciprocatably provided in the cylinder, and a drive mechanism for driving the plunger. The cylinder is a separate part from the pump housing and is mounted in the pump housing. The cylinder consists of sulfur-less alloy steel, is a tubular part and may be press-fitted in the pump housing. The front end of an outlet joint reaches the cylinder, and a fuel discharge route directly connects to the outlet joint from the cylinder without passing through the pump housing.
US08485791B2 Ceramic element
A heating element can comprise a ceramic material doped with various elements. The heating element can be heated by forcing a fuel to flow through the ceramic material, where the fuel interacts with the dopants. The interaction can produce energy in the form of heat. Inventive aspects of the present material include apparatus and methods for modulation of the heat energy, physical features providing for an increase in the rate of heat release, optimization of materials and material morphology for quantity and efficiency of heat release and provision for fueling and maintenance.
US08485788B2 Rotor for steam turbine and method of manufacturing the same
A steam turbine rotor shaft and method of manufacturing the same are provided wherein the sliding characteristics of a journal are improved, and the journal is free from welding cracks and does not need a post heat treatment. The low alloy steel coating layer having better sliding characteristics than 9 to 13% Cr heat resisting steel and an area rate of defects including pores and oxides in a range of 3 to 15% is formed by a high velocity flame spray coating method on a sliding surface of the journal.
US08485784B2 Turbine bucket lockwire rotation prevention
A retention system for a plurality of turbine buckets located in respective mating slots in a turbine rotor wheel includes a plurality of first retention slots formed in outer peripheral portions of the turbine wheel, and a plurality of second retention slots formed in wheel mounting portions of the buckets. The first and second retention slots are aligned to form an annular retention slot extending about a peripheral portion of the rotor wheel. A lockwire is located within the annular retention slot, the lockwire having engaged free ends. A plurality of axially-oriented retaining pins are fixed in the rotor wheel to hold the lockwire in the annular retention slot, and various techniques are employed for at least limiting or substantially preventing circumferential rotation of the lockwire within the annular slot.
US08485782B2 Variable-diameter rotor with centrifugal forces compensation mechanism
A variable-diameter rotor comprises a hub with a shaft and rotor blades, wherein each of the rotor blades comprises a radially internal blade part and a radially external blade part. In each of the rotor blades, a jackscrew mechanism is arranged therein and includes a jackscrew arranged in the radially internal blade part and a nut connected with the radially external blade part, the nut cooperating with the jackscrew for radially moving the radially external blade part with respect to the radially internal blade part. The rotor further comprises an energy storage system, including a compressed-gas accumulator. The compressed-gas accumulator comprises a volume of gas and a piston for compressing and expanding the volume of pressurized gas. The energy storage system also includes a means for converting a radial motion of the radially external blade part into a motion of the piston of the compressed-gas accumulator and vice-versa.
US08485781B2 Axial flow fan
An axial flow fan includes an impeller rotatable about a central axis with a plurality of rotor vanes, a motor that drives the impeller, a base portion that supports the motor, a housing that includes an intake vent, an exhaust vent, and an inner peripheral surface surrounding the impeller and the motor, and a plurality of stator vanes that respectively connects the base portion and the housing, wherein the inner peripheral surface includes a first inner peripheral surface arranged to increase a distance from the central axis toward the intake vent or the exhaust vent in an axial direction, and a recess provided between the first inner peripheral surface and a stator vane included in the plurality of stator vanes and facing the first inner peripheral surface. Thus, airflow is allowed to smoothly pass through the housing, resulting in a decrease in noise generated in the fan.
US08485780B2 Pump assembly as well as method for the modular construction of a pump assembly
A pump assembly is provided with a pump (6) having one or more pump stages (10), wherein at least one of the components (12, 14) of the pump assembly, whose axial length depends on the number of pump stages (10). On at least one of its axial ends, the component has no connection configuration which is formed in the component (12, 14) itself and which is limited to the axial end. Instead, it is connected at this axial end with a friction fit and/or a positive fit to a connection element (20) which is coupled and/or connected to adjacent parts of the pump assembly, or is provided for coupling to adjacent parts of the pump assembly.
US08485776B2 Wind energy system
A wind energy system 10 comprises a wind tunnel module 12 having openings 14a and 14b at opposite ends. The openings have substantially the same cross-sectional area although the cross-sectional area of the wind tunnel module 12 decreases from the openings 14a and 14b in a direction toward an intermediate portion 16 of the tunnel module. The intermediate portion 16 has a substantially constant cross-sectional area. One or more wind turbines with equal or different number of blades may be mounted in the wind tunnel in or adjacent to the intermediate portion 16. The intermediate portion 16 is bendable to enable the module 12 to conform to a roof 20 of any pitch.
US08485775B2 Rotor and nozzle assembly for a radial turbine and method of operation
A rotor for a radial flow turbine has an impulse chamber (51) having an inlet defined in a circumferential surface of the rotor and a reaction chamber (62) having an outlet defined in the circumferential surface of the rotor. The impulse chamber is in fluid communication with the reaction chamber, and the reaction chamber outlet is axially displaced from the impulse chamber inlet.
US08485766B2 Router lift assembly with lift wheel
A rotary cutter lifting apparatus comprising a table plate having an opening and an upper surface, a carriage disposed beneath the table plate and adapted for supporting the rotary cutter, and an adjustment mechanism positioned entirely below the table plate upper surface and operable through the opening. A method of operating a rotary cutter lifting apparatus comprising the steps of positioning the rotary cutter lifting apparatus having a carriage and an adjustment mechanism entirely below a table plate upper surface having an opening, and operating the adjustment mechanism through the opening.
US08485759B2 Method for stabilising and securing rivers, slopes and embankments
The invention relates to a method for stabilizing and securing banks, hillsides and slopes, and structures present at least partly in moving waters, such as supporting and construction elements, by composite materials comprising mineral particles, preferably stones, in particular crushed rock, and an epoxy resin.
US08485757B2 Shape-retention-type hoisting rectangular parallelepiped bag
A shape-retention hoisting including a rectangular parallelepiped bag. Base bands are provided along diagonal lines of the rectangular parallelepiped bag. A quadrangular-prism-shaped lift band is secured to a point of intersection of the base bands. One end of a truss band is secured by a fixing band surrounding the quadrangular-prism-shaped lift band, and the other end thereof is secured to the base band at a point spaced apart by a given distance from the center of the lift band. In this way, a plurality of truss bands can be disposed on the lift band in the vertical direction, thereby resolving a weight applied to a single truss band and maintaining the shape of the shape-retention hoisting bag.
US08485755B2 Ground working machine, as well as method for milling soils or traffic areas
In a ground working machine (1) for milling soils (2) or traffic areas, it is provided that a controller (18) for terminating the milling process controls the milling depth of a milling device (8) along a specified trajectory (24) in conjunction with simultaneous forward and reverse travel (5,7), thus enabling the milling device (8) to be raised into the upper position (9) disengaged from the ground without a depression (22) resulting from raising the milling device (8) remaining in the worked ground surface (3).
US08485754B2 No-gap winching ends for a rig mat
A rig mat implements opposing winching ends having a surface extension that is co-planar with the working surface of the rig mat. Such a co-planar surface can be a rectangular hollow tubing, the top surface of which forms the co-planar surface and a sidewall which forms a depending abutting member. The co-planar surface and the depending member enable the winching ends to form a substantially continuous planar interface between abutting winching ends of adjacent rig mats to minimize discontinuity therebetween. Fabrication is simplified and savings in weight are realized.
US08485751B2 Latching device for insertion into a tube for latching movement of the tube relative to an external element
A latching device for insertion into a tube provides two large flat buttons one on each side to lock the tube relative to an outer tube or to two parallel plates. A tubular housing with open ends slides into the tube between the side walls of the tube with the ends of the housing substantially butting inside surfaces of the side walls. The buttons are mounted on respective slide members mounted in the housing spring biased apart so that the buttons can be depressed. One or two set screws acting as stop members can be inserted after the housing is moved to the required location in the tube to prevent depression of the buttons to a position inward of the inner surface of the tube so that the housing is held in place.
US08485750B2 File binder and document organizer
Disclosed herein is an organizer comprising a unique structural configuration to house and store both non-perforated documents and perforated documents. The organizer comprises a ring binder that is associated with an expandable compartment that is arranged peripheral to the ring binder.
US08485749B2 Ink delivery systems
Ink delivery systems to provide ink from a reservoir to an applicator pad for marking a surface. Ink is stored in a reservoir within a marker body. A valve system controls the flow of ink to the applicator pad to prevent puddling of ink on the marking surface. The reservoir is a hollow body with free flowing ink or may contain a fiber reservoir at least partially saturated with ink. The reservoir may also contain capillary channels and ribs to aid in transporting ink to the valve system. The valve system includes a plug and a spring to bias the plug in a closed position. The plug includes at least one contact surface to contact a housing, and thereby control the flow of ink from the reservoir to the applicator pad. The spring may be a coil spring or a compressible foam-like spring.
US08485748B2 Leak-proof art instrument
Art instrument having a self-contained reservoir for storing and dispensing application liquid includes a reservoir body for containing the application liquid and a dispensing assembly that dispenses the application liquid from the reservoir. The dispensing assembly includes an applicator, a primary orifice restrictor including a channel, a movable actuating assembly that retains the applicator and the primary orifice restrictor and is movably connected to the reservoir body, and a secondary orifice restrictor arranged in an opening of the reservoir body and includes an initially closed channel. The instrument also includes a partly movable control mechanism that controls movement of the actuating assembly relative to the reservoir body. The control mechanism having a configuration in which it prevents opening of the closed channel and thereby prevents leakage of application liquid from the reservoir prior to manual activation by a user.
US08485745B2 Thermal printer and drive control method of thermal head
A thermal printer includes a first thermal head which is so provided as to be brought into contact with one side of a paper, a second thermal head which is so provided as to be brought into contact with the other side of the paper, and a controller. The first thermal head energizes a plurality of heater elements to print dot image data on one side of the paper. The second thermal head energizes a plurality of heater elements to print dot image data on the other side of the paper. The controller is configured to shift the energization times between the first thermal head and second thermal head.
US08485739B2 Optical transceiver module having a deformable heat sink structure
A heat dissipation solution is provided that includes a heat sink structure that has a very high thermal conductivity and includes elements or features that can be deformed to increase the contact surface areas between the heat sink structure and the module casing, thereby decreasing thermal resistance. By increasing the thermal conductivity and the sizes of the surface areas that are used for transferring heat, the temperature difference between the temperature of the light source and the temperature of the module casing can be decreased to enable the light source to be operated at higher data rates. Furthermore, deformation of the deformable features also removes space between the optical subassembly and the module body caused by mechanical tolerance differences that occur during manufacturing.
US08485738B2 Optical fiber connector
An optical fiber connector is disclosed. The optical fiber connector comprises a form having a curved surface with a first end near the bottom surface of the form. The curved surface is perpendicular to the bottom surface of the form at the first end. A first plurality of active optical fibers are positioned along the curved surface of the form in a side-by side arrangement with the tips of each of the first plurality of optical fibers adjacent to the first end of the curved surface. The ends of each of the first plurality of active optical fibers have been striped down to cladding and the cladding of each optical fiber contacts the cladding of the adjacent optical fibers. An inner cover is attached to the form thereby capturing the first plurality of active optical fibers between the curved surface of the form and an inside curved surface in the inner cover.
US08485731B2 Bearing support
A bearing support is configured to retain at least two bearings disposed closely adjacent to each other in a parallel relationship. Each bearing includes a bearing outer ring having a cylindrical outer circumferential surface. The bearing support comprises at least first and second portions that are connected together. The first portion is formed as a component that has cylindrical openings configured to receive or seat the respective bearing outer rings and to surround the entire circumference of the respective bearing outer ring. The second portion is formed as a support plate. A bearing assembly includes the bearing support with a bearing seated in each of the respective cylindrical openings.
US08485730B2 Rolling bearing
An outer ring and an inner ring of a rolling bearing are constituted of steel containing 0.77 to 0.85% of carbon, 0.01 to 0.25% of silicon, 0.01 to 0.35% of manganese, 0.01 to 0.15% of nickel, 3.75 to 4.25% of chromium, 4 to 4.5% of molybdenum and 0.9 to 1.1% of vanadium with the rest consisting of iron and impurities, a nitrogen-enriched layer having a nitrogen concentration of at least 0.05 mass % is formed on a region including a rolling surface, and the total of a carbon concentration and the nitrogen concentration in the nitrogen-enriched layer is at least 0.82 mass % and not more than 1.9 mass %. A DLC coating layer is arranged on a region including an outer ring contact surface.
US08485724B2 Thermocouple electromotive force voltage to temperature converter with integrated cold-junction compensation and linearization
A mixed-signal integrated circuit comprises: 1) an analog front end having differential inputs adapted for directly connecting to at least one thermocouple, 2) an analog-to-digital (ADC) for converting the thermocouple voltages to digital representations thereof, 3) a linearization circuit capable of performing the multi-order polynomial equations for converting the thermocouple electromotive voltages (the digital representations) to linear temperature measurement units by using coefficients unique to each type of thermocouple from a coefficients table based upon the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), 4) a integrated temperature sensor for measuring cold junction temperature, 5) optionally, an input multiplexer for selecting each of a plurality of thermocouples for measurement thereof, 6) optionally, registers for storing measured temperature values, high and low set points, alarm limits, etc., and 7) a communications interface for setting parameters and receiving temperature information.
US08485721B2 Ex-reactor two-phase transient nuclear calorimeter
A device to measure the residual power of a charge, comprising: means delimiting a first vessel to receive and contain a charge to be measured; means delimiting a second vessel around the first vessel; means to apply a layer of liquid or wet layer around the first vessel; and means to maintain constant the temperature and/or pressure of a vapor outside the first vessel or in the second vessel.
US08485720B2 Measurement method of distinguishing dew and frost point using quartz crystal microbalance dew-point sensor in low temperature
The present invention relates to a measurement method of dew-point in low temperature, and more specifically to a measurement method of accurately distinguishing dew-point and frost-point using a quartz crystal microbalance dew-point sensor in a low temperature of 0° C. or less. To this end, the present invention provides a measurement method of distinguishing dew and frost point using a quartz crystal microbalance dew-point sensor in low temperature, comprising the steps of: measuring a resonant frequency of a quartz crystal microbalance dew-point sensor while slowly dropping temperature; observing shock waves of the resonant frequency; and determining dew point or frost point through the observation of the resonant frequency and shock waves of the quartz crystal microbalance dew-point sensor.
US08485719B2 Pivot organ
A pivot organ (5a, 5b) designed to allow the rotation of a piece (3) of a clockwork movement around an axis of rotation, includes two elements: a pivot (7a, 7b) and a bearing (6a, 6b) receiving the pivot (7a, 7b), one being integral with the piece (3) and the other being integral with the frame (1) of the movement. The elements (6a, 6b, 7a, 7b) have shapes at their opposite surfaces such that the section of one of the elements along a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation is circular, the section of the other element along the plane being non-circular, so as to reduce the contact surface between the pivot (7a, 7b) and the bearing (6a, 6b). At least the contact surfaces of the two elements against each other are made from at least one material intrinsically having a low coefficient of friction and a low wear coefficient.
US08485717B2 Stirrers for minimizing erosion of refractory metal vessels in a glass making system
Stirring apparatuses for stirring molten glass are disclosed. The method includes stirring a molten glass with a stirrer comprising a layer containing at least about 50% iridium. An apparatus comprising an iridium-containing layer is also presented. In one embodiment, an apparatus for stirring molten glass includes a cylinder comprising a bore. A stirrer may be disposed in the bore. The stirrer may include a platinum or platinum alloy shaft coaxial with the cylinder. A plurality of impellers may project radially from the shaft into close proximity of a wall of the cylinder. Each impeller may include an arcuate distal end portion farthest from the shaft. The distal end portion of each impeller consists of iridium or an iridium alloy and the remainder of the impeller consists of platinum or a platinum alloy. The stirring apparatuses reduce metal loss from the refractory metal of the stirring apparatus.
US08485707B2 Headlamp for vehicle
Disclosed is a headlamp assembly for a vehicle. The headlamp assembly may include an LED module arranged in a housing of the headlamp, a reflector disposed in the housing and receiving a light from the LED module, wherein the reflector has uneven parts to disperse and reflect the light in a forward direction of the reflector, and a lens arranged in the front of the reflector.
US08485699B2 Self-righting light fixture
A self-positioning light fixture having an elongated body with a bottom self-righting segment. The elongated body comprises a pair of elongated body portions mateable along a vertical parting plane with components of the light fixture, such as the shock mount for the lamp assembly, an air circulating fan, and counterweights, being retained and supported within the body portions as an incident to assembly and securement of the body portions. The self-righting segment and counterweights are designed for optimally uprighting the fixture from tipped positions with minimum counterweighting and without excessive force or rocking movement of the fixture. Further features of the light fixture include air vent openings in the body that prevent or minimize entry of rain water and contaminants, an easily accessible gripping handle for facilitating movement of the light fixture, and a reflector shield adapted for easy selective positioning about the lamp assembly for the desired light direction.
US08485698B2 Heat pipe, heat dissipating module and illumination device
A heat dissipating module includes a first heat conducting plate, a second heat conducting plate and at least one heat pipe. The second heat conducting plate is disposed opposite to the first heat conducting plate. Each of the at least one heat pipe includes a first fixing portion, a first curved portion, a second fixing portion, a second curved portion and a connecting portion. The first fixing portion is positioned on the first heat conducting plate and the second fixing portion is positioned on the second heat conducting plate. The first curved portion is curved and extended from the first fixing portion. The second curved portion is curved and extended from the second fixing portion. The connecting portion is connected between the first curved portion and the second curved portion. At least parts of the first curved portion and at least parts of the second curved portion are not coplanar.
US08485696B2 Lighting and ventilating system and method
Embodiments of the invention provide a lighting and ventilating system including a main housing. The main housing can include an inlet through which air can be received within the main housing and an outlet through which the air can exit the main housing. A fan wheel can be supported in the main housing and it can be operable to generate a flow of air. A grille can be coupled to the main housing and the grille can include louvers. The system further can include a lamp housing coupled to the grille, the lamp housing can include a first set of illumination devices and a second set of illumination devices. The second set of illumination devices can be capable of emitting a dynamic illumination event.
US08485695B2 Backlight system
The present invention provides a backlight system, which includes a reflector plate, a light guide plate, and a back frame. The reflector plate and the light guide plate are stacked on the back frame and the back frame carries the light guide plate and the reflector plate. The back frame includes at least two primary assembling pieces, the at least two primary assembling pieces being joined to form a main frame structure of the back frame; and lifting adhesive spots are formed between the reflector plate and the light guide plate. The backlight system of the present invention has a back frame having a simple structure, saves material for the back frame, and reduces the cost of the back frame so as to lower down the cost of flat panel display device. Further, the present invention arranges lifting adhesive spots between the reflector plate and the light guide plate so as to provide a lifting effect on the reflector plate and bond the reflector plate to the light guide plate, thereby alleviating the problem that easy collapse of the reflector plate occurring after assembling leads to poor quality of reflection and causes poor backlighting.
US08485691B2 High powered light emitting diode lighting unit
A light emitting diode (LED) lighting unit including power supply housing accommodating a power supply and an LED array housing defining an internal compartment and a lens sealing the internal compartment. An LED array and an LED control circuit are mounted on a printed circuit board, which is accommodated within the compartment. The rear surface of the LED array housing includes a heat transfer element. At least one of the LED array and power supply housings has a chimney extending therethrough from a front to rear surface. The rear surface of the LED array housing is spaced from the front surface of the power supply housing to define and airflow space therebetween. During operation of the LED lighting unit, air flows into the airflow space and toward a central axis of the LED lighting unit before flowing out through the chimney to facilitate removing heat from the LED lighting unit.
US08485690B1 Decorative light string clip device
A decorative light string clip device is provided for holding a string of lights in a desired configuration on a tree branch or other elongated support structure. The device includes an arcuate member having a pair of spaced free ends. The arcuate member has an outer perimeter edge extending between the free ends. A plurality of notches is provided in the member. Each of the notches extends inwardly from the outer perimeter edge of the member. The notches are radially positioned in spaced relationship around the member.
US08485686B2 Multi-spectrum lighting device with plurality of switches and tactile feedback
A multi-spectrum emitting device including one or more emitters configured to emit in a first non-visible light spectrum and a second visible light spectrum, and a switching mechanism with at least two switching elements. The switching mechanism is configured to require simultaneous activation of the at least two switching elements in order to change emissions from the first spectrum to the second spectrum. A tactile feedback mechanism is included to provide different tactile feedback for different emission modes of the device.
US08485685B2 Backlight module and lamp fastener thereof
The present invention provides a backlight module and a lamp fastener thereof. The lamp fastener has at least two support rods, two movable levers and at least two retaining bars, all of which constructs a movable mechanism for providing at least one closed movable space to stably clamp and position at least one backlight lamp. Thus, it can efficiently prevent the backlight lamp from being separated from the lamp fastener, so that the installation reliability of the backlight lamp and the yield of the impact test thereof can be efficiently enhanced.
US08485681B2 Smart safety glove, wristband and method
A smart safety glove, wristband, method and kit is shown and described. In one embodiment, the glove or wristband includes an enclosing shell, a printed circuit board and a light configured to indicate intentions to traffic. In particular embodiments, the glove is in a sleep mode in a substantially horizontal position and the light is illuminated in a substantially vertical position. A method of hand signaling using a smart safety glove includes positioning the smart glove from the substantially horizontal sleep position to a predefined substantially vertical signaling position.
US08485679B2 Flat panel display device and stereoscopic display device
The present invention provides a flat panel display device, which includes a backlight system and a display panel. The backlight system includes an LED light source, a back frame, and a PCB. The LED light source comprises an LED lamp and an LED substrate. The LED substrate includes, sequentially stacked, a first conductor wiring layer, a first insulation layer, an aluminum substrate, a second insulation layer, and a second conductor wiring layer and the LED lamp is mounted on the first conductor wiring layer. The back frame carries the LED light source and includes at least two primary assembling pieces. The at least two primary assembling pieces are joined to form a main frame structure of the back frame. The PCB is disposed on the second conductor wiring layer of the LED substrate. The present invention also provides a stereoscopic display device. The flat panel display device and the stereoscopic display device of the present invention can reduce the cost of back frame mold and save the material and space of the back frame, so as to lower down the cost of the flat panel display device and the stereoscopic display device.
US08485670B2 Projector apparatus
A projector apparatus for projecting an image to a projected surface by illuminating an image forming element using light from a light source is provided. The projector apparatus includes an apparatus casing containing the light source and the image forming element, and an air filter receiving portion provided in the apparatus casing and having an air intake through which air is drawn. The projector apparatus also includes a plurality of air filters having substantially the same size as an air intake opening area, a cooling fan causing air to flow into the projector apparatus through the air intake and causing the air to pass through the plurality of air filters, a first air channel directing a portion of the air to a front air filter, and a second air channel directing the remaining portion of the air to a rear air filter.
US08485665B2 Method and system for three-dimensional (3D) projection
A method and system are described for projecting stereoscopic images using circularly polarized light with at least one polarizer for limiting the amount of light or radiant energy reaching a projection lens system and associated optical elements, and system configurations are discussed with respect to desired performance characteristics.
US08485663B2 Ophthalmic apparatus
An ophthalmic apparatus includes an imaging optical system for imaging an anterior segment image including a pupil of an examinee's eye, a pupil detection unit for detecting a size of the pupil of the examinee's eye based on the imaged result by the imaging optical system, and an output unit configured to obtain size information of a far vision zone and a near vision zone for a multifocal intraocular lens and output the obtained size information and the size of the pupil detected by the pupil detection unit to be comparable. Accordingly, applicability of the multifocal intraocular lens can be determined accurately and easily.
US08485658B2 Thermal conditioning buoyant eyewear retainers
An eyewear retainer includes a flexible elongated arm and a flexible leg extending downwardly from the posterior end of the arm. Elastic bands on the arm receive and engage a wide range of temple arms of eyewear. The leg extends behind a wearer's ear when the temple arm of the eyewear is engaged by the elastic bands. The retainer is buoyant and may include a bulbous buoyancy cell containing a buoyant object on the lateral side of the leg. Thermal medium compartments are attached to the medial side of the retainer arm and retainer leg. Each thermal medium compartment removably contains a thermal medium, such as a cooling medium or a heating medium. A pressure sensitive skin-contacting adhesive is provided on the outer skin-contacting side (i.e., the medial side) of the thermal medium compartment located on the retainer leg. The retainer leg and arm may be comprised of a material including a thermochromic additive and/or a hydrochromic additive configured to change color when the retainer is submerged in water.
US08485657B2 Sublimation printing processes and fabric pretreatment compositions for ink jet printing onto arbitrary fabrics
An ink jet printing process for sublimation printing of arbitrary textile fiber substrates, wherein the fiber materials are pretreated with an aqueous coating composition, enabling ink jet printing of natural and regenerated cellulosic fibers and blends thereof with synthetic fibers, by direct sublimation or sublimation transfer printing, applying to said fibers a novel textile coating or fabric pretreatment composition, wherein said textile coating or fabric pretreatment includes: an aqueous dispersion of fluoropolymer particles and a non-fluoropolymer binder.
US08485655B2 Inkjet-printing mechanism calibration
An ink patch is printed on a swath of media, by an inkjet-printing mechanism of an inkjet-printing device. Printing the ink patch takes a first length of time. The ink patch printed on the swath is heated at a first temperature less than a second temperature specified for the first length of time the inkjet-printing mechanism takes to print the ink patch. A second length of time is waited. A total length of time the swath is heated is at least substantially equal to the first length of time plus the second length of time.
US08485649B2 Liquid jetting apparatus
A liquid jetting apparatus includes a liquid jetting head which reciprocates in a first direction on a predetermined plane and which jets the liquid from a nozzle; a liquid supply source which stores the liquid to be supplied to the liquid jetting head; a flexible tube which is fixed to the liquid jetting apparatus at a predetermined fixed portion different from a connecting portion of the tube at which the tube is connected to the liquid jetting head, and which is arranged in a state that the tube is bent at a portion between the fixed portion and the connecting portion; and a regulating member which is arranged to regulate a movement of the tube caused by the bending of the tube, and the regulating member has an accommodating portion which extends in the first direction and accommodates the tube.
US08485646B2 Liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting head includes: a piezoelectric actuator having a first electrode, a piezoelectric body formed on the upper side of the first electrode, and a second electrode formed on the upper side of the piezoelectric body; and an electrostatic actuator having the second electrode and a third electrode arranged to face the second electrode with a space therebetween.
US08485645B2 Liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting apparatus which can reduce transportation failure, enhance device safety, and consume lower power in an apparatus including a liquid electing head, an absorbing member, an electrode, and a potential difference creating unit, by controlling the duration of a high voltage application period by controlling the voltage from the potential difference creating unit using a liquid collection control unit.
US08485643B2 Inkjet printhead assembly with printhead segment cradle member
An inkjet printhead assembly includes an elongate ink supply body defining a plurality of ink supply channels; an elongate cradle member defining a plurality of rows of apertures, the elongate cradle member being fastened to the elongate ink supply body to communicate ink within the ink supply channels through respective ones of said rows of apertures; and a plurality of printhead segments each having a carrier defining a plurality of rows of ink supply passages arranged in alignment with respective apertures of the cradle member, each printhead segment further having an elongate ink ejection printhead mounted to the carrier in fluid communication with the ink supply passages. Each carrier defines a complementary formation for mating serially with the cradle member.
US08485642B2 Ink tank and ink supply system
An ink tank is attachable to the attachment section by positioning first engagement sections at first fitting sections on the attachment section and then locking a second engagement section to a second fitting section of the attachment section by rotating the tank. The multiple supply ports are arranged on a bottom face of the tank such that the supply ports are on both sides of a center line in a width direction of the tank, and that distances between each of abutting centers configured to abut ink receiving parts of the attachment section, and the first engagement section side in a direction along a center line are mutually different. It is possible to avoid reception of a reactive force to the ink receiving parts at one time when rotating and attaching the tank, and to achieve stable attachment while suppressing excessive inclination of the tank at the time of attachment.
US08485641B2 Nozzle plate and method of manufacturing the same
Provided is a nozzle plate and methods of manufacturing the nozzle plate. The nozzle plate may include a substrate having a nozzle. The nozzle plate may also include a permittivity reducing area in an upper portion of the substrate around the nozzle, wherein the permittivity reducing area includes a plurality of porosities and a plurality of walls between the plurality of porosities. Additionally, the nozzle plate may include a protection layer on the substrate, wherein the protection layer covers the plurality of porosities and the plurality of walls.
US08485638B2 Inkjet printhead having common conductive track on nozzle plate
An inkjet printhead includes: a substrate having a drive circuitry layer; a plurality of nozzle assemblies disposed on an upper surface of the substrate and arranged in one or more nozzle rows extending longitudinally along the printhead; a nozzle plate extending across the printhead; and a conductive track disposed on the nozzle plate which extends longitudinally along the printhead and parallel with the nozzle rows. The conductive track is connected to a common reference plane in the drive circuitry layer via a plurality of conductor posts extending between the drive circuitry layer and the conductive track.
US08485635B2 Method to refresh the ink in nozzles of an inkjet print head in an inkjet printing apparatus
In a method to regenerate during operation ink in nozzles of at least one inkjet print head operating according to drop on demand in an inkjet print apparatus, nozzles of the print head that generate print dots on a printing substrate are activated such that the nozzles output first ink droplets of a predetermined volume in a direction towards the printing substrate. Nozzles that are not being currently used to generate print dots on the printing substrate are activated such that they output at least one second ink droplet of a smaller volume in comparison to the first ink droplets volume. During at least the outputting of the second ink droplet, a suction flow is generated between the inkjet print head and the printing substrate of such strength that the second ink droplet is deflected so it does not arrive at the printing substrate.
US08485630B2 Recording-medium-conveying device and recording apparatus
A device includes a conveying roller configured to convey a recording medium, a follower roller configured to press the recording medium against the conveying roller, a detector configured to detect a direction of skew of the conveyed recording medium, and a changer configured to change a state of contact between the recording medium and the conveying roller in accordance with a result of the detection by the detector such that a length of a portion of the conveying roller that is in contact with the recording medium in a conveyance direction is larger on a side toward which the recording medium is skewed than on an opposite side.
US08485624B2 Droplet dispensing control method, droplet dispensing control device, and method of manufacturing semiconductor devices
According to one embodiment, a droplet dispensing control method includes detecting an amount of positional deviation between a stage on which a substrate is mounted and a template as a template positional deviation amount and detecting an amount of positional deviation between a movement direction of the stage and a nozzle array direction as a nozzle positional deviation amount. The method further includes calculating a stage movement direction correction value and an ejection timing correction value of the imprint material as correction values for eliminating the positional deviation of the landing position of the imprint material. The method further includes controlling the movement direction of the stage using the stage movement direction correction value and controlling the ejection timing of the imprint material using the ejection timing correction value.
US08485622B2 Printing system and program
If an ink amount supplied from an ink tank to an ejection head reaches a predetermined limit value, ink ejection is not permitted. If initialization data are input and the input initialization data are appropriate, a count value of the ink amount is initialized, and the ink ejection is started again. In addition, the initialization data which is input once and determined to be appropriate is determined to be inappropriate thereafter. By doing so, although ink of which the property and state are inappropriate is used for the refilling, since appropriate initialization data may not be input, it is possible to avoid the inappropriate ink from being used for the refilling.
US08485617B2 Refrigerator
Disclosed is a refrigerator including a main body provided with a storage chamber; a door to respectively open and close the storage chamber; a control unit installed the door to select an operation; a reception part provided in the door to receive the control unit; and an installation hole provided on a side end of the door to cause the control unit to be inserted into the reception part. The control unit is installed through the side end of the door, which is deviated from a user's line of sight.
US08485609B2 Impact tool
An impact tool for use with a driving mechanism, the impact tool including an impact tip formed from a super hard material and having an apex and an attachment end, with the attachment end being bonded to a cemented metal carbide substrate at a non-planar interface. The cemented metal carbide substrate is bonded in turn to the front end of a cemented metal carbide bolster. The carbide bolster is securable against an outer surface of a driving mechanism through a press fit.
US08485608B2 Heading or extraction machine
In a heading or extraction machine (1) including extraction tools that are movable over the working face, and track walling devices such as anchor drilling and setting devices (9), the machine (1) comprises a platform (6) that is displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the machine and carries at least two track walling devices each mounted to be separately displaceable relative to the platform (6).
US08485601B2 Multi-use seat liner
Embodiments of the invention provide a seat liner and methods associated with the seat liner. The seat liner may include a fabric having an outer periphery, an upper portion, a lower portion, a left side, and a right side. The seat liner may also include a pair of apertures in the upper portion that are configured to receive a pair of restraint belts and an additional aperture in the lower portion configured to receive a buckle. The restraint belts and buckle may couple together to secure a child placed in the seat. The seat liner may further include a chamber disposed at the outer periphery of one of the sides and a padding member removably held within the chamber to cushion the child placed in the seat.
US08485599B2 Arrangement for a vehicle seat
An arrangement for a vehicle seat includes an inner element (11c, 11d), an outer element (9, 16a), which has an opening (16b) having an edge (9c, 16c) and receives the inner element (11c, 11d), and a weld seam (20) which connects the outer element (9, 16a) to the inner element (11c, 11d). The edge (16c) of the opening of the outer element (9, 16a) is interspaced from the inner element (11c, 11d) over the largest part of its circumference and defines a radial gap (G) having a defined maximum width, the weld seam (20) being introduced into the gap (G).
US08485598B2 Pitch adjusting mechanism for bicycle saddle
A pitch adjusting mechanism for a bicycle saddle is arranged between a saddle and a seat post of the bicycle and includes: a base beneath the saddle; a connecting member being fixed to the seat post; a washer being removably assembled to a top or a bottom of the connecting member; and a fastener combining the connecting member, the washer and the base as a whole. When the washer is arranged on the top and beneath the bottom of the connecting member, a pitch of the saddle with respect to the seat post is different.
US08485596B1 Stadium blanket with seat
A blanket is featured with a stadium built-in seat. The blanket can optionally further comprise, a hood, air-activated warmer pockets, a fleece interior and an exterior sports (e.g., football field) design. The blanket can be worn while attending outdoor sports events in cold weather, and it is easy to fold and transport.
US08485593B2 Drain plug
A drain plug includes a head part arranged on a peripheral edge of a drain hole from a front side, and an engaging leg engaged with the peripheral edge of the drain hole from a back side. The engaging leg includes a frame wall extending in a direction in which a space between a pair of panels forming a body panel is widened; an opening part facing the a connecting part of the pair of panels of the body panel; engaging parts formed on both side walls of the frame wall, to be engaged with the peripheral edge of the drain hole from the back side; and a guide surface formed on a front wall of the frame wall, to guide the engaging parts to pass through the drain hole.
US08485590B2 Cockpit support structure of a motor vehicle
A cockpit support structure of a motor vehicle has a cross member (11) with brackets (13, 14, 15, 16, 17) for connecting the cross member (11) to a body structure of the motor vehicle, and having brackets (18, 19, 20) for connecting functional components to the cross member (11). The cross member (11) and the brackets (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20) all are produced from a magnesium alloy material.
US08485583B2 Stowable seat arrangement for a vehicle
A stowable seat arrangement can include a seat having a seat back coupled to a seat bottom. A pair of front and rear legs can be pivotably coupled to the seat bottom. A floor panel can be fixed to the seat back. A stowage recess cover can be pivotably coupled to the vehicle and the front legs. The seat can be configured to selectively articulate from a deployed position to a stowed position where the seat can be received in a vehicle stowage recess. Pivotably raising the cover can automatically begin articulation of the seat from the deployed position to the stowed position. The floor panel can be in spaced relation to the floor when the seat is in the deployed position and can automatically move to a position in engagement with the floor to provide a flat load floor configuration when the seat is in the stowed position.
US08485581B2 Active material based holding fixtures
A holding fixture operable to secure differing pluralities of positioned objects having differing geometric shapes, sizes, and/or dimensions, including an active material element configured to selectively enable, cause, or retain the securing engagement and/or return the fixture to a ready state when not in use.
US08485579B2 Vacuum pickup assemblies for picking up articles and minimizing contamination thereof
Vacuum pickup assemblies for picking up articles and minimizing contamination of the articles are described. One such vacuum pick up assembly includes an end effector configured to contact the article, the end effector coupled to a vacuum section and a purge section, the vacuum section including a vacuum filter pneumatically coupled to the end effector, and a vacuum source pneumatically coupled to the first filter and, in a pick up mode, configured to generate vacuum pressure at the end effector at a preselected vacuum pressure to pick up and retain the article, the purge section including a purge filter pneumatically coupled to the end effector, and a purge source pneumatically coupled to the second filter and, in a release mode, configured to expel a purge gas at the end effector at a preselected purge pressure to release the article.
US08485577B2 Gripping for lifting material web rolls, particularly paper-and paperboard rolls
A gripper having contact members arranged to be positioned against the sides of a roll to be lifted. A gripping force is provided on the contact members at substantially gripping height against the roll to be lifted by tensioning a binder connecting the contact members.
US08485575B2 Gripper for door of vehicle
A gripper for a door of a vehicle is provided which may be applied to various types of vehicles. In particular, a gripper for a door of a vehicle as provided may include frames mounted to an end of an arm of a robot, moving units which are disposed on the frames and are configured for reciprocating toward a clamping point of a door panel, angle adjusting units disposed to an end of the moving unit and configured for reciprocating forward and backward with respect to the frame and adjustable according to an angle difference of the door panel, and clamping units which are disposed on each angle adjusting unit and configured for clamping the clamping points of the door panel.
US08485572B2 Security seal
A security seal has an outer body, a locking insert, and a shackle. The locking insert and shackle are received within a cavity of the outer body to be locked therein. Once the locking insert is engaged with the outer body, they cannot be disengaged without showing evidence of the disengagement. The evidence of the disengagement can be in the form of damage to any component of the security seal, in the form of mismatching of marked components of the security seal, or in any other suitable form showing evidence of the disengagement.
US08485569B2 Lock assembly
A lock assembly (1) comprises a rotary latch member (3) rotatable between a first, locking, position and a second, released, position, an actuator (23) for effecting rotation of the rotary latch member, and a rotary-drive mechanism between the actuator (23) and the rotary latch member (3) for transmitting a rotary drive to the rotary latch member. The rotary drive mechanism includes first and second members (3, 5) mounted for rotation about substantially parallel axes and having overlapping peripheral portions with sets of interengaging formations (19A, 20A and 19B, 20B), each set of interengaging formations comprising a recess (19A, 19B) extending radially inwardly from a peripheral portion of one of the first and second members and a post (20A, 20B) projecting in a direction generally parallel to the axes of rotation of the members and engagable in the recess. A first set of interengaging formations is arranged to interengage over a first part of the movement of the rotary latch member (3) from the first, locking, position to the second, released, position and a second set of interengaging formations is arranged to interengage over a second part of the movement of the rotary latch member (3) from the first, locking, position to the second, released, position. The first and second parts of the movement of the rotary latch member (3) are different from one another and continuous or overlapping.
US08485567B1 Sterilization cassette
A sterilization cassette has a slide latch system to secure the lid of the cassette to the body of the cassette. A finger tab on the outside of the cassette moves a latch arm on the inside of the cassette along a slot. A tension spring secures the position of latch components whether the latch is open or closed. Spacers between the cassette and latch parts facilitate smooth gliding action. The latch arm engages an angled bracket on the lid of the cassette. Alternating notch depths on instrument rails within the cassette work with opposing rails that likewise have alternating depths of notches to capture and hold instruments. This notch configuration causes the handles of adjacent instruments stowed in the cassette to stagger in height so that a clinician can access the handles of the stowed instruments.
US08485565B2 Brunnian link making device and kit
A Brunnian link is a link formed from a closed loop doubled over itself to capture another closed loop to form a chain. The example kit provides for the successful creation of unique wearable articles using Brunnian link assembly techniques and includes several pin bars that are supported in a desired special orientation by at least one base. The desired special orientation is dependent on the desired linked configuration of the completed article. The base and pin bars may be assembled in various combination and orientations to provide endless variation of completed link orientations. Additional bases and pin bars can be to further expand possible completed article creation.
US08485563B2 Sealed tubular connection used in the oil industry
A sealed threaded connection with a male end and a female end, the male end having a sealing surface and finishing in a terminal surface orientated transversely to the axis of the connection. The female end has a threaded zones inclined in accordance with a conical generatrix forming an angle of taper alpha; with the axis of the connection, sealing surface being cooperating with the sealing surface of the male end along a radially interfering contact zone, and finishing in a terminal surface which is transversely orientated, the tangent at the contact zone of the sealing surface being inclined along a line forming an angle beta; with the axis of the threaded connection, wherein the inclination defined by the conical generatrix relative to the threaded zones is in a direction opposite to the inclination defined by the tangent at the contact zone of the sealing surface.
US08485561B2 Combined structure used for air-conditioning ventilation
A combined structure for air-conditioning ventilation comprises a tee connector (1), an easy connector (40), and a caliber adapter (30). The tee connector (1) comprises a tubular adjustable part (10) at its cylindrical tube (3) for outflow ventilation. The caliber adapter (30) may be installed at the inflow cylindrical tube (14) of the tee connector (1). By clamping the snap-fit points of the easy connector (40) into the snap-fit points (7) that is located on a first cylindrical tube (3) of the tee connector (1), the easy connector (40) may be installed at the first cylindrical tube (3). The resulting combined structure can be easily installed and used, and can have its parts easily switched.
US08485560B2 Welding spacer
A welding spacer includes a spacer body having a first pipe-engaging face and a second socket-engaging face. The spacer may be formed from any suitable material, including a liquid-degradable or heat-degradable composition. A spacer thickness separates the first face and the second face. The spacer thickness may comprise solid material or it may have one or more hollow portions. A peripheral edge is provided on the spacer body. One or more deformable members may be provided on the peripheral edge for retaining the spacer in a structure. The welding spacer may be incorporated in a pipe assembly that includes a first pipe segment and a second pipe segment. The first pipe segment has a socket at a first pipe end with an interior shoulder to seat the welding spacer. The second pipe segment has a second pipe end that is received in the socket and seated against the welding spacer.
US08485556B2 Accessory system for a glide board
A snowboard or other glide board has a receptacle and plug accessory system for quickly incorporating additional and interchangeable functionality to the board. A user can readily switch functionality in and out of the board by way of the plug and receptacle system. Various plugs contain different features. The receptacle can be incorporated during manufacturing, such as in a manner compatible with existing manufacturing practices, as a retrofit to existing boards. The receptacle is a plate embedded into the board, in line with the core and sandwiched between the strength layers that are typically comprised of fiberglass. The receptacle sidewall has a one side of a latch mechanism in its interior walls. In one implementation, the plug accessory can latch fit into the receptacle. The plug can be disengaged with one hand without tools. The plug accessory can incorporate a camera, a light, a flag, and a rooster tail duct.
US08485550B2 Airbag
In an airbag, an external wall composed of a flexible woven cloth is adhered and configured by extending a thick thread base cloth and a fine thread base cloth with threads of different thicknesses while performing heat pressing with a coating layer interposed between the thick thread base cloth and the fine thread base cloth. The coating layer is formed by applying a coating agent that forms the coating layer on the thick thread base cloth side in advance.
US08485547B2 Stroller having shock-absorbing function
A stroller includes a frame unit, two folding devices, and a wheel unit. The frame unit includes a rear support frame, an upper support frame and a lower support frame. Each of the folding devices includes a first shell, a second shell, a gear set, and a pulling mechanism. The gear set includes at least two first toothed members, a connecting rod, a second toothed member, and a fixing rod. The pulling mechanism includes a locking member, a locking rod, a tension spring, a pull member, a drive wire and a fastening member. The wheel unit includes a main shaft, a mounting seat, an elastic plate, a wheel bracket, a buffering spring, and two front wheels. The buffering spring is biased between the mounting seat and the wheel bracket to provide a shock-absorbing function to the front wheels.
US08485543B2 Independent suspension and steering assembly
An independent suspension and steering system that can be used with a large truck. The suspension system includes a transversely extending leaf spring assembly. The midpoint of the leaf spring assembly is secured at the centerline of the vehicle while the two opposing ends of the leaf spring assembly are shackled to vertically moveable carriers on which the steering knuckles are pivotally mounted. The steering unit includes a transversely extending relay rod which is attached to tie rods at its opposite ends. The tie rods are, in turn, attached to the steering knuckles. In some embodiments, at least one steering gear is coupled with the relay rod via a connecting rod that is secured at one end to the rotating output shaft of the steering gear and secured at its other end to the relay rod.
US08485541B2 Suspension for a tricycle
A suspension for use on two front/rear wheels of a tricycle includes a linking assembly comprising two H-shaped lower supports, two H-shaped upper supports, two coupling members each secured to a hub of the front/rear wheel, and a plurality of internally threaded linkages for pivotably securing the upper supports together, pivotably securing the lower supports together, and pivotably fastening each coupling member between the upper support and the lower support at the same side together; and an elongated shock absorber having both ends secured the upper supports.
US08485539B2 Enclosed decoupling stabilizer
A stabilizer for a vehicle suspension system includes a fixed housing having a canister and end caps forming an enclosure. A rod moves axially relative to the housing. Abutment members on the rod are separated by a spring and confront or telescope into end stops in the housing, depending upon a rotated position of the end stops relative to the abutment members.
US08485538B1 Auxiliary axle suspension system
An auxiliary axle suspension system for a motor vehicle is disclosed wherein a pair of hydraulically operated actuators position and force the auxiliary axle to help support the vehicle. And gas springs are provided that allow the actuators to extend and retract over a wide range of hydraulic operating pressure and thereby allow the auxiliary axle to adjust to a wide range of road grade differences between the auxiliary axle wheels and the wheels of the axles that normally support the vehicle without incurring significant gas and hydraulic pressure fluctuation and while isolating shock forces on the auxiliary axle wheels from the vehicle.
US08485537B2 Portable X-ray grid cabinet
A radiographic grid cabinet for holding x-ray grids and/or cassettes that can have a vertical structure attached to a flat base with wheels that engage when the device is tilted backward like a handcart so that the cabinet can be easily transported from place to place. Wheels can fold out when needed. The device also can have a support plate that can move vertically on a set of rails or other structure attached to the cart. A thumb controlled pin on a clamp or other locking device can select one of a number of holes in the rails to lock the cabinet into a fixed vertical position. The device can also have a rotating bearing that allows the grid holder to be rotated from a horizontal to a vertical position, or through a vertical position from either of two horizontal positions.
US08485535B2 Sealing gland for ribbon-shaped probe
A sealing gland for accommodating a ribbon-shaped element is provided to include a fitting, a bore, an alignment assembly and a cap portion. The bore extends along an axis through the fitting. The alignment assembly is configured to be mounted within the bore and includes an element slot such that the ribbon-shaped element can extend through the alignment assembly. The element slot is cuboidal in shape and is defined by a length, a height and a width. The alignment assembly is arranged so that the length is parallel with the axis. The cap portion is configured to be mounted on the fitting to retain the alignment assembly.
US08485534B2 Metal gasket
A metal gasket includes an outer ring that is formed in a substantially C-shaped cross-section having an opening in a circumferential direction and an inner ring that is disposed inside the outer ring, wherein the inner ring is configured in a polygonal shape of a cross section, and a pair of corner portions opposing to each other in the inner ring are disposed on inner circumferential faces on the both sides of the opening in the outer ring.
US08485532B2 Composition for gasket and gasket
A composition for a gasket, including about 100 parts by weight of a hydrogenated styrene-based block copolymer, about 70 to 99 parts by weight of a petroleum-based softener, about 10 to 25 parts by weight of a polyolefin-based resin; about 10 to 25 parts by weight of an inorganic filler, and about 10 to 25 parts by weight of a heat-resistant polymer, based on 100 parts by weight of the hydrogenated styrene-based block copolymer. The thermoplastic elastomer composition has superior physical properties, such as tensile strength, heat resistance, high-temperature restoring force and chemical resistance, while being applicable to injection-molding and recyclable, like general thermoplastic resins.