Document Document Title
US08513544B2 Authorization system and method using a weighing scale to control access based on a registered weight of a key and key ring combination
Weight is used to help identify key and ring combinations authorized to certain persons. This is done by associating a weigh scale with each storage box for key and ring combinations, all of which have different total weights. The weights of all the key and ring combinations are registered with a computer, along with authentication and storage information. Then as key and ring combinations are removed from or returned to a storage box, they are weighed on scale 25 so that a computer can compare the scale weight with a registered weight. For any discrepancy, the computer can initiate one of many security actions.
US08513537B2 Printed board and method of manufacturing printed board
A printed board includes an insulating body that has a flat surface and includes insulating cloth including first fibers and second fibers that cross the first fibers at right angles on the flat surface, and printed wiring including a plurality of signal lines that run parallel to each other and are laid out on the flat surface of the insulating body so that a direction of the signal lines is tilted to a direction of the first or second fibers at an angle which is determined based on board-cutting efficiency of the insulating body and a predetermined delay-time difference between the signal lines.
US08513533B2 Multilayer stacked circuit arrangement with localized separation section
A multilayer stacked circuit arrangement with localized separation section, has a first flat cable and first signal transmission lines arranged on the first flat cable. A second flat cable is stacked on and bonded to the first flat cable. The second flat cable further has signal transmission lines arranged on it. A bonding substance layer is formed between a first non-separation section of the first flat cable and a second non-separation section of the second flat cable for properly stacking the first and second flat cables where the separation sections are spaced apart from each other. A conductive via extends between the first non-separation section and the second non-separation section. At least some of the second signal transmission lines of the second flat cable are connected through the conductive via to the first signal transmission lines of the first flat cable.
US08513531B2 Electrodynamic arrays having nanomaterial electrodes
An electrodynamic array of conductive nanomaterial electrodes and a method of making such an electrodynamic array. In one embodiment, a liquid solution containing nanomaterials is deposited as an array of conductive electrodes on a substrate, including rigid or flexible substrates such as fabrics, and opaque or transparent substrates. The nanomaterial electrodes may also be grown in situ. The nanomaterials may include carbon nanomaterials, other organic or inorganic nanomaterials or mixtures.
US08513528B2 Cable interconnection structure and electronic apparatus
A cable interconnection structure includes a sheet-metal member including a wall which is bent from and substantially normal to a plate-like base and extends along an end side of the base, and an opening including a first opening region provided in the base and a second opening region provided in the wall in a boundary region between the base and the wall; and a support member blocking a portion of the first opening region and supporting the sheet-metal member, wherein the sheet-metal member is slidable from a first position to a second position on the first surface, the support member includes a cutout, and the sheet-metal member includes a tongue which overlaps with the cutout and presses the support member to the sheet metal member, when the sheet-metal member is located at the second position.
US08513522B2 Shielding mechanism and electronic device
A shielding mechanism includes a shielding cover, a pivot shaft, a shielding member, and an elastic member. The shielding cover defines an insert hole. The shielding member is rotatably mounted to the shielding cover via the pivot shaft, and covers the corresponding at least one insert hole. The elastic member is sleeved on the pivot shaft and elastically resists against the shielding member. An electronic device using the shielding mechanism is also provided.
US08513518B2 Terrestrial solar power system using III-V semiconductor solar cells
A system for generating electrical power from solar radiation utilizing a thin film III-V compound multijunction semiconductor solar cell mounted on a support in a non-planar configuration.
US08513517B2 Photovoltaic module
A photovoltaic module includes an encapsulated photovoltaic element and an infrared transmissive decorative overlay simulating conventional roofing.
US08513509B2 UCR (user configurable riser)
A drum riser incorporating third party clamps and bars making one sturdy rack and riser combination. The third party clamps are attached to the riser by way of the clamp receivers. These receivers are placed in several locations to accommodate multiple configurations. The receivers are mounted by bolts to the riser making them removable so they can be moved to different locates on the riser. The risers small platform is achieved by mounting the rack out at an angle and attaching all components from the rack; allowing for the most space saving configuration possible. The riser can be manipulated to accommodate acoustic drums, electronic drums, and hand percussion. The height of the riser can be adjusted by interchanging the riser legs, which are available in varying heights. The riser is constructed of a rigid metal and welded together making a solid and durable unit.
US08513494B2 Plants and seeds of spring canola variety SCV695971
In an embodiment, the invention relates to the seeds, plants, and plant parts of canola line SCV695971 and to methods for producing a canola plant produced by crossing canola line SCV695971 with itself or with another canola line. The invention also relates to methods for producing a canola plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic canola plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to canola lines or breeding lines and plant parts derived from canola line SCV695971, to methods for producing other canola lines, lines or plant parts derived from canola line SCV695971 and to the canola plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid canola seeds, plants and plant parts produced by crossing the line SCV695971 with another canola line.
US08513492B2 Coleopteran-resistant transgenic plants and methods of their production
Disclosed are nucleic acid segments comprising synthetically-modified genes encoding Coleopteran-toxic B. thuringiensis δ-endotoxins. Also disclosed are methods of using these genes for the recombinant expression of polypeptides, the preparation of vectors containing the genes, and methods for transforming suitable host cells.
US08513479B2 Zinc ferrite catalysts, method of preparing thereof and method of preparing 1,3-butadiene using thereof
The present invention relates to a zinc ferrite catalyst, a method of producing the same, and a method of preparing 1,3-butadiene using the same. Specifically, the present invention relates to a zinc ferrite catalyst which is produced in a pH-adjusted solution using a coprecipitation method, a method of producing the same, and a method of preparing 1,3-butadiene using the same, in which the 1,3-butadiene can be prepared directly using a C4 mixture including n-butene and n-butane through an oxidative dehydrogenation reaction. The present invention is advantageous in that 1,3-butadiene can be obtained at a high yield directly using a C4 fraction without performing an additional process for separating n-butene, as a reactant, from a C4 fraction containing impurities.
US08513462B2 Pesticides and uses thereof
The invention disclosed in this document is related to field of pesticides and their use in controlling pests. In particular compounds having the following formula are disclosed.
US08513460B2 Process for preparing N-(hydrocarbyl) phosphoric or thiophosphoric triamides
The invention provides a process for preparing N-(hydrocarbyl)phosphoric or thiophosphoric triamides with substantially improved yields and purity. Two equivalents of hydrocarbylamine are used in the reaction with phosphoryl or thiophosphoryl chloride and then with ammonia in an aromatic solvent. The invention further relates to N-(hydrocarbyl)phosphopric or thiophosphoric triamides having the purity of at least 98% wherein R is a hydrocarbyl group and X is O or S. (RNH)(NH2)2P=X   (I).
US08513457B2 Fluorine-containing compound, fluorine-containing polymer, negative-type resist composition, and patterning process using same
A fluorine-containing unsaturated carboxylic acid represented by formula (1), wherein R1 represents a polymerizable double-bond containing group, R3 represents a fluorine atom or fluorine-containing alkyl group, and W represents a bivalent linking group. This compound can provide a fluorine-containing polymer compound that has a weight-average molecular weight of 1,000-1,000,000 and contains a repeating unit represented by formula (2), wherein R3 and W are defined as above, each of R4, R5 and R6 independently represents a hydrogen atom, fluorine atom or monovalent organic group, at least two of R4, R5 and R6 may be combined to form a ring. This polymer compound can provide a chemically amplified resist composition that is transparent to KrF or ArF excimer laser light and has a high resolution and is capable of forming a pattern having a rectangular section with no swelling.
US08513455B2 Crystalline oxybutynin and process for preparing the same
The present invention relates to a crystalline oxybutynin base and process for preparing the same. Further, this invention discloses a process for preparing an acid addition salt of oxybutynin employing the crystalline oxybutynin base.
US08513451B2 Fluorescent phospholipase A2 indicators
Compositions, methods of synthesis and applications of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) specific enzyme substrates which exhibit fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) are described. The compounds generally have the structure: (I) wherein, the variables are described throughout the application. These novel compounds provide a sensitive method to monitor real time PLA2 specific enzyme activities in various cells, tissues and small organisms with fluorescence-ratiometric analysis.
US08513450B2 Process for preparing polysilanes
The invention provides a process for preparing polysilanes of the general formula (1) SinR2n+2 (1), in which silane of the general formula (2) R1mSiH4-m (1a) is converted in the presence of boron compounds of the general formula (3) R23B (3), where R1 is a hydrocarbyl radical having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, R is hydrogen or an R1 radical, R2 is fluorine, chlorine, bromine or a hydrocarbyl radical which has 1 to 18 carbon atoms and may bear substituents selected from fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine and NO2, n has integer values from 2 to 100,000, and m is 0, 1 or 2.
US08513444B2 Epoxidation reactions and operating conditions thereof
A method of producing an alkylene oxide includes passing a reaction mixture comprising alkylene, oxygen and a gaseous chlorine-containing promoter species over a supported catalyst containing silver and a promoting amount of rhenium to undergo an epoxidation reaction at a first operating condition. The method further includes subsequently performing the epoxidation reaction at a preferred operating condition. The preferred operating condition is characterized by an efficiency of the epoxidation reaction toward the alkylene oxide where the efficiency is lower than that of a maximum efficiency achievable at an operating temperature corresponding to the preferred operating condition.
US08513442B2 Methods of performing cycloadditions, reaction mixtures, and methods of performing asymmetric catalytic reactions
Methods of performing cycloadditions are described that include (a) combining a first reactant and a second reactant in a hydrogen bonding solvent to form a reaction mixture; and (b) reacting the first reactant and the second reactant to form a cycloadduct. Methods of performing asymmetric catalytic reactions are also described that include (a) combining a first reactant, a second reactant, and a catalytic amount of a chiral hydrogen-bond donor in a solvent to form a reaction mixture; and (b) reacting the first reactant and the second reactant to form an enantiomeric excess of a reaction product. Reaction mixtures corresponding to these methods are also described.
US08513440B2 Compositions and methods comprising analogues of radicicol A
Disclosed are novel analogues of the natural product radicicol A of formulae I, .Ia, pi, Ha, lib and HI, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds. The compounds of the invention are kinase and phosphatase inhibitors and find utility in the treatment or prevention of kinase and phosphatase-mediated disorders. Also provided are uses and methods for the treatment or prevention of kinase- and phosphatase-mediated disorders and synthetic processes for the preparation of the compounds.
US08513439B2 Antidepressant oral pharmaceutical compositions
The invention provides a pharmaceutical composition of duloxetine or its pharmaceutically equivalent derivatives like salts, isomers, complexes, polymorphs, hydrates or esters thereof and at least one buffering agent. The duloxetine or its pharmaceutically equivalent derivative is present from about 2 mg to approximately 200 mg; and the buffering agent is present in an amount of approximately 0.1 mEq to approximately 2.5 mEq per mg of duloxetine. Also provided is a method for treating of major depressive disorder and or diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain comprising administering to a mammal in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of a composition.
US08513432B2 Dual-acting benzoimidazole antihypertensive agents
The invention relates to compounds having the formula: wherein Ar, r, n, X, R2, R2′, R3, and R5-7 are as defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. These compounds have AT1 receptor antagonist activity and neprilysin inhibition activity. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds; methods of using such compounds; and a process and intermediates for preparing such compounds.
US08513427B2 Compounds for producing substituted sulfoxides, process for producing the same and use thereof
Disclosed herein are novel compounds which are useful as intermediates for producing substituted sulfoxide compounds and a process for producing the same. Further disclosed is a process for producing the substituted sulfoxide compounds used as pharmacologically active agents, employing the novel intermediates of the present invention.
US08513426B2 Crystalline S-omeprazole strontium hydrate, method for preparing same, and pharmaceutical composition containing same
Disclosed are a crystalline S-omeprazole strontium hydrate for the prevention or treatment of gastric acid-related diseases, which has high optical purity, theremostability, solubility and nonhygroscopicity, a method for preparing same, and a pharmaceutical composition containing same.
US08513424B2 Pyridone GPR119 G protein-coupled receptor agonists
Novel compounds are provided which are GPR119 G protein-coupled receptor modulators. GPR119 G protein-coupled receptor modulators are useful in treating, preventing, or slowing the progression of diseases requiring GPR119 G protein-coupled receptor modulator therapy. These novel compounds have the structure Formula I or Formula IA.
US08513417B2 Method for synthesis of nitroxyl radical
The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a highly-versatile method for producing a nitroxyl radical derivative, in which position-2 and position-6 in a TEMPO-based compound can be easily substituted, and further, a method for producing a nitroxyl radical derivative, in which a nitrogen nucleus is labeled with 15N. The above-described problem can be solved by reacting a triacetoneamine derivative with ketone or aldehyde in the presence of ammonium salt or a 15N-labeled compound thereof to obtain a 2,6-substituted-4-piperidone derivative.
US08513414B2 Processes and intermediates for producing azaindoles
The present invention relates to processes and intermediates for the preparation of compounds useful as inhibitors of Janus kinases (JAK).
US08513407B2 Process for the preparation of N-acyl-(epi)K5-amine-O-sulfate-derivatives and products thus obtained
A new method is described for the oversulfation of (epi)K5-N-sulfates to obtain (epi)K5-amine-O-oversulfates at extremely high degree of sulfation and for the transformation of these intermediates into new N-acyl-(epi)K5-amine-O-oversulfates basically free of activity on the coagulation parameters and useful in the cosmetic or pharmaceutical field. Also described are pharmaceutical compositions containing, as one of their active ingredients, an (epi)K5-amine-O-oversulfate.
US08513405B2 Reagent, chaotropic agent, and reagent kit for and applications of isolating nucleic acid by use of magnetic cellulose material
Disclosed are a chaotropic agent; a reagent including a chaotropic agent and a lithium salt; a reagent kit including a chaotropic agent; a chaotropic agent, a reagent, a reagent kit, and a method for isolating a nucleic acid by use of a magnetic cellulose material; a method for binding a nucleic acid to a magnetic cellulose material; a method for isolating a nucleic acid; and a method for purifying a chromosome DNA. It is required that each of the chaotropic agents, the reagents, and the reagent kits works with at least one solid-phase, magnetic cellulose-containing carrier to isolate a nucleic acid from non-nucleic acid substances. In addition, each chaotropic agent includes an alcohol substance and a substrate solution for adjusting the alcohol substance to an appropriate concentration and thereby promoting binding of the nucleic acid in a sample to the magnetic cellulose.
US08513404B2 Process for the manufacture of oligonucleotides
A process for manufacturing an oligonucleotide which comprises removing β-eliminating phosphorus-protecting groups, in particular β-cyanoethyl protective groups from a protected oligonucleotide, wherein said removing comprises contacting the protected oligonucleotide with an amine solution in a solvent which preferably does not consist of pyridine, wherein the conjugate acid of the amine has preferably a pKa of greater than 11.5, and wherein the concentration of the amine in the solution is less than 0.5 mole/liters.
US08513402B2 Human serum albumin-siRNA nano-sized carrier system
Disclosed are a human serum albumin-siRNA carrier system having siRNA bound to human serum albumin and a user thereof, and especially, human serum albumin-siRNA carrier system, which has a biodegradable covalent bond between human serum albumin polymer and siRNA and is stable in a living body, and a user thereof.The human serum albumin-siRNA carrier system having the biodegradable covalent bond between the human serum albumin and the siRNA exhibits high siRNA delivery efficiency to a target site in the living body. Therefore, the human serum albumin-siRNA carrier system may allow siRNA for therapy to be efficiently delivered to a target site such as cancer tissues in the living body even by being administrated in a relatively low concentration, which may result in a wide use for therapies of various diseases.
US08513399B2 Primers for PCR amplification comprising a basic parts within the primer sequences
The present invention relates to primers for PCR amplification comprising abasic parts within the primer sequences and a method for PCR amplification using the same. More precisely, the present invention relates to primers capable of amplifying different templates and having abasic parts complementary to mutated site or polymorphic site of template DNA and a method for PCR amplification comprising the steps of mixing the composition for PCR amplification comprising the primers with nucleic acid template; and performing PCR with the mixture. The primers for PCR amplification of the present invention contain abasic parts not having specific coding information in their nucleotide sequences, so that they can amplify different templates having mutated sites at the same time.
US08513396B2 Peptides and related molecules that modulate nerve growth factor activity
The present invention relates to certain biologically active peptides and polypeptides which can be used as therapeutics or prophylactics against diseases or disorders linked to NGF as the causative agent. In one aspect of the present invention, pharmacologically active polypeptides comprising peptides linked to one or more Fc domains are provided.
US08513395B2 Method for the synthesis of anthocyanins
The present invention relates to methods of preparing anthocyanins, and methods of preparing precursors of anthocyanins. The methods utilize a coupling reaction between a sugar and a suitable electrophilic precursor to form Eastern half intermediates that are then reacted with Western half intermediates to form the target anthocyanins. Some Eastern half intermediates and electrophilic precursors also form part of the invention.
US08513394B2 Saccharide fluorescent substrates, preparation method and uses thereof
A fluorescent enzymatic substrate including a backbone saccharide nature having at least one saccharide unit. The saccharide unit includes a fluorophore F1 and an inhibitor I1 of the fluorescence of F1. The fluorophore F1 and the inhibitor I1, either directly or by the spacer arms B1 and B2, respectively, when at least one B1 and B2 is present, are grafted on the same saccharide unit of the backbone saccharide. One of th groups is F1 and I1 grafted in the anomeric position 1 of the saccharide unit.
US08513393B2 Process for the purification of Fc-containing proteins
The invention relates to a process for reducing the concentration of free Fc-moieties in a fluid comprising an Fc-containing protein comprising a cation exchange chromatography step.
US08513390B2 Modified antibody compositions, methods of making and using thereof
The present disclosure provides modified antibodies which contain an antibody or antibody fragment (AB) modified with a masking moiety (MM). Such modified antibodies can be further coupled to a cleavable moiety (CM), resulting in activatable antibodies (AAs), wherein the CM is capable of being cleaved, reduced, photolysed, or otherwise modified. AAs can exhibit an activatable conformation such that the AB is more accessible to a target after, for example, removal of the MM by cleavage, reduction, or photolysis of the CM in the presence of an agent capable of cleaving, reducing, or photolysing the CM. The disclosure further provides methods of making and using such modified antibodies and activatable antibodies.
US08513384B2 Selective extraction of proteins from saltwater algae
Methods for selective extraction and fractionation of algal proteins from an algal biomass or algal culture are disclosed. A method of selective removal of products from an algal biomass provides for single and multistep extraction processes which allow for efficient separation of algal proteins. These proteins can be used as renewable sources of proteins for animal feedstocks and human food. Further, lipids remaining in the algal biomass after extraction of proteins can be used to generate renewable fuels.
US08513382B2 Biocomposites and methods of making the same
In general, the present invention is related to biopolymer and biocomposite materials and structures, and methods of making and using the same. In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to oriented collagen based biocomposite materials and structures, and methods of making.
US08513378B2 Production method for water-absorbing resin powder
The present invention provides a method for producing a water-absorbing resin powder. The method includes a polymerization step, a drying step, a pulverization step, a classification step, and a surface cross-linking step. It further includes an additional step, performed before the surface cross-linking step, in which at least part of the classified polymer is supplied again to the same or a different pulverization step. The circulation pulverization ratio in the pulverization step is higher than 1.50.
US08513375B2 Imide-linked maleimide and polymaleimide compounds
The invention is directed to maleimide thermosets incorporating imide-extended mono-, bis-, or polymaleimide compounds. These imide-extended maleimide compounds are prepared by the condensation of appropriate anhydrides with appropriate diamines to give amine terminated compounds. These compounds are then condensed with excess maleic anhydride to yield imide-extended maleimide compounds.
US08513370B2 Method for sealing and assembling components of a drive train
A method is described for sealing and assembling, pointing and/or coating a substrate by means of silicon elastomers prepared using silicon compositions that do not contain any metal catalyst such as, for example, tin, and cross-linking by polycondensation reactions in the presence of water (for example, ambient moisture).
US08513368B2 Copolymer of olefin and conjugated diene, and process for producing the same
An object of the invention is to provide copolymers which have a double bond in a side chain and are substantially free of unsaturated bonds in the main chain, copolymers which have a cyclic structure and are substantially free of unsaturated bonds in the main chain, and processes for economically synthesizing these copolymers.
US08513367B2 Mitigation of elastomer reactor fouling using mechanical vibration
Method of reducing fouling in an elastomer polymerization process that includes providing a reactor capable of housing an industrial-scale elastomer polymerization reaction, and applying a mechanical force to the reactor so as to create a vibration in at least one wall of the reactor, in which fouling is reduced in the reactor. In one embodiment the reaction is an industrial scale butyl polymerization reaction and the reactor is a butyl polymerization reactor.
US08513363B2 Adhesive composition
An adhesive composition, an optical member, a surface protective film, and an adhesive sheet, the adhesive composition including 100 parts by weight of a (meth)acrylic copolymer having a weight average molecular weight of about 100,000 to about 2,000,000 g/mol; about 0.05 to about 5 parts by weight of a carbodiimide crosslinker, based on 100 parts by weight of the (meth)acrylic copolymer; and about 0.001 to about 5 parts by weight of an imidazole compound represented by Formula 1, based on 100 parts by weight of the (meth)acrylic copolymer: wherein, in Formula 1, R1, R2, and R3 are each independently a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, or a substituted or unsubstituted C1 to C10 straight or branched alkyl group.
US08513361B2 Interpolymers containing isobutylene and diene mer units
This disclosure relates to a block interpolymer comprising at least one diene block and at least one butyl block, wherein the at least one butyl block comprises residue from a functionalizing agent on at least one end adjacent to the diene block(s). The disclosure also relates to methods of making such block interpolymers. Also disclosed is a rubber composition comprising: (a) a block interpolymer comprising at least one diene block and at least one butyl block, and (b) a filler, wherein said at least one butyl block comprises residue from a functionalizing agent on at least one end adjacent to said diene block(s).
US08513352B2 Curable compositions having improved fire properties
The invention relates to curable compositions comprising a) at least one organic polymer selected from polyethers and polyacrylic acid esters, wherein the organic polymer has at least one defined, cross-linkable end group having at least one C1-C8-alkoxy- or C1-C8-acyloxy radical, b) at least one poly(dialkylsiloxane) having at least one defined, cross-linkable end group having at least one vinyl radical and likewise at least one C1-C8-alkoxy- or C1-C8-acyloxy radical and c) at least one flame-retarding additive selected from red phosphorus, organic phosphor compounds, ammonia polyphosphate, metal hydroxides, expandable graphite, zinc borate and melamine salts, to the use of such compositions as adhesive, sealing or coating material, in particular for providing a substrate having a flame-retardant, elastic coating, to a coating thus obtained and to the use of at least one poly(dialkylsiloxane) b) to improve the fire properties of a curable composition comprising at least one organic polymer a).
US08513351B2 Fluoroelastomer gels
Fluoroelastomeric gel having the following properties: appearance: transparent gelatinous solid; water content between 10% and 90% by weight; a density between 1.1 and 2.1 g/cm3; said gel satisfies the following test: dried in a stove at 90° C. until a constant weight gives curable fluoroelastomers.
US08513349B2 Binder composition for positive electrodes
A binder composition for the positive electrode of an electric storage device. The composition contains polymer alloy particles composed of: a polymer (A) having a recurring unit derived from vinylidene fluoride, ethylene tetrafluoride, propylene hexafluoride, or mixtures thereof; a polymer (B) having a recurring unit derived from an unsaturated carboxylic acid ester; and water. The average diameter of the polymer alloy particles is 50 to 400 nm. The polymer alloy particles are synthesized by absorbing a monomer (b) to the polymer (A) and polymerizing the monomer (b) to synthesize the polymer (B). The monomer (b) is an unsaturated carboxylic acid ester, or a mixture of an unsaturated carboxylic acid ester and one or more of the following monomers: an α,β-unsaturated nitrile compound, an unsaturated carboxylic acid, a conjugated diene compound, styrene, α-methylstyrene, p-methylstyrene, vinyltoluene, chlorostyrene, divinylbenzene, a carboxylic vinyl ester, and an acid anhydride of an ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid.
US08513347B2 Elastomeric compositions
This invention relates a composition comprising: (i) at least one low molecular weight polyolefin; (ii) a block copolymer obtainable by selectively hydrogenating a block copolymer having terminal polymeric blocks of a vinyl aromatic monomer and a mid-block prepared originally with an olefin and subsequently hydrogenated; and (iii) polypropylene; (iv) with the proviso that when (i) is a PAO having a molecular weight of between about 400 and 1000 g/mole, either: (a) (iii) is a homopolymer characterized by an MFR greater than 2 g/10 min, (b) (iii) is a copolymer; or (c) (iii) is a polymer or copolymer made by a metallocene catalyst; or (d) the composition does not contain calcium carbonate.
US08513338B2 Binder composition and asphalt mixture
A binder composition and a mixture of the binder composition and aggregate that are suitably used to prepare pavements are disclosed. The binder composition comprises a resin of vegetable origin, an oil of vegetable and a polymer, and the polymer is functionalised with silane groups.
US08513337B2 Asphalt-based reactive hot melt polyurethane adhesive
A novel hot melt adhesive that includes a blend of hot melt polyurethane and petroleum liquid.
US08513333B2 Reactive surface-modified particles
The invention relates to particles which have been functionalised by means of an inertised reactive group, i.e. by means of specific reversibly blocked isocyanate groups, and whose inertization can be reversed by means of an external influence.
US08513331B2 Puncture repair material recovery system
A gelling agent, and a method of use for the same, for gelling a puncture repair material, the puncture repair material including a natural rubber latex, a resin emulsion, and an antifreezing agent, the gelling agent comprising a compound (α) of the following Formula (1). In the following Formula 1, R1 is an alkyl group having from 13 to 30 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having from 13 to 30 carbon atoms.
US08513329B2 Chemical additives to make polymeric materials biodegradable
The present invention is a new additive material that is physically blended with polymeric material to create at least a partially biodegradable product.
US08513328B2 Fluid applied silicone air and water barrier system and process thereof
There is provided herein a one-part room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone based air and water barrier composition comprising silanol-terminated diorganopolysiloxane polymer; fumed silica; stearic acid treated ground calcium carbonate extending filler; polyalkoxy crosslinking agent; metal chelate condensation cure catalyst; and, an adhesion promoter. There is also provided a wall assembly comprising said composition.
US08513325B2 Silicone hydrogel contact lenses and related compositions and methods
Silicone hydrogel contact lenses are produced without using volatile organic solvents to extract materials from the polymerized contact lens bodies, and instead are washed with aqueous liquids. The silicone hydrogel contact lenses so produced have ophthalmically wettable lens surfaces. The hydrated silicone hydrogel contact lenses have diameters that are at least 24% larger than the diameters of the silicone hydrogel contact lenses prior to hydration or washing.
US08513323B2 Multifunctional silicone blends
Generally silicone materials adapted to releasably adhere to human skin don't attach readily to substrates such as fibrous substrates (e.g., woven and nonwoven webs), films, plastic, etc. Disclosed are inventive blends of low-tack materials, such as a low-tack silicone material, and a high-tack silicone material, such as a high-tack, hot-melt, silicone adhesive, that both releasably adhere to skin and join to various substrates, including fibrous substrates. Furthermore, these same blends may be disposed between, and attached to, a silicone adhesive layer and a substrate. In other words, the disclosed silicone blends may be used to join a silicone adhesive layer to a substrate.
US08513322B2 Polymeric beads and methods of making polymeric beads
Polymeric beads and methods of making the polymeric beads are described. The polymeric beads are crosslinked hydrogels or dried hydrogels. The polymeric beads are formed from droplets of a precursor composition that are exposed to radiation. The droplets are totally surrounded by a gas phase. The precursor composition contains a polar solvent and a polymerizable material miscible in the polar solvent. The polymerizable material has an average number of ethylenically unsaturated groups per monomer molecule equal to at least 1.2.
US08513321B2 Dual cure coating compositions, methods of coating a substrate, and related coated substrates
Disclosed herein are dual cure coating compositions that include (a) a melamine-group containing polyethylenically unsaturated compound and (b) an acrylate-containing compound different from (a), wherein the acrylate-containing compound is present at a level sufficient to provide a cured coating layer having a glass transition temperature of 100° C. or below and a crosslink density of 20.0 mmoles/cc or below. Also disclosed are related multi-component composite coatings, coated substrates, and methods for coating a substrate.
US08513316B2 Hydrocarbon synthesis and production onboard a marine system using varied feedstock
A process for producing Fischer-Tropsch hydrocarbon products onboard a marine vessel from carbonaceous feedstock by gasification in a thermal conversion plant connected to an onboard power plant unit includes the steps of forming Fischer-Tropsch hydrocarbons in a Fischer-Tropsch reactor having a recycle line from the Fischer-Tropsch reactor to the thermal conversion plant and recycling at least one of carbon dioxide and tail gas from the Fischer-Tropsch reactor to the thermal conversion plant during gasification.
US08513314B2 Reactor for the preparation of methanol
Improved design of a catalytic reactor for the production of methanol at equilibrium conditions whereby methanol as it is formed is separated from the gaseous phase into the liquid phase within the reactor, without reducing the catalytic activity of the methanol catalysts This is achieved by adjusting the boiling point of a liquid cooling agent being in indirect contact with the catalyst particles and by providing a specific ratio of catalyst bed volume to cooling surface area. Thereby, condensation of methanol as it is formed in the gaseous phase takes place at the cooling surface arranged evenly distributed within the reactor and within a very limited region of the catalyst bed.
US08513313B2 Hydrocarbon synthesis process
This invention relates to a hydrocarbon synthesis process. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention relates to a Fischer Tropsch Process employing an activated catalyst and to the use of such an activated catalyst, wherein the Fischer Tropsch Process conditions favor the attainment of a low acid selectivity. More particularly the invention relates to a three-phase low temperature Fischer Tropsch (LTFT) process wherein a feed of H2 and CO are converted to hydrocarbons and possible oxygenates thereof by contacting the H2 and CO in the presence of an iron-based Fischer Tropsch catalyst in a reaction zone, wherein the molar ratio of H2:CO in the feed is from 0.5 and less than 1.0 and wherein the iron-based Fischer Tropsch catalyst is activated according to the steps of: (a) providing an iron-based catalyst including iron in a positive oxidation state; and (b) contacting the iron-based catalyst in a reactor with a reducing gas selected from CO and a combination of H2 and CO; at a reduction temperature of at least 245° C. and below 280° C.; at a reducing gas pressure of above 0.5 MPa and not more than 2.2 MPa; and at a GHSV of total reducing gas fed to the reactor of at least 6000 ml(N)/g cat/h, thereby reducing the iron that is in a positive oxidation step in the catalyst.
US08513311B2 Oil-in-water emulsion and its use for the delivery of functionality
The present invention concerns an oil-in-water emulsion wherein the oil droplets of a diameter in the range of 5 nm to hundreds of micrometers exhibit a nano-sized self-assembled structurization with hydrophilic domains having a diameter size in the range of 0.5 to 200 nm, due to the presence of a lipophilic additive and the oil-in-water emulsion contains an active element being present in the range comprised between 0.00001 and 79% based on the total composition.
US08513309B2 Perfluorocarbons for use in treating pruritus
The subject application provides a method of treating pruritus comprising administering to the skin of a subject afflicted with pruritus an amount of a perfluorocarbon effective to treat the pruritus. The subject application also provides a method of alleviating a symptom of psoriasis comprising administering to the skin of a subject afflicted with psoriasis an amount of a perfluorocarbon effective to alleviate the symptom of psoriasis. The subject application also provides a perfluorocarbon composition for use in treating a subject afflicted with pruritus or psoriasis. The subject application further provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising an amount of a perfluorocarbon for use in treating pruritus or psoriasis.
US08513303B2 Antimicrobial agent
The present invention provides a method of killing and/or inactivating microbes, the method comprising the step of placing the microbes in contact with a catalyst by means of a fluid medium, wherein the catalyst comprises a solid support, which solid support comprises one or more fibers, and a first metal cation fixed to the support. The fibers are keratinous fibers like wool fibers, or polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers. The first metal cation is selected from transition metal copper, silver and gold included. A second non-transition metal cation can be present. The catalyst is prepared by first treating the fibers with hydrazine and/or hydroxylamine salt in presence of a base, the modified fibers are then treated with an aqueous solution of containing the metal cations.
US08513302B2 Reducing nephropathy with inhibitors of soluble epoxide hydrolase and epoxyeicosanoids
The invention provides uses and methods for reducing nephropathy in persons with diabetes mellitus (particularly Type 2 diabetes), in persons with metabolic syndrome, in persons with triglyceride levels over 215 mg/dL, and in persons with a cholesterol level over 200 mg/dL, by administering an inhibitor of soluble epoxide hydrolase (“sEH”). Optionally, a cis-epoxyeicosantrienoic acid (“EET”) can be administered with the sEH inhibitor. The invention further provides for using EETs in conjunction with one or more sEH inhibitors to reduce hypertension, and for compositions of EETs coated with a material insoluble in an acid of pH 3 but soluble in a solution with a pH of 7.4 or higher.
US08513299B2 Methods of using low-dose doxepin for the improvement of sleep
Methods of preventing early awakenings, and improving sleep efficiency in hours 7 and 8 of a period of sleep, by administration of low doses of doxepin (e.g., 1-6 mg).
US08513294B2 Substituted imidazole derivatives and methods of use thereof for treating cancer
Disclosed are compounds of the general formula (I): compositions comprising an effective amount of said compounds either alone or in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents, and methods useful for treating or preventing cancer and for inhibiting tumor tissue growth. These compounds attenuate the oxidative damage associated with increased heme-oxygenase activity and can reduce cell proliferation in transformed cells. In addition, the described compounds and compositions are useful as neuroprotectants and for treating or preventing neurodegenerative disorders and other diseases of the central nervous system.
US08513290B2 Method for preparing largazole analogs and uses thereof
Analogs of largazole are described herein. Methods of treating cancer and blood disorders using largazole and largazole analogs and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same are additionally described herein. Methods for preparing largazole analogs are likewise described.
US08513289B2 P38 kinase inhibiting agents
Compounds described by the chemical formula (I) or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof: Formula (I); are inhibitors of p38 and are useful in the treatment of inflammation such as in the treatment of asthma, COPD, ARDS, rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatoid spondylitis, osteoarthritis, gouty arthritis and other arthritic conditions; inflamed joints, eczema, psoriasis or other inflammatory skin conditions such as sunburn; inflammatory eye conditions including conjunctivitis; pyresis, pain and other conditions associated with inflammation.
US08513288B2 1-aryl-1-hydroxy-2,3-diamino-propyl amines, 1-heteroaryl-1-hydroxy-2,3-diamino-propyl amines and related compounds having analgesic and/or immuno stimulant activity
Compounds of the formula where the variables have the meaning defined in the specification have analgesic and/or immunostimulant effect in mammals.
US08513287B2 Heterocyclic ring and phosphonoxymethyl group substituted pyridine derivatives and antifungal agent containing same
The present invention provides compounds that have excellent antifungal action, and are also excellent in terms of properties, such as solubility in water and safety. The compounds are represented by formula (I): The present invention is also directed to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound, an antifungal agent comprising the compound as an active ingredient, and a method for preventing or treating a fungal disease by administering the compound.
US08513281B1 Method of treating traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries and other neurogenic conditions using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and naturally occurring conotoxins
A method for treating a patient/subject having neuronal injury, pain, neurotrauma and/or traumatic brain injury, such as diffuse axonal injury, which includes intrathecally and/or intraventricularly administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and/or a naturally occurring omega conotoxin, functional fragment thereof, a pharmacologically acceptable salt, ester, amide, or prodrug thereof.
US08513280B2 Use of epothilones in the treatment of neuronal connectivity defects such as schizophrenia and autism
The present invention is about the use of at least one epothilone or derivative thereof as an active ingredient for manufacturing a medicament for use in the treatment of disease(s) involving a neuronal connectivity defect.
US08513278B2 Parenteral dextrose formulation of clopidogrel
Described herein are ways to solubilize clopidogrel for parenteral administration containing clopidogrel and D50W, which is useful in the prevention of platelet aggregation in acute coronary syndrome, acute myocardial infarction or to prevent platelet facilitated thrombosis following coronary angioplasty and/or coronary stenting.
US08513272B2 Forms of a fused pyrrolocarbazole compound
Alternative chemical and/or solid state forms of Compound I, processes to reproducibly make them and methods of treating patients using them.
US08513271B2 Pyrimidine compounds as delta opioid receptor modulators
Disclosed are compounds, compositions and methods for treating various diseases, syndromes, conditions and disorders, including pain. Such compounds are represented by Formula I as follows: wherein R1, R2, R3, and L, A, and Ra are defined herein.
US08513268B2 1H-quinazoline-2,4-diones processes for their production, pharmaceutical compositions, and treatment for epilepsy
The present invention relates to 1H-Quinazoline-2,4-diones of formula (I) wherein R1 and R2 are as defined in the specification, their preparation, their use as pharmaceuticals, and pharmaceutical compositions containing them. Further, intermediates for the manufacture of compounds of formula (I) are and combinations comprising compounds of formula (I) are disclosed.
US08513260B2 Pyrazinylpyrazoles
Pyrazin-2-ylpyrazoles of formula (I) in which X, R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 are as defined in the description are described, as is the use thereof as insecticides and/or parasiticides, the preparation thereof, and compositions which comprise such pyrazin-2-ylpyrazoles.
US08513258B2 Cinnamoyl-piperazine derivatives and their use as par-1 antagonists
The present invention relates to compounds of general formula (I): wherein: R1 represents: halogen, CN or NO2; R2 represents: hydrogen or halogen; n represents: 1 or 2; R3 represents: phenyl substituted by one or more halogens or C1-C6 alkyls; or a cyclohexyl; as well as the therapeutically-acceptable salts or solvates thereof. These compounds are useful as protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR-1) antagonists, particularly in the treatment of thrombosis.
US08513254B2 Method of treating atrial fibrillation
The present invention relates to a method for the treatment or prevention of atrial fibrillation and/or atrial flutter comprising coadministration of a synergistically therapeutic amount of dronedarone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or salts thereof and a synergistically therapeutic amount of ranolazine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or salts thereof. Also provided are methods for modulating ventricular and atrial rhythm and rate. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical formulations that are suitable for such combined administration.
US08513246B2 Use of N-heterocyclylmethylbenzamides in therapeutics
The invention relates to use of compositions in therapeutics containing a compound having general formula (I): Wherein R, R1, R2, X and n are as described herein.
US08513238B2 Heteroaryl-cyclohexyl-tetraazabenzo[E]azulenes
The present invention provides heteroaryl-cyclohexyl-tetraazabenzo[e]azulenes of formula I wherein R1, R2 and R3 are as described herein. The compounds according to the invention act as V1a receptor modulators, and in particular as V1a receptor antagonists, their manufacture, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as medicaments. The active compounds of the present invention are useful as therapeutics acting peripherally and centrally in the conditions of dysmenorrhea, male or female sexual dysfunction, hypertension, chronic heart failure, inappropriate secretion of vasopressin, liver cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome, anxiety, depressive disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, autistic spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, and aggressive behavior.
US08513237B2 Sulfonylamino-derivatives as novel inhibitors of histone deacetylase
This invention comprises the novel compounds of formula (I) wherein n, m, t, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, L, Q, X, Y, Z and have defined meanings, having histone deacetylase inhibiting enzymatic activity; their preparation, compositions containing them and their use as a medicine.
US08513232B2 Substituted spirocyclic piperidine derivatives as histamine-3 (H3) receptor ligands
The present invention provides compounds of Formula (I): their use as H3 antagonists/inverse agonists, processes for their preparation, and pharmaceuticals compositions thereof.
US08513231B2 Use of oxazolidinone-quinoline hybrid antibiotics for the treatment of anthrax and other infections
The present invention relates to the use of compounds, in which the pharmacophores of quinolone and oxazolidinone are chemically linked together through a linker that is stable under physiological conditions, for the treatment of anthrax and other infections.
US08513228B2 Crystalline form of antiprogestin CDB-4124
The present invention relates to novel crystalline Form A of 17α-acetoxy-21-methoxy-11β-[4-N,N-dimethylaminophenyl]-19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione, (also known as CDB-4124) and methods for the preparation of it in excellent purity.
US08513227B2 Inhibition of inflammatory cytokine production with tanshinones
Provided are methods of attenuating release of a proinflammatory cytokine from a mammalian cell. Also provided are methods of inhibiting or treating an inflammatory cytokine cascade in a mammal. Further provided are methods of treating a mammal at risk for or undergoing sepsis, septicemia, and/or endotoxic shock. Additionally provided are methods of attenuating NO release from a mammalian cell. Also provided are methods of attenuating NO production in a mammal at risk for, or having, a disorder mediated by excessive NO production.
US08513225B2 Composition and method for topical treatment of skin lesions
Disclosed herein is a composition containing a high concentration of PG is unexpectedly capable of quickly killing other bacteria, fungi, and/or virus in vitro that is indicative of its potential high efficacy in treating various skin infection. Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a composition and method for effective topical treatment of inflammatory skin lesions in mammals, comprising of a high concentration of propylene glycol alone, or in combination with an astringent. The PG at high concentrations can be regarded as an extremely effective, safe, topical, universal, microbicide.
US08513219B2 Substituted phosphonates and their use in decreasing amyloid aggregates
The invention relates to novel and known substituted phosphonates for use in ameliorating amyloid aggregates, particularly for use in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
US08513218B2 Derivatives of 1-amino-2-cyclopropylethylboronic acid
The present invention provides novel compounds useful as proteasome inhibitors. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of the invention and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of various diseases.
US08513209B2 Micro-RNAS of the MIR-15 family modulate cardiomyocyte survival and cardiac repair
A family of microRNAs, called the miR-15 family, which includes miR-195, are shown to be up-regulated during pathological cardiac remodeling and repress the expression of mRNAs required for cell proliferation and survival, with consequent loss of cardiomyocytes. Strategies to block expression of the miR-15 family in the heart as a treatment for diverse cardiac disease are provided.
US08513207B2 Extended dicer substrate agents and methods for the specific inhibition of gene expression
The invention provides compositions and methods for reducing expression of a target gene in a cell, involving contacting a cell with an isolated double stranded nucleic acid (dsNA) in an amount effective to reduce expression of a target gene in a cell. The dsNAs of the invention possess a pattern of deoxyribonucleotides (in most embodiments, the pattern comprises at least one deoxyribonucleotide-deoxyribonucleotide base pair) designed to direct the site of Dicer enzyme cleavage within the dsNA molecule. Deoxyribonucleotides of the dsNA molecules of the invention are located within a region of the dsNA that can be excised via Dicer cleavage to generate an active siRNA agent that no longer contains the deoxyribonucleotide pattern (e.g., deoxyribonucleotide-deoxyribonucleotide base pairs). Such DNA-extended Dicer-substrate siRNAs (DsiRNAs) were demonstrated to be more effective RNA inhibitory agents than corresponding double stranded RNA-extended DsiRNAs. DsiRNA agents were also found to tolerate guide strand mismatches.
US08513206B2 Crosslinked PEI nanoparticle transfection agents for delivery of biomolecules with increased efficiency
The present invention relates to a novel crosslinked polyethylenimine (PEI) nanoparticle based nucleic acid transfection agent wherein the crosslinker is having carbon chain in the range of C2 to C8, ranging between 3.27-19.8%, having the size of nanoparticle ranging between 20-600 nm and zeta potential ranging from +5 to 50 mV.
US08513205B2 Potent chimeric NRTI-NNRTI bifunctional inhibitors of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase
The present invention relates to compounds, in particular, dual antagonists comprising a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) or a nucleoside competitive reverse transcriptase inhibitor and a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI), linked together using a chemical linker, which may be used to inhibit HIV (HIV-1) reverse transcriptase and in the treatment of HIV infections, more severe cases of HIV infections, including ARC and AIDS, including reducing the likelihood of these infections and disease states.
US08513204B2 Compositions comprising amphotericin B, mehods and systems
The present invention comprises compositions and formulations comprising amphotericin B, compositions and formulations comprising amphotericin B with one or more excipients, methods of making amphotericin B compositions and formulations, as well as systems for using amphotericin B compositions and formulations. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the formulation, methods of administering the pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treating patients with the pharmaceutical compositions.
US08513203B2 Composition and method thereof
The present disclosure relates to a composition comprising Trigoneoside Ib and Vicenin-1 for treatment and management of Goodpasture's disease, Glomerulonephritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura. The present disclosure also relates to a method of obtaining the said composition from Trigonella foenum-graecum.
US08513197B2 Ganglioside epitopes for treating Guillain-Barre syndrome
Disclosed are compositions and methods for treating Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) in a subject that involves neutralizing specific pathogenic anti-glycolipid antibodies in the circulation of the subject. This can involve administering to the subject a molecular mimic of a ganglioside that serves as a specific competitive inhibitor for anti-ganglioside antibodies in the circulation. Also disclosed is an animal model of GBS having anti-ganglioside antibodies in the circulation.
US08513193B2 Protecting and repairing cartilage and musculoskeletal soft tissues
Provided herein are compositions and methods related to promoting protection or repair of articular cartilage and/or musculoskeletal soft tissue by contacting the cartilage, tissues or cellular components thereof with a parathyroid hormone/parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTH/PTHrP) receptor agonist or releasing factor.
US08513187B2 Soft protease inhibitors, and pro-soft forms thereof
The invention provides compounds and methods for inhibiting proteases. One aspect of the invention features pro-soft inhibitors which react with an activating protease to release an active inhibitor moiety in proximity to a target protease. In certain instances, compounds inhibit proteasomes and/or post-proline cleaving enzymes (PPCE), such as dipeptidyl peptidase IV. The compounds of the invention provide a better therapeutic index, owing in part to reduced toxicity and/or improved specificity for the targeted protease. Another aspect of the invention provides for the use of the disclosed compounds for treating Type II diabetes, insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, obesity, hyperlipidemia, or hyperlipoproteinemia.
US08513186B2 Antiviral compounds
The invention is related to anti-viral compounds, compositions containing such compounds, and therapeutic methods that include the administration of such compounds, as well as to processes and intermediates useful for preparing such compounds.
US08513184B2 Macrocyclic inhibitors of flaviviridae viruses
Provided are compounds of Formula I: and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof. The compounds, compositions, and methods provided are useful for the treatment of Flaviviridae virus infections, particularly hepatitis C infections.
US08513183B2 Peptide pharmaceutical for oral delivery
Acid-containing oral pharmaceutical compositions are provided wherein the pharmaceutical active agents are peptide compounds (i.e., those that include a plurality of amino acids and at least one peptide bond in their molecular structures). Certain barrier layers and/or particulate coated acid are used to reduce any adverse interactions that might otherwise occur between the acid of the compositions and other components of the composition. Use of these barrier layers and/or use of particulate coated acid is believed to promote a more simultaneous release of the components of the composition than is achieved by prior art acid-protection techniques, thus enhancing, and making more consistent, the bioavailability of the active peptide compounds.
US08513179B2 Detergent resistant car polish
A detergent resistant car polish composition includes an alkoxy aminofunctional dialkylpolysiloxane, a long chain silicone quaternary blend, a silicone fatty amino quaternary polydimethylsiloxane, a carboxylic acid, a surfactant, a cosurfactant, and water.
US08513178B2 Treatment of non-trans fats and fatty acids with a chelating agent
The invention relates to methods and compositions for treating non-trans fats, fatty acids and sunscreen stains with a chelating agent. The invention also relates to methods for reducing the frequency of laundry fires with a chelating agent.
US08513177B2 Detergents or cleaning agents containing a bleach-enhancing transition metal complex which is optionally produced in situ
A bleach catalyst includes a complex of Fe—, Mo—, Mn— and/or W with a ligand having a skeleton of formula (I).
US08513176B2 Disinfecting and mineral deposit eliminating composition and methods
Source water is treated by mixing a first component selected from the group comprising neutralized phosphonic acid compounds, neutralized phosphonate compounds, neutralized derivatives of phosphorus, neutralized anti-scalent polymers, and mixtures thereof, a second component from the group comprising chlorite salt and chlorate salt is admixed to the mixture of the water and the first component, and water. The water and the first and second components are present in amounts sufficient to form a stable liquid composition in which there is substantially no conversion of the second component to chlorine dioxide.
US08513165B2 Planar lipid bilayer array formed by microfluidic technique and method of analysis using planar lipid bilayer
There is provided a planar lipid bilayer array formed by microfluidic technique and a method of analysis using the planar lipid bilayers, providing the advantages such as portability, decreased analysis time, a smaller amount of required reagents, and parallel automation with high reproducibility. The planar lipid bilayer array formed by microfluidic technique is a planar lipid bilayer array formed by microfluidic technique (PDMS device) 1 saturated with water by preliminarily immersing in water, comprising microchannels 2 connected to an inlet of a microfluidic channel and arranged in parallel, and microchambers 3 having apertures on both sides of the microchannel 2.
US08513161B2 Enhancement of plant growth
Treatment with N-(2-phenylethyl)succinamic acid or its salts protects against inhibition of growth by a neonicotinoid compound applied as a seed treatment or applied directly on or near the root zone of the seedling.
US08513159B2 Process of manufacturing powdered coffee carbons from spent coffee grounds
A process of manufacturing powdered coffee carbons from spent coffee grounds includes: washing spent coffee grounds, dehydrating same, and conveying same to a pre-carbonation oven for drying and pre-carbonization; removing the pre-carbonized spent coffee grounds, soaking same in a solution mixed with a predetermined quantity of sodium carbonate for a predetermined period of time for grease removal, and washing the grease free spent coffee grounds; pouring the pre-carbonized spent coffee grounds into a post-carbonization oven and heating same to the range of 600 to 650° C. to carbonize the pre-carbonized spent coffee grounds so that the carbonized spent coffee grounds have a porous structure; supplying saturated steam between 850 and 950° C. to the carbonized spent coffee carbons for activation; and operating a wet grinder to grind the activated spent coffee carbons until powdered coffee carbons having a size between 0.1 and 20 μm are obtained.
US08513158B2 Method for forming thermally stable nanoparticles on supports
An inverse micelle-based method for forming nanoparticles on supports includes dissolving a polymeric material in a solvent to provide a micelle solution. A nanoparticle source is dissolved in the micelle solution. A plurality of micelles having a nanoparticle in their core and an outer polymeric coating layer are formed in the micelle solution. The micelles are applied to a support. The polymeric coating layer is then removed from the micelles to expose the nanoparticles. A supported catalyst includes a nanocrystalline powder, thin film, or single crystal support. Metal nanoparticles having a median size from 0.5 nm to 25 nm, a size distribution having a standard deviation ≦0.1 of their median size are on or embedded in the support. The plurality of metal nanoparticles are dispersed and in a periodic arrangement. The metal nanoparticles maintain their periodic arrangement and size distribution following heat treatments of at least 1,000° C.
US08513154B2 Porous body precursors, shaped porous bodies, processes for making them, and end-use products based upon the same
The present invention provides porous body precursors and shaped porous bodies. Also included are catalysts and other end-use products based upon the shaped porous bodies and thus the porous body precursors. Finally, processes for making these are provided. The porous body precursors, comprise one or more topography-enhancing additives, i.e., additives that are capable of at least marginally enhancing one or more of surface area, aspect ratio, pore volume, median pore diameter, surface morphology, etc. Downstream products need not necessarily comprise the topography-enhancing additives in order to exhibit the benefits of their inclusion in the porous body precursors.
US08513152B2 Titania-containing extrudate
An extrudate comprising titania, a carboxyalkyl cellulose, and a hydroxyalkyl cellulose is disclosed. The extrudates have a smooth outer surface when they exit the extruder. The extrusion processibility is improved.
US08513151B2 Sulfur chelated ruthenium compounds useful as olefin metathesis catalysts
Sulfur chelated ruthenium compounds represented by the following formula: wherein M indicates the ruthenium metal bound to a benzylidene carbon; R represents C1-C7 alkyl group or optionally substituted aryl; X1 and X2 each independently represent halogen; Y1 and Y2 each independently denote unsubstituted or alkyl-substituted phenyl; and Z independently represents hydrogen, electron withdrawing or electron donating substituent, with m being an integer from 1 to 4, and processes and compositions related thereto.
US08513145B2 Flame resistant filler cloth and mattresses incorporating same
A filler cloth includes cellulosic fibers treated with a flame retardant chemistry such that the filler cloth has a char length of less than about nine inches when tested in accordance with NFPA 701, such that thermal shrinkage of the filler cloth at 400° F. is less than about 35% in any direction, and such that the filler cloth maintains flame and heat resistant integrity when impinged with a gas flame in accordance with testing protocols set forth in Technical Bulletin 603 of the State of California Department of Consumer Affairs. The filler cloth cellulosic fibers are treated with a flame retardant chemistry such that the filler cloth has a Frazier air permeability of less than about 400 cfm and a thermal resistance rating of at least about 3 when tested according to NFPA 2112.
US08513130B2 Semiconductor substrate and method of fabricating semiconductor device
A semiconductor substrate includes a wafer including an element area and a non-element area delineating the element area, a first layered structure situated in the element area, a first insulating film covering the first layered structure, and exhibiting a first etching rate with respect to an etching recipe, a second insulating film covering the first layered structure covered by the first insulating film in the element area, and exhibiting a second etching rate with respect to the etching recipe, the second etching rate being greater than the first etching rate, and a second layered structure situated in the non-element area, wherein the second layered structure includes at least a portion of the first layered structure.
US08513128B2 Poly opening polish process
A poly opening polish process includes the following steps. A semi-finished semiconductor component is provided. The semi-finished semiconductor component includes a substrate, a gate disposed on the substrate, and a dielectric layer disposed on the substrate and covering the gate. A first polishing process is applied onto the dielectric layer. A second polishing process is applied to the gate. The second polishing process utilizes a wetting solution including a water soluble polymer surfactant, an alkaline compound and water. The poly opening polish process can effectively remove an oxide residue formed in the chemical mechanical polish, thereby improving the performance of the integrated circuit and reducing the production cost of the integrated circuit.
US08513119B2 Method of forming bump structure having tapered sidewalls for stacked dies
A bump structure that may be used for stacked die configurations is provided. Through-silicon vias are formed in a semiconductor substrate. A backside of the semiconductor substrate is thinned to expose the through-silicon vias. An isolation film is formed over the backside of the semiconductor substrate and the exposed portion of the through-silicon vias. The isolation film is thinned to re-expose the through-silicon vias. Bump pads and redistribution lines are formed on the backside of the semiconductor substrate providing an electrical connection to the through-silicon vias. Another isolation film is deposited and patterned, and a barrier layer is formed to provide contact pads for connecting to an external device, e.g., another die/wafer or circuit board.
US08513118B2 Method for producing compound semiconductor light-emitting device
It is intended to provide a production method that enables at least one of improvement in transparency, reduction in sheet resistance, homogenization in planar distribution of sheet resistance, and reduction in contact resistance related to a contact layer regarding a transparent conductive oxide film included in a compound semiconductor light-emitting device. A method for producing a compound semiconductor light-emitting device includes depositing on a substrate a compound semiconductor stacked-layer body including a light-emitting layer, depositing a transparent conductive oxide film on the compound semiconductor stacked-layer body, and annealing the transparent conductive oxide film and thereafter cooling the same in a vacuum atmosphere.
US08513117B2 Process to remove Ni and Pt residues for NiPtSi applications
The invention discloses a method for cleaning residues from a semiconductor substrate during a nickel platinum silicidation process. Embodiments of the invention provide a multi-step cleaning process, comprising exposing the substrate to a nitric acid solution after a first anneal, followed by an aqua regia solution after a second anneal. The substrate can be optionally exposed to a hydrochloric acid solution afterward to completely remove any remaining platinum residues.
US08513108B2 Apparatus, system, and method for wireless connection in integrated circuit packages
Some embodiments of the invention include a connecting structure between a support and at least one die attached to the support. The die includes a number of die bond pads on a surface of the die. The connecting structure includes a plurality of via and groove combinations. Conductive material is formed in the via and groove combinations to provide connection between the die bond pads and bond pads on the support. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08513106B2 Pseudo butted junction structure for back plane connection
Butted p-n junctions interconnecting back gates in an SOI process, methods for making butted p-n junctions, and design structures. The butted junction includes an overlapping region formed in the bulk substrate by overlapping the mask windows of the ion-implantation masks used to form the back gates. A damaged region may be selectively formed to introduce mid-gap energy levels in the semiconductor material of the overlapping region employing one of the implantation masks used to form the back gates. The damage region causes the butted junction to be leaky and conductively couples the overlapped back gates to each other and to the substrate. Other back gates may be formed that are floating and not coupled to the substrate.
US08513105B2 Flexible integration of logic blocks with transistors of different threshold voltages
An integrated circuit constructed according to an arrangement of logic blocks, with one or more logic blocks including transistors of a different threshold voltage than in other logic blocks. Spacing between neighboring active regions of different threshold voltages is minimized by constraining the angle of implant for the threshold adjust implant, and by constraining the thickness of the mask layer used with that implant. These constraints ensure adequate implant of dopant into the channel region while blocking the implant into channel regions not subject to the threshold adjust, while avoiding shadowing from the mask layer. Efficiency is attained by constraining the direction of implant to substantially perpendicular to the run of the gate electrodes in the implanted regions.
US08513104B2 Methods of forming a floating junction on a solar cell with a particle masking layer
A method of forming a floating junction on a substrate is disclosed. The method includes providing the substrate doped with boron atoms, the substrate comprising a front surface and a rear surface. The method also includes depositing a set of masking particles on the rear surface in a set of patterns; and heating the substrate in a baking ambient to a first temperature and for a first time period in order to create a particle masking layer. The method further includes exposing the substrate to a phosphorous deposition ambient at a second temperature and for a second time period, wherein a front surface PSG layer, a front surface phosphorous diffusion, a rear surface PSG layer, and a rear surface phosphorous diffusion are formed, and wherein a first phosphorous dopant surface concentration in the substrate proximate to the set of patterns is less than a second dopant surface concentration in the substrate not proximate to the set of patterns. The method also includes exposing the substrate to a set of etchants for a third time period, wherein the front surface PSG layer and the rear surface PSG layer are substantially removed; depositing a front surface SiNx layer and a rear surface SiNx layer; and forming a rear metal contact on the rear surface through the rear surface SiNx layer proximate to the set of patterns.
US08513096B2 Wafer dividing method
A method of dividing a wafer having devices formed in a plurality of regions demarcated by a plurality of streets formed in a grid pattern on a surface of the wafer, along the streets and into the individual devices. The wafer dividing method includes the steps of: forming grooves from the face side of the wafer along the streets and in a depth corresponding to the finished thickness of the devices; coating the surface of the wafer with an acrylic liquid resin curable by irradiation with UV rays to fill the grooves with the acrylic liquid resin and disposing a protective film on the acrylic liquid resin; performing irradiation with UV rays from the protective film side so as to cure the acrylic liquid resin; grinding the back side of the wafer so as to expose the grooves on the back side and divide the wafer into the individual devices; adhering the back side of the wafer to a surface of an adhesive tape adhered to an annular frame; and peeling the acrylic resin from the surface of the wafer together with the protective film.
US08513095B1 Method and system for separating photovoltaic strips
A method for manufacturing solar strips. The method includes providing a photovoltaic material including a back side region, a front side surface, and a plurality of photovoltaic strip regions separated by a plurality of scribe regions. A first portion of the photovoltaic material is supported while a second portion of the photovoltaic material including at least one of the photovoltaic strips is left unsupported. The method includes applying a predetermined force along a portion of the photovoltaic strip that remains unsupported to cause the photovoltaic strip to be separated from the supported photovoltaic material.
US08513093B2 Substrate structure including functional region and method for transferring functional region
According to a method for transferring a functional region, at least part of functional regions on separation layers arranged on a first substrate is transferred onto a second substrate, the separation layers being capable of being brought into a separable state by treatment. In a first bonding step, the first substrate is bonded to the second substrate with a dry film resist arranged between the second substrate and the at least part of the functional regions above the first substrate. In an exposure step, at least part of the dry film resist is exposed. In a patterning step, the exposed dry film resist is patterned.
US08513088B2 Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
In one embodiment, an adhesive layer is formed by applying a liquid adhesive to a semiconductor wafer whose wafer shape is maintained by a surface protective film attached to a first surface. A supporting sheet having a tacky layer is attached to a second surface of the semiconductor wafer. After the surface protective film is peeled, the supporting sheet is expanded to cleave the adhesive layer including the adhesive filled into the dicing grooves. The first surface of the semiconductor wafer is cleaned while an expansion state of the supporting sheet is maintained. Tack strength of portions corresponding to the dicing grooves of the tacky layer is selectively reduced before cleaning.
US08513086B2 Methods for etching doped oxides in the manufacture of microfeature devices
Methods for selectively etching doped oxides in the manufacture of microfeature devices are disclosed herein. An embodiment of one such method for etching material on a microfeature workpiece includes providing a microfeature workpiece including a doped oxide layer and a nitride layer adjacent to the doped oxide layer. The method include selectively etching the doped oxide layer with an etchant comprising DI:HF and an acid to provide a pH of the etchant such that the etchant includes (a) a selectivity of phosphosilicate glass (PSG) to nitride of greater than 250:1, and (b) an etch rate through PSG of greater than 9,000 Å/minute.
US08513083B2 Methods of forming an anode and a cathode of a substrate diode by performing angled ion implantation processes
Disclosed herein are various methods of forming an anode and a cathode of a substrate diode by performing angled ion implantation processes. In one example, the method includes performing a first angled ion implantation process to form a first doped region in a bulk layer of an SOI substrate for one of the anode or the diode and, after performing the first angled ion implantation process, performing a second angled ion implantation process to form a second doped region in the bulk layer of the SOI substrate for the other of the anode and the diode, wherein said first and second angled ion implantation process are performed through the same masking layer.
US08513082B2 Method for fabricating an electrostatic discharge protection device
An electrostatic discharge protection device includes a substrate where an active region is defined by an isolation layer, a gate electrode simultaneously crossing both the isolation layer and the active region, and a junction region formed in the active region at both sides of the gate electrode and separated from the isolation layer by a certain distance in a direction where the gate electrode is extended. The electrostatic discharge protection device is able to prevent the increase of a leakage current while securing an electrostatic discharge protection property that a semiconductor device requires.
US08513078B2 Structure and method for fabricating fin devices
A structure and method of forming a semiconductor device with a fin is provided. In an embodiment a hard mask is utilized to pattern a gate electrode layer and is then removed. After the hard mask has been removed, the gate electrode layer may be separated into individual gate electrodes.
US08513077B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a silicon nitride film directly on a surface of a semiconductor substrate, forming a first silicon dioxide film on the silicon nitride film, and forming a trench from the surface of the substrate at an opening provided in the silicon nitride and first silicon dioxide films. The first silicon dioxide film is then removed, and a second silicon dioxide film as a gate oxide film is formed on a side surface of the trench. Thereafter, a gate electrode material is deposited directly on a surface of the silicon nitride film to fill the trench and the gate electrode material is removed from the surface of the silicon nitride film to form a gate electrode inside the trench. The method further includes removal of the nitride film and the formation of a source region at a periphery of the trench.
US08513071B2 Method of fabricating a TFT substrate including a data insulating layer with a contact hole overlapping a channel region
Provided are a display device, a thin-film transistor (TFT) substrate, and a method of fabricating the TFT substrate. The method includes: forming a gate electrode on a pixel region of a substrate; forming a gate insulating film on the gate electrode; forming a semiconductor layer on the gate insulating film to overlap the gate electrode; forming a source electrode and a drain electrode to overlap the semiconductor layer and thus form a channel region; and forming a data insulating film on the source electrode and the drain electrode and patterning the data insulating film such that part of a contact hole formed in the data insulating film overlaps the channel region.
US08513066B2 Method of making an inverted-T channel transistor
A method for creating an inverse T field effect transistor is provided. The method includes creating a horizontal active region and a vertical active region on a substrate. The method further comprises forming a sidewall spacer on a first side of the vertical active region and a second side of the vertical active region. The method further includes removing a portion of the horizontal active region, which is not covered by the sidewall spacer. The method further includes removing the sidewall spacer. The method further includes forming a gate dielectric over at least a first part of the horizontal active region and at least a first part of the vertical active region. The method further includes forming a gate electrode over the gate dielectric. The method further includes forming a source region and a drain region over at least a second part of the horizontal active region and at least a second part of the vertical active region.
US08513058B2 Semiconductor device and method for producing the same
a method for producing a semiconductor device provided in such a manner that a first layer and a second layer are laminated to ensure that their TSVs are arranged in almost a straight line, including: first layer production steps including steps of preparing a substrate, forming a transistor of an input/output circuit on an upper surface of the substrate, forming an insulation layer so as to cover the transistor, and forming a TSV in the insulation layer; second layer production steps including steps of preparing a substrate, forming a transistor of a logic circuit on an upper surface of the substrate, forming an insulation layer so as to cover the transistor, and forming a TSV in the insulation layer; a connection step of connecting surfaces of the first layer and the second layer on a side opposite to substrates of the first layer and the second layer to ensure that the TSV of the first layer and the TSV of the second layer are arranged in almost a straight line; and a step of removing the substrate of the first layer.
US08513057B2 Integrated circuit packaging system with routable underlayer and method of manufacture thereof
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: providing a routable layer having a column; mounting an integrated circuit structure in direct contact with the column; and forming a gamma connector to electrically connect the column to the integrated circuit structure.
US08513055B2 Unitary vision and coordination testing center
System and methods for testing and/or training a subject's vision and coordination abilities are provided. More specifically, the method may include testing various aspects of the subject's vision and coordination abilities, such as eye-hand coordination, split attention, reaction time, body coordination, etc. By using various tests, an efficient examination may be administered. In accordance with the invention, an individual may be subjected to such a method of testing and/or training at a unitary center capable of presenting such tests to the individual, receiving input from the individual, and processing the received input. Such a unitary test center may further be configurable, so that the tests administered may vary based on the needs of the individual. The received input may then, for example, be used to compute data related to the user's vision and coordination abilities, both overall and for each individual test.
US08513054B2 Method for manufacturing semiconductor device
It is an object to provide a highly reliable semiconductor device which includes a thin film transistor having stable electric characteristics. It is another object to manufacture a highly reliable semiconductor device at lower cost with high productivity. In a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device which includes a thin film transistor where a semiconductor layer having a channel formation region, a source region, and a drain region are formed using an oxide semiconductor layer, heat treatment (heat treatment for dehydration or dehydrogenation) is performed so as to improve the purity of the oxide semiconductor layer and reduce impurities such as moisture. Moreover, the oxide semiconductor layer subjected to the heat treatment is slowly cooled under an oxygen atmosphere.
US08513050B1 Bi-Se doped with Cu, p-type semiconductor
A Bi—Se doped with Cu, p-type semiconductor, preferably used as an absorber material in a photovoltaic device. Preferably the semiconductor has at least 20 molar percent Cu. In a preferred embodiment, the semiconductor comprises at least 28 molar percent of Cu. In one embodiment, the semiconductor comprises a molar percentage of Cu and Bi whereby the molar percentage of Cu divided by the molar percentage of Bi is greater than 1.2. In a preferred embodiment, the semiconductor is manufactured as a thin film having a thickness less than 600 nm.
US08513049B2 Method for texturing a photovoltaic cell
A method for texturing an active surface of a photovoltaic cell in single-crystal silicon or poly-crystal silicon includes depositing a resin on the active surface of the cell, texturing the resin on the active surface with geometric patterns, and texturing the active surface of the cell by eliminating the deposited resin. The depositing of the resin is preceded by pre-texturing the resin on a depositing tool. The texturing step of the resin on the active surface is simultaneous with the depositing of the resin on the active surface.
US08513047B2 Method for fracturing semiconductor substrate, method for fracturing solar cell, and the solar cell
In accordance with the present invention, the dividing grooves 8 are formed so as not to be parallel to cleavage planes of the semiconductor substrate 1, and the semiconductor substrate 1 is bent along the dividing grooves 8, whereby the semiconductor substrate 1 is fractured along the dividing grooves 8.
US08513045B1 Laser system with multiple laser pulses for fabrication of solar cells
A laser system with multiple laser pulses for removing material from a solar cell being fabricated. The laser system includes a single pulse laser source and a multi-pulse generator. The multi-pulse generator receives a single pulse laser beam from the single pulse laser source and converts the single pulse laser beam into a multi-pulse laser beam. A laser scanner scans the multi-pulse laser beam onto the solar cell to remove material from the solar cell.
US08513042B2 Method of forming an electromechanical transducer device
A method of forming an electromechanical transducer device comprises forming on a fixed structure a movable structure and an actuating structure of the electromechanical transducer device, wherein the movable structure is arranged in operation of the electromechanical transducer device to be movable in relation to the fixed structure in response to actuation of the actuating structure. The method further comprises providing a stress trimming layer on at least part of the movable structure, after providing the stress trimming layer, releasing the movable structure from the fixed structure to provide a released electromechanical transducer device, and after releasing the movable structure changing stress in the stress trimming layer of the released electromechanical transducer device such that the movable structure is deflected a predetermined amount relative to the fixed structure when the electromechanical transducer device is in an off state.
US08513028B2 Use of MLN51 gene and protein
The present invention relates to novel uses of the MLN 51 gene or protein. The MLN 51 gene and protein is closely related to the development of rheumatoid arthritis and serve as biomarker and therapeutic target for rheumatoid arthritis, particularly chronic synovitis.
US08513027B2 Method of identifying an inhibitor of the prostanoid EP4 receptor
The present invention provides for the treatment of primary headache disorders, particularly migraine, using antagonists of the EP4 receptor for prostaglandin E2. Particular EP4 receptor antagonists include azole compounds of formula (I): wherein R1 is a group such as lower alkyl substituted with carboxy; R2 is hydrogen or lower alkyl, R3 and R4 are aryl optionally substituted with halogen, Q is in which -A1- is a single bond or lower alkylene, is a cyclo group, -A3- is a single bond or lower alkylene, and X is O, NH or S; or a salt or its solvate thereof.
US08513024B2 Method of detecting target substance and target-substance detection kit
Provided is a detection method for a target substance capable of enhancing detection sensitivity and quantitative property of a magnetic biosensor, while keeping monodispersity and dispersion stability of magnetic markers, including the steps of: reacting the target substance in a sample solution with a first target substance trapping member immobilized on a sensing element and with a second target substance trapping member immobilized on a gel particle to hold the gel particle on the sensing element; adjusting a magnetic marker precursor including the gel particle and a magnetic material precursor existing in the gel particle by bringing the magnetic material precursor into contact with the gel particle; synthesizing a magnetic material from the magnetic material precursor held on the gel particle, thereby adjusting the magnetic markers; and detecting the magnetic markers with the sensing element.
US08513022B2 Analytical method and apparatus
A method for determining the amount of a chemical species in a sample, in particular the amount of weak acid dissociable cyanide or total cyanide in a sample, and an apparatus for performing said method. The method comprises the steps of: i) treating the sample to liberate the chemical species into a gaseous stream; ii) directing the gaseous stream to a scrubber; iii) absorbing the chemical species into a scrubber solution; and iv) determining the amount of chemical species absorbed into the scrubber solution, wherein any remaining chemical species not absorbed into the scrubber solution is directed or recirculated to the scrubber in the gaseous stream and step iii) is repeated to increase absorption of the chemical species prior to performing step iv).
US08513020B2 Corrosion testing apparatus and methods
A system for sulfide stress cracking testing comprises an enclosed testing chamber including a fluid bath comprising a liquid saturated with hydrogen sulfide gas. In addition, the system comprises a test fixture disposed in the testing chamber and at least partially submerged in the fluid bath. The test fixture includes a housing having an internal chamber in fluid communication with the fluid bath and a test assembly disposed in the internal chamber. The test assembly comprises a first upper support and a second upper support, a first lower support and a second lower support, and a first platen engaging each of the upper supports and adapted to transfer an applied vertical load to the upper supports. Further, the system comprises a test specimen mounted in the test assembly between the upper supports and the lower supports.
US08513017B2 Methods and products for biasing cellular development
Methods are described that bias cells, such as potent and multipotent stem cells, by transfection with a nucleic acid sequence, to differentiate to a desired end-stage cell or a cell having characteristics of a desired end-stage cell. In particular embodiments, human neural stem cells are transfected with vectors comprising genes in the homeobox family of transcription factor developmental control genes, and this results in a greater percentage of resultant transformed cells, or their progeny, differentiating into a desired end-stage cell or a cell having characteristics of a desired end-stage cell.
US08513016B2 Methods for producing transgenic plants
A method of producing a stably transformed corn plant in a single container is demonstrated. This method allows for the automation of the transformation process and reduces labor, material, and ergonomic costs associated with traditional plant tissue culture systems.
US08513013B2 Generation of novel bone forming cells (monoosteophils) from LL-37 treated monocytes
In one embodiment, a monocyte derived bone-forming cell population is provided. In one embodiment, the cell population comprises an isolated monocyte cell population treated with an effective dose of LL-37. In another embodiment, a method of producing a population of monocyte-derived bone-forming cells is provided. The method comprises obtaining a blood sample from a subject; isolating a population of monocytes from the blood sample; treating the isolated monocytes with an effective dose of LL-37; and culturing the LL-37 treated monocytes until they differentiate into the population of monocyte-derived bone-forming cells. In another embodiment, a method of treatment for a bone injury or bone disease is provided. The method comprises administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition to a subject having the bone injury or disease, the composition comprising a population of monoosteophils.
US08513009B2 Synthetic surfaces for culturing stem cell derived oligodendrocyte progenitor cells
Synthetic surfaces suitable for culturing stem cell derived oligodendrocyte progenitor cells contain acrylate polymers formed from one or more acrylate monomers. The acrylate surfaces, in many cases, are suitable for culturing stem cell derived oligodendrocyte progenitor cells in chemically defined media.
US08513005B2 DNA immunogenic composition comprising a full-length modified poxvirus L1R gene fused to a tPA leader sequence
The invention described here encompasses DNA and protein vaccines against poxviruses, and relevant immunogenic compositions, comprising at a minimum a nucleic acid encoding a modified full-length poxvirus L1R gene or its ortholog. The L1R gene is modified so that an endoplasmic reticulum-targeting sequence is operably linked on the 5′ end. Preferably the nucleic acid sequences for other poxviruses antigens are also included, such as A33R, B5R and/or A27L. These vaccines and compositions provide improved neutralizing antibody response elicited by molecular poxvirus vaccines, over known vaccines using unmodified L1R.
US08513001B2 Method and apparatus for target detection using electrode-bound viruses
A biosensor capable of detecting the presence and/or concentration of an analyte or biomarker includes at least one electrically conductive electrode operatively coupled to an impedance analyzer for measuring the change in the resistive impedance of the electrode in response to an applied alternating current at a plurality of frequencies. In one embodiment, at least one electrode is covered with a self-assembled monolayer that is chemically bonded to a surface. A plurality of virus particles such as phage viruses are immobilized on the self-assembled monolayer and may be exposed to a test or sample solution. The virus particles may be obtained from phage-displayed libraries to detect a wide variety of targets including, for example, DNA, RNA, small molecules, and proteins or polypeptides. In another embodiment, the virus particles are electrostatically bound to a substrate in between a pair of elongated electrodes disposed on a substrate.
US08512999B2 Production of oil in microorganisms
The invention provides methods of cultivating oil-bearing microbes using xylose alone or in combination with other depolymerized cellulosic material. Also provided are microorganisms comprising an exogenous gene encoding a polysaccharide degrading enzyme, such as a cellulase, a hemicellulase, a pectinase, or a driselase. Some methods of microbial fermentation are provided that comprise the use of xylose and depolymerized cellulosic materials for the production of oil-bearing microorgansims.
US08512993B2 Lentiviral triplex DNA, and vectors and recombinant cells containing lentiviral triplex DNA
The present invention provides nucleic acid, vectors, viruses, and recombinant cells comprising triple-stranded structures, such as those resulting from central initiation and termination of HIV-1 reverse transcription at the center of HIV-1 linear DNA genomes. These triplex structures can act as a cis-determinant of HIV-1 DNA nuclear import, allowing infection of non-dividing target cells. In one aspect, the presence of the DNA triplex sequence in an HIV vector strongly stimulates gene transfer in hematopoietic stem cells. The invention also provides methods of using these triplex structures for making recombinant cells, as well as methods of using the recombinant cells to express proteins of interest both in vitro and in vivo.
US08512987B2 Method of producing L-amino acid
An L-amino acid is produced by culturing a microorganism belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae having an L-amino acid-producing ability and modified so that glycerol dehydrogenase and dihydroxyacetone kinase activities are increased, in a medium containing glycerol as a carbon source to produce and accumulate an L-amino acid in the medium or cells, and collecting the L-amino acid from the medium or the cells.
US08512983B2 Production of proteins in glutamine-free cell culture media
The present invention relates generally to glutamine-free cell culture media supplemented with asparagine. The invention further concerns the production of recombinant proteins, such as antibodies, in asparagine-supplemented glutamine-free mammalian cell culture.
US08512981B2 Vectors with modified initiation codon for the translation of AAV-Rep78 useful for production of AAV
The present invention relates nucleic acid constructs for the production of recombinant parvoviral (e.g. adeno-associated viral) vectors in insect cells, to insect cells comprising such constructs and to methods wherein the cells are used to produce recombinant parvoviral virions. The insect cells preferably comprise a first nucleotide sequence encoding the parvoviral rep proteins whereby the initiation codon for translation of the parvoviral Rep78 protein is a suboptimal initiation codon that effects partial exon skipping upon expression in insect cells. The insect cell further comprises a second nucleotide sequence comprising at least one parvoviral (AAV) inverted terminal repeat (ITR) nucleotide sequence and a third nucleotide sequence comprising a sequences coding for the parvoviral capsid proteins.
US08512980B2 Recombinantly modified plasmin
Polynucleotides and polypeptides relating to a recombinantly modified plasmin(ogen) molecule are provided. The plasmin(ogen) molecule has a single kringle domain N-terminal to the activation site present in the native human plasminogen molecule, combined such that no foreign sequences are present, and exhibits lysine-binding and significant enzymatic characteristics associated with the native enzyme.
US08512979B2 System and process for biomass treatment
A system including an apparatus is presented for treatment of biomass that allows successful biomass treatment at a high solids dry weight of biomass in the biomass mixture. The design of the system provides extensive distribution of a reactant by spreading the reactant over the biomass as the reactant is introduced through an injection lance, while the biomass is rotated using baffles. The apparatus system to provide extensive assimilation of the reactant into biomass using baffles to lift and drop the biomass, as well as attrition media which fall onto the biomass, to enhance the treatment process.
US08512974B2 Method for assaying cell movement
The present invention relates to the field of molecular diagnostics, and in particular to diagnostics based on a liquid crystal assay format. In particular, the present invention provided improved substrates and methods of using liquid crystal assays for analyzing cell invasion.
US08512970B2 Rapid bioluminescence detection assay
An assay is provided for detecting the activity of a reporter kinase comprising (i) adding said reporter kinase to an assay mixture wherein said reporter kinase is contacted with bioluminescent reagent no more than minutes after being contacted with ADP, and wherein, prior to contacting the reporter kinase with ADP, the assay mixture is substantially free from kinase other than reporter kinase; and (ii) detecting light output from the assay mixture. Methods for detecting the presence of an analyte in a sample and methods for validating a treatment process using the above assay are also provided. Further provided are devices for conducting these assays and methods.
US08512968B2 Methods, reagents and kits for luciferase assay
The invention relates to methods, reagents and kits for detecting enzyme activity using bioluminescence. In particular, it relates to a novel luciferase assay system with reduced background luminescence to allow for increased detection sensitivity. Provided is a method of detecting luciferase activity in a sample using coelenterazine or an analog thereof as a substrate, comprising: (a) initiating luciferase-catalyzed luminescence production by contacting said sample with a luciferase detection reagent to yield a reaction mixture, said reagent comprising coelenterazine and at least one iodide source in an amount sufficient to reduce the autoluminescence of said coelenterazine, (b) incubating said reagent mixture under conditions suitable to produce luminescence, and (c) measuring the luminescence produced. Also provided are detections reagents and kits for use in such a method.
US08512967B2 Method for predicting the response to HER2-directed therapy
This invention provides methods for determining or predicting response to HER2-directed therapy in an individual.
US08512958B2 Methods of identifying agents that modulate mitochondrial function
The present invention provides isolated cells comprising a nucleic acid encoding a toxic form of apoE. The present invention further provides screening methods for identifying compounds that reduce apoE-induced impairment of mitochondrial integrity and/or function. The present invention further provides kits for use in carrying out a subject screening method. The present invention provides agents that reduce apoE-induced impairment of mitochondrial integrity and/or function; and use of such agents in the treatment of apoE-related disorders.
US08512955B2 Methods and compositions for nucleic acid amplification
Compositions, reaction mixtures, and methods for performing an amplification reaction, including multiplex amplification reaction, wherein the method comprises using one or more amplification oligomer complexes comprising linked first and second amplification oligomer members. In one aspect, the amplification oligomer complex is hybridized to a target nucleic acid, the target nucleic acid with hybridized amplification oligomer complex is then captured, and other components are washed away. Target sequences of the target nucleic acids are pre-amplified to generate a first amplification product. The first amplification product is amplified in one or more secondary amplification reactions to generate second amplification products.
US08512952B2 Estrogen receptors and methods of use
The present invention provides isolated polypeptides having an amino acid sequence having at least 70% identity to SEQ ID NO:20, wherein the polypeptide has ER-α36 activity. The invention further provides methods for identifying agents that bind to such polypeptides, methods for detecting such polypeptides, and methods for altering the activity of such polypeptides. Also provided are antibodies that specifically bind to an amino acid sequence depicted at SEQ ID NO:1, or an immunogenic fragment thereof, and methods for making and using such antibodies.
US08512950B2 Biolayer interferometry measurement of biological targets
Disclosed are methods and compositions for the ultrasensitive detection of oligonucleotides, proteins, protein complexes, biomolecules, and infectious agents using a peroxidase driven deposition of substrates onto interferometry capable biosensors, coupled to the specific recognition of the target molecules. More specifically, methods are disclosed to specifically immobilize biological target molecules onto the surface of interferometry capable biosensors and to associate the target molecules with peroxidase enzymes. Through the peroxidase driven deposition of substrates onto the interferometry capable biosensors there is the ability to achieve ultrasensitive detection and quantification of specific target molecules.
US08512948B2 Compositions and methods for detecting mutations in JAK2 nucleic acid
The invention disclosed herein is based on the identification of novel mutations in the JAK2 gene and JAK2 protein. The invention provides compositions and methods useful for diagnosing hematopoietic diseases including, for example, myeloproliferative diseases. The invention also provides compositions and methods useful for determining a prognosis of an individual diagnosed as having a hematopoietic disease.
US08512947B2 Detection of nucleic acids using a cantilever sensor
Detection of miniscule amounts of nucleic acid is accomplished via binding of target nucleic acid to probe material, composed of nucleic acid, which is bound to a sensor configured to sense mass. The sensor is prepared by immobilizing a probe material to a surface of the sensor, wherein the probe material is known to bind to the target nucleic acid. The prepared sensor is exposed to the target nucleic acid. The target nucleic acid binds to the probe material. The mass accumulated on the sensor reflects the amount of target nucleic acid bound to the probe material.
US08512945B2 Method of RNA cleavage and recombination
A method of cleaving a target RNA molecule is disclosed. In one embodiment the method comprises the step of exposing the target molecule to an eukaryotic tRNA splicing endonuclease, wherein the target molecule is in the bulge-helix-bulge conformation, wherein cleavage occurs within the bulge-helix-bulge and cleavage products are generated, and wherein the target molecule does not comprise a tRNA structure.
US08512944B2 PRMT1 for target genes of cancer therapy and diagnosis
Objective methods for diagnosing a predisposition to developing cancer, particularly bladder cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, esophageal cancer, lung cancer, lymphoma, pancreatic cancer and testicular cancer, are described herein. In one embodiment, the diagnostic method involves determining an expression level of PRMT1 gene. The present invention further provides methods of screening for therapeutic agents useful in the treatment of PRMT1 associated disease, such as a cancer, e.g. bladder cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, esophageal cancer, lung cancer, lymphoma, pancreatic cancer and testicular cancer. The present invention further provides methods of inhibiting the cell growth and treating or alleviating symptoms of PRMT1 associated diseases. The present invention also features products, including double-stranded molecules and vectors encoding thereof as well as to compositions comprising them.
US08512941B2 Biological material and methods and solutions for preservation thereof
Provided is a preservation solution for preserving biological material at low temperature including one or more polyphenols and a method for preservation of biological material, the method includes adding the preservation solution to biological material, cooling the biological material and storing it under appropriate storing conditions. The present method may be used for hypothermic preservation or for cryopreservation, including freezing and lyophilization, and may be used with any biological material, including cells selected from RBC, WBC, MNC, UCB MNC and bacteria. In the case of RBC, also disclosed is a method for its freezing such that upon thawing, the material has less than 2% free hemoglobin.
US08512936B2 Optical lithography using graphene contrast enhancement layer
Technologies are generally described for methods, systems, and structures that include patterns formed by optical lithography. In some example methods, a photoresist layer is applied to a substrate, and a graphene layer can be applied to the photoresist layer. Light can be applied through a mask to the graphene layer, where the mask includes a pattern. The light can form the pattern on the graphene layer such that the pattern forms on the photoresist layer.
US08512932B2 Method for improving the pharmaceutic properties of microparticles comprising diketopiperazine and an active agent
Methods are provided for drying a particle. Specifically, there is provided a spray-dried diketopiperazine-insulin particle formulation having improved aerodynamic performance and in which the active agent is more stabile and efficiently delivered as compared to that of the lyophilized diketopiperazine-insulin formulation. The dry powders have utility as pharmaceutical formulations for pulmonary delivery.
US08512931B2 Dual component dual roll toner
A toner comprising toner particles having at least one type of surface additive, the toner particles having an FPIA average circularity of at least 0.95, whereby at least 80% wt of the total amount of surface additives stays onto the surface of the toner particles when an ultrasonic treatment of 4500 to 4700 J/gram of toner is applied; a substrate printed or marked with the above-described toner; and a method for manufacturing a toner, said method including the steps of: mixing a binder resin, a colorant and optionally other additives, thereby forming a mixture, melting, kneading and milling said mixture, thereby obtaining a melted kneaded product, pulverizing said melted kneaded product, adding at least one surface additive before or while bringing the FPIA average circularity of said toner particles to 0.95 by modifying the shape or surface of said particles, wherein the total amount of surface additive does not exceed 2% wt of toner particles, whereby at least 80% wt of the total amount of surface additive stays on the surface of the toner particles when an ultrasonic treatment of 4500 to 4700 J/gram of toner is applied.
US08512930B2 Printing of images with selective gloss and toners therefore
A matte liquid toner suitable for use in a liquid toner printer, comprising a carrier liquid, toner particles comprising a resin and substantially uncolored additive particles of average diameter between 1 and 20 micrometers dispersed in the resin.
US08512927B2 Electrostatic image developing carrier, electrostatic image developing developer, electrostatic image developing developer cartridge, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus
An electrostatic image developing carrier including at least a core material and a coating resin layer which coats the surface of the core material, the resin layer comprising a thermoplastic resin having an alicyclic group, a thermal reduction in accordance with the TGA method being in the range of 0.5 weight % to 5 weight % of the whole of the carrier in the range of 100° C. to 400° C., and further an endothermic quantity of the whole of the carrier in accordance with the DTA method is in the range of 7 mJ/g to 40 mJ/g in the range of 100° C. to 400° C.
US08512926B2 Electrophotographic toner, electrophotographic developer, toner cartridge, and image forming method
The invention provides an electrophotographic toner having a crystalline polyester resin; a non-crystalline polyester resin; a colorant; and a releasing agent. A resin (i), that is included in a toluene-soluble component of the toner and having a molecular weight of 30,000 to 100,000 as measured by gel permeation chromatography relative to polystyrene standards, has an acid value A. A resin (ii), that is included in a toluene-soluble component of the toner and having a molecular weight of 8,000 to 12,000 as measured by gel permeation chromatography relative to polystyrene standards, has an acid value B. A resin (iii), that is included in a toluene-insoluble component of the toner, has an acid value C. The acid values A, B, and C satisfy the inequation of B>A>C. The invention further provides an electrophotographic developer using the toner, a toner cartridge storing the toner, and an image forming method using the developer.
US08512924B2 Electrophotographic photoreceptor, and image forming apparatus and process cartridge using the photoreceptor
An electrophotographic photoreceptor, including an electroconductive substrate; a photosensitive layer; a crosslinked surface layer comprising α-alumina and tin oxide, wherein a first one-dimensional data array obtained from measuring a concavo-convex shape of the surface of the photoreceptor is subjected to a wavelet conversion to be separated into 6 frequency components, the one-dimensional data array of the lowest frequency component is further thinned so as to have 1/40 data arrays to obtain a second one-dimensional data array, the second one-dimensional data array is further subjected to the wavelet conversion to be separated into additional 6 frequency components, and wherein when relationships between respective arithmetic average roughness (WRa) (y-axis) of the 12 frequency components and the frequency components (x-axis) are graphed, at least WRa (214 to 551 μm) and WRa (26 to 106 μm) have a folding point or a maximum point.
US08512920B2 Color filter substrate and color display apparatus
A color filter substrate includes a transparent substrate, a color photoresist layer and an air guiding layer. The color photoresist layer is disposed on the transparent substrate. The air guiding layer is disposed on the substrate and surrounds the color photoresist layer. The air guiding layer includes a plurality of strip-shaped patterns disposed apart from each other. One end of each of the strip-shaped patterns is connected to the color photoresist layer, and the other end of each of the strip-shaped patterns extends toward a direction far away from the color photoresist layer. An air guiding groove is formed between each two adjacent strip-shaped patterns. A color display apparatus having the color filter substrate is also provided. The color filter substrate can be assembled to the display layer without producing air bubbles, and thereby improves display quality of the color display apparatus.
US08512918B2 Multilayer reflective film coated substrate for a reflective mask, reflective mask blank, and methods of manufacturing the same
By forming on a substrate a reference point mark having a concave or convex shape with its side walls being generally upright, even if a multilayer reflective film, an absorber film, and so on are formed over the reference point mark, sufficient contrast for inspection light is obtained so that the position of the reference point mark can be identified with high accuracy.
US08512915B2 Catalyst composite material fuel cell, method for preparing the same, membrane-electrode assembly comprising the same, and fuel cell system comprising the same
The present invention relates to a catalyst composite material which includes a catalyst characterized by oxygen-reducing activity and which is selected from the group consisting of metals, metal oxides, and combinations thereof, and a resin layer which covers at least a portion of the surface of the catalyst and comprises an anion exchange resin layer and a cation exchange resin layer.
US08512910B2 Solid oxide electrolyte, solid oxide fuel cell containing the solid oxide electrolyte, and method of preparing the solid oxide electrolyte
A solid oxide electrolyte including an oxygen ion conducting solid solution, wherein the solid solution is represented by Formula 1 below: Zr1-x-y-zMaxMbyMczO2-δ  Formula 1 wherein x is greater than 0 and less than about 0.3, y is greater than 0 and less than about 0.1, z is greater than 0 and less than about 0.1, δ is selected to make the solid solution ionically neutral, Ma, Mb, and Mc are each independently a metal selected from the group consisting of elements of Groups 3, Groups 5 through 13, and Group 14, and an ionic radius of each of Ma+3, Mb+3, and Mc+3 are different from each other.
US08512909B2 Laminated electrolyte membrane, method of preparing the same, and membrane electrode assembly and fuel cell including the laminated electrolyte membrane
A laminated electrolyte membrane, a membrane electrode assembly including the laminated electrolyte membrane, and a method of preparing the laminated electrolyte membrane, the laminate electrolyte membrane comprising at least two polymer membranes that are laminated together, and an electrolytic polymer obtained by polymerizing a monomer having a polymerizable functional group and a proton dissociable functional group.
US08512908B2 Fabrication of catalyst coated diffusion media layers containing nanostructured thin catalytic layers
A method of transferring nanostructured thin catalytic layers to a gas diffusion layer and thus making a catalyst coated diffusion media is described. The method includes treating the gas diffusion layer with a temporary adhesive to temporarily increase the adhesion strength within the microporous layer and to carbon fiber paper substrate, transferring the nanostructured thin catalytic layer to the microporous side of a gas diffusion media layer. The nanostructured thin catalytic layer can then be further processed, including adding additional components or layers to the nanostructured thin catalytic layer on the gas diffusion media layer. Preparation of catalyst coated diffusion media and a catalyst coated diffusion media based membrane electrode assembly (MEA) are also described.
US08512907B2 Membrane catalyst layer assembly with reinforcing films, membrane electrode assembly with reinforcing films, and polymer electrolyte fuel cells
A membrane-catalyst layer assembly with reinforcing films including a solid polymer electrolyte membrane 2, a catalyst layer 3 formed on each surface of the electrolyte membrane 2, and a reinforcing film 4 located on each surface of a membrane-catalyst layer assembly having the electrolyte membrane and the catalyst layers. Each of the reinforcing films 4 has a frame shape with a central opening 41. Each of the catalyst layers 3, except for an outer edge portion 31, is exposed through the opening 41. Each reinforcing film 4 has a first bonding layer 43 bonded to a membrane-catalyst layer assembly 10, and a gas barrier layer 42 formed on the first bonding layer 43 to prevent passage of a fuel gas and an oxidant gas.
US08512896B2 Organic electrolytic solution with surfactant and lithium battery employing the same
An organic electrolytic solution and a lithium battery employing the same are provided. The organic electrolytic solution includes a lithium salt, an organic solvent containing a first solvent having a high dielectric constant and a second solvent having a low boiling point, and a surfactant including a hydrophobic portion having an aromatic group. The organic electrolytic solution effectively prevents the electrolytic solution from contacting the anode, thereby suppressing side reactions on the anode surface and improving discharge capacity, charge/discharge efficiency, lifespan, and battery reliability.
US08512895B2 Secondary battery having an electrode terminal penetrating through and electrically insulated from a cap plate
A secondary battery includes an electrode assembly and an electrolyte solution in a case, a current collection unit in the case and electrically connected to the electrode assembly, a cap plate coupled to an open side of the case for sealing the case, an electrode terminal penetrating the cap plate through a terminal hole to be exposed to an exterior of the case, the electrode terminal being electrically connected to the current collection unit, and an insulation unit separating the cap plate from the electrode terminal and the current collection unit, the insulation unit being configured to block penetration of the electrolyte solution therethrough toward the cap plate.
US08512892B2 Battery separator, method of manufacturing a battery separator, battery, battery pack, and electronic apparatus
A battery separator includes a porous base material and a heat-resistant layer. The porous base material includes a first surface, a second surface opposed to the first surface, and a hole. The hole is formed in the porous base material and causes the first surface and the second surface to communicate with each other. The heat-resistant layer is configured to cover at least the first surface and a surface of the hole. The heat-resistant layer is formed of an inorganic material and deposited by an atomic layer deposition method.
US08512891B2 Multiple casting apparatus and method
An apparatus and method for pressure casting a battery part wherein an extendible piston includes sidewalls for shutting off the supply of molten lead and an impact surface that extends in a side-to-side condition to form an end surface of a battery part cavity so that when the extendible piston is brought into an intensifying condition the extendible piston shuts off further supply of molten metal while a heat source maintains the lead in a molten state as the impact surface of the piston forms a side-to-side mold cavity surface to complete the mold cavity surface thereby eliminating unevenness in the surface of the finished battery part by generating a force with the extendible piston which is sufficient to form a battery part so that upon removal from the mold the batter part is substantially free of tears and cracks as well as surface irregularities.
US08512890B2 Lithium ion cell with cooling features
Provided herein are prismatic cell assemblies having a continuous cooling channel therethrough. Methods of manufacture of the cell assembly are also provided, wherein each of a series of stacked substantially planar components selected from cathodes, separators, and anodes includes a through hole, and wherein the through holes are concentrically aligned with the adjacent component before securing the assembly using an elongated tube to form a continuous cooling channel through the components. The methods further include inserting the secured stacked components into a pouch having sidewall openings aligned with the continuous cooling channel, and sealing the sidewall openings so that the pouch can be filled with electrolyte without leaking any electrolyte into the cooling channel, or leaking through the pouch sidewall.
US08512885B2 Battery and method of use
A battery includes a battery case including battery chemistry for supplying electricity, a first end, and a second end opposite the first end; a first positive terminal, a first negative terminal, and a first insulator therebetween at the first end that together form a first positive terminal and negative terminal configuration; a second positive terminal, a second negative terminal, and a second insulator therebetween at the second end that together form a second positive terminal and negative terminal configuration, wherein the second positive terminal and the second negative terminal configuration is a mirror image of the first positive terminal and the first negative terminal configuration.
US08512878B2 Diaminopyrene derivative and organic EL device using the same
An organic EL device is provided that includes an emitting layer provided between an anode and a cathode. The emitting layer contains a diaminopyrene derivative represented by the following formula (1) as an emitting material for the organic EL device. The diaminopyrene derivative emits light with electrical energy.
US08512877B2 Naphthyl carbazole derivatives, KL host material, the organic light emitting device employing the same, the display device and the illumination device employing the same
Naphthylcarbazole derivatives are provided. The naphthylcarbazole derivatives are represented by Formula 1. Further provided are KL host materials, organic electroluminescent devices employing the host materials, and displays and lighting systems comprising the devices.
US08512874B2 Coating systems containing beta phase and gamma-prime phase nickel aluminide
A coating and process for depositing the coating on a substrate. The coating is a nickel aluminide overlay coating of predominantly the beta (NiAl) and gamma-prime (Ni3Al) intermetallic phases, and is suitable for use as an environmental coating and as a bond coat for a thermal barrier coating (TBC). The coating can be formed by depositing nickel and aluminum in appropriate amounts to yield the desired beta+gamma prime phase content. Alternatively, nickel and aluminum can be deposited so that the aluminum content of the coating exceeds the appropriate amount to yield the desired beta+gamma prime phase content, after which the coating is heat treated to diffuse the excess aluminum from the coating into the substrate to yield the desired beta+gamma prime phase content.
US08512871B2 Erosion barrier for thermal barrier coatings
A workpiece, such as a turbine engine component, comprises a substrate, a thermal barrier coating on the substrate, and a hard erosion barrier deposited over the thermal barrier coating. The erosion barrier preferably has a Vickers hardness in the range of from 1300 to 2750 kg/mm2. The erosion barrier may be formed from aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, or molybdenum disilicide. The erosion barrier may be formed using either an electrophoretic deposition process or a slurry process.
US08512865B2 Compacts for producing polycrystalline diamond compacts, and related polycrystalline diamond compacts
A method of forming a PDC cutter having solvent metal catalyst located adjacent the diamond and/or in the diamond and a layer of reactive material on the layer of diamond, the layer of reactive material for promoting the flow of the solvent metal catalyst material from the layer of diamond under high pressure and high temperature. Compacts for producing polycrystalline diamond compacts, and related polycrystalline diamond compacts are also disclosed.
US08512864B2 Component for rotary machine
A component for a rotary machine which is configured such that a hard film composed of ceramics and an anti-fouling film composed of a fluorine-containing diamond-like carbon film are laminated on the surface of a base material, and which has superior drain erosion resistance and fouling resistance in an environment where a gas comes in direct contact therewith.
US08512858B2 Housing and manufacturing method thereof
A housing includes a substrate and a nano-composite layer deposited on the substrate. The nano-composite layer includes a number of metal oxide nitride layers and a number of Ce layers. Each metal oxide nitride layer alternates with a Ce layer, and the outermost nano-composite layer is a metal oxide nitride layer. The metal in the metal oxide nitride layer aluminum, titanium, silicon, chromium, or zirconium.
US08512852B2 Polylactic acid resin composition and film
Provided is a polylactic acid resin composition useful as a molding material and a packaging material. The polylactic acid resin composition comprises a resin composition (l) comprising poly-L-lactic acid having an L-isomer content of 90-100 mol % as the main component and a resin composition (d) comprising poly-D-lactic acid having a D-isomer content of 90-100 mol % as the main component, the resin compositions (l) and (d) having been alternately stacked so that each layer has a thickness of 0.01-2.5 μm. The polylactic acid resin composition has specific thermal properties, can be used at high temperatures even after high-temperature melt molding, and can give molded polylactic acid articles having excellent suitability for various kinds of processing, such as printing, and having excellent transparency, etc. Also provided is a stretched polylactic acid resin film obtained by heating the polylactic acid resin composition to 280° C. or higher, subsequently cooling the composition, thereafter forming the polylactic acid resin composition into a film, and then stretching the film in at least one direction. This film can be used at high temperatures and has excellent suitability for various kinds of processing, excellent transparency, etc.
US08512851B2 Wrapping material with opposing adhesive means
A wrapping material for use with existing wrapping equipment or balers for wrapping bales of agricultural produce or other items are disclosed. The base wrapping material may be a netting, film, or combination thereof. The wrapping material includes a plurality of pre-defined, discrete, spaced-apart adhesive areas disposed on each side of the opposing sides of the wrapping material. The longitudinal spacing of the adhesive areas allows the wrapping material to be rolled onto a roll core so that the discrete spaced-apart adhesive areas contact only non-adhesive areas of the wrapping material thereby forming a first level of adhesion that easily allows the wrapping material to be released and unrolled. When wrapping an item, corresponding discrete adhesive areas come into face-to-face contact thereby forming a second level of adhesion that is stronger than the first level of adhesion.
US08512848B2 Adhesiveless decorative floor tile
A decorative floor tile including at least one decorative layer and a backing layer having an array of resilient annular projections. Each annular projection includes a concave top surface, an outside wall surface, and an inside wall surface. The inside wall surface defines a central, blind passageway area. When the decorative floor tile is installed over an underlying surface, and pressure is applied to the decorative floor tile, a vacuum is created within the blind passageway and the underlying surface. The vacuum increases the amount of frictional drag between the surface covering and the underlying surface, and thus allows the surface covering to remain in place without the need for an adhesive.
US08512838B2 Laminar articles with good hydrocarbon barrier
Disclosed is a laminar shaped article comprising a heterogeneous blend of (a) a composition comprising a vinyl halide or vinylidene halide polymer and optionally an ethylene copolymer containing carboxyl and/or carbon monoxide moieties, and (b) a polyolefin functionalized with a comonomer selected from the group consisting of maleic anhydride, maleic acid diesters, maleic acid monoesters, itaconic anhydride, itaconic acid diesters, itaconic acid monoesters, fumaric acid diesters, fumaric acid monoesters, or combinations thereof as a compatibilizer; and (c) a polyamide wherein the polyamide is present in the vinyl halide or vinylidene halide polymer as a multitude of overlapping layers.
US08512837B2 Thin foamed polyethylene sheets
The present invention relates to the use of particular blends of LLDPE and LDPE together with specific fabrication conditions to make foamed sheets of thin gauge with MD tear properties similar to an equivalent gauge non-foamed sheet of the same composition. In particular, blends which combine a high MI LLDPE rich fraction with a low MI branched LDPE minor fraction provide the adequate balance of mechanical strength of the polymer base with its melt strength, extensibility and stress relaxation, allowing a thin foam film with MD tear strength which is comparable to non foamed counterparts of similar gauge and composition. The foamed films of the present invention are thin (generally from about 1 to 10 mils thick), and have an MD tear strength of at least about 160 grams for a 3 mil film as measured by ASTM D 1922. The foamed films of the present invention are preferably made at least in part from blends which comprise from 10 to 95 percent by weight of LLDPE having a relatively high (1.5 to 6) MI and from 5 to 90 percent of an LDPE resin having a relatively low MI (0.5 to 2.0).
US08512835B2 Protective beam covering
A vehicle wash system having a plurality of vehicle treatment components with one of the plurality of vehicle treatment components including at least one support member. The at least one support member has an exterior surface. A shrinkable sleeve is sized to fit over the exterior surface of the at least one support member. The shrinkable sleeve is slid onto the at least one support member and located in a predetermined position around the exterior surface. Upon application of heat to the shrinkable sleeve, it shrinks and conforms to the shape of the exterior surface of the at least one support member such that it is fixedly attached to the exterior surface of the at least one support member in the predetermined position. The result is a protective covering for the support member that is durable and readily cleanable such that fluid and debris can be easily wiped off of the covering and corrosion of the support member is minimized.
US08512832B2 Heat-curable coating for strengthening glass
The invention relates to a method of making a coating composition for coating glass. The method includes the steps of combining an epoxy resin component, a methacrylate component, a silane coupling agent, an epoxy curing agent, and an initiator agent.
US08512826B2 Recording sheet for ink-jet printing
A recording sheet for ink-jet printing includes a supporting substrate, at least one microporous ink-receptive coating overlying a front surface of said supporting substrate and at least one protective overcoating overlying said microporous coating. The protective overcoating includes at least one compound selected from the group consisting of polysaccharides and polyacrylamides, and fluoropolymer particles. The diameter of the fluoropolymer particles is between about 0.5 and 3 micrometers.
US08512823B2 Process for preparing metal compounds of an azo compound in the presence of seed crystals
Process for preparing metal compounds of an azo compound which conforms in the form of its tautomeric structures to the formula (I) characterized in that the preparation takes place in the presence of seed crystals.
US08512820B2 Organic ionic phenylpyrimidine compounds and displays formed thereof
Ionic mesogenic compounds of formula (I) can be used to form liquid crystal displays, such as ferroelectric liquid crystal displays, having enhanced anti-image sticking properties. The mesogenic compounds may contain a cationic group such as an ammonium or phosphonium group bonded to an alkyl chain that is terminally bonded to a para-substituted pyrimidyl benzene moiety. The counterion can be an organic or inorganic anion. The compounds can be used either as dopants in art ferroelectric liquid crystal compositions to reduce image sticking, or can be used as the primary or predominant component of a liquid crystal display system. Additional compounds, devices, and methods are disclosed.
US08512818B1 Cascaded cure approach to fabricate highly tensile silicon nitride films
A highly tensile dielectric layer is generated on a heat sensitive substrate while not exceeding thermal budget constraints. Cascaded ultraviolet (UV) irradiation is used to produce highly tensile films to be used, for example, in strained NMOS transistor architectures. Successive UV radiation of equal or shorter wavelengths with variable intensity and duration selectively breaks bonds in the Si—N matrix and minimizes shrinkage and film relaxation. Higher tensile stress than a non-cascaded approach may be obtained.
US08512814B2 Coating material for achieving sound dampening and method for the same
Sound-dampening material, including a base coat and a top coat, and a method for sound-dampening a surface, are described. The base coat includes about 20-50 percent rubber emulsion, about 10-20 percent carbonate filler, about 3-10 percent fire retardant, about 3-10 percent opacity filler, and about 10-64 percent of other components. The top coat includes about 40-80 percent of a rubber emulsion, about 10-20 percent of a carbonate filler, about 3-10 percent of a fire retardant, about 3-10 percent of an opacity filler, and about 0-44 percent of other components. The method includes applying a base coat to a desired thickness allowing the base coat to dry, then applying a top coat over the base coat to a desired thickness.
US08512807B2 Method of making cutting tool inserts with high demands on dimensional accuracy
A method of making cutting tool inserts with high demands on dimensional accuracy includes: mixing by milling of powders forming hard constituents and binder phase, forming the powder mixture to bodies of desired shape, sintering the formed bodies, grinding with high accuracy the sintered bodies to inserts with desired shape and dimension, optionally edge rounding of cutting edges, and providing the ground inserts with a wear resistant non-diamond or non-diamond-like coating. According to the method, the ground inserts are heat treated prior to the coating operation in an inert atmosphere or vacuum or other protective atmosphere below the solidus of the binder phase for such a time that the micro structure of the surface region is restructured without causing significant dimensional changes. In this way inserts with unexpected improvement of tool life and dimensional accuracy have been achieved.
US08512802B2 Method of producing a polished metal effect finish on a vehicle
A method for coating motor vehicles with a multi-layer finish that achieves the appearance of polished metal or anodized metal using vacuum metallized flake pigments in one of the coating layers.
US08512801B2 Antireflection film and method for manufacturing the same
There are provided an antireflection film for use primarily in displays such as LCDs, which exhibits both antifouling properties and mar-proofness, as well as a process for its production, the antireflection film comprising at least one functional layer and a low refractive index layer laminated in that order on a transparent base material, wherein the at least one functional layer contains leveling agent A in contact with the low refractive index layer, the low refractive index layer containing in addition to leveling agent B, the leveling agent A that has migrated from the at least one functional layer, further wherein the migrated leveling agent A and leveling agent B are uniformly distributed at the surface of the low refractive index layer, and the process for its production including: coating a functional layer-forming composition containing leveling agent A onto a transparent base material or a functional layer preformed thereover; half-curing it to form a functional layer in contact with the low refractive index layer; further coating the half-cured functional layer with a low refractive index layer-forming composition containing leveling agent B; and then completing the curing to form a low refractive index layer, whereby the leveling agent A migrates into the surface of the low refractive index layer, resulting in uniform distribution of the leveling agent A and leveling agent B at the surface of the low refractive index layer.
US08512798B2 Plasma assisted metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) system
The present invention is a high-throughput, ultraviolet (UV) assisted metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) system for the manufacture of HTS-coated tapes. The UV-assisted MOCVD system of the present invention includes a UV source that irradiates the deposition zone and improves the thin film growth rate. The MOCVD system further enhances the excitation of the precursor vapors and utilizes an atmosphere of monatomic oxygen (O) rather than the more conventional diatomic oxygen (O2) in order to optimize reaction kinetics and thereby increase the thin film growth rate. In an alternate embodiment, a microwave plasma injector is substituted for the UV source.
US08512793B2 Composition and method for flavoring brewed beverages
A free-flowing cellulosic substrate, such as rice hulls, can be impregnated with desired liquid flavoring agents to create a free-flowing flavoring composition for brewed beverages such as coffee and tea. The flavoring composition can be added to ground roasted coffee or prepared tea leaves in a brew filter device such as a paper filter, French press, percolator, vacuum pot or any other mechanical filtering device intended to brew coffee or tea. The flavor-impregnated substrate will release the desired flavors in contact with water during the brew process, imparting flavor to the finished coffee or tea beverage.
US08512790B2 High-purity rebaudioside D and low-calorie chocolate containing the same
The invention provides methods of purifying Rebaudioside D from the Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni plant extract along with Rebaudioside A. The methods are useful for producing high purity Rebaudioside D and Rebaudioside A. The invention further provides a low-calorie chocolate containing the purified Rebaudioside D and a process for making the low-calorie chocolate containing the purified Rebaudioside D.
US08512789B2 High-potency sweetener composition with dietary fiber and compositions sweetened therewith
The present invention relates generally to functional sweetener compositions comprising non-caloric or low-caloric natural and/or synthetic, high-potency sweeteners and methods for making and using them. In particular, the present invention relates to different functional sweetener compositions comprising at least one non-caloric or low-caloric natural and/or synthetic, high-potency sweetener, at least one sweet taste improving composition, and at least one functional ingredient, such as a dietary fiber source. The present invention also relates to functional sweetener compositions and methods that can improve the tastes of non-caloric or low-caloric high-potency sweeteners by imparting a more sugar-like taste or characteristic. In particular, the functional sweetener compositions and methods provide a more sugar-like temporal profile, including sweetness onset and sweetness linger, and/or a more sugar-like flavor profile.
US08512788B2 Mold control and odor prevention in production of pelletized feedstuffs
A feedstuff and a method for inhibiting the growth of pathogens in pelleted animal feeds which increases the efficiency of the pelleting process without introducing bad odors into the feed due to butyric acid. Active ingredients include a mixture of butyrate, propionate and surfactants.
US08512787B2 Process for manufacturing chewable dosage forms for drug delivery and products thereof
A palatable, edible soft chewable medication vehicle for delivery of a pharmaceutically acceptable active ingredient, such as a drug, to an animal or human subject. The edible soft chews contain only food grade or better inactive ingredients, and preferably do not contain ingredients of animal origin. Processes for manufacturing the edible soft chews do not require the use of heat or the addition of water during mixing of active and inactive ingredients, provide stable concentrations of the active ingredient, and produce chews of consistent weight and texture.
US08512782B2 Embossed cereal piece
A food piece with a first dough sheet having a first inner surface, a first outer surface, and a first peripheral edge. The food piece also includes a second dough sheet having a second inner surface, a second outer surface, and a second peripheral edge. The first peripheral edge of the first dough sheet is joined together with the second peripheral edge of the second dough sheet to define a perimeter. The food piece also includes an embossment positioned within the perimeter. The embossment extends upon at least one of the first outer surface and the second outer surface and includes at least one line along which the first and second dough sheets are joined.
US08512781B2 Fresh fruit preservative and method of using same
A fresh fruit preservative and method of using the preservative for fresh cut fruit that significantly extend the shelf life of fresh cut fruit are provided. The fresh fruit preservative preserves the texture, flavor, appearance, and color of the fresh fruit, particularly exposed surfaces of the fresh fruit that have been cut, in particular by reducing oxidation of the exposed cut surfaces of the fruit. The preservative includes the ingredients of ascorbic acid, calcium ascorbate, carbohydrate, sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium bicarbonate and malic acid.
US08512770B2 Skin penetration composition
The present invention comprises an all-natural composition of matter and methods of delivering nutrients, medicines, pain relievers, antioxidants, antidotes, antibiotics and various active ingredients and supplements directly to the affected area of the body. The all-natural carrier composition consists essentially of the combination of a natural oil, water, salt(s), natural emulsifier, natural sugar(s), plant extracts, natural acid(s), starch and natural flavor(s). The active substances that are mixed with the all-natural carrier composition, include, but are not limited to, drugs, vitamins, minerals, antibiotics anti-fungal agents, antioxidants, diuretics, allergy medicines, anti-inflammatory agents, muscle relaxers, pain reducers, diabetic drugs, neuropathy drugs, chemotherapy agents, arthritis drugs, lotions for eczema, shingles, psoriasis, skin rash; herbal medicines, erectile dysfunction drugs, hormones, cholesterol drugs, essential fatty acids, and the like. The all-natural carrier composition facilitates the penetration of active substances into the dermal layer of the skin.
US08512762B2 Sporicidal compositions and use thereof
What is described are sporicidal compositions, in which hydrogen peroxide and at least one radical stabilizer are homogeneously dissolved in a methacrylate monomer or a mixture of methacrylate monomers, and the quantitative ratio of radical stabilizer to hydrogen peroxide is larger than or equal to 1 to 1. The sporicidal monomer/monomer mixture is usually used for producing single component bone cement pastes; two-component bone cement pastes or monomer solutions for polymethylmethacrylate bone cements that are based on cement powder and monomer liquid. Moreover, a sporicidal cement paste having the following components is proposed: hydrogen peroxide and/or a hydrogen peroxide-releasing substance or mixture of substances; radical stabilizer; low-molecular liquid methacrylate; linear or branched polymethylmethacrylate or linear or branched methylmethacrylate co-polymer; cross-linked polymethylmethacrylate or cross-linked methylmethacrylate copolymer; as well as at least one component of a radical initiator system.
US08512760B2 Nano-particle dispersions
A process for the production of an aqueous dispersion of metal nano particles comprising palladium is provided. The process comprises the admixture of a water soluble organic polymer, a palladium salt and a first reducing agent to an aqueous liquid. The first reducing agent is a metal-containing polymer which has reducing properties or a saccharide which has reducing properties. The nano particles can include a second metal. The dispersions can be used as catalysts for electroless plating, to produce heterogeneous catalysts and in the production of anti-microbial devices and compositions.
US08512759B1 Methods of formulating and designing liquid drug suspensions containing ion exchange resin particles
The invention relates to the formulation and quality control of liquid drug suspensions. In particular, the invention relates to methods of formulating liquid suspensions comprising drug-containing resin particles. The invention also relates to methods of confirming the acceptability of drug-containing resin particles for use in formulating liquid drug suspensions. The invention further relates to methods of formulating liquid suspensions in which drug-containing resin particles, the liquid suspension, or both are modified to achieve a desired in vitro dissolution profile. The invention also relates to a novel dissolution method and methods of predicting in vivo bioequivalence based on in vitro dissolution methods.
US08512752B2 Hyaluronic acid derivatives obtained via “click chemistry” crosslinking
Crosslinked derivatives of polycarboxylated polysaccharides are described, wherein at least one of the polysaccharide chains consists of hyaluronic acid or a derivative thereof, crosslinked by means of reactions of the “click chemistry” type and their use in the field of viscosupplementation, plastic surgery, oncologic and reconstructive surgery and also as matrices for controlled release systems of biologically and/or pharmacologically active molecules and/or macromolecules.
US08512750B2 Stents with drug-containing amphiphilic polymer coating
It is provided a method for producing a drug coated intravascular stent comprising coating a stent body with a cross-linkable amphiphilic polymer.
US08512748B2 Controlled release system and method for manufacturing the same
The invention is directed to a pharmaceutical controlled release system for administration, particularly oral administration, of active substances with pH-dependent solubilities, comprising a) a core material containing or consisting of one or more pharmaceutically acceptable pH modifiers; b) optionally an insulating layer, c) a first layer containing or consisting of one or more pharmaceutically acceptable water-insoluble polymers; d) a second layer containing or consisting of at least one active substance having a pH-dependent solubility; e) a third layer containing or consisting of one or more pharmaceutically acceptable polymers having anionic or no ionic groups; and f) optionally a fourth layer, preferably in form of an outer coating layer. It is provided a pH-independent release profile of active substances having pH-dependent solubilities in vitro and vivo.
US08512746B2 Extended release pharmaceutical compositions of levetiracetam
Extended release pharmaceutical compositions of levetiracetam or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof in the form of a tablet comprising glyceryl behenate and a polymethacrylate polymer with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
US08512743B2 Devices and methods for the delivery of molecular sieve materials for the formation of blood clots
An apparatus for promoting the clotting of blood and controlling bleeding comprises a receptacle for retaining molecular sieve material in particulate form therein. A pad for controlling bleeding comprises a mesh structure and a rigid or semi-rigid support attached to the mesh structure to facilitate the application of pressure to the pad and the wound. A bandage applicable to a bleeding wound comprises a mesh structure and a flexible substrate attached to the mesh structure, the substrate being a cloth or plastic member that may be adhesively attached to cover a wound. In any embodiment, at least a portion of the receptacle or mesh structure is defined by a mesh having openings therein, and at least a portion of the particulate molecular sieve material is in direct contact with blood.
US08512741B2 Electrospun calcium phosphate nanofibers
Calcium-phosphate nanofiber matrices comprising randomly dispersed crystalline calcium-phosphate nanofibers are provided. The nanofibers are synthesized using sol-gel methods combined with electrospinning. The nanofibers may be hollow, solid or may comprise a calcium-phosphate shell surrounding a polymer containing inner core to which biologically functional additives may be added. The nanofiber matrices may be used to culture bone and dental cells, and as implants to treat bone, dental or periodontal diseases and defects.
US08512740B2 Fibrin foam and process for making
A fibrin wound dressing is made by mixing quantities of fibrinogen solution and thrombin solution with air. The resulting foam is very light weight, and with the proper attention to the amount of thrombin, will rest on a vertical surface without dripping. The wound dressing may also be formulated for its ability to continue migration of healing substances, such as PDGF, from the dressing to the wound site. Thrombin substitutes, such as other clotting proteins, may be used instead of thrombin. The resulting foam may also be lyophilized or ground and lyophilized for later reconstitution. A therapeutic drug or other additive may also be added to the wound dressing. A fibrin foam may be made by injecting fibrinogen foam into a clotting protein, such as thrombin.
US08512738B2 Biodegradable intravitreal tyrosine kinase implants
Biocompatible intraocular implants include a tyrosine kinase inhibitor and a biodegradable polymer that is effective to facilitate release of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor into the vitreous of an eye for an extended period of time. The therapeutic agents of the implants may be associated with a biodegradable polymer matrix, such as a matrix that is substantially free of a polyvinyl alcohol. The implants can be placed in an eye to treat or reduce the occurrence of one or more ocular conditions, such as posterior ocular conditions.
US08512735B2 Method of making polymer-bioceramic composite implantable medical devices
Methods and devices relating to polymer-bioceramic composite implantable medical devices, such as stents are disclosed. A suspension solution is formed including a fluid, a biodegradable polymer, and bioceramic particles. The biodegradable polymer and particles are precipitated from the suspension to form a mixture. A composite is formed by combining the mixture with another polymer and a scaffolding is formed from the composite.
US08512732B2 Method for producing bioactive composites
An object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing bioactive composites having imparted thereto bioactivity, to thereby form and grow in vivo or in vitro a coating layer containing a calcium phosphate compound as the major component with a high adhesion strength on the surface of various types of porous substrates such as a porous shaped body comprising an organic polymer. The means for solving the problem is characterized by comprising at least (1) a step of immersing a porous substrate in a solution containing at least calcium ions and hydrogenphosphate ions, thereby distributing the solution to the inside of at least a part of the pores of the substrate, and (2) a step of depositing fine particles containing a calcium phosphate compound as the major component inside the pores into which the solution is introduced.
US08512730B2 Methods of tissue repair and compositions therefor
The present application discloses matrix compositions to support the repair of tissue defects such as an injury to tendon tissue, ligament tissue, vascular tissue, dermal tissue, or muscle tissue. A matrix described herein comprises a polyester polymer entangled with a polysaccharide polymer. Also disclosed are methods of preparing a matrix, and methods of using a matrix in the repair of tissue. In certain configurations, a matrix can comprise a polyester cross-linked with a polysaccharide, which can be an oxidized polysaccharide. In some configurations, a matrix can further comprise one or more additional components, such as a growth factor or an anti-infective agent. In some configurations, a matrix can be a viscous fluid or a paste, while in other configurations a matrix can be comprised by a solid such as a plug, a granule or a membrane.
US08512726B1 Molecular gel-based control release devices for pheromones
The present invention relates to aryl glycolipid gels as control release devices and uses thereof in agriculture. In an exemplary embodiment, mannitol dioctanoate (M8) is used to prepare controlled release devices for pheromones.
US08512722B2 Antimicrobial materials
The disclosure provides methods and materials suitable for preparing coating layers on substrates. The coatings comprise quaternary amine groups and therefore impart anti-bacterial properties to the substrate. In one embodiment, for example, there is provided a quaternary amine-containing polymeric coating comprising propylene and ethylene repeat units.
US08512721B2 Water resistant sunscreen and insect repellant towel
A single-use disposable applicator for applying sunscreen and insect repellent to the skin is a non-woven, woven or porous fibrous material wipe that is saturated with a composition containing a waterproof sunscreen agent and an insect repellent. A film forming agent and solvent may also be present. When rubbed over the skin, the wipe provides a thin, non-greasy film that provides protection against UV absorption and insect repellent properties. The sunscreen and insect repellent combination contained in the wipe has an SPF factor between 2 and 50 and is long lasting and water resistant, which makes it ideal for use during hot or humid weather conditions.
US08512720B2 Cosmetic composition for massage
The present invention relates to a cosmetic composition for massage, and more particularly, to a cosmetic composition for massage that provides a smooth rolling sensation even with a low oil content by controlling the ratio and content of polar and nonpolar oils and properly penetrates into the skin according to the control of the absorption rate by using a gum, which solves the problems with the existing massage compositions such as greasiness caused by a high content of oily ingredients and inconvenience associated with a need for cleansing the skin after use.
US08512718B2 Pharmaceutical composition for topical application
A pharmaceutical or cosmetic carrier or composition for topical application characterized by rheological properties which render the carrier or composition semi-solid at rest and a liquid upon application of shear forces thereto. The composition or carrier are prepared by mixing 1-25 percent of a solidifying agent and 75-99 percent of a hydrophobic solvent, by weight, wherein at least one of them has therapeutic or cosmetic benefits, in the presence or absence of a biologically active substance.
US08512714B2 Thermoanaerobacter mathranii strain BG1
Strict anaerobic thermophilic bacterium belonging to the group of Thermoanaerobacter mathranii and mutants and derivatives thereof. The bacterium is particularly suitable for the production of fermentation products such as ethanol, lactic acid, acetic acid and hydrogen from lignocellulosic biomass.
US08512712B2 Reovirus clearance of ras-mediated neoplastic cells from mixed cellular compositions
Reovirus can be used to selectively remove ras-mediated neoplastic cells from a cellular composition. It is of particular interest to purge autographs which may contain neoplastic cells with reovirus before transplanting the autographs back into the recipient, thereby reducing the risk of introducing or reintroducing neoplastic cells into the recipient.
US08512709B2 Modified amyloid β peptide
An object of the invention is to provide a peptide based on a sequence of an amyloid β peptide that may allow for induction of enhanced immune response and is safe and efficacious for prophylaxis and treatment of Alzheimer disease. An amyloid β peptide or a portion thereof with addition or insertion of cysteine or a cysteine analogue, and a method for enhancing immune response to amyloid β using said peptide, a medicament for prophylaxis and treatment of Alzheimer disease using said amyloid β peptide that induces an enhanced immune response, and a DNA vaccine comprising a gene coding for an amyloid β peptide or a sequence derived from an amyloid β peptide with addition or insertion of cysteine or a cysteine analogue, as expected to be similarly efficacious.
US08512706B2 Compositions of F(ab′)2 antibody fragments
The present invention is directed to a pharmaceutical composition comprising F(ab′)2 antibody fragments that are preferably free from albumin and of whole antibodies and also substantially free of pyrogens, and an effective amount of a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. It is also directed to a method for the production of a pharmaceutical composition comprising F(ab′)2 antibody fragments using scrum or blood plasma of a mammal that has been previously immunized as a source of antibodies. The serum or blood plasma is digested with an enzyme pepsin, followed by separation and purification until the pharmaceutical composition of F(ab′)2 fragments is free of albumin and complete antibodies, and substantially free of pyrogens.
US08512703B2 Idiotypic vaccine
The invention concerns the use of recombinant clonotypic immunoglobulins (Ig) as a vaccine in the treatment of HCV-related and non HCV-related lymphoproliferations, in particular the use of recombinant proteins with immunogenic properties derived from protein segments VK3-20 and VK3-15 of Ig light chains derived from patients with lymphoproliferations.
US08512699B2 Anti-VEGF antibodies
Anti-VEGF antibodies and variants thereof, including those having high affinity for binding to VEGF, are disclosed. Also provided are methods of using phage display technology with naïve libraries to generate and select the anti-VEGF antibodies with desired binding and other biological activities. Further contemplated are uses of the antibodies in research, diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
US08512695B2 Method of preventing fat graft resorption by administering fat-derived cells and poloxamer P 188
The present invention provides polymers for use in preventing damage to the membranes of cells in fat grafts. Mixing of a triblock copolymer such as poloxymer P188 with adipocytes or adipose tissue to be transplanted into a subject is thought to stabilize the membranes of the cells leading to more successful fat transplantation in soft tissue reconstruction or augmentation. Such methods may also be used in the transplantation of adult stem cells or other cells derived from fat tissue. Other agents such as lipoic acid may also be added to the polymer/cell compositions for cell transplantation.
US08512693B2 Self-assembling membranes and related methods thereof
The present invention relates to self-assembling membranes. In particular, the present invention provides self-assembling membranes configured for securing and/or delivering bioactive agents. In some embodiments, the self-assembling membranes are used in the treatment of diseases, and related methods (e.g., diagnostic methods, research methods, drug screening).
US08512692B2 Methods of treating multiple sclerosis with stable liquid interferon-beta formulations
Liquid interferon compositions having a pH between 4.0 and 7.2 are described. The compositions comprise interferon-beta and a stabilizing agent at between about 0.3% and 5% by weight which is an amino acid selected from the group consisting of acidic amino acids, arginine and glycine. If needed, salt is added to provide sufficient ionic strength. The liquid composition has not been previously lyophilized or previously cavitated. The liquid is preferably contained within a vessel having at least one surface in contract with the liquid that is coated with a material inert to adsorption of interferon-beta. A kit for parenteral administration of a liquid interferon formulation and a method for stabilizing liquid interferon compositions are also described.
US08512689B2 Animal scent preservation
The disclosed subject matter relates to a mixture that can facilitate preservation of animal scent, such as, e.g., doe pee; as well as to an apparatus and method for creating the mixture.
US08512688B2 Formulations containing an ionic mineral-ion exchange resin complex and uses thereof
A process for preparing a formulation comprising a complex comprising an effective amount of ferrous iron bound to a pharmaceutically acceptable cationic resin and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is described. Such a formulation may optionally include other desirable dietary supplements including, e.g., vitamins, omega fatty acids, and/or fluoride. The formulation is particularly well adapted for pediatric use, but is also useful for use in adult populations.
US08512685B2 Hair lightening composition containing polymer film
Aqueous hair care compositions which provide hair styling, hair lightening and hair conditioning benefits are disclosed. The compositions provide hair lightening effects greater than that which would typically be achieved using hydrogen peroxide solutions alone. The compositions comprise a stabilized oxidative compound, a film-forming hair care polymer, a cationic hair care polymer, and water. The method of conditioning, styling and coloring hair utilizing the disclosed compositions is also disclosed.
US08512680B2 Injectables in foam, new pharmaceutical applications
The placing of a drug that is suitable for parenteral administration on bubbles formed with sterile gases produces an exponential increase in its active surface area with a decrease in the diameter of the bubble, modifies the kinetics of its distribution and, thanks to its micronization, increases its therapeutic effect. Furthermore, the echogenicity of the bubbles allows us to follow them on ultrasound after their injection, so that we can visualise the medicament and, thanks to its steerability, can direct it to the selected site or prevent it from reaching undesired areas. This pharmaceutical form is of interest in the treatment of diseases that require a greater local action of the injected drugs than can be achieved with the pharmaceutical forms in current use.
US08512677B2 Pyro-glutamate Aβ targeting agents
A method of inhibiting amyloid beta aggregation in a mammal includes administering an amount of a pyro-Glu-(3-40/42)-Aβ targeting agent and/or fragment thereof that specifically binds to an epitope of the N terminus end of a pyro-Glu-(3-40/42)-Aβ effective to inhibit amyloid beta aggregation in the subject.
US08512675B2 N and/or Nα derivatized, metal and organic protected L-histidine for coupling to biomolecules for highly efficient labeling with [M(OH2)3 (CO)3]+ by fac coordination
The present invention relates to novel histidine derivates that can be used for the labeling of biomolecules with radioactive metal tricarbonyls. The new derivatives have a histidine that is derivatized at the Nε and at least protected at the Nα and optionally at the Nδ; or derivatized at the Nα and at least protected at the Nα and optionally at the Nδ; or derivatized at the Nε and Nα and at least protected at the Nα and optionally at the Nδ; or derivatized at the Nε; or derivatized at the Nα; or derivatized at the Nε and Nα; or at least protected at the Nα and optionally at the Nδ.
US08512671B2 Permeation method and apparatus for preparing fluids containing high purity chlorine dioxide
Method to prepare fluids (liquids and gases) containing pure chlorine dioxide which is not contaminated by the starting materials or the byproducts of the chlorine dioxide synthesis or to deliver pure chlorine dioxide into any medium capable of dissolving chlorine dioxide, wherein the chlorine dioxide generated in the process is transported across a pore free polymeric membrane via selective permeation into the target medium. Apparatus to realize the said method, wherein the generation of chlorine dioxide is carried out in such a reactor where some or all walls comprising the reactor, or the walls of a permeator unit attached to the reactor, are made of the said pore free polymer, characteristically some kind of silicone rubber, which is highly permeable to chlorine dioxide, but which is practically impermeable for the acidic and corrosive reagents used for the chlorine dioxide synthesis, its permeability being at least 3 orders of magnitude lower for these contaminating components compared to that of chlorine dioxide. The invention can be realized both by batch and by continuous reactors.
US08512666B2 Process for the preparation of dodecahaloneopentasilanes
The invention relates to a method for producing neopentasilanes of the general formula (1) Si(SiR3)4 (1), wherein silicon compounds of the general formula (2) R3Si— (SiR2—)xSiR3 (2), where R is selected from Cl, Br, and I, and x is a non-negative whole number up to 5, are converted in the presence of catalytically active compounds (K), wherein the separating of the tetrahalogen silane formed thereby takes place by distilling out in the presence of a compound (L) that is liquid at room temperature having a higher boiling point than the released tetrahalogen silane.
US08512665B2 Process for the production of nanoparticles using miniemulsions
The present invention relates to a process for the production of nanoparticles or nanostructured particles with the help of a 2-emulsion method, particles being produced through targeted coalescence of miniemulsions in a high-pressure homogenized.
US08512660B2 Method and device for the absorptive removal of carbon dioxide from biogas
The absorptive removal of carbon dioxide from biogas using a scrubbing liquid in which carbon dioxide is chemically bound proceeds by heating the loaded scrubbing liquid, occurring after the absorption, to a temperature at which liberation of CO2 begins. Immediately thereafter, the loaded scrubbing liquid is fed to at least one centrifugal separator for separating off the gas phase from the liquid phase, wherein methane and dissolved fractions of CO2 escape via the gas phase. After separation is complete, the gas phase is passed into the absorber unit and the liquid phase is further heated to the temperature required for desorption and fed to the desorption unit for regeneration.
US08512655B2 Sorbents for the oxidation and removal of mercury
A promoted activated carbon sorbent is described that is highly effective for the removal of mercury from flue gas streams. The sorbent comprises a new modified carbon form containing reactive forms of halogen and halides. Optional components may be added to increase reactivity and mercury capacity. These may be added directly with the sorbent, or to the flue gas to enhance sorbent performance and/or mercury capture. Mercury removal efficiencies obtained exceed conventional methods. The sorbent can be regenerated and reused. Sorbent treatment and preparation methods are also described. New methods for in-flight preparation, introduction, and control of the active sorbent into the mercury contaminated gas stream are described.
US08512653B2 Micro-reactor system assembly
A micro-reactor system assembly comprises a stack of at least n process modules (1-6), wherein n is an integer equal to or greater than 1, made from a rigid first material and comprising at least one reactive fluid passage (1A, 1B, 2A, 3A, 6A) for accommodating and guiding a reactive fluid, and at least n+1 heat exchange modules (7, 8) made from a ductile second material other than said first material and comprising at least one heat exchange fluid passage (7A, 8A) for accommodating and guiding a heat exchange fluid, wherein each process module (1-6) is sandwiched between two adjacent heat exchange modules (7, 8).
US08512652B2 Multiwell microplate with transparent bottom having a thickness less than 200 micrometers
The present invention relates to an improved microplate which is constructed of at least one frame part and at least one bottom part, where the bottom part has a maximum thickness of 500 μm.
US08512651B2 Apparatus and method for identifying at least one specimen slide
An apparatus and method for tagging a specimen slide are described. The apparatus comprises a receiving region for receiving at least one cassette magazine, a reading unit for reading the machine-readable coded information of a cassette identifier of a cassette, and a tagging unit for generating a machine-readable coded information for tagging the specimen slide with a specimen slide identifier that depends on the cassette identifier. Data are transferred from the microtome to the apparatus via the data transfer path as soon as the cassette is inserted into the microtome, and only then can the machine-readable coded information for tagging the specimen slide be applied onto the specimen slide by the tagging unit.
US08512649B2 Dual inlet microchannel device and method for using same
A dual inlet microchannel device and a method for using the device to perform a flow-through kinetic assay are described. A microplate having an array of the dual inlet microchannel devices and in particular their specially configured flow chambers is also described. Several embodiments of the dual inlet microchannel devices and specially configured flow chambers are also described.
US08512647B2 Support pipette
A support pipette including at least one cylinder with an upper end and a lower end, each cylinder having a movable piston, and an elongate handle (1) with an upper part and a lower part, at which handle the pipette can be manually gripped, wherein the lower part (13.1; 13.2; 13.3) of the handle (1) includes a sideways protruding lower support (10.1; 10.2; 10.3; 10.4; 10.5).
US08512641B2 Modulation of step function phenomena by varying nanoparticle size
The present invention is directed to methods and systems of modulating step function phenomena by varying nanoparticle size—particularly wherein a plurality of such nanoparticles are employed, and wherein said nanoparticles comprise a size distribution favorable for collectively smoothing the step function. Such methods and systems are particularly favorable for hydrogen sensors.
US08512639B2 Channel substrate
The present application provides a channel substrate having a channel provided therein and includes a plurality of detection portions configured to detect a specimen in the channel using an optical device, an introducing portion configured to introduce the specimen into the channel, and a discharging portion configured to discharge the specimen from the channel. The detection portions have, on at least one of the opposite faces of the channel substrate, detection portion surfaces which have distances different from each other to the channel.
US08512634B2 Installation for sterilisation of a plurality of objects and associated sterilisation method
An installation which includes an input station, a sterilization station which includes a sterilization chamber, a desorption station which includes a desorption chamber, and an output station. The installation includes a transporting element which is for transporting multiple objects and which is capable of successively moving the objects from the input station into the sterilization station and into the desorption station as far as the discharge station. The transporting element includes a continuous guiding path, a guide device which is guided by the guiding path. The guided device includes a movement mechanism which is capable of moving the objects between a position for movement along the guiding path and a position for insertion of the objects in the sterilization chamber and the desorption chamber.
US08512632B2 Manufacturing method of contact lens package
A novel contact lens package containing a silicone hydrogel soft contact lens, which can be offered to the market in a hermetically sealed preserved state with excellent shape stability (dimensional stability). Also provided is a manufacturing method of the same. The novel contact lens package is manufactured by using a silicone hydrogel contact lens as a soft contact lens, sealing both a storage solution so as to contain a phosphoric acid and the silicone hydrogel contact lens in a housing area of a contact lens package, and then performing high pressure steam sterilization processing.
US08512631B2 Sanitization devices and methods of their use
The present invention relates to sanitization devices and methods. More particularly, the invention relates to devices and methods that significantly reduce or eliminate germs, bacteria and/or other microorganisms from objects such as bags, purses, footwear or other objects, as well as bare feet, hands, paws, hooves or other anatomical surfaces, which come into contact with them. The device and method uses germicidal radiation which exposes only the areas of the object that come into applied contact with the device. A top platform of the devices may be in a tilted position when not in uses.
US08512630B2 Pulverulent intermetallic materials for the reversible storage of hydrogen
The present invention relates to pulverulent materials suitable for storing hydrogen, and more particularly to a method of preparing such a material, in which: (A) a composite metallic material having a specific granular structure is prepared by co-melting the following mixtures: a first metallic mixture (m1), which is an alloy (a1) of body-centered cubic crystal structure, based on titanium, vanadium, chromium and/or manganese, or a mixture of these metals in the proportions of the alloy (a1); and a second mixture (m2), which is an alloy (a2), comprising 38 to 42% zirconium, niobium, molybdenum, hafnium, tantalum and/or tungsten and 56 to 60 mol % of nickel and/or copper, or else a mixture of these metals in the proportions of the alloy (a2), with a mass ratio (m2)/(m1+m2) ranging from 0.1 wt % to 20 wt %; and (B) the composite metallic material thus obtained is hydrogenated, whereby the composite material is fragmented (hydrogen decrepitation).
US08512620B2 Method and device for the manufacture of a component
A method of manufacturing a component from a composite-fiber-material semifinished product includes providing a forming support having a contour including at least one section corresponding to a surface of the manufactured component. The semifinished product is placed onto the forming support and the semifinished product is formed such that the semifinished product contacts the forming support. Further, a device form manufacturing component includes the forming support having the contour including at least one section corresponding to the surface of the manufacture component.
US08512617B2 Golf club shaft and method of producing the same
A composite golf club shaft having a reinforcing ribbon of composite material spiraling along an intermediate portion of the shaft and bonded thereto to reinforce the hoop strength of the shaft. The ribbon is shaped into a rib of different cross-sectional shapes, the preferred embodiment being a thin rectangular shape approximately 0.125 wide of an inch and spiraling at a rate of four turns per inch, producing a groove of equal width. The methods of the invention produces the shaft by providing a mandrel having the outside shape desired for the shaft's inside surface; wrapping a ribbon of reinforcing material around the shaft in a spiral groove therein; forming the shaft body around the mandrel; and separating the mandrel from the shaft after curing, by unscrewing the mandrel.
US08512616B2 Method for producing a multilayered molding
A method for producing a multilayered moulding (2), in particular a panelling element for a motor vehicle, forms an intermediate layer at least in some parts between a substrate layer (6) and a decorative layer (7). In this case the substrate layer (6) and the decorative layer (7) are arranged in a mould cavity (5) of a die (1), wherein at least in some sections between the substrate layer (6) and the decorative layer (7) at least one hollow cavity (9) is formed. After this the intermediate layer (8) is formed in the hollow cavity (9).
US08512610B2 Nonwoven fabric sheet and method for producing same
The nonwoven fabric sheet of the present invention is characterized by a porosity in the range of 0.3 to 0.7 and an average pore size in the range of 0.5 μm to 5.0 μm. The nonwoven fabric sheet of the present invention preferably has a maximum pore size (μm)/average pore size (μm) ratio of 1.30 or lower. The nonwoven fabric sheet of the present invention is obtained by press-molding a nonwoven fabric at a temperature lower than the melting point of the thermoplastic resin which constitutes the nonwoven fabric sheet. According to the present invention, there is provided a nonwoven fabric sheet that has a high porosity, small uniform pore sizes and excellent productivity, which can suitably be used in various applications such as filters, light diffusing material, liquid absorber and heat insulating materials; and a method for producing the nonwoven fabric sheet.
US08512605B2 Method for verifying tolerance of connector molding die
A method for verifying tolerance of a connector molding die includes, firstly, providing a first connector molding die, and molding a first optical connector using the first connector molding die. The centers of the lenses relative to the center of the first transmission surface are located. A second connector molding die is provided. A second optical connector is molded by the second connector molding die. The central locations of the first blind holes are determined by measuring the central locations of the second blind holes based on the center of the second transmission surface. Difference values between the locations of the centers of the lenses and the central locations of the first blind holes are determined.
US08512603B2 Polymeric precursors for CIS and CIGS photovoltaics
This invention relates to a range of compounds, polymeric compounds, and compositions used to prepare semiconductor and optoelectronic materials and devices including thin film and band gap materials for photovoltaic applications including devices and systems for energy conversion and solar cells. In particular, this invention relates to polymeric precursor compounds and precursor materials for preparing photovoltaic layers. A compound may contain repeating units {MA(ER)(ER)} and {MB(ER)(ER)}, wherein each MA is Cu, each MB is In or Ga, each E is S, Se, or Te, and each R is independently selected, for each occurrence, from alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkenyl, amido, silyl, and inorganic and organic ligands.
US08512601B2 Paste composition for solar cell electrode
It is provided a paste composition for a solar cell electrode containing a conductive powder, a glass frit, and a vehicle, the glass frit being made of glass containing PbO, B2O3, and SiO2 at proportions within ranges of 46 to 57 (mol %), 1 to 7 (mol %), and 38 to 53 (mol %), respectively, in terms of oxide.
US08512598B2 Liquid crystal compounds and method for preparing the same
The present invention relates to a liquid crystal compound for liquid crystal display. More particularly, the present invention provides a vinylcyclohexylbenzene, its derivatives and the preparation method thereof where the present invention produces only trans-isomer by using Heck coupling reaction instead of Wittig reaction in the introduction to ethenyl group in the central backbone in the preparation process of intermediate. The liquid crystal compound can make the liquid crystal composition have a wide mesophase range and low viscosity.
US08512595B2 Surface-modified, pyrogenically prepared silicas
Surface-modified, pyrogenically prepared silica is prepared by subjecting the pyrogenically prepared silica, which is in the form of aggregates of primary particles having a BET surface area of 300±25 m2/g and the aggregates have an average area of 4800-6000 nm2, an average equivalent circle diameter (ECD) of 60-80 nm and an average circumference of 580-750 nm, to surface-modification in a known way.It can be used as a filler for controlling the rheology of liquid silicone rubber (LSR) systems.
US08512592B2 Heat-dissipating compositions comprising estolide compounds
Provided herein are dielectric fluids comprising at least one estolide compound of formula: in which n is an integer equal to or greater than 0; m is an integer equal to or greater than 1; R1, independently for each occurrence, is selected from optionally substituted alkyl that is saturated or unsaturated, and branched or unbranched; R2 is selected from hydrogen and optionally substituted alkyl that is saturated or unsaturated, and branched or unbranched; and R3 and R4, independently for each occurrence, are selected from optionally substituted alkyl that is saturated or unsaturated, and branched or unbranched. Also provided herein are uses of dielectric fluids and electrical devices such as transformers that comprise a dielectric fluid comprising at least one estolide compound.
US08512588B2 Method of fabricating a scalable nanoporous membrane filter
A method of fabricating a nanoporous membrane filter having a uniform array of nanopores etch-formed in a thin film structure (e.g. (100)-oriented single crystal silicon) having a predetermined thickness, by (a) using interferometric lithography to create an etch pattern comprising a plurality array of unit patterns having a predetermined width/diameter, (b) using the etch pattern to etch frustum-shaped cavities or pits in the thin film structure such that the dimension of the frustum floors of the cavities are substantially equal to a desired pore size based on the predetermined thickness of the thin film structure and the predetermined width/diameter of the unit patterns, and (c) removing the frustum floors at a boundary plane of the thin film structure to expose, open, and thereby create the nanopores substantially having the desired pore size.
US08512584B2 Etching method using an at least semi-solid media
An etching method that uses an etch reactant retained within at least a semi-solid media (120, 220, 224, 230). The etch reactant media is applied to selectively etch a surface layer (106, 218, 222). The etch reactant media may be applied to remove metal shorts (222), smearing and eaves resulting from CMP or in failure analysis for uniform removal of a metal layer (218) without damaging the vias, contact, or underlying structures.
US08512582B2 Methods of patterning a substrate
A method of patterning a substrate in accordance with an embodiment of the invention includes forming a plurality of openings within at least one of photoresist and amorphous carbon. The openings are of common outermost cross sectional shape relative one another. Individual of the openings have at least one lateral open dimension having a degree of variability among the plurality. The photoresist with the plurality of openings is exposed to/treated with a plasma effective to both increase the lateral open size of the openings and at least reduce the degree of variability of said at least one open dimension among the openings. Other aspects and implementations are contemplated.
US08512579B2 Method for making grooves on a luminal surface of an intravascular stent
The invention relates to methods and apparatus for manufacturing intravascular stents wherein the intravascular stent has its inner surface treated to promote the migration of endothelial cells onto the inner surface of the intravascular stent. In particular, the inner surface of the intravascular stent has at least one groove formed therein.
US08512578B2 Multi-step release method for electrochemically fabricated structures
Multi-layer structures are electrochemically fabricated from at least one structural material (e.g. nickel), that is configured to define a desired structure and which may be attached to a substrate, and from at least one sacrificial material (e.g. copper) that surrounds the desired structure. After structure formation, the sacrificial material is removed by a multi-stage etching operation. In some embodiments sacrificial material to be removed may be located within passages or the like on a substrate or within an add-on component. The multi-stage etching operations may be separated by intermediate post processing activities, they may be separated by cleaning operations, or barrier material removal operations, or the like. Barriers may be fixed in position by contact with structural material or with a substrate or they may be solely fixed in position by sacrificial material and are thus free to be removed after all retaining sacrificial material is etched.
US08512575B2 Method and apparatus for collecting biological materials
A method and apparatus can separate and concentrate a selected component from a multi-component material. The multi-component material may include a whole sample such as adipose tissue, whole blood, or the like. The apparatus generally includes a moveable piston positioned within a separation container and a withdrawal tube that is operable to interact with a distal end of the collection container past the piston. Material can be withdrawn through the withdrawal tube.
US08512573B2 Apparatus for treatment of organic waste material and method for separating and recovering liquid material
Provided is an apparatus for treating by itself an organic waste material which can treat the waste material with steam having a high temperature and a high pressure and which can separate and recover the waste material and a liquid material given by performing the treatment continuously by a simple operation. An apparatus (10) for treating an organic waste material characterized in that it comprises a sealed vessel (12) having a closed space (S1) for holding an organic waste material therein, a steam jet means (14) provided in the sealed vessel (12) for providing a steam jet having such temperature and pressure that the waste material can be carbonized, a discharge port (16) arranged at the bottom of the sealed vessel (12) and having an opening/closing mechanism, and a separating and recovering means (18) for separating the waste material and a liquid material given after the treatment only by direct discharge operation from the discharge port (16) and recovering the waste material and the liquid material.
US08512570B2 Wastewater treatment method
A wastewater treatment method in an embodiment includes: mixing primary aggregates made of magnetic substances and a dispersion medium to make a suspension; and passing the suspension through a filter to allow the primary aggregates to remain on the filter and to form a secondary aggregate made of an aggregate of the primary aggregates. Further, the wastewater treatment method in the embodiment includes; passing wastewater through the secondary aggregate to remove suspended solids and oil in the wastewater; dispersing the secondary aggregate in a dispersion medium to decompose the secondary aggregate into the primary aggregates and to wash the primary aggregates; and collecting the primary aggregates with magnetic separation.
US08512569B2 Fluid filtration articles and methods of making and using the same
Fluid filtration articles, including composite nonwoven fibrous webs, and methods of making and using such articles as gas or liquid filtration elements. The articles include a population of coarse microfibers having a population median diameter of at least 1 micrometer (μm) formed as a first layer, and a population of fine fibers having a population median diameter less than 10 μm formed as a second layer adjoining the first layer. At least one of the fiber populations may be oriented. In one implementation, the coarse microfibers and fine fibers are polymeric, the coarse microfibers have a population median diameter of at least 10 μm, and the fine fibers have a population median diameter less than 10 μm. In another implementation, the population of fine fibers has a population median diameter less than 1 μm. Optionally, one or both of the first and second layers may include particulates.
US08512568B2 Method of cleaning membrane modules
A method of cleaning a membrane filtration module (6), the module (6) including at least one membrane (8) located in a feed-containing vessel (7), the membrane (8) having a permeable wall which is subjected to a filtration operation wherein feed containing contaminant matter is applied to one side of the membrane wall and filtrate is withdrawn from the other side of the membrane wall. The method comprising the steps of: suspending the filtration operation; performing a cleaning process on the membrane wall to dislodge contaminant matter therefrom into liquid surrounding the membrane (8); performing a high velocity sweep of the feed-containing vessel (7) to remove the liquid containing the dislodged contaminant matter; and recommencing the filtration operation. An improved gas scouring method is also disclosed.
US08512567B2 Vapor compression membrane distillation system and method
A desalination system wherein a latent heat of condensation produced by the temperature gradient across a membrane distillation (MD) module is transferred directly to a latent heat of vaporization during desalination of a liquid flow stream. The desalination system comprises the MD module disposed within an object and configured to receive an input feed stream for desalination and produce an output flow stream of a product. The system also comprises a vapor compressor in fluidic communication with the MD module and configured to introduce a hot steam to a high temperature side of the MD module and extract a cool steam, having a temperature less than the hot steam, from a low temperature side of the MD module, thereby creating a temperature gradient across of the MD module. A desalination method is also presented.
US08512566B2 Disposable fluid path systems and methods for processing complex biological materials
Disclosed herein is a disposable fluid path for processing complex materials. The disposable fluid path comprises a gravity assisted disposable system for separating a biological sample into two or more distinct submaterials through sedimentation. The fluid path is comprised of a sample delivery conduit and bag-set wherein the bag set comprising a tubing assembly, a separation assembly, and a filter assembly. Methods of using the system are also disclosed.
US08512555B1 Filter assembly, system and method
A stormwater filter assembly includes a hood and an outlet tube within the hood for draining filtered stormwater. The outlet tube has a solid wall along at least a portion of its height, and an inlet above the solid wall. A second tube is disposed about the outlet tube defining a flow space therebetween for receiving filtered stormwater. The second tube includes a wall that is perforated along at least a portion of its height that overlaps with the solid wall of the outlet tube such that filtered stormwater that enters the flow space must move upward to enter the outlet tube. A filter media is disposed between the hood and the second tube through which stormwater travels during a filtering operation.
US08512554B2 Dialysis system and machine having therapy prescription recall
In an embodiment, an automated peritoneal dialysis (“APD”) machine includes at least one pump, a logic implementer storing a plurality of therapy prescriptions by which to operate the at least one pump, each therapy prescription pre-approved for a particular patient, and an input device operating with the logic implementer to allow the patient to select one of the therapy prescriptions for a particular therapy. In another embodiment, the input device operating with the logic implementer allows a doctor/clinician to select or approve one of the therapy prescriptions to be run on the APD machine. In a further embodiment, the logic implementer is programmed to select or suggest one of the therapy prescriptions to be run on the APD machine.
US08512553B2 Extracorporeal dialysis ready peritoneal dialysis machine
A dialysis system includes: (i) a dialysate pump; (ii) a patient line having a connector configured to be attached to a peritoneal patient part; (iii) an extracorporeal circuit; (iv) a blood pump in fluid communication with the extracorporeal circuit; (v) a blood filter in fluid communication with the extracorporeal circuit; and (vi) a control unit configured and arranged to selectively perform a therapy which (a) the blood pump is deactivated and the dialysate pump is caused to pump dialysate through the patient line or (b) the blood pump is activated to pump blood to the blood filter and the dialysate pump is caused to pump dialysate to the filter/extracorporeal circuit and/or remove fluid from the filter.
US08512548B2 Measurement and uses of oxidative status
The present invention provides a method of determining the overall oxidative status of a body fluid or a tissue of a patient by measuring the oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) of the body fluid or tissue. The method has been found to be useful in the diagnosis, evaluation and monitoring of patients who have suffered a trauma (such as a head injury), patients suspected of being critically-ill or who are critically ill, patients who have an infection, and patients suspected of having a myocardial infarction (MI) or who have had an MI. The method has also been found useful in monitoring and evaluating exercise performance in patients. In addition, the method has been found useful in monitoring and evaluating stored blood products and patients who will receive such a product.
US08512540B2 Plating process and manufacturing process for semiconductor device thereby
An objective of this invention is to reliably form a plating film. The following two steps are sequentially conducted: a first step of connecting a film-formation surface of a wafer 109 to a cathode electrode 107, making the film-formation surface inclined from the surface of a plating solution 103 and immersing the wafer 109 into the plating solution 103 with applying a first current between the cathode electrode 107 and an Cu anode electrode 105 disposed in the plating solution 103, and second step of, after immersing the film-formation surface in the plating solution 103, applying a second current between the cathode electrode 107 and the Cu anode electrode 105 to form a metal film on the film-formation surface by electrolytic plating. In the first step, the first current is controlled on the basis of an inclination angle between the liquid surface and the film-formation surface.
US08512532B2 Method of producing whole blood detecting electrode strip and reaction film formulation and the related products
The present invention relates to a reaction film formulation used in the preparation of a non-enzymatic whole blood uric acid detecting electrode strip, which comprises an electron mediator, a water-soluble polymer carrier, and a volatile organic solvent, and to whole blood biosensor systems.
US08512527B2 Magnet transportation system, sputtering apparatus including the same and sputtering method
A sputtering apparatus for uniformly eroding a sputtering target is disclosed. The sputtering apparatus includes a substrate, a sputtering target having a first surface facing the substrate, a magnet configured to apply a magnetic field to the sputtering target, and facing a second surface of the sputtering target, a guide rail connected to the magnet configured to support and guide the magnet member, wherein a first portion of the guide rail, corresponding to a central portion of the sputtering target, includes a linear portion in a first direction parallel to the second surface of the sputtering target, and wherein a second portion of the guide rail, corresponding to an edge portion of the sputtering target, includes an inclined portion away from the sputtering target in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a screw line formed in the first direction in parallel to the guide rail, and a connector connected to the magnet by an elastic, and configured to move the magnet in the first direction along the screw line.
US08512522B2 Method of producing paper with methane reduction ingredients
Disclosed is a formulation and method for treating paper so that paper in landfills produces less methane than untreated paper. The method includes adding one or more nitrate salts to paper during the process of making paper, or after the paper is made. One effect of adding the nitrate salts is promoting the growth of certain bacteria which do not produce methane as they consume paper products.
US08512517B2 Process for the production of paper or paperboard
The present invention relates to a process for producing a paper or paperboard product which process comprises the steps of providing a first headbox with a furnish comprising fibers, which furnish forms at least one layer of the paper or paperboard product, providing the headbox with a non-fibrous high consistency composition, which composition forms at least one additional layer of the paper or paperboard product and conducting the layers onto a wire forming a multilayer web which is further dewatered and dried forming the paper or paperboard product. The invention further relates to a paper or paperboard produced according to the process and a headbox used in the process.
US08512510B2 Plasma processing method and apparatus
A plasma processing method is arranged to supply a predetermined process gas into a plasma generation space in which a target substrate is placed, and turn the process gas into plasma. The substrate is subjected to a predetermined plasma process by this plasma. The spatial distribution of density of the plasma and the spatial distribution of density of radicals in the plasma are controlled independently of each other relative to the substrate by a facing portion opposite the substrate to form a predetermined process state over the entire target surface of the substrate.
US08512507B2 Toughened resin fiber laminates with titanium particles
A composite structure includes at least one resin matrix layer having a resin material and a plurality of fiber elements and a plurality of titanium particles provided in the resin material. A method of toughening a resin matrix layer is also disclosed.
US08512497B2 Automated composite annular structure forming
Method and apparatus for forming an annular composite structure is provided. In one embodiment an apparatus for forming annular composite structures is provided. The apparatus includes an annular shaped tool and a forming head. The annular shaped tool includes a forming surface of a select cross-sectional geometry. The forming head is configured to form continuous ply layers one ply at a time circumferentially about the forming surface of the tool.
US08512496B2 Elastic member guide device and manufacturing method of disposable wearing articles
An elastic member drive device includes: a drive shaft 12a that allows a plurality of pulleys 21, 31 and 41 to be removably attached as being coaxially aligned in the rotation center axis direction; transmission belts 23, 33 and 43 that are respectively wound around pulleys 21, 31 and 41; and a driver portion 12 that controls regular and reverse rotations of the drive shaft 12a, wherein the guides 25, 35 and 45 are respectively fixed to the transmission belts 23, 33 and 43. A feed amount difference in the web width direction is allowed to be set for each of the guides 25, 35 and 45 by determining a pulley diameter ratio among the pulleys 21, 31 and 41.
US08512492B2 Optical filter, analytical instrument, optical apparatus, and method of manufacturing optical filter
An optical filter according to the invention includes: first and second substrates opposed to each other; first and second reflecting films provided to the first and second substrates; first and second bonding films provided to the first and second substrates; and first and second barrier films disposed on surfaces of the first and second reflecting films, wherein the first barrier film has a transmittance of ozone lower than a transmittance of ozone the first reflecting film has, and the second barrier film has a transmittance of ozone lower than a transmittance of ozone the second reflecting film has. Accordingly, the reflecting films are protected from ozone or ultraviolet radiation during the manufacturing process of the optical filter and thereby the optical filter characteristics is prevented from being deteriorated.
US08512485B2 Alloy
A alloy and a process of forming a alloy are disclosed. The alloy has a predetermined grain boundary morphology. The alloy includes by weight greater than about 0.06 percent carbon, up to about 0.0015 percent sulfur, less than about 16 percent chromium, between about 39 percent and about 44 percent nickel, between about 2.5 percent and about 3.3 percent niobium, between about 1.4 percent and about 2 percent titanium, up to about 0.5 percent aluminum, up to about 0.006 percent boron, up to about 0.3 percent copper, up to about 0.006 percent nitrogen, and greater than about 0.5 percent molybdenum.
US08512482B2 Device for blocking fluid passage through a tubular part by means of a check valve, particularly in a household appliance
A tubular part is provided for a household appliance and includes a portion for operating with fluid. A check valve formed with an elastically compressible hollow cylindrical insertion body is inserted in the tubular part, which is configured as a receiving part and comprises a fluid passage and a contact region serving as a valve seat, the insertion body at the end thereof opposite the contact region of the fluid passage carrying a sealing element. Due to the insertion body being elastically compressed in the receiving part and thereby fixed in the axial position, the sealing element rests against the contact region such that fluid passage is possible only in the direction from the receiving part to the insertion body, while the opposite direction is substantially blocked.
US08512475B2 Liquid sugar from raw granulated cane sugar purifying process
This invention refers to a process for purifying sugar syrup, usually called liquid sugar, prepared with raw granulated cane sugar, in order to obtain a product called purified liquid sugar, with a degree of purity, referred to the content of ashes and color, similar or greater that the purity of a syrup prepared from refined granulated cane sugar, which is equivalent to a content of ICUMSA conductimetric ashes below 0.04% and a color of less than 45 ICUMSA units. The increase in direct reducing sugars content in the product is less than 0.2% with respect to the content of reducing sugars present in raw granulated cane sugar used as raw material for this process, and the pH is kept in the range of 6.0 to 7.5. The process consists of dissolving raw granulated sugar in order to obtain a syrup, filtering, primary bleaching by ion exchange with strong base anionic type resins, demineralizing and complementary bleaching by ion exchange with cationic-and anionic-type resins packed in a mixed bed column, polishing of the syrup by contact with an adsorbent powder material and filtering, and treatment with ultra violet rays.
US08512474B2 Apparatus for precursor delivery system for irradiation beam instruments
A precursor delivery system for an irradiation beam instrument includes an injection tube for injecting gasses into the instrument vacuum chamber and a main gas line having an inlet and an outlet. The outlet is connected to the injection tube, and the inlet is connected to a sequential pair of valves connected to a carrier gas source. A crucible for holding precursor material is selectively connected to the main gas line at a location between the pair of valves and the injection tube. The source of carrier gas may be selectively connected to the inlet by sequential operation of the pair of carrier gas valves, so that pulses of carrier gas assist the flow of precursor material to the injection tube. Rapid purging of the system between precursors is enabled by a valve selectively connecting the main line to an envelope in communication with the instrument vacuum.
US08512472B2 Method and apparatus to enhance process gas temperature in a CVD reactor
Methods and apparatus for controlling temperature and flow characteristics of process gases in a process chamber have been provided herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus for controlling temperature and flow characteristics of a process gas in a process chamber may include a gas pre-heat ring configured to be disposed about a substrate and having a labyrinthine conduit disposed therein, wherein the labyrinthine conduit has an inlet and outlet to facilitate the flow of the process gas therethrough.
US08512466B2 Phosphorus-containing oligomer and method for producing the same, curable resin composition and cured product of the same, and printed wiring board
Phosphorus-containing oligomer is represented by formula (1): (R1 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or a phenyl group; n is the number of repeating units and an integer of 1 or more; X is a structural unit represented by structural formula (x1) or (x2) below; Y is a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, or a structural unit represented by the formula (x1) or (x2); and, in the formula (x1) or (x2), R2, R3, R4, and R5 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, a phenyl group, or an aralkyl group), wherein the content of components whose n is 2 or more in the formula (1) is in the range of 5% to 90% in peak area in GPC measurement.
US08512458B2 Chemical and particulate filters containing chemically modified carbon nanotube structures
A carbon nanotube filter, a use for a carbon nanotube filter and a method of forming a carbon nanotube filter. The method including (a) providing a carbon source and a carbon nanotube catalyst; (b) growing carbon nanotubes by reacting the carbon source with the nanotube catalyst; (c) forming chemically active carbon nanotubes by forming a chemically active layer on the carbon nanotubes or forming chemically reactive groups on sidewalls of the carbon nanotubes; and (d) placing the chemically active nanotubes in a filter housing.
US08512457B2 Differential acceleration chromatography
Methods and related systems are described for improving component separations in chromatography through novel techniques. The improvements in separation is due primarily to the provision of differential acceleration of the components being separated. Various systems and methods for providing differential acceleration are described including: increasing the cross section of the column towards the column outlet, changing the thickness or other composition of stationary phase within the column, and providing a temperature and/or mobile phase velocity gradient along the column.
US08512454B2 Electrostatic dust catcher
The invention relates to electrostatic dust catcher including a first (1) and a second electrode (2) and a voltage source (3) for applying an electrical voltage between the two electrodes (1, 2). The first electrode (1) is designed as a dust catching device and the second electrode (2) is grounded.
US08512450B2 Engine air particle separator
A filtration system for a gas turbine engine includes an inlet main body which defines an inner inlet fairing section and a bellmouth inlet faring section transverse thereto. An Engine Air Particle Separator (EAPS) is mounted adjacent to the inlet main body to define a plenum therein. A particulate laden airflow is filtered by the Engine Air Particle Separator (EAPS) to produce a substantially filtered airflow. The substantially filtered airflow is communicated into the plenum, through the bellmouth inlet faring section and into a gas turbine engine.
US08512449B1 Oil-soluble triazine sulfide scavenger
The present invention is directed to water-dispersible, oil-soluble triazine sulfide-scavenging compositions for use in hydrocarbon recovery and processing applications. The compositions include a triazine component, a glycol ether component, and an optional alcohol component. The compositions contain a minor amount of water up to a maximum of about 15% by volume. The compositions can be used in any type of sulfide-scavenging operation and significantly reduce corrosion problems found with conventional triazine scavengers.
US08512446B2 High pressure conveyance gas selection and method of producing the gas
A method is provided that includes removing carbon dioxide from untreated syngas received from a gasifier to produce a gas stream comprising carbon dioxide, modifying the gas stream by adding carbon monoxide, hydrogen, hydrogen sulfide, or any combination thereof, and providing the gas stream from an acid gas remover to a feed system for use as a conveyance gas to convey a feedstock into the gasifier. Systems implementing these and other methods are also provided.
US08512445B2 Carbonate absorption system and process for carbon dioxide separation
The present invention relates to systems and processes for reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in a carbon dioxide-containing gas. In particular, the carbon dioxide-containing gas is contacted with a carbonate-containing solution. At least a portion of carbon dioxide in the carbon dioxide-containing gas is absorbed in the carbonate-containing solution to produce a carbon dioxide-, carbonate-containing solution. A heat recovery mechanism is employed to recover heat from the carbon dioxide-, bicarbonate-, carbonate-containing solution exiting the chamber to maintain the temperature of the chamber within a range of from about 50° C. to about 90° C.
US08512444B2 Hot gas purification
With a method and a system for treatment of a hot crude gas generated by an entrained flow gasification system, removal of the compounds that contain sulfur and carbon is supposed to be undertaken in such a manner that hot gas is made available for further use. This is achieved in that a desulfurization (7) follows the gasifier (2), in series, in the flow path of the hot gas, followed by a solid separation (8, 9), whereby behind the solid separation (8, 9), a partial stream (13) of the gas is provided downstream by way of a water quench (14), a Venturi scrubber (15), a crude gas cooler (16), as well as an H2O separation (17) and a compressor (18), the flow path (19) of which is passed back, cooled, into the circuit, behind the gasification (2) and ahead of the desulfurization system.
US08512439B2 Method for feeding a burden to a blast furnace
The present invention proposes a method for feeding a burden to a blast furnace (32), wherein the method comprises providing a charging device (38) having at least one material hopper (40), the material hopper (40) comprising a hopper chamber (42), a material inlet aperture for feeding a burden into the hopper chamber (40), and a material discharge aperture for feeding a burden from the hopper chamber (40) to the blast furnace (32); the material inlet aperture having an associated inlet seal valve 44) for opening and closing the material inlet aperture and the material discharge aperture having an associated material discharge valve (46) for opening and closing the material discharge aperture. The method further comprises opening the material inlet aperture and closing the material discharge aperture; feeding a burden into the hopper chamber (40) through the material inlet aperture; closing the inlet seal valve (44); pressurizing the hopper chamber (40) by feeding pressurizing gas into the hopper chamber (40); and opening the material discharge valve (46) and feeding the burden from the hopper chamber (40) to the blast furnace (32). According to an important aspect of the invention, the method comprises feeding a predetermined amount of pressurized flushing gas through the hopper chamber (42) before pressurizing the hopper chamber (42), wherein the flushing gas comprises at least 75% carbon dioxide.
US08512436B2 Metal fine particles and manufacturing method therefor
There is provided a method for efficiently manufacturing metal nano particles without condensing laser beams by using a lens etc. In this method, first, metallic foil pieces, which are a starting material, are dispersed in a dispersion liquid. Next, laser beams are irradiated directly to the metallic foil pieces without providing a condensing means, by which many metal fine particles are yielded. The particle diameters of the metal fine particles obtained can be controlled to sizes from nano particles to submicron particles by utilizing the relationship between the shape (especially thickness) of the metallic foil piece which is a starting material and the absorbed energy of the laser beam.
US08512435B2 Filter medium and breather filter structure
Thermoplastic bicomponent binder fiber can be combined with other media, fibers and other filtration components to form a thermally bonded filtration media. The filtration media can be used in filter units, such as breather caps. Such filter units can be placed in the stream of a mobile fluid and can remove a particulate and/or fluid mist load from the mobile stream. The unique combination of media fiber, bicomponent binder fiber and other filtration additives and components provide a filtration media having unique properties in filtration applications.
US08512433B2 Low back pressure porous honeycomb and method
Disclosed are ceramic honeycomb articles which possess a unique microstructure characterized by porosity between 40% and 70%, and the presence of coarse pores exhibiting a depth equivalent to the thickness of the cell wall and a dimensional width, in the plane of the cell wall, exhibiting a diameter that is at least as large as the thickness of the cell wall. The articles exhibits reduced filtration efficiency coupled with low pressure drop across the filter, and a reduced regeneration need. Such ceramic articles are particularly well suited for filtration applications, such as off-road and retro-fit diesel exhaust filters or DPFs. Also disclosed is a method for manufacturing the ceramic article wherein the pore former is capable of forming coarse pores.
US08512414B2 Airway anchor suture to prevent airway stent migration
An airway stent with an integral suture anchor is used to prevent migration of the stent within the airway. The suture anchor is incorporated by percutaneous placement of a suture through the neck and into the stent. The distal end of the suture includes an anchor element to secure the suture to the stent. The opposite end of the suture is tensioned and held in place by a suture clamp and a pledget routed over the stent and placed against the neck. Airway stents such as tracheal stents are effective at maintaining airway patency however; a common complication is stent migration. The integral suture anchor provides a reliable, economical, and non-intrusive solution to stent migration.
US08512412B2 Articulating implant system
An articulating implant system is provided for fixation to a bone. The articulating implant system includes a fixation component for fixation to the bone and an articulating member for articulating against bone or cartilage. Specifically, a modular ulnar implant is provided in accordance with the articulating implant system of the present invention wherein the fixation component is a stem for insertion into the intramedullary canal of the distal ulna and the articulating member is a head for articulating with the radial sigmoid notch.
US08512406B2 Vertebral body and disc space replacement devices
A vertebral replacement device for supporting adjacent vertebrae includes a vertebral body member having at least one of an upper or lower disc replacement member engaged thereto at one end thereof. The disc replacement device can be positioned in a spinal disc space when disengaged from the vertebral body member.
US08512402B2 Detachable buttress material retention systems for use with a surgical stapling device
Systems of releasably connecting staple line buttress material to the jaws of a surgical stapling instrument are provided. The systems include retainers configured to engage the buttress material and releasably retain the buttress material on the jaws of the surgical stapling instrument prior to stapling tissue. In certain embodiments, the retainers remain with the jaws of the instrument after stapling of tissue. In alternative embodiments, the retainers remain with the buttress material after being stapled to tissue.
US08512400B2 Transcatheter heart valve delivery system with reduced area moment of inertia
A device for percutaneously repairing a heart valve of a patient including a self-expanding, stented prosthetic heart valve and a delivery system. The delivery system includes delivery sheath slidably receiving an inner shaft forming a coupling structure. A capsule of the delivery sheath includes a distal segment and a proximal segment. An outer diameter of the distal segment is greater than that of the proximal segment. An area moment of inertia of the distal segment can be greater than an area moment of inertia of the proximal segment. Regardless, an axial length of the distal segment is less than the axial length of the prosthesis. In a loaded state, the prosthesis engages the coupling structure and is compressively retained within the capsule. The capsule is unlikely to kink when traversing the patient's vasculature, such as when tracking around the aortic arch, promoting recapturing of the prosthesis.
US08512399B2 Valve apparatus, system and method
A cardiac valve with a first anchor frame and a cover on the first anchor frame for unidirectional flow of a liquid through the valve.
US08512394B2 Balloon expandable crush-recoverable stent device
An intraluminal, balloon expandable stent for implantation in a body lumen is disclosed. The present invention provides a lumen support stent with an unobstructed through-lumen for use in a blood vessel. A constraining mechanism is provided for securely maintaining the stent in the collapsed condition during delivery. The stent is preferably formed with a series of interconnected slide and lock mechanisms for permitting movement from a collapsed condition to an expanded condition and inhibiting radial recoil from the expanded condition. The stent may be formed from a shape memory alloy for providing crush-recovery after deployment.
US08512390B2 Methods and apparatus for storage and/or introduction of implant for hollow anatomical structure
One embodiment of the apparatus comprises a housing with a sheath portion projecting distally therefrom. The sheath portion has a sheath with a lumen, and a bearing surface in the sheath lumen or aligned with the sheath lumen, and located at or near a distal end of the sheath. The implant is at least partially positioned in the apparatus, and comprises an implant body and a tether connected to the implant body. The tether extends from the implant body distally within the sheath portion and around the bearing surface, where the tether changes direction, and extends back proximally from the bearing surface along and within the sheath portion. The apparatus is configured to move the first tether portion proximally and thereby draw the implant body distally along and within the sheath lumen.
US08512386B2 Infant phototherapy device
An infant phototherapy device comprises a housing assembly, a light source carried by the housing assembly, and a panel mode assembly including a panel mode adaptor arranged to be detachably connected with the housing assembly. The panel mode assembly further comprises an elongated flexible light pipe and a light emitting panel, the light pipe providing light communication between the light source and the light emitting panel, so that when the panel mode adaptor is connected with the housing assembly, light emitted by the light source is transmitted through the light pipe to the light emitting panel. A suspension structure is arranged to suspend the housing assembly, wherein when the panel mode adaptor is disconnected from the housing assembly and the housing assembly is suspended from the suspension structure, light emitted from the housing can be projected onto a patient.
US08512382B2 Monoaxial and polyaxial pedicle screw
The present invention relates to an alternatively monoaxial and polyaxial pedicle or other similar surgical screw that can be used in a polyaxial manner and then locked or otherwise secured at a desired angle or orientation, i.e. used in a monoaxial manner, prior to engaging a rod or other similar stabilization member with the pedicle or other similar surgical screw. In other words, the present invention provides a pedicle or other similar surgical screw that can be selectively used in either a monoaxial or polyaxial configuration, as is desirable in a particular application or at a particular point of a given surgical procedure.
US08512381B2 Stabilization system and method
The disclosure relates to systems and methods of spinal stabilization. Embodiments include minimally invasive methods of delivering a rod having a non-circular cross-sectional profile using a wire having an accommodating non-circular cross-sectional profile to inhibit movement of the rod relative to the wire. A rod or a segment of the rod having a non-circular cross-sectional profile may be aligned with the wire and advanced and coupled to bone fastener assemblies which are anchored in vertebrae. The rod is then securely seated in collars of the bone fastener assemblies to stabilize the spine.
US08512380B2 Posterior fixation system
A posterior fixation system includes a saddle member, an anchoring member, an occipital plate, an occipital rod, and a cross-link connector. The anchoring member anchors the saddle member to bone. The saddle member includes a pair of upright portions that define a channel. The channel is adapted to receive an orthopedic rod, and the saddle member can include a hole to receive the anchoring member. The saddle member and the anchoring member can be coupled so as to allow multi-axial movement of the members. The anchoring member in one embodiment is a screw coupled to the hole of the saddle, and in another embodiment, the anchoring member is a hook. The offset member may be coupled to the saddle member to allow for offset connection of rods. Connection of individual rods can be accomplished by connecting the rods with the cross-link connector. The cross-link connector has an integrally formed cylindrical member that couples a pair of coupling portions together. The cylindrical member can be bent along multiple axes. The occipital plate secures the rods to the occipital bone of the skull. The occipital plate has a cross-shaped plate with a plurality of apertures defined in the plate and at least one saddle member coupled to the plate. Alternatively, the occipital rod can be secured to the occipital bone.
US08512378B2 Suture anchor
A bone anchor is described having pre-attached suture material. After insertion, lateral wings can be deployed on the bone anchor to prevent anchor pull-out. The suture may be attached at the tip of the anchor by tying it to a wire hook secured in a cavity in the anchor tip. The anchor may be inserted and deployed using an anchor inserter that is configured to apply an axial force to the anchor, thereby deforming the anchor to form the lateral wings.
US08512377B2 Suture anchoring assemblies and methods of use
A suture anchor assembly and methods of use will now are disclosed for the repair of human or animal tissue defects. The suture anchor assembly is capable of being inserted into a tissue or bone while also being able to create an expanded profile when subjected to a retrograde force. This expanded profile anchors the assembly into the tissue or bone by a changing of position of elements of the assembly relative to other assembly elements. Embodiments of the suture anchor assembly and methods are capable of precisely positioning assembly elements in the tissue or bone to effectively repair the defects.
US08512371B2 Jaw, blade and gap manufacturing for surgical instruments with small jaws
An endoscopic forceps includes an elongate shaft defining an instrument axis. An end effector includes first and second jaw members each supporting an opposed sealing surface for clamping tissue. At least one of the jaw members is movable relative to the instrument axis such that the jaw members are movable between a first spaced-apart configuration and a second closed configuration for grasping tissue. A cutting instrument includes a reciprocating blade translatable relative to the sealing surfaces to sever tissue clamped between the jaw members. The reciprocating blade contacts an undersurface of at least one of the jaw members when the jaw members are in the second configuration to define a gap distance between the sealing surfaces. A handle adjacent the proximal end of the elongate shaft is operable to induce motion in the jaw members, and an actuator is operable to selectively translate the reciprocating blade.
US08512358B2 Suturing assembly
A suturing needle is disclosed having a main longitudinal axis, a distal sharp portion and proximal portion along said axis. The distal portion is hollowed, and the hollow is approximately parallel to said axis. A further embodiment of the suturing needle is disclosed such that the distal portion comprises a notched open bore located at the needle's extreme distal end. Other embodiments of the suturing assembly are described accommodating a suture in the needle bore.
US08512356B2 Follicular unit harvesting tools including devices and their use for severing connective tissue
Devices and methods are disclosed which provide for harvesting hair follicular units, including severing any remaining connective tissue strands during the harvesting process, so that the harvested follicular units are retained in the harvesting tool without being damaged. The devices and methods of the present invention are especially useful with the partially or substantially automated systems and methods for hair harvesting and transplantation. The follicular unit harvesting tools may comprise a harvesting cannula and a grasping device moveable relative to each other.
US08512354B2 Dermatome blade assembly
A dermatome having a blade assembly, where the blade assembly includes a blade and a blade mount. The blade may include a blade edge, a reference edge and at least one hole or receiver positioned between the blade edge and the reference edge. The blade mount may include a base, a blade locator extending from the base and at least one reference fence abutting the reference edge of the blade. The blade locator may include a protrusion for inserting into the hole or receiver of the blade. The blade and blade mount of the blade assembly may self align and provide for a simple and permanent connection.
US08512352B2 Complex wire formed devices
The devices and methods described herein relate to jointless construction of complex structures. Such devices have applicability in through-out the body, including clearing of blockages within body lumens, such as the vasculature, by addressing the frictional resistance on the obstruction prior to attempting to translate and/or mobilize the obstruction within the body lumen.
US08512350B2 Single operator medical device handles and related methods of use
The invention is directed to improved handles for medical devices. Embodiments of the invention include handles that allow for the device's introduction, positioning, and actuation with a single hand of an operator, handles that allow an operator to simultaneously position and manipulate two devices relative to each other as well as relative to an additional medical device, such as an endoscope, and handles that allow an operator to simultaneously manipulate an endoscope and an additional medical device without the help of an assistant.
US08512346B2 Method and system for computer assisted orthopedic knee surgery
A method and system (10) for the installation of a cutting guide (60) on a bone element (33) in orthopedic computer assisted surgery is provided. The method includes positioning a drill guide (30) against a distal end of the bone element (33), determining at least two pin locations on one of a medial (31) and a lateral side of the bone element (33), fastening locating pins (42) to the bone element (33) at the determined pin locations, removing the drill guide (30) and installing a CAS bone reference (20) in its place on the same locating pins (42), and subsequently mounting the cutting guide (60) to the same locating pins (42).
US08512344B2 Insertion instrument for a spinal fixation system
A medical instrument apparatus and method is provided to insert and release medical implants. This invention pertains generally to medical instruments and more specifically to spinal implant insertion instruments for spinal fixation systems. The insertion instrument may provide a positive locking and unlocking actuator, preferably in the form of a lever, which ensures that the pedicle screw and yoke assembly is either mechanically locked to the insertion instrument or unlocked to the insertion instrument. The positive locking and unlocking actuator of the insertion instrument eliminates guesswork for the surgeon because the surgeon can readily know if the pedicle screw and yoke assembly is attached to the insertion instrument or not. Superelastic components may also be included to shift components in a first direction and pull components under superelastic tension in a second direction for increased holding force.
US08512343B2 Methods and instruments for approximating misaligned vertebra
Methods and instruments are provided for connecting a rod extending along a patient's spinal column to a misaligned vertebra. The method comprises implanting a bone anchor in the misaligned vertebra, attaching an approximating device to the implanted bone anchor and rod, approximating the vertebra toward the rod using the approximating device, and connecting the rod to the bone anchor on the approximated vertebra. In certain embodiments the approximating device may include a winch mechanism. In other embodiments the approximating device is a cannula used in conjunction with a guide system.
US08512341B2 Medical device
A cutting tool (1) for cutting bone, comprising: a body (2) having a proximal end (4) and a distal end (6); and at least one primary cutting surface (8) disposed at the distal end (6); wherein the at least one primary cutting surface (8) is shaped so that when, in use, a torque is applied to the proximal end (4) of the body (2), the at least one primary cutting surface (8) cuts a conical or frustoconical shaped cavity in the bone. A method for cutting bone using such a cutting tool (1).
US08512339B2 Fracture fixation system
A fracture fixation system in which a plate is secured to stable bone and posts are inserted at varying angles into an unstable bone fragment by engaging in rotatable bearings which are fixedly secured in the plate when the posts are fully engaged in the bone fragment. The bearings are formed as truncated spherical members having a number of longitudinal slots extending partway along the length of the bearing to form petals which are expanded outwardly when the posts are advanced in the bearing to produce non-uniform distribution of forces between the bearing and the plate which generate force couples to resist angulation of the posts and loss of fracture fixation. Various other ways of producing non-uniform force distribution are described.
US08512336B2 Optimal geometries for creating current densities in a bipolar electrode configuration
An end effector assembly for use with an electrosurgical instrument is provided. The end effector assembly has a first jaw member having a first pair of tissue contacting surfaces and an insulator disposed therebetween. The end effector assembly also has a second jaw member that includes a second pair of tissue contacting surfaces, a pair of insulators disposed between the second pair of tissue contacting surfaces, and a cutting element disposed between the pair of insulators. The relative movement of the first jaw member toward the second jaw member causes the insulator of the first jaw member and the pair of insulators of the second jaw member to pinch tissue disposed between the first jaw member and the second jaw member.
US08512332B2 Real-time arc control in electrosurgical generators
An electrosurgical generator is disclosed. The generator includes a radio frequency output stage configured to generate a radio frequency waveform and a sensor circuit configured to measure a property of the radio frequency waveform during a predetermined sampling period to determine whether an arc event has occurred. The generator also includes a controller configured to determine a total charge and/or total energy deposited by the radio frequency waveform during the predetermined sampling period associated with the arc event. The controller is further configured to adjust the output of the electrosurgical generator based on at least one parameter to limit arcing.
US08512327B2 Methods and devices for treating tissue
The invention provides a system and method for achieving the cosmetically beneficial effects of shrinking collagen tissue in the dermis or other areas of tissue in an effective, non-invasive manner using an array of electrodes. Systems described herein allow for improved treatment of tissue. Additional variations of the system include array of electrodes configured to minimize the energy required to produce the desired effect.
US08512326B2 Tissue extraction devices and methods
Tissue may be cut and extracted from an interior location in a patient's body using a probe or tool which both effects cutting and causes vaporization of a liquid or other fluid to propel the cut tissue through an extraction lumen of the cutting device. The cutting may be achieved using an electrosurgical electrode assembly, including a first electrode on a cutting member and a second electrode within a cutting probe or tool. Thus, over a first cutting portion, radio frequency current may help cut the tissue and over a second or over transition region, the RF current may initiate vaporization of the fluid or other liquid to propel the tissue from the cutting device.
US08512325B2 Frequency shifting multi mode ultrasonic dissector
An ultrasonic surgical dissection system and method that employs an ultrasonic waveform that provides improved dissection of tissue while simultaneously providing improved hemostasis is disclosed. The disclosed system provides an ultrasonic waveform that includes a carrier frequency that may be pulse modulated at a predetermined rate and/or duty cycle. Embodiments are presented wherein the disclosed system provides an ultrasonic waveform having a frequency modulated carrier frequency. Additionally or alternatively, the disclosed waveform may be amplitude modulated. In yet another embodiment, an amplitude modulation of the ultrasonic signal may be synchronized, at least in part, with a frequency modulation of the ultrasonic signal. The frequency modulation and/or amplitude modulation may include continuously variable modulations and/or substantially instantaneous transitions between a first frequency and a second frequency and/or a first amplitude and a second amplitude.
US08512323B2 Devices and methods for computer-assisted surgery
Disclosed are devices and methods for correlating or aligning pre-surgical image(s) with image(s) observed during a surgical procedure to aid in orientation of tissues and devices for performing a surgical procedure. In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides devices and methods for aligning pre-surgical image(s) of optical tissues or structures, e.g., the retina, with real-time images observed or obtained with a slit lamp, or other optical viewing device. The ability of the subject invention to correlate these images can advantageously provide the physician with greater accuracy when administering surgical treatment, such as with a laser, and can significantly reduce surgery time.
US08512321B2 Minimally invasive glaucoma surgical instrument and method
Apparatuses and methods for the treatment of glaucoma are provided. The instrument uses either cauterization, a laser to ablate, sonic or ultrasonic energy to emulsify, or mechanical cutting of a portion of the trabecular meshwork. The instrument may also be provided with irrigation, aspiration, and a footplate. The footplate is used to enter Schlemm's canal, serves as a guide, and also protects Schlemm's canal.
US08512320B1 Method for modifying the refractive index of ocular tissues
The invention is directed to a method for correcting vision in a patient by modifying the refractive index of cornea tissue. The method comprises identifying and measuring the degree of vision correction of the patient; and determining the position and type of refractive structures to be written into the cornea tissue of the patient to correct the patient's vision. The refractive structures are written by irradiating select regions of the cornea tissue with focused laser pulses having a wavelength from 400 nm to 900 nm and a pulse energy from 0.01 nJ to 10 nJ. The refractive structures are characterized by a positive change in refractive index in relation to non-irradiated cornea tissue of the patient.
US08512315B2 Surgical device
An in-line laparoscopic surgical instrument is provided, including a ratchet mechanism. The ratchet mechanism includes a single actuating means that may be used to engage, release, or defeat a ratchet engagement between portions of the handle.
US08512308B2 Connector, syringe assembly, and connector for mixing
A connector is configured to be connected to a syringe assembly provided with at least one syringe having an outer cylinder with a protruding tube-shaped port, and a holder which holds the syringe. The connector includes a connector main body mountable on a container containing a medical solution; a tube-shaped fitting section protruding from the upper section of the connector main body for receiving the syringe to connect the inside of the syringe and the inside of the container when the syringe port is fitted in the fitting section; and fixing means having a lock mechanism that fixes the syringe assembly to the connector main body when the syringe port is fitted in the fitting section, an operating section to release the fixed state provided by the lock mechanism, and a push-out section that pushes out the syringe assembly when the fixing releasing operation is performed.
US08512305B2 Sealed core for an absorbent article
An absorbent article is provided including a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The core defines a wearer facing side oriented towards a wearer when the article is being worn and an opposed garment facing side. The core includes a storage layer that also defines a wearer facing side and an opposed garment facing side. The core further includes a first core wrap sheet covering the wearer facing side of the storage layer, and a second core wrap sheet covering the garment facing side of the storage layer. The first core wrap sheet is joined to the second core wrap sheet along at least one stripe of juncture. The stripe of juncture extends in at least one of the transversal and longitudinal directions.
US08512303B2 Negative drawstring seal for an ostomy bag
An ostomy body side member with a sealing member is provided. The sealing member has a fixed base member defining an opening having a first diameter and a resilient sealing element comprising a stoma receiving orifice defining an inner boundary. The inner boundary of the stoma receiving orifice has a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter of the frame. The sealing member is also provided with at least one adjustment member coupled between the fixed base member and the resilient sealing element. Furthermore, an alignment member for adjusting the tension of the at least one adjustment member is provided thereby allowing the diametrical dimension of the stoma sealing orifice to be adjusted from a first diameter to a second diameter.
US08512294B2 Vascular access device antimicrobial materials and solutions
A medical device includes an antimicrobial layer. A method of depositing an antimicrobial agent on or in the body of a medical device includes inserting a high temperature resistant tube having multiple holes through its surface into a vascular access device and coating, or delivering an antimicrobial agent to, and interior surface of the device.
US08512291B2 Clog-preventing valved catheter and method of using the catheter
An anti-clogging catheter includes a tubular cannula defining a fluid passageway and shaped and tipped to removably insert within and be removed from a human body, where the cannula has a proximal end with a first interior surface defining a first interior diameter and a distal end with a second interior surface defining a second interior diameter that is smaller than the first interior diameter. A stylet is movable within the fluid passageway between the proximal end and the distal end and has an outer diameter substantially equal to the second interior diameter.
US08512290B2 Devices and methods for delivering therapeutic or diagnostic agents
An agent delivery device includes an outer tubular body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the distal end and the proximal end, an inner tubular body positioned coaxially within the lumen of the outer tubular body, the inner tubular body having a distal end configured for puncturing tissue, a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the distal end and the proximal end of the inner tubular body, and a suction port located at the distal end of the outer tubular body, the suction port being in fluid communication with the lumen of the outer tubular body. The inner tubular body may be fixedly or slidably secured to the outer tubular body. The agent delivery device may further include a monopolar or bipolar electrode and/or a radio-opaque marker carried at the distal end of the device.
US08512288B2 Infusion medium delivery device and method with drive device for driving plunger in reservoir
A delivery device includes a durable housing portion and a separable disposable portion that selectively engage and disengage from each other. The disposable housing portion secures to the patient-user and may be disposed of after it has been in use for a prescribed period. Components that normally come into contact with a patient-user or with infusion medium are supported by the disposable housing portion, while the durable housing portion supports other components such as electronics and a drive device. A reservoir is supported by the disposable housing portion and has a moveable plunger that operatively couples to the drive device, when the disposable and durable housing portions are engaged.
US08512281B2 Angioplasty medical devices made of elastomeric material
The present invention relates to a medical device for angioplasty or parts thereof, which is made of elastomeric material, wherein the elastomeric material comprises a polyamide-based polymer obtained from the polymerization of a compound forming polyamide blocks that is selected from the group consisting of an aminocarboxylic acid of Formula (1) and a lactam of Formula (2): with a polyether diamine triblock compound of Formula (3): and a dicarboxylic acid of Formula (4): HOOC—(R3)m-COOH  (4) wherein the groups R1, R2 and R3 are each binding groups comprising a hydrocarbon chain therein that may be interrupted by one or more amide groups; x is an integer from 1 to 20; y is an integer from 4 to 50, z is an integer from 1 to 20; m is 0 or 1.
US08512280B2 Devices for cooling the nasal cavity
A cerebral cooling device that uses a pressurized source to deliver a fluid that evaporates in the nasal cavity to provide cooling and has a balloon on the distal end that inflates from some of the pressure front the pressurized source. The device includes a nasal catheter having delivery ports located in the distal region and a balloon on the distal end. The proximal end of the catheter is in fluid communication with a pressurized source of a low boiling point fluid. A manifold located between the pressurized source and the catheter distributes the fluid and pressure from the pressurized source to a first lumen of the catheter to inflate the balloon and to a second lumen of the catheter through the delivery ports to cool the nasal cavity. A check valve in the manifold ensures that the fluid and pressure are first delivered to the balloon.
US08512269B1 Molded ankle-foot orthoses and methods of construction
Disclosed is an ankle-foot orthosis that includes a boot and a pre-tibial shell. The boot includes an inner shell and outer shell between which are included padding and/or structural supports according to the needs of the patient to be treated. The pre-tibial shell likewise includes an interior layer and an exterior layer. Both the boot and the pre-tibial shell are custom molded to a casting made from an injured foot while taped in a non-weight-bearing position and corrected to a position of neutral pathology. Also disclosed is a method for constructing the disclosed ankle-foot orthosis.
US08512267B2 Over-molded flexible knee brace
A fitted hinge brace for supporting a joint that employs a flexible over-molding over hinge arms. The over-molded hinge brace dynamically conforms to the shape of the wearer in real-time, working with the wearer's body to provide comfortable support. The hinge brace includes first and second cuffs with flexible over-molding formed over medial and lateral hinges. The medial and lateral hinges each include a hinge arm and a hinge plate with geared portion. The geared portions of the medial hinge plate of the first cuff fit between the geared portions of the medial hinge plate of the second cuff, and the geared portions of the lateral hinge plate of the first cuff fit between the geared portions of the lateral hinge plate of the second cuff.
US08512264B1 Analgesic implant device and system
An implant system for imparting vibratory massage to tissue of a patient from within the body of the patient is disclosed. The system comprises an implant device configured to produce and communicate a vibration to body tissue located adjacent to the implant device. The device may include a case forming at least a portion of an exterior of the device, and a vibration generator configured to vibrate the portion of the exterior. The device may include a power supply to supply power to the vibration generator and a switch to selectively permit power from the power supply to be supplied to the vibration generator. The device may include a power receiver to receive electrical energy from a location external to the body of the patient and a signal receiver to receive signals from a location external to the body of the patient when the receiver is located in the body of the patient.
US08512262B2 Energetic modulation of nerves
A system to modulate an autonomic nerve in a patient utilizing transcutaneous ultrasound energy delivery includes a processor comprising an input for receiving information regarding energy and power to be delivered to a treatment region containing the nerve, and an output for outputting a signal, wherein the processor is configured to determine a position of a reference target from outside the patient to localize the nerve relative to the reference target, a therapeutic energy device comprising a transducer for delivering ultrasound energy from outside the patient, a controller to control an aiming of the transducer based at least in part on the signal from the processor, and an imaging system coupled to the processor or the therapeutic energy device.
US08512259B2 Tactile sensory testing instrument
A hand held instrument for evaluation of cutaneous sensory perception includes a body member, a rotatable head, and a testing element such as a monofilament projecting from the head member wherein the head member and the body are rotatably engaged for positioning the head member with its projecting testing element at a substantially right angle from the body and for alternatively positioning the head member with its projecting testing element in a non-testing position with the testing element extending in a protected position within an elongate channel of the body. The instrument further includes a guard member or sleeve in cooperative engagement with the body and head member to cover the elongate channel in a first non-testing position and to uncover the elongate channel in a second testing position.
US08512256B2 Method of locating the tip of a central venous catheter
A method of locating a tip of a central venous catheter (“CVC”) having a distal and proximal pair of electrodes disposed within the superior vena cava, right atrium, and/or right ventricle. The method includes obtaining a distal and proximal electrical signal from the distal and proximal pair of electrodes and using those signals to generate a distal and proximal P wave, respectively. A deflection value is determined for each of the P waves. A ratio of the deflection values is then used to determine a location of the tip of the CVC. Optionally, the CVC may include a reference pair of electrodes disposed within the superior vena cava from which a reference deflection value may be obtained. A ratio of one of the other deflection values to the reference deflection value may be used to determine the location of the tip of the CVC.
US08512254B2 Optical sensor and method for detecting a patient condition
An implantable medical device for monitoring tissue perfusion that includes a light source emitting a light signal and a light detector receiving emitted light scattered by a volume of body tissue. The light detector emits a signal having an alternating current component corresponding to the pulsatility of blood flow in the body tissue volume. A processor receives the current signal and determines a patient condition in response to the alternating component of the current signal.
US08512251B2 Ultrasound transducer and ultrasound diagnostic apparatus
An ultrasound transducer includes a substrate and a lower electrode layer, a lower insulating layer, an upper insulating layer, and an upper electrode layer. The lower insulating layer and the upper insulating layer are arranged to be opposed to each other via an air gap section. The upper insulating layer and the lower insulating layer are different in a material and thickness and satisfy Equation 1 below. In Equation 1, K1 represents a relative dielectric constant of the lower insulating layer, K2 represents a relative dielectric constant of the upper insulating layer, T1 represents thickness of the lower insulating layer, T2 represents thickness of the upper insulating layer, ρ1(x) represents a charge density distribution in the lower insulating layer, and ρ2(y) represents a charge density distribution in the upper insulating layer. 1 K ⁢ ⁢ 1 ⁢ ∫ 0 T ⁢ ⁢ 1 ⁢ x × ρ ⁢ ⁢ 1 ⁢ ( x ) ⁢ ⁢ ⅆ x = 1 K ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ∫ 0 T ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ y × ρ ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ( y ) ⁢ ⁢ ⅆ y ( Equation ⁢ ⁢ 1 )
US08512250B2 Component ultrasound transducer
An ultrasound transducer having multiple focal zones is described. In one embodiment there is an ultrasound transducer manufactured as a single piece but having two or more focal zones. In a second embodiment there is a transducer assembly combining a high frequency and low frequency transducer. In a third embodiment there is an interchangeable assembly allowing for different ultrasound transducers to be used based on procedural needs. Variations of each embodiment are also disclosed.
US08512249B2 Detection of the detachment of immobilized contrast agent in medical imaging applications
An input image includes a plurality of input values (i.e., pixel or voxel values), each input value indicative of a response to an interrogation signal of a corresponding location of a body-part, which possibly includes a contrast agent. At least one filtered image is generated from a plurality of selected input images and includes a filtered value for each of a plurality of selected ones of the locations. Each filtered value is indicative of the contrast agent leaving the selected location and is obtained by reducing a contribution of the contrast agent that is substantially stationary at the selected location along the selected input images for a period of time equal to or shorter than a first threshold and by reducing a contribution of the contrast agent that is substantially stationary for a period of time equal to or longer than a second higher threshold.
US08512245B2 Sensor for percutaneous intravascular deployment without an indwelling cannula
The present invention relates to a sensor for percutaneous insertion and intravascular residence without an indwelling cannula. In preferred embodiments, a glucose sensor is inserted into a blood vessel using a removable cannula. After the cannula is removed, the glucose sensor remains within the blood vessel by itself and forms a seal with the patient's tissue.
US08512242B2 Noninvasive physiological analysis using excitation-sensor modules and related devices and methods
Methods and apparatus for qualifying and quantifying excitation-dependent physiological information extracted from wearable sensors in the midst of interference from unwanted sources are provided. An organism is interrogated with at least one excitation energy, energy response signals from two or more distinct physiological regions are sensed, and these signals are processed to generate an extracted signal. The extracted signal is compared with a physiological model to qualify and/or quantify a physiological property. Additionally, important physiological information can be qualified and quantified by comparing the excitation wavelength-dependent response, measured via wearable sensors, with a physiological model.
US08512239B2 Glucose measuring device for use in personal area network
A glucose measuring system includes a glucose meter that incorporates wireless communication capabilities. The meter can advantageously be a low cost meter by eliminating expensive components, such as the display. The user nevertheless is able to retrieve and view his or her glucose values by referring to displays within the glucose measuring local area network. Feedback via these displays can advantageously be used by the diabetic to create a higher level of confidence and safety.
US08512238B2 Method, performance monitor and computer program for determining performance
The invention relates to a method, a user-specific performance monitor and a computer program for determining the user's performance. In the method, the performance power of a physical exercise is determined by means of user movement data registered by the user-specific performance monitor. Further, the exertion level corresponding to the performance power of the physical exercise is determined by means of physiological information measured from the user, the physiological information being registered by the user-specific performance monitor; and the user's performance is estimated by means of the performance power of the physical exercise and the exertion level corresponding to the performance power of the physical exercise.
US08512235B2 Surgical access system and related methods
A system for accessing a surgical target site and related methods, involving an initial distraction system for creating an initial distraction corridor, and an assembly capable of distracting from the initial distraction corridor to a secondary distraction corridor and thereafter sequentially receiving a plurality of retractor blades for retracting from the secondary distraction corridor to thereby create an operative corridor to the surgical target site, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site.
US08512234B2 Laryngoscope assembly with enhanced viewing capability
A laryngoscope assembly with enhanced viewing capability including a laryngoscope handle having a permanently mounted laryngoscope optical system. The laryngoscope optical system has a view tube with a leading aperture lens for affording a field of view along a deflected line of sight viewing in an operative intubation position. The laryngoscope handle includes a laryngoscope optical system securing arrangement for mechanically securing the laryngoscope optical system in the operative intubation position. The laryngoscope assembly also includes an interchangeable laryngoscope blade including a trailing view tube sleeve for slidably mounting on the view tube and a leading spatula wherein the view tube sleeve has a leading transparent window for covering the aperture lens. The laryngoscope assembly further includes a blade securing arrangement for mechanically securing the laryngoscope blade on the laryngoscope handle in the operative intubation position.
US08512231B2 Electronic endoscope including lens holder and objective mirror
An electronic endoscope includes a cylindrical transparent cover whose observation window in a cylindrical part is transparent, a body part that has a cylindrical part provided continuously to the cylindrical part of the transparent cover, a lens holder that revolves about a center axis of the transparent cover in an inside of the transparent cover and the body part and that moves in a direction of the center axis, an objective mirror that is provided in the lens holder and that reflects, toward the body part, light entering through an objective lens provided at a position facing the cylindrical part of the transparent cover, an imaging device that receives light reflected from the objective mirror and that converts the light into an electric signal, and a driving section provided inside the body part and that drives and revolves the lens holder.
US08512224B2 Method of producing an inseminate
A reduced dose inseminate and method for producing and using such reduced dose inseminate to fertilize the eggs of a female animal by artificial insemination with fewer sperm cells than compared with conventional dose inseminates.
US08512220B2 Rate smoothing control
A rate smoothing function used in implantable pulse generators uses detected triggering events, which cause the rate smoothing function to be activated or deactivated, and detected parameter adjusting events, which cause parameter(s) of the rate smoothing function to be changed. In one example, the activation/deactivation and/or change to the parameters of the rate smoothing function are temporary, and the pre-event state of the rate smoothing function is set to a post-adjusting state, such as after a first time interval. Rate smoothing may be selected, activated or deactivated, or adjusted based on a cardiac signal state, or based on an activity or other physiological sensor signal. The adjusted rate smoothing parameters may include an up-smoothing percentage to limit a speed of pacing rate increase and a down-smoothing percentage to limit a speed of pacing rate drop.
US08512219B2 Bioelectromagnetic interface system
Lumen-traveling biological interface devices and associated methods and systems are described. Lumen-traveling biological interface devices capable of traveling within a body lumen may include a propelling mechanism to produce movement of the lumen-traveling device within the lumen, electrodes or other electromagnetic transducers for detecting biological signals and electrodes, coils or other electromagnetic transducers for delivering electromagnetic stimuli to stimulus responsive tissues. Lumen-traveling biological interface devices may also include additional components such as sensors, an active portion, and/or control circuitry.
US08512217B2 Systems and methods for delivering radiation therapy
Described here are conformable brachytherapy applicators. The conformable brachytherapy applicators generally follow the contour of tissue surfaces so that distances between radiation sources and target tissues can be precisely determined and radiation dose clouds can be readily shaped. Systems and methods for using the conformable brachytherapy applicators are also described.
US08512211B2 Method for quickstart workout generation and calibration
Systems and methods for generating a quick start workout template and calibrating an electronic device using the workout template are provided. The electronic device may create and store a workout template to be used in conjunction with a workout. The workout template may be selected in a quick start fashion to restart the same workout. The workout template may be defined at least in part by a selection of any suitable workout goal and/or any suitable associated media. If the media associated with the workout goal is changed or is removed, a new workout template may be created. The electronic device may be calibrated or recalibrated using the workout template. If the electronic device is calibrated or re-calibrated with respect to a particular sensor, the electronic device may use the calibration in conjunction with any suitable workout template and the sensor to more accurately monitor the user's workout.
US08512207B2 Torque converter control for a vehicle
A method for controlling a transmission assembly includes providing a vehicle having a first power source and a second power source disposed in parallel with the first power source. The first power source includes a prime mover and a transmission assembly. The transmission assembly includes a torque converter coupled to the prime mover. The transmission assembly further includes a clutch that selectively engages the torque converter to a transmission of the transmission assembly. The second power source includes a pump-motor unit, a fluid reservoir and an energy storage unit. A torque value of the second power source is compared to a torque threshold value. The clutch of the transmission assembly is disengaged so that the torque converter of the transmission assembly is disengaged from the transmission of the transmission assembly when the torque value of the second power source is greater than or equal to the torque threshold value.
US08512205B2 Method for controlling an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle
A method of controlling an automatic transmission of a vehicle in which a hold gear function is activated by a driver request and is deactivated depending on a return condition. To allow an effective, safe to operate, and comfortable use, the return condition depends on one of the following criteria or a useful combination of the same: a flexible time span, consideration of the vehicle stand still time; a rotational speed of the vehicle engine, or one or several parameters which correlate with the engine rotational speed, a new, the same, or a different drive request by the driver, a change in the operating condition of the vehicle, and a plausibility check occurring during the startup procedure.
US08512201B2 Control apparatus for hybrid vehicle
A control apparatus of hybrid vehicle has a drive mode change section, a temperature detection section detecting a second engagement element temperature, and a second engagement element protection control section. The drive mode change section changes drive modes of a first drive mode in which the first engagement element is disengaged and the second engagement element is engaged then the vehicle travels by only a driving force of the motor, a second drive mode in which the first and second engagement elements are respectively engaged then the vehicle travels by both driving forces of the engine and motor, and a third drive mode in which the second engagement element is slip-engaged then the vehicle travels by a driving force transmitted through the second engagement element. The second engagement element protection control section keeps an engine rotating state regardless of the drive mode when the second engagement element temperature is high.
US08512198B2 Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission includes: a first planetary gearset including a first sun gear, a first ring gear, and a first pinion carrier; a second planetary gearset including a second sun gear, a second ring gear, and a second pinion carrier; an input shaft constantly coupled to the first sun gear; an output shaft constantly coupled to the second pinion carrier; a first rotary member constantly connecting the first ring gear and the second sun gear; a first friction element selectively connecting the first sun gear and the second ring gear; a second friction element selectively connecting the first pinion carrier and the second ring gear; a third friction element selectively interrupting a rotation of the first pinion carrier; and a fourth friction element selectively interrupting a rotation of the first rotary member, the automatic transmission attaining first to fourth forward speeds and one reverse speed.
US08512195B2 Infinitely variable transmissions, continuously variable transmissions, methods, assemblies, subassemblies, and components therefor
Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for infinitely variable transmissions (IVT). In one embodiment, a control system is adapted to facilitate a change in the ratio of an IVT. In another embodiment, a control system includes a carrier member configured to have a number of radially offset slots. Various inventive carrier members and carrier drivers can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of an IVT. In some embodiments, the traction planet assemblies include planet axles configured to cooperate with the carrier members. In one embodiment, the carrier member is configured to rotate and apply a skew condition to each of the planet axles. In some embodiments, a carrier member is operably coupled to a carrier driver. In some embodiments, the carrier member is configured to couple to a source of rotational power. Among other things, shift control interfaces for an IVT are disclosed.
US08512193B1 Differential lubrication feed system in a drive axle assembly
A method for lubricating an axle assembly can include: coupling a pair of tapered roller bearing to opposite ends of a differential housing; placing the differential housing into a carrier housing assembly such that the tapered roller bearings support the differential housing on the carrier housing assembly for rotation about a first axis; collecting a lubricant proximate a side of one of the tapered roller bearings opposite the differential housing; and rotating the differential housing about the first axis to cause the one of the tapered roller bearings to move a portion of the collected lubricant through the differential housing. A related axle assembly is also provided.
US08512191B2 Variable speed control device of a power winch
A variable speed control device of a power winch includes a low-speed transmission mechanism and a high-speed transmission mechanism, and a clutch mechanism is fastened to a gear box for switching between the high-speed transmission mechanism and the low-speed transmission mechanism; the high-speed transmission mechanism includes a shifting gear (16) arranged at a top of the gear box (14) and driven by a controller; said shifting gear is connected to a connecting rod positioned in an axle hole of the gear box; the low-speed transmission mechanism is a planetary gear mechanism.
US08512186B2 Toothed power transmission belt
A power transmission belt having a body with a length, an inside and an outside. Teeth are spaced along the length of the body. The body is made of rubber in which at least one load carrying member is embedded. The load carrying member extends lengthwise of the body. The rubber in the body is made up of: a) 3 to 7 parts by mass of short fiber blended relative to 100 parts by mass of a polymer that is a hydrogenated nitrile rubber having unsaturated carboxylic acid metal salt formed by mixing the hydrogenated nitrile rubber and the unsaturated carboxylic acid metal salt at a mass ratio of from 100:100 to 100:180; and b) no more than 10 parts by mass of a powdery inorganic filler blended relative to 100 parts by mass of the polymer.
US08512179B2 Expandable broadhead with rear deploying blades
An improved expandable broadhead with rear deploying blades. The rear deploying blades deploy reliably upon impact of the blades with a target. The expandable broadhead resists deflection by the target regardless of the angle of entry. Consequently, the present expandable broadhead maximizes kinetic energy on impact and increases the probability of substantial penetration into the target.
US08512178B2 Slingblade broad-head delivery system
A bow hunting broad-head system having a mechanical cutter which opens after impact. The broad-head flies to its destination with minimal drag and having good balance. After impact, the tip opens to a larger diameter creating a devastating wound and releases the payload inside the animal.
US08512176B1 Bat with circumferentially aligned and axially segmented barrel section
A bat having a handle portion, a transition portion attached to the handle portion, and a barrel portion attached to the transition portion. The area(s) adjacent to the central portion of the barrel have an increased performance with respect to the central portion of the barrel to effectively enlarge the sweet spot, or preferred hitting area. At least one member of the barrel is circumferential aligned and axially spaced from another member.
US08512173B2 Lacrosse head
A lacrosse head including a spine element that is at least partially embedded or encapsulated in a base and sidewalls of the lacrosse head. The spine element can terminate short of a scoop of the lacrosse head. Where the lacrosse sidewalls are of an open frame construction and include a non-string hole, the spine element can define a spine element hole that is aligned with the non-string hole. The spine element can also include a transverse element that spans from an upper rail to a lower rail of the sidewalls adjacent a cross member of the sidewalls. The base and sidewalls can include viewing apertures through which some of the spine element can be viewed, while other parts of the spine element remain concealed. The spine element can be constructed from one plastic, while the remainder of the head can be constructed from a different plastic.
US08512171B1 Batter training apparatus and method
A batter training apparatus and method for training batters to attain optimal biomechanics for most effectively hitting a ball, with a proper rotation of a batter's hips and proper follow through with a batter's arms, wrists and shoulders. The training apparatus includes a belt worn over the hips that has a cable extending behind and between the hips. A tether connects the belt to a support post, preventing forward motion of the batter's body, but allowing and conditioning the hips to rotate. The support post sits at the rear of a platform that is about the size of a batter's box. An elastic cord connected to a forward arm and attached to the front of the platform, pulls a batter's wrists, arms and shoulders forward during proper follow through, conditioning the batter to swing the bat efficiently.
US08512170B2 Ball markings for rotation training
Balls are provided to train someone to throw with proper rotation. A marking is positioned on the ball to enhance viewing of rotation. The marking is in a contrasting color than the rest of the cover and covers at least a quarter of the outer surface of the ball. The stitches are colored to avoid interfering with the visual effect of the marking, such as having stitches with similar coloration to the non-marking portion of the ball. Balls with different amounts or designs of marking may be used to train in stages. For example, a kit of balls for different stages is provided. The balls of different stages require different rates of rotation to appear visually similar to each other when thrown properly.
US08512168B2 Golf ball placement device
A device (10) for inserting a tee (T) into the ground so a golf ball placed on the tee is consistently at a desired height. A post (12) of the device extends vertically when set on the ground and a tee holder (14) fit on the device moves vertically relative to it. A tee is inserted into the holder for insertion into the ground. A stop (16) installed on the post is vertically movable to adjust the depth to which the tee is inserted into the ground. The stop is locked in place once a desired depth is determined and the holder is then pushed down the post until further movement is blocked by the stop. Movement of the holder presses the tee into the ground to the desired depth with a golf ball subsequently set upon the tee now being at a desired height above the ground.
US08512167B2 Low lift golf ball
A golf ball having a plurality of dimples formed on its outer surface, the outer surface of the golf ball being divided into plural areas comprising at least first areas containing a plurality of first dimples and second areas containing a plurality of second dimples, the areas together forming a spherical polyhedron shape, wherein the first and second dimples are spherical dimples having different diameters and chord depths.
US08512166B2 Golf ball having specific spin, moment of inertia, lift, and drag relationship
Golf ball with a novel combination of spin rate, lift coefficient, drag coefficients, and optionally moment of intertia: a golf ball with a low spin rate, a high lift coefficient, a low drag coefficient, and optionally a high moment of inertia; and a golf ball with a high spin rate, a low lift coefficient, a low drag coefficient, and optionally a low moment of inertia.
US08512164B2 Golf club head
An iron-type golf club head is disclosed having a first piece including a portion of an iron-type face. A second piece including a heel portion, a sole portion, a toe portion, a top-line portion, a hinge region, and a front opening for receiving the first piece is also disclosed. A first contact surface of the first piece is connected with a second contact surface of the second piece at a contact interface. A continuous weld extends along the contact interface attaching the first and second pieces together at the contact interface. The continuous weld includes a fusion zone occurring substantially on the iron-type face outside the hinge region of the club head.
US08512160B2 Multishutter club-ball analyzer
A camera system that measures golf club and golf ball kinematics is disclosed. Preferably, a plurality of retroreflective markers are placed on a golf club and a plurality of fluorescent markers are placed on a golf ball. Using two separate strobe lamps, images of a golf club and golf ball are acquired. The output of each of the strobe lamps is preferably filtered to pass predetermined colors of light. The input to each of the cameras is also preferably filtered. Based on the filtered light outputs generated by each light source and the filtered camera inputs, at least two images of the golf club and the golf ball in motion may be acquired. The acquired images may be used to analyze the kinematics of the golf ball and golf club.
US08512153B2 Torsional vibration damper
A torsional vibration damper with a damper component and a damper flange part limitedly rotatable within a circumferential clearance with respect to the damper component contrary to the effect of energy accumulator elements. The damper component is formed as a guide shell radially outside and surrounds the radial outmost circumferential section of the energy accumulator elements. The damper flange part comprises circumferentially disposed compression elements. The energy accumulator elements are circumferentially arranged in-between the compression elements. Cutouts formed in the guide shell and the compression elements engage radially into the cutouts whilst facilitating circumferential clearance.
US08512151B1 Integration of board games and touch screen devices
In accordance with one implementation disclosed in the present application, an electronically integrated board game includes a game board having an overlapping region that is configured to cover a touch screen of an electronic device. The game board also includes a touch input interface configured to route a touch input from a play area of the game board to the touch screen of the electronic device through the overlapping region. The game board can also include an opening configured to expose the touch screen of the electronic device. The overlapping region can surround an opening of the game board, where the opening is configured to expose the touch screen of the electronic device.
US08512147B2 Wagering game with shared payoff based on multiple player selections
The present invention is directed to a gaming terminal and a method of playing a wagering game at a gaming terminal whereby multiple players make selections and accumulate bonus awards as the game is passed from one player to another. Play continues until a game-terminating object is selected. At that time, each player that participated in the wagering game receives his or her accumulated awards plus any awards won by subsequent players.
US08512145B2 Online game system and method thereof
Disclosed is an online tournament game system including a game providing module configured to provide a game for a plurality of players that join a virtual game room during a predetermined game session, a first ranking determination module configured to compute a point value balance of each player based on result of game play committed by the players and to determine rankings of the players based upon the point value balance of each of the players during the first time period, and a player selection module configured to select and assign players for the second time period based upon the rankings of the players during the first time period. The predetermined game session includes a first time period and a second time period in a sequence. Each of the players either gains or loses a point value depending on result of their game play.
US08512141B2 Audio foreshadowing in a wagering game machine
A computerized wagering game system has a gaming module comprising a processor and gaming code which is operable when executed on the processor to conduct a wagering game on which monetary value can be wagered, and an audio module operable to use audio to foreshadow game events. The buildup and excitement of playing a wagering game system is enhanced by providing audio clues or audio foreshadowing as to the results of a wagering game event. Examples include playing subtle sounds, playing different sounds, playing sounds at different volumes such as with volume an increasing volume level, or providing other audio cues as to the outcome of a wagering game event.
US08512138B2 Gaming system, gaming device, and method for providing a cascading symbols game which reuses discarded symbols
In various embodiments, the gaming system disclosed herein includes a cascading symbol or tumbling reel game which retains, saves or stores zero, one or more of any symbols removed during the play of a primary cascading symbols game. In various embodiments, the gaming system disclosed herein includes a cascading symbol or tumbling reel game which sequentially layers a plurality of adjacent symbol display position grids at different depths.
US08512133B2 Method and apparatus for providing player incentives
A system and method is provided for incentivizing players to visit a gambling location. In one aspect, a qualified person is invited to play an electronic game which has a plurality of outcomes, at least one of which is a winning outcome. One aspect relates to accumulating outcomes. Another relates to incentives provided to player program member(s). In some embodiments, the person does not need to be qualified. In one embodiment, the person may be required to redeem the outcome at the gambling location, in another at a redemption location. In one embodiment, a player is required to take an action in order to redeem an outcome. In some embodiments, a game play and/or redemption and/or any action must occur in a specified time, respectively. In one embodiment the electronic game is not located at a gambling location, in another it is not located at a redemption location.
US08512132B2 Universally compliant multi-currency progressive jackpot system
Disclosed herein are techniques and equipment for providing a multi-currency progressive jackpot system. In addition to a primary jackpot currency, other currencies may participate in the jackpot as well. If any currency wins the jackpot, the jackpot resets for all currencies.
US08512131B2 Player bonus choice
A bonus management server may have a processor configured to transmit a plurality of bonuses to at least one gaming device for selection by a player and configured to and receive data from a plurality of servers and the plurality of gaming devices. A database may communicate with the processor to store data received from the gaming devices and servers, the database having a memory to store the plurality of bonuses, each of the plurality of bonuses associated with at least one qualifying bonus criteria, a player database to store player data received from the plurality of gaming devices and the plurality of servers, a data analyzer configured to determine whether the player is eligible to play for each of the plurality of bonuses, and an association table to associate a player with at least two of the plurality of bonuses.
US08512125B2 Gaming system and method enabling player participation in selection of seed for random number generator
A gaming system which utilizes a random number generator where the process of selecting one or more seeds for the random number generator includes participation of a player. In one embodiment, the player picks one of a plurality of displayed selections at a gaming device. Each selection is associated with a different external seeding source of data not controlled by the gaming system. A gaming system gathers the data from the external seeding sources associated with the different seeds. The gaming system uses the data gathered from the seeding source associated with the player's picked selection to determine one or more seeds. The determined seeds are used to initialize a random number generator, which generates one or more numbers and at least in part determine the outcome of the game.
US08512123B2 Method and associated lottery game card/ticket for play of multiple game components
A method and associated lottery game card/ticket are provided for implementing a ticket-based, multi-component lottery game and includes providing lottery tickets for players, wherein the lottery tickets include a first game component with a first prize structure and at least one additional game component with a separate second prize structure. A first validation code is provided on the lottery ticket that is linked to a first game server for validating and redeeming the first game component of the lottery ticket. A second validation code is provided on the lottery ticket that may be linked to a separate second game server for validating and redeeming the second game component of the lottery ticket. Validation and redemption of the lottery ticket for the first and second game components is enabled by separate redemption acts.
US08512122B2 Electronic delivery of gaming tickets
Systems and methods of generating electronic gaming tickets provide for receiving an asynchronous reply from an access device over a network. An electronic gaming ticket is sent toward the access device over the network based on the asynchronous reply. By providing asynchronous communication with the access device, a number of advantages are achieved.
US08512121B2 Gaming system having multiple adjacently arranged gaming machines which each provide a component for a multi-component game
A gaming system including a plurality of adjacently arranged gaming machines which are linked by a multi-component game. Each of the gaming machines includes a base or primary game which is operable upon a wager by a player. Upon the occurrence of a component triggering event at one of the gaming machines, that gaming machine generates one or more components of the multi-component game. Upon an evaluation triggering event at one of the gaming machines, that gaming machine determines a multi-component game outcome to provide to the player based on that generated components of other gaming machines. The gaming system determines an award, if any, for that player based on the multi-component game outcome.
US08512120B2 Gaming system, gaming device, and method providing multiple simultaneously playable wagering games with individual credit balances
A gaming system, gaming device, and method providing multiple simultaneously playable wagering games with individual credit balances. The gaming system: simultaneously displays a plurality of wagering games, each having a separate credit meter; simultaneously displays the credit meters of the wagering games; and enables a player to transfer credits from the credit meter of one wagering game to the credit meter of another wagering game. For each wagering game, the gaming system displays a total number of credits in the credit meter of that wagering game. The total number of credits includes a first sum of: any credits deposited into that credit meter, any credits won during play of that wagering game, and any credits transferred into that credit meter less a second sum of: any credits wagered during play of that wagering game, any credits transferred from that credit meter, and any credits cashed out of that credit meter.
US08512118B2 Cashless reservation system
A gaming machine and a gaming system is described. Gaming machines may be reserved by operating a button panel. In certain embodiments the reserved gaming machine or a head system causes the printing of a ticket and when that ticket is read by a bill acceptor, the gaming machine unlocks. In other embodiments, reservation is made by other means, including player cards.
US08512115B2 Video game with off-screen target icons
In a baseball game when a base that cannot be displayed on a field display image exists, an icon corresponding to the base is displayed on a straight line, within the field display image, linking a fielder character to the base.
US08512114B2 Double shear material chopper
A material chopper may include a counter shear bar, a plurality of stationary knives associated with the counter shear bar, a shaft, at least one rotor section operatively connected to the shaft, each of the at least one rotor section configured to rotate with the shaft, at least one knife holder in each of the at least one rotor section, at least one knife operatively connected to each of the at least one knife holder, and slots in each of the at least one knife holder, wherein edges of the slot provide counter shear surfaces for the plurality of stationary knives. The material chopper may be added to or incorporated into a harvesting machine such as a combine.
US08512112B2 Methods and apparatus for controlling impurity levels in an enclosed printing press environment
Methods and apparatus for controlling impurity levels in an enclosed printing press environment are disclosed. A disclosed system controls impurity levels by using variable speed fans to control the intake of air into the enclosed environment and the exhausting of air from the enclosed environment. The exhaust fan is used to control the impurity levels within the enclosed environment. Adjustments to the speed of the exhaust fan are based on sensors which measure impurity levels in the enclosed environment. The intake fan is used to maintain a constant static pressure level within the enclosed environment. Adjustments to the intake fan speed are based on static pressure sensors within the enclosed environment.
US08512109B2 Windshield system for a saddle-type vehicle
The effect of a windshield for a saddle-type vehicle such as a low-slung type of motorcycle or three-wheeled vehicle is enhanced, and pressure is sufficiently adjusted in an open space at the back of the windshield using an inventive windshield system. The vehicle includes a leg shield in front of legs of a rider, and a step space rearward of the leg shield. The windshield system includes a windshield which is provided with an air outlet that opens upward. An air inlet provided at the front of the vehicle communicates with the air outlet other through a duct, and the air outlet opens to the upper center of the windshield. Pressure adjusting outlets, for adjusting pressure in a space around the rider by blowing air toward the step space, are provided separately from the air outlet.
US08512106B2 Fish processing system and method
Methods and systems for processing fish are provided which enable cutting of the fish and removal of the viscera without damage to either the viscera or the remaining fish product. The systems may include an adjustable cutting device to cut the belly in a particularly unobtrusive manner and/or an adjustable gutting device to severe a gullet of the fish from the fish body and to gather and remove the viscera without significant damage to the viscera or the remaining fish product. Extractors for severing the connection between the gullet and the fish are also provided to assist in removal of the viscera, including the gonads. Vacuum head assemblies for cleaning a cavity of the fish after the viscera is removed are also provided.
US08512105B2 Abrasive sharpener
A pocket abrasive sharpener having a housing formed with a pair of upper slots and a lower open compartment. A pair of abrasive ceramic stones is mounted in one of the slots to form a V-shaped sharpening edge. Each ceramic stone has at least one flat face to abut an adjacent reversed stone to form the V-shaped sharpening slot. The stone has an abrasive cutting edge formed with a radius for sharpening serrated edges and having abrasives surfaces on both sides of the radius. A pair of abrasive blades having V-shaped carbide cutting edges is mounted in the other of the slots to also form a V-shaped sharpening slot. A tapered abrasive of is pivotally mounted on the housing and is moveable from the compartment to an extended position for sharpening knives and removing pins in certain military and civilian rifles.
US08512101B2 Burr removal apparatus
Apparatus for removing a burr from an aperture in a workpiece, using a rotating deburring tool having a flexible of partly flexible shaft, an abrasive mechanism that rotates on the shaft and a collar that protects the workpiece from abrasion when the abrasive mechanism is being positioned for deburring. Optionally, the shaft and abrasive mechanism move laterally as they rotate. Optionally, a shaft holder includes a protective surrounding sleeve to catch or deflect any fragment of the shaft holder that might fly off. Optionally, the shaft and the workpiece rotate independently of each other. Two or more different abrasive mechanisms can be simultaneously attached to the shaft. The cross-sectional shape of the abrasive mechanism may be curvilinear and/or polygonal, depending upon shape of the workpiece surface. Optionally, a shaft restrictor receives the shaft and limits lateral motion of the rotating shaft. The shaft optionally includes a rotatable mass that provides additional rotational inertia after the shaft is initially spun up.
US08512097B2 Polishing arrangement and method of polishing a workpiece surface
The invention concerns a polishing arrangement (1) with a tool holder (3), at which a polishing tool is arranged and that interacts with a workpiece holder (5), the workpiece holder (5) and the tool holder (3) being movable in relation to one another in a first direction and in a second direction differing from the first direction. It is endeavored to make at least a part of the polishing process reproducible and documentable. For this purpose, in a third direction (20) that is perpendicular to the first (9) and second (10, 12) directions, the tool holder (3) is made to be flexible.
US08512095B2 Method for machining that combines fine boring and honing and machining equipment for the execution of the method
According to a method for the fine machining of internal surfaces of bore holes in tools by fine boring and subsequent honing, the following steps are executed: Fine boring of at least one bore hole (131) in a tool (130) by means of a fine boring tool (128) of a fine boring device (120) for the creation of a fine bored hole; Transfer of the tool to a machining position of a honing device (140) for the machining of the fine bored bore hole by means of a honing tool (148A) of the honing device; Measurement of the fine bored bore hole with one of the measurement devices (160) allocated to the honing device in the machining position for the creation of at least one bore hole measurement signal representing the properties of the fine bored bore hole. The fine boring device is controlled subject to the bore hole measuring signal.
US08512094B2 Ultrasonic trimming method
An ultrasonic trimming method is composed of steps, driving a cutter blade having a flat plate shape and supported by an arm at an end of an articulated robot via an ultrasonic oscillator, the cutter blade being driven by the arm while the cutter blade is ultrasonically vibrated; cutting a workpiece secured by a workpiece securing portion; and during, operation for cutting, moving the cutter blade held attached to the articulated robot to the position at where the cutting edge is brought into contact with the grindstone, maintaining the cutter blades attitude such that a plane containing the cutting edge thereof contacts the grindstone, and grinding the cutter blade by pressing the cutter blade against a grinding member by the arm while the cutter blade is ultrasonically vibrated, the grinding member being disposed within a movable range of the cutter blade driven by the articulated robot.
US08512087B2 Loading system
The present invention relates to a loading system for transferring at least one medium between a first installation and a floating vessel, comprising an anchoring device which can be fixed relative to a seabed, at least one elongated first transfer element, which is normally vertically oriented in an installed state, at least one flexible second transfer element arranged in the extension of the first transfer element by a swivel arrangement which is mounted between the first and second transfer element. The swivel arrangement is rotatable at least about a longitudinal axis of the first transfer element. A free end of the second transfer element, in an installed state when the system is not being used, is located freely suspended in the body of water. The invention also relates to a retrieval system and method.
US08512082B1 Electrical connector jack
An electrical connector jack includes an insulation base, a separation piece, a first terminal group, a second terminal group, a third terminal group, and a fourth terminal group. The separation piece is provided in the insulation base. The first terminal group includes a first soldering end set located inside the separation piece. The second terminal group includes a second soldering end set located outside the separation piece. The third terminal group includes a third soldering end set located outside the separation piece. The fourth terminal group includes a fourth soldering end set located outside the separation piece.
US08512079B2 Docking station for an electronic device with improved electrical interface
Disclosed is a device for attaching a plurality of external connectors to an electronic device having a first port and second ports on a main body for accepting a first and second external connectors, a first and second plugs on the main body positioned to interface with a first and second ports on the electronic device, a slot in the main body for slidably receiving a third external connector and for positioning the third external connector to interface with a third port of the electronic device, and a retention mechanism in the main body for retaining the third external connector.
US08512078B2 Socket for holding electronic device and flame sensor
A case is provided for holding an ultraviolet detecting device in a state wherein an electrode-side terminal portion of the ultraviolet detecting device is inserted into one end portion. A conducting portion is provided connected on one end to an electrode terminal portion of the ultraviolet detecting device with the other end led out from the other end portion of the case. A sealing member is provided attached removably to the case. The sealing member seals airtight between the inside and the outside of the case in a state wherein a cable of the conducting portion passes therethrough.
US08512075B2 Connector
A connector is provided that can easily insert a connecting terminal into a terminal accommodating hole of a housing and assuredly connect the connecting terminal to a connecting terminal of a mate side.Under a state that a connecting terminal 2 is held in a terminal accommodating hole 30 of a housing 3, when a slider 33 is slid to the terminal accommodating hole 30 side, a circumferential engaging part 35 abuts on an abutting surface 22a to rotate the connecting terminal 2 in the circumferential direction. Thus, the abutting surface 22a is held so as to be parallel to a slide direction of the slider 33.
US08512074B2 Apparatus and methods of sealing and fastening pothead to power cable
Apparatus of components and methods for connecting and sealing a pothead to an electrical cable used in an oil well environment, are provided. Electrical leads are anchored in insulating members retained within the pothead. The leads inserted into passages formed through the insulating members each having an elliptically shaped portion. Channels are formed along the surface of the passages and along the circumference of the elliptically shaped portions. Boot seals are provided in the elliptically shaped portions and circumscribe the electrical leads. A hydrocarbon-based liquid is applied to the boot seals to cause them to swell and occupy the space between the leads and the insulators, including the channels.
US08512073B2 Coaxial electric connector
A mating operation mutually between connectors can be easily and precisely carried out with a simple configuration. An insertion reference surface having a predetermined outer-diameter size D1 is provided to extend by a predetermined length in an axial direction on an outer peripheral surface of an inner-side contact among both cylindrical-shaped contacts overlapped with each other in inside/outside in the radial direction. A mutual mating relation is set so that the inner peripheral surface of the outer-side contact has an inner-diameter size D2 (D2≈D1) approximately same as an outer-diameter size D1 of the insertion reference surface of the inner-side contact. The outer-side contact can be smoothly inserted while carrying out positioning by the insertion reference surface of the inner-side contact 13.
US08512071B2 Electrical connector assembly having a printed circuit board with soldering holes interconnected to a plurality of contacts
A SATA connector assembly is provided with an insulating housing, a plurality of data and power terminals, a PCB and an FFC, wherein the data and power terminals inserted in the insulating housing, the PCB secured to the insulating housing, the FFC soldered on the PCB, the data and power terminals are electrically interconnected the FFC by the PCB. The provision of the unitary construction feature of FFC can save the production cost due to its eliminating cable management equipment and the step of cable managing processes.
US08512067B2 Connection and switching contact elements for a termination strip for a telecommunications module
A termination strip (1) for a telecommunications module comprising at least one pair of contact elements (50) arranged side-by-side, each terminating in contacts (13) on opposed longitudinal sides (9, 10) of the strip for connection to a wire pair of a telecommunications cable. Each contact element comprises: (i) two end regions (52) that terminate in contacts on respective longitudinal sides of the termination strip and are substantially aligned with one another along the longitudinal axis of the contact element, and (ii) a narrower central region (51) between the end regions, located substantially on one side of the longitudinal axis. One of the end regions comprises a resilient contact region (53) extending from the end region substantially on the other side of the longitudinal axis and engageable by an external component inserted into the termination strip from one of the opposed longitudinal sides. The contact elements are substantially identical but turned through 180° relative to one another with the narrower central regions adjacent one another.
US08512062B1 Electronic device having assisting apparatus for unplugging RJ-45 connector
An electronic device includes a chassis and an assisting apparatus for unplugging a Registered Jack-45 (RJ-45) connector having a resilient plate. The chassis includes a sidewall, and a connector installed in the chassis and exposed through the sidewall, for being connected to the RJ-45 connector. The assisting apparatus includes a fixing member mounted to the sidewall, a press member pivotably connected to the fixing member, and a torsion spring mounted between the fixing member and the press member. The press member includes a press portion protruding outwards. When the press member is rotated, the press portion presses the resilient plate of the RJ-45 connector, to allow the resilient plate to disengage from the connector of the chassis.
US08512061B2 Block-out cover and removal tool
A block-out cover is installed in a jack module to prevent entry of undesirable objects. The block-out cover includes at least one window and at least one locking arm. The locking arm secures the cover to the jack module. The window receives a removal tool designed to remove the cover from the jack module. The removal tool includes a body, a lever secured to the body to engage the cover and a prong with a cam surface. The cam surface of the prong deflects the cover from locking engagement with the jack module allowing the removal tool to remove the block-out cover.
US08512059B2 X-ray shielded connector
The present embodiments relate to off-focal X-ray radiation attenuation within a connector. In one embodiment, a connector X-ray shielding capabilities is provided. The connector includes a housing with openings for an electrical cable as well as an electrical connection. The connector further includes an X-ray shielding liner made of moldable synthetic material doped with an X-ray attenuating material. The X-ray shielding liner is disposed within the housing, and also includes openings for the electrical cable and electrical connection.
US08512050B2 Solar panel junction box
A junction box is disclosed for a solar panel. The junction box can have a base portion and cover portion nesting together. The base portion can have an extending skirt portion and be secured to the solar panel and have one or more contacts for making electrical contact with the solar panel. All other electrical components of the junction box can reside in the top portion for ease of accessibility in making cable or wire connections and/or maintaining the electrical components therein. The cover portion can have one or more terminals for connecting to the one or more contacts of the bottom portion when the cover and base portion are brought together. The terminals can be configured and mounted to the cover to provide connection with cables, to be electrically connected to each other with electrical components, and to dissipate heat produced by the electrical components.
US08512046B2 Automatic voting among small subsets of contestants
A method of surveying a population of voters concerning a pool of contestants to obtain a consensus comprises generating a digital list of all possible pairs, triplets or quadruplets of contestants in the pool and/or sublist of such small subsets of contestants in a subpool such as a social network, presenting to voters in the population at a web site each small subset of contestants in the digital list and/or digital sublist, and for each small subset of contestants presented prompting the voter to select a preferred contestant among the contestants that appear in the small subset of contestants. The voters may also be contestants. A tally of preferred contestants among all voters is assembled as is a tally among contestants from the subpool, and contestants may be ranked. The voting may be applied to costume contests, pet contests, political elections, market surveys and other data collection methods.
US08512044B2 Dielectric properties models and methods of using same
Disclosed herein are dielectric properties models that are designed to enable simulated use testing by medical device companies, medical device designers, individual inventors, or any other entity interested in the performance of medical devices. These models are unique in possessing a level of correlation to dielectric properties of human or nonhuman animal tissues that allows them to be substituted for either a live animal, an animal cadaver, or a human cadaver in the testing of these devices. These models are further characterized by a similarity of geometry, individual component physical properties, and component-to-component interfacial properties with the appropriate target tissue and anatomy.
US08512043B2 Body motion training and qualification system and method
The system allows training and qualification of a user performing a skill-related training exercise involving body motion in a workspace. A training environment is selected through a computer apparatus, and variables, parameters and controls of the training environment and the training exercise are adjusted. Use of an input device by the user is monitored. The 3D angles and spatial coordinates of reference points related to the input device are monitored through a detection device. A simulated 3D dynamic environment reflecting effects caused by actions performed by the user on objects is computed in real time as a function of the training environment selected. Images of the simulated 3D dynamic environment in real time are generated on a display device viewable by the user as a function of a computed organ of vision-object relation. Data indicative of the actions performed by the user and the effects of the actions are recorded and user qualification is set as a function of the recorded data.
US08512041B2 Combat simulation at close range and long range
A simulated weapon for simulating projectiles fired at a target includes a firearm housing and an optical transmitter. The firearm housing is configured to be aimed at the target by a gunner. The optical transmitter is mechanically coupled to the firearm housing and is configured to transmit an optical beam that simulates a projectile. The optical transmitter includes an optical generator for generating the optical beam and a beam shaping element operatively positioned to receive the optical beam from the optical generator. The beam shaping element is configured to adjust an intensity profile of the optical beam that is incident upon the target so that a first portion of the optical beam simulates a trajectory of a projectile and a second portion of the optical beam has a greater divergence than the first portion of the optical beam.
US08512038B2 Dental high volume suction tube with protective cap
A high volume suction tube for use in dentistry to remove detritus during oral procedures, such as providing a tooth filling, including a cap that alleviates tissue obstruction without impeding efficient suction and removal of the detritus.
US08512036B2 Apparatus for incinerating gases from a processing chamber
An oven for baking a batch of parts has a housing having side walls and a top wall defining a closed container with a closed top end and an open downwardly facing bottom end. Loading/unloading occurs at the bottom end onto a carriage raised to the top end where baking occurs. On each side is provided an array of heating elements below the top. A shield is located in front of the heating array so as to block direct radiation onto the parts to prevent over-heating as the carrying arrangement passes the heating array to be unloaded. The shield generates an upwardly flowing air stream to carry the heat to the top. The heating elements are mounted with their lower end in a connection box with a collar and insulated heat shield above the box to keep the electrical connections cooled.
US08512034B2 Gas pilot burner assembly
A pilot burner assembly for easy removal of a thermo-electric or other device is disclosed. In an illustrative embodiment, a burner tube, thermo-electric device, and/or spark source are retained in a desired position via a bracket and resilient clip. The bracket may include retention features built into the bracket to help aid in the positioning of the burner tube, thermo-electric device, and/or spark source. The burner tube, thermo-electric device and/or spark source may include retention features that are configured to engage corresponding retention features in the bracket, when desired. The resilient clip may bias the retention features of the burner tube, thermo-electric device and/or spark source against corresponding the retention features of the bracket. One or more of the burner tube, thermo-electric device and/or spark source may be removed from the bracket by overcoming the bias force provided by the resilient clip to disengage the retention features of the burner tube, thermo-electric device and/or spark source from the corresponding retention features of the bracket, and sliding the component out of the bracket.
US08512033B2 Fuel nozzle for reducing carbon build up
A burner includes separate fuel and oxidant conduits. The fuel conduit has inlet, transitional, and outlet sections, and the oxidant conduit has inlet and outlet sections. The burner has a longitudinal axis and including a burner tip having a first elongated edge adjacent a flow of the fuel, and a second elongated edge adjacent a flow of an oxidant and forming a primary tip angle (α) of less than about 15° from a line parallel to the longitudinal axis and intersecting an upstream surface parallel to the longitudinal axis. The first elongated edge and the second elongated edge form a secondary tip angle (β) greater than the primary tip angle (α) and less than about 90° from a line tangent to and extending from the first elongated edge in the direction of the flow of the fuel.
US08512031B2 Device for blow-molding containers
The device serves for blow molding containers. Preforms of a thermoplastic material are heated in the area of a heating section and are subsequently transferred to a blow device. The blow device is provided with at least one blow station for deforming the preforms into the containers. The preforms are held along at least a portion of their transport path by a support element which over at least portions is loosely inserted into an opening section of the preform and is tensioned after the insertion within the opening section. Along an outer circumference of the head are arranged at least two clamping elements at a distance relative to each other.
US08512028B2 Injection blow molding system with enhanced supply of heat transfer fluid to parison molds
An injection blow molding (IBM) system and method for forming a plurality of parisons and molded articles. The IBM system includes an injection station having two die sets and two mold half assemblies. Each of the mold assemblies is attached to one of the die sets. The mold half assemblies are configured to cooperatively form the exterior shape of the necks of a plurality of parisons. Heat transfer channels formed in both the die sets and the mold half assemblies are fluidly connected with each other, such that a heat transfer fluid can be routed to the mold half assemblies via the die sets.
US08512025B1 Corrugating roller pair support frame
A corrugating roller pair support frame includes four supporting posts, in between two of which one rectangular supporting plate of a corrugating roller pair is mounted while another rectangular supporting plate is mounted in between the other two supporting posts, and the four supporting posts having a plurality of locating blocks movably embedded therein for releasably engaging with locating slots formed on the rectangular supporting plates to thereby releasably hold the corrugating roller pair to the support frame; and a supporting elevator for supporting and regulating the corrugating roller pair to a desired height on the support frame. With these arrangements, the corrugating roller pair can be conveniently mounted to or released from the support frame and be easily exchanged with another one, so that the time needed for handling the corrugating roller pair is shortened and the efficiency of manufacturing corrugated boards is upgraded.
US08512019B2 Screw compression apparatus
In a screw compression apparatus in which shaft sealing members (13, 14) isolate a bearing space (7, 8) from a rotor chamber (5) and a lubricating fluid separating collector (3) separates the rotor lubricating fluid from the target gas discharged by the screw compressor (2), rotor lubricating fluid separated by the lubricating fluid separating collector (3) is introduced into the rotor chamber (5) via a rotor lubricating flow channel (25), and a bearing lubricating system (17) supplies a bearing lubricating fluid to the bearing space (7, 8). The bearing lubricating fluid flowing out from the bearing space (7, 8) is cooled and returned to the bearing space (7,8). A part of the target gas may be supplied to the shaft sealing members (13, 14) at a location between carbon rings of the shaft sealing members.
US08512014B2 Ophthalmic surgical cassette and system
A cassette for use with an ophthalmic surgical pump for collecting aspirant fluid and tissue from a patient's eye includes a rigid walled container having an interior volume. At least one tapered alignment slot is formed in a side wall of the container and extends from a back wall towards a front wall. An irrigation and aspiration manifold base is removeably attached to the container. An aspiration path is formed within the container for receiving the aspiration fluid and the tissue from the eye and directing the flow of fluid towards a front half of the container before the fluid and tissue collects within a majority of the interior volume of the container. A fluid level indicator is formed on a wall of the container, such that an associated photo-detector of the pump may determine a level of fluid in the container.
US08512012B2 Pump
A pump and a method for operating a pump is proposed for mounting an impeller, which is inexpensive, free from contact and wear and thus extremely permanent. For this the invention uses a combination of permanent magnetic bearings and flow-mechanical bearings. The mounting is thus based on purely passive elements without using actively controlled and/or regulated elements.
US08512011B2 Fluid pump and fuel dispenser
A fluid pump for a fuel dispensing unit comprises a pump housing with a first chamber and a second chamber, each chamber having a fluid inlet valve and a fluid outlet valve, respectively. The chambers are separated by a movable piston arranged to repeatedly decrease and increase the volumes of the chambers. The piston comprises a magnetic device, and an electromagnetic control configured to move the piston by altering a magnetic field, for repeatedly decreasing and increasing the volume of the chambers. A controllable fluid flow passage connected to first chamber and to the second chamber that allows fluid to pass from the first chamber to the second chamber without passing through the any of the fluid inlet valves or the fluid outlet valves so that when there is a flow of fuel from the first chamber to the second chamber via the fluid flow passage and when the piston moves towards the first side the first outlet valve and the second inlet valve remain closed during operation.
US08512006B2 Hydraulic pump with variable flow and pressure and improved open-loop electric control
The present invention is a variable displacement pump system for delivering precisely controlled oil flow and pressure, including a variable displacement pump having an inlet passage, an outlet passage, a first chamber and a second chamber for controlling the displacement of the variable displacement pump. The present invention also includes a fluid control device for receiving fluid from the outlet passage, and selectively delivering fluid to the second chamber. Fluid is delivered from the inlet passage to the outlet passage from the variable displacement pump, and fluid is also delivered from the outlet passage to the first chamber and the fluid control device. When fluid pressure is greater in the first chamber relative to the second chamber, the displacement of the variable displacement pump will decrease, and when fluid pressure is greater in the second chamber relative to the first chamber, the displacement of the variable displacement pump will increase.
US08512005B2 Ion pump system and electromagnetic field generator
It is an object of the present invention to provide an ion pump system etc. having a high air-exhausting capacity and vacuum-maintaining capacity and capable of adjusting drive modes suitable for the uses thereof. The subject problem is solved by an ion pump system (7) comprising a casing (1), a first electrode group (2a,2b) provided in the casing (1), a second electrode group (3a,3b) provided on the outer periphery of the first electrode group (2a,2b), and outer magnets (4) for providing a magnetic field in the casing, wherein the first electrode group (2a,2b) and the second electrode group (3a,3b) are constituted as a plurality of layers alternately disposed around the center axis (11) of the casing (1).
US08512003B2 Tip ramp turbine blade
A turbine blade includes first and second tip ribs extending from a tip floor to define a tip cavity. An exit ramp bridges the ribs and rises in elevation aft from the floor.
US08512002B2 Method of manufacturing an aerofoil
A method of manufacturing an aerofoil structure capable of being diffusion bonded and superplastically formed to create a substantially hollow cavity within the aerofoil structure, the method comprising: providing two metallic panels; assembling and joining the two metallic panels to one another to form the aerofoil structure; wherein the two metallic panels each comprise a surface capable of forming an aerofoil and further comprise a root or section thereof which is either integral with or fixed to the aerofoil surface; and incorporating a section of a different material into a part, the said section being made from a material which is different from the material of another part of the aerofoil structure.
US08512000B2 Exhaust gas turbocharger
A turbocharger for or in a motor vehicle has a rotor with an intermediate blade disposed between two primary blades. The intermediate blade, at least in some regions, has an angular progression that differs from the primary blades.
US08511998B2 Slurry pump impeller
A slurry pump impeller which includes a front shroud and a back shroud each having an inner main face with an outer peripheral edge and a central axis, a plurality of pumping vanes extending between the inner main faces of the shrouds, the pumping vanes being disposed in spaced apart relation. Each pumping vane includes a leading edge in the region of the central axis and a trailing edge in the region of the outer peripheral edges of the shrouds with a passageway between adjacent pumping vanes. Each passageway has associated therewith a discharge guide vane, each discharge guide vane being disposed within a respective passageway and located closer to one or the other of the pumping vanes and projecting from the inner main face of at least one of the or each shrouds.
US08511994B2 Serpentine cored airfoil with body microcircuits
A gas turbine engine component has an airfoil that extends from a leading edge to a trailing edge, and a suction side and has a pressure side. There are cooling passages extending from a root of the airfoil toward a tip of the airfoil. The cooling passages include a straight passage extending from the root toward the tip and adjacent the leading edge. A serpentine passage has at least three connected paths and is spaced from the straight passage toward the trailing edge. A cooling circuit is provided between the pressure wall and each of the three serpentine paths, and the straight path. A cooling circuit is provided between the suction wall and the straight passage. There is no cooling between at least a downstream one of the at least three paths of the serpentine passage and the suction wall.
US08511989B2 Temperate control for wind turbine generator
A wind turbine generator is provided in which the efficiency of heating the interior of a nacelle can be improved at a low outside air temperature in a cold region. The wind turbine generator includes a nacelle that accommodates a driving and generating mechanism connected to a rotor head fitted with turbine blades, wherein the nacelle is equipped with a lubricant-oil cooling fan and a generator cooling fan that ventilate the interior of the nacelle to prevent an increase in the temperature of the interior and a heating device that raises the temperature of the interior of the nacelle at a low outside air temperature, wherein the cooling fans can be operated with the rotating directions and the rotational speeds thereof being controlled, and during the operation of the heating device, the rotating directions and the rotational speeds of the cooling fans are controlled so as to make the wind velocity at the ventilation ports thereof about zero.
US08511985B2 Divided turbomachine housing having optimized parting line flanges
A turbomachine housing having a parting line is provided. The turbomachine housing has a first housing part with a first parting line bead, which is implemented on the parting line, a second housing part with a second parting line bead which is implemented on the parting line, and a plurality of parting line clamps. The first parting line bead is enclosed together with the second parting line bead by the parting line clamps, so that the first housing part and the second housing part are held together by the parting line clamps using a positive connection on the parting line beads.
US08511982B2 Compressor vane diaphragm
A compressor diaphragm for a gas turbine engine having improved wear capability, manufacturability, and assembly techniques is disclosed. The diaphragm includes a shiplap-type joint at an outer vane platform for connecting to adjacent vane assemblies and a clamshell-like assembly of a seal box secures and seals regions around the inner vane platform of the compressor diaphragm so as to reduce wear between the seal box and the vane assemblies. The inner platform of the diaphragm segments are fastened to each other through circumferentially-oriented fasteners at the inner diameter platform.
US08511977B2 Heat transfer passage
This invention relates to heat transfer passage (102) within a component (100) and a component having such a heat transfer passage. The passage (102) comprises opposing side walls (112), a base (110) extending between said side walls and one or more upstanding formations (122) depending from said base between said side walls. The passage is arranged to receive a heat transfer fluid flow during use and the upstanding formation (122) is arranged to induce separation of a boundary layer portion of said heat transfer fluid flow from the base in use. The upstanding formation (122) comprises a projection portion (126) which is spaced from said opposing side walls (112). Such upstanding formations are typically referred to as turbulators.
US08511969B2 Interturbine vane with multiple air chambers
A gas turbine engine has a mid turbine frame disposed between turbine rotor assemblies. The mid turbine frame includes hollow airfoils radially extending through an annular gas path duct. The airfoils each include a double-walled leading edge structure to define a front chamber separated from a rear chamber defined in the remaining space within the airfoil.
US08511967B2 Gearbox assembly
An assembly for a gas turbine engine includes an intermediate case and a gearbox. The intermediate case defines an annular transition duct. The gearbox comprises a plurality of lobes and is integrally formed with the annular transition duct.
US08511961B2 Fastener and method of prolonging use of a driver blade in a fastening tool
A fastener and a method for reducing wear on a driver blade in a fastening tool includes applying a layer of solid-based lubricant between the head of a fastener and a driver blade end. The fastener is for use in a fastening tool and includes a head, a shank, and a layer of lubricant on the head of the fastener. The lubricant is graphite, molybdenum disulfide, tungsten disulfide, boron nitride, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), nano-diamonds, calcium stearate, sodium stearate, oils, greases, waxes, thermoplastic polymers, or another lubricant that exhibits similar characteristics. Aromatic polyamides (such as Kevlar™), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, powdered glass, glass fibers, thermoplastic polymers, and thermoset polymers also are contemplate to provide a barrier to contact between the driver blade and fastener head. The lubricant is sprayed, rolled, brushed, blotted or otherwise applied between the head of the fastener and the driver blade end prior to firing the fastening tool.
US08511960B1 Microscale and millimeter scale devices including threaded elements, methods for designing, and methods for making
Embodiments of the invention provide threaded elements alone, in mating pairs, or in conjunction with other elements. Embodiments of the invention also provide for design and fabrication of such threaded elements without violating minimum feature size design rules or causing other interference issues that may result from the fabrication of such thread elements using a multi-layer multi-material electrochemical fabrication process.
US08511953B2 Nut plate integral epoxy filled sleeve
A system includes a nut plate and a polymer sleeve passing through the nut plate. The polymer sleeve contains adhesive for attachment of the nut plate to a substrate. The interior of the sleeve includes an epoxy and a catalyzing agent initially separated from one another, but mixed by kneading the sleeve. A portion of the sleeve can be used to apply the adhesive to a bottom surface of the nut plate.
US08511952B2 Dual-action disposable clamp
A clamp and a method for installing the clamp into at least two work pieces is provided. The clamp has a shank keyed to an expander. The expander engages the core bolt such that rotation of the core bolt bulbs the expander to clamp the work pieces. A spacer engages the shank to prevent rotation of the shank during installation. The shank has a flange fracturing at a predetermined compression load. The core bolt optionally has a first and a second break groove fracturing at predetermined compression loads. A nut is optionally provided to engage the spacer.
US08511951B2 Strap hook retainer
A strap hook retainer mounted alongside a platform retains the strap hook of a tie down strap for securing cargo onto the platform. In a first embodiment, the strap hook retainer includes a hook opening between an upright retainer flange and a lower flange in which the lower flange portion is offset outwardly in relation to the upright retainer flange portion to define a supporting surface which supports the strap hook when the tie down strap is slack. In a second embodiment, the retainer is mates with a mounting track of the platform such that the base of the retainer is slidable along the track. The strap hook is hooked onto a retainer flange spaced below the base to receive the strap hook therebetween. A stop flange below the retainer flange portion serves to support the strap hook when the tie down strap is slack in this instance.
US08511950B1 Container for oversized cargo
A transportation container includes an upper section having a plurality of sidewalls defining a space dimensioned to receive oversized cargo for transport and a base section adapted to mate with a standardized interface of a transportation vehicle for supporting the upper section.
US08511949B2 Method of cutting tree-shaped groove and rotary cutting tool
In cutting processes of a tree-shaped groove, in a rough cutting process, by using a rough cutting tool (20), as well as cutting a tapered groove (2), cutting is performed in a first narrow portion (11), a second narrow portion (12), and a third narrow portion (13) of a planned groove shape 10 such that a specified cutting allowance is left. In the following semi-finishing process, by using a semi-finishing tool, cutting is performed for portions other than the three narrow portions (11 to 13) that have already been cut. Because a work material 1 does not come in contact with three reduced diameter portions, of the semi-finishing tool formed in an upside-down Christmas tree shape, corresponding to the three narrow portions (11 to 13), a load is not imposed on the three reduced diameter portions, which are weak against shock among all portions of the semi-finishing tool, and the cutting feed can therefore be faster. Further, by performing a finishing process, the tree-shaped groove can be efficiently cut.
US08511948B2 Tool clamping mechanism
A tool clamping mechanism connects a first member to a second member. The first member has a cylindrical stem with a coupling tooth projecting from the stem. The second member has a clamping cavity formed by the union of a gripping bore and an access hole. The access hole has an access bore and a tooth access hole formed to accommodate the stem and the coupling tooth respectively. The stem diameter of the stem is larger than the gripping bore diameter of the gripping bore. The clamping cavity further has a coupling recess for accommodating the coupling tooth. The coupling recess has a drive surface for engaging a driven surface located on the coupling tooth to create a force which pushes the stem from the access bore into the gripping bore and helps prevent separation of the two members.
US08511947B2 Cutting apparatus with cutting device
A cutting device includes a fixing plate, a revolving cylinder, an annular cutting blade, and an ejection bar. The fixing plate defines a first through hole. The revolving cylinder is threadedly engaged in the first through hole and defines a second through hole. The cutting blade defines a third through hole and is attached to the revolving cylinder. The revolving cylinder is rotatable relative to the fixing plate to move the cutting blade between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, the cutting blade cuts a surface of the workpiece to create a round blind crack in the surface thereof, a portion of the workpiece being surrounded by the blind crack. In the retracted position, the cutting blade is moved away from the workpiece. The ejection bar is configured for pushing the surrounded portion out of the workpiece.
US08511939B2 Self-actuating storm surge barrier
The shore side of a shore line water barrier is protected from flooding caused by storm surge over-topping the barrier. Water overtopping the barrier, such as from wind waves crashing against the barrier, is trapped, impounded and accumulated between a parapet atop the barrier and walls on the sides of a buoyant gate unit taller than the parapet and walls and normally resident below grade on the shore side of the barrier, hinged about an axis generally parallel to the barrier and spaced from the parapet by a distance not less than the height of the gate unit. The accumulated overtopping water is applied to rotationally float the gate unit from the horizontal position initially principally by buoyancy and then principally by hydrostatic pressure to drive the gate unit to an upright position to oppose storm surges having a water level higher than the parapet.
US08511938B1 Flood flaps vent for sealed crawlspace
A flood flaps vent for sealing a building crawlspace includes: (a) a vent box portion including open opposite front and rear ends on either end of a vent passageway, the vent box including a top box portion with at least one flap slot adjacent a rear end portion of the vent box, and an opposite bottom box portion; (b) at least one flexible flood flap extending across the open rear end portion, with its upper edge seated in the flap slot, other side flap edges of the flood flap being unattached; and (c) a grate portion over the open front end portion of the vent box; the flood flap occluding the rear end portion of the vent box when it is in an at rest, home position. This simplified abstract is not intended to limit, and should not be interpreted as limiting, the scope of the claims.
US08511936B2 Method and apparatus for coastline remediation, energy generation, and vegetation support
A biomechanical structure for coastline remediation includes one or more structural assemblies. The structural assemblies include a distribution of one or more members; one or more anchors connected to each of one or more members; and one or more connection members. The anchors employed by the biomechanical structure may be fixed, floating, or a combination of fixed and floating anchors. The structural assemblies may be staggered, inline, or semi-random in configuration. The biomechanical structure may include metals, composites, polymers, biodegradable materials, or combinations thereof in its components. The biomechanical structures may incorporate one or more components for mechanical or material power generation. The biomechanical structures may include one or more seed capture devices, such as baskets or mesh. A biomechanical system for coastline remediation includes one or more biomechanical structures. A method for coastline remediation includes the step of incorporating a biomechanical system into the existing coastline morphology.
US08511933B2 Stabilizer or recycler
The invention relates to a stabilizer or recycler which has a rotor housing 8, in which a milling/mixing rotor 9 is arranged, and a unit 13 for discharging binder for soil or base material stabilization. In the civil engineering machine according to the invention, at least part of the supply container 14 for the binder, and in particular the part thereof which is of larger volume, is arranged to the rear of the milling/mixing rotor 9 in the direction of working. The center of gravity A of the supply container 14 is preferably arranged to the rear of the axis of rotation 10 of the milling/mixing rotor 9 in the direction of working. This special way in which the supply container is arranged gives an optimum weight distribution. Whereas the supply container 14, which is relatively heavy when filled with binder, is situated mainly to the rear of the milling/mixing rotor 9, the drive unit 12 of the civil engineering machine can be arranged ahead of the milling/mixing rotor. With the supply container and drive unit arranged in this way between the front and rear wheels 3, 4, the center of gravity of the civil engineering machine is situated in the region of the milling/mixing rotor 9, which is something that is aimed for in practice.
US08511928B2 Error-proof tube connection
An internal tube is inserted into an external tube to align first bolt holes provided through opposed walls of the external tube with second bolt holes provided through opposed walls of the internal tube. A bolt is inserted through the first bolt holes and through the second bolt holes to connect the tubes together when the bolt holes are aligned. An error-proofing clip is mounted in the internal tube and has a tongue extending from the end thereof to reach into the external tube and block the insertion of the bolt through the first bolt holes of the external tube until the insertion of the internal tube has proceeded fully to bring the first bolt holes of the external tube and the second bolt holes of the internal tube into alignment with one another, thereby preventing a premature installation of the bolt through only the first bolt holes.
US08511927B2 Fluid-powered rotating bath accessory
A fluid-powered bath brush that uses the kinetic energy of moving water to operate skin-cleaning attachments. In one embodiment, the bath brush comprises a brush head member having at least one brush head housing, a water wheel, a first drive gear, a second drive gear and a brush element rotatably mounted thereon, an adaptor with an outlet side adapted to be connected to a showerhead and an inlet side adapted to be connected to a first fluid-dispensing means that carries water to the showerhead and contains a diverter which diverts the flow of water from the first fluid-dispensing means to the showerhead to the flow of water from the first fluid-dispensing means to the brush head member and a flexible second fluid-dispensing means containing at least two tubes for carrying water connecting the brush head member and the adaptor.
US08511923B2 Dispensing applicator for fluids
A hand-held dispensing applicator comprising a source of fluid, a frangible applicator tip attached to the fluid source, and an absorbent member attached to the frangible applicator tip. When the frangible applicator tip is broken, fluid flows from the source to the absorbent member, whereby the fluid is applied and spread on a surface. Preferably, the frangible applicator tip comprises a support element permanently connected to the fluid source, a relatively rigid tongue element extending outwardly of the support element, and a frangible region there between. More preferably, the applicator tip comprises a semi-permeable or non-permeable cover disposed around the frangible region to control the speed and direction of the dispersion of the fluid in the absorbent member.
US08511916B2 Blade driving device and optical instrument
A blade driving device includes: a board including an opening; a blade movable between a position receding from the opening and a position overlapping at least a part of the opening; and a buffering member having a loop shape, having an elasticity, abutting the blade at an end of a movable range of the blade, and being deformable such that the loop shape is warped when abutting against the blade.
US08511907B2 Fiber optic splice housing and integral dry mate connector system
A fiber optic splice housing and integral dry mate connector system. In a described embodiment, a fiber optic connection system includes optical fiber sections in respective conduit sections. Each of the conduit sections is received in the housing assembly. An optical connection between the optical fiber sections is positioned within the housing assembly.